Miles: The Autobiography by Miles Davis
Reviewed by Mike
One of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century speaks candidly about his life and the times surrounding it. Covering everything from opinions on music theory to heroin to musical and sports heroes (then some more heroin and a little coke) to politics and celebrity and back again.

Counting Sheep by Paul Martin
Reviewed by Katie
Ever found it odd that we go to bed at night and completely lose consciousness for hours? Ever wondered what happens to you in the third of your life you are unaware of? This is a comprehensive and intelligently written guide to the fascinating and bewildering world of sleep.

The Dream Life of Sukhanov by Olga Grushin
Reviewed by Kathy
This is the best book I have read this year. It's the kind of work that reminds me why I read: to go new places with people I'd never meet and for the sheer beauty and power of words to forge that connection. It's about loving, growing up, growing

Gum Thief/Glove Pond by Douglas Coupland
Reviewed by Katie/Andy
If Douglas Coupland came into this store right now I'd kiss him for writing this. After Jpod i was more than a little concerned but my faith is restored! I'm gonna read it again because nothing else published at the moment will match it. Coupland's much vaunted return to

AD500 by Simon Young
Reviewed by Andy
Bestiality. Mad Monks. Human sacrifice. Britain was far more interesting, if a tad intolerant and gruesome. Written in the form of a travelogue for visiting Byzantines, its a fabulously engaging snapshot of a chaotic, emerging Britain.

The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro
Reviewed by Katie
A truly bizarre novel, unlike anything I have ever read. Yet it remains one of my top ten books of all time! At times incredibly frustrating but definitely un-put-down-able! The blurb on the back tells the plot better than I can. Read it!

Heat by Bill Buford
Reviewed by Kathy
For anyone who loves Italian food: warning - this book will make you hungry. Heat is part restaurant culture expose (think Kitchen Confidential), part Italian travelogue, and part biography of a larger-than-life chef (Mario Batali). This is like no other book out there. Compelling, well-written and just good fun. Pairs

If On a Winter's Night a Traveller by Italo Calvino
Reviewed by Andy
Every single person I have ever recommended this to has hated it. Largely because it is too clever for them. Yes, it is a frustrating read, but that's the point. Go on, enjoy!

A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Reviewed by Kathy
This is the kind of book that satisfies your low and high taste. There's lots of rude, ridiculous, laugh out loud moments with a fat guy and his hot dog cart, but underneath it all, like all great comedy, there's something dark, touching and sad. But, you'll still laugh -

Female Chauvinist Pigs by Ariel Levy
Reviewed by Katie
A challenging and insightful look at the way women are seen, and see themselves, in todays society. No extreme feminism here, just common sense (if a little angry) discussion of why women are digging their own graves by embracing the 'raunch' culture. Brilliantly written and an explanation why I have

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks
Reviewed by Katie
Astonishing case studies that demonstrate just how delicate and finely-tuned our brains are. Compassionately written by a doctor who is clearly passionate and fascinated by the complexities of the human brain, this makes for compulsive reading.

The Cloudspotters Guide by Gavin Pretor-Pinney
Reviewed by Andy
There's a lot about this book i found quite interesting, but on the whole it was generally marvellous. You will never look at the sky in the same way.

A Family Daughter by Maile Meloy
Reviewed by Kathy
Ignore this silly, girly cover! This isn't just a fluffy, feel good story. Maile Meloy was recently named one of the top young American writers by Granta, and she is one of my favourite writers. She has a special ability to spin a huge, sweeping story across generations and continents

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
Reviewed by Katie
What makes this novel so great is Mistry's ability to weave stories of horror and dispair with humourous and engaging characters. Humbling and inspiring, not only because it is factually based, but also because it is so beautifully written.

The Faraway Tree Stories by Enid Blyton
Reviewed by Katie
Simply Magic! Every kids fantasy - living in a huge tree with a slippery-slip, exploding cookies and a hatch at the top leading to new and exciting worlds. My fave book from my childhood (and not at all bad as a grown up actually!).

Old London Bridge by Patricia Pierce
Reviewed by Andy
A remarkable and undervalued landmark is given the recognition it deserves in this marvellous meander through nearly 1000 years of history. Highly readable and rife with fascinating curiosities.

So Many Ways To Begin by Jon McGregor
Reviewed by Katie
A marvellous book form a marvellous writer. McGregor's ability to convey the subtlest of emotions and the complexity of his characters is incredible. He has a real insight into human nature and relationships. Also read 'If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things'. Truely fantastic!

Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
Reviewed by Andy
The unconventional split narrative, subject matter and lapses of spoken English combine to produce a very engaging and affected novel which has attracted both huge praise and sever criticism.

Persian Fire by Tom Holland
Reviewed by Andy
Proof indeed you really do not need to make it up. A brilliantly structured account of an exhilarating and violent period that reads as easily as a novel and will, when it gets really exciting, grip you to the end. Jaw-droppingly fascinating and thoroughly recommended.

The Peculiar Memories of Thomas Penman by Bruce Robinson
Reviewed by Katie
This book is hilarious. A coming-of-age story written from the point of view of a boy who has not quite come-of-age. From the writer of 'Withnail and I', you'll cringe but you won't stop reading.