Biographies & Memoirs

Debbie Purdy doesn't want to die. She has far too much to live for. But when the time comes, and the pain is so unbearable that she cannot go on, she wants her husband to be by her side, holding her hand until the end; and she wants to know that he won't be arrested. Debbie Purdy—the face of Britain's right-to-die campaign—suffers from multiple sclerosis. She was diagnosed in 1995—barely a month after she met her now-husband, Omar Puente, in a bar in Singapore. Within weeks she flew back out to meet Omar and, despite her devastating diagnosis, their relationship grew, as together they traveled Asia doing all the things they loved. When Debbie's health left her no choice but to go back to the UK, Omar followed. They married in 1998. But since the death in 2002 of motor neuron disease sufferer Diane Pretty, who lost her legal battle to have her husband help her take her own life, there has been dark cloud on the horizon for Debbie. She is in pain all the time, with poor circulation, headaches, bed sores, and muscle cramps. Once or twice a week, she falls in the shower, presses her panic button and waits for complete strangers to come and help. People pity Debbie, saying she must feel undignified. She disagrees. The only thing she thinks is undignified is having no control over her life or death. When the pain becomes unbearable Debbie wants to be able to choose to end her life, surrounded by her loved ones. In England and Wales this is considered assisting suicide—a crime punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment. Debbie fears as a black foreigner Omar is more likely to face prosecution. All she wants is for the law to be clarified. Then she can make sure Omar never crosses the line. At the end of July 2009 Debbie's long fight was finally rewarded with a court ruling that the current lack of clarity is a violation of the right to a private and family life, and the Director of Public Prosecutions being ordered to issue clear guidance on when prosecutions can be brought in assisted suicide cases, bringing hope and reassurance thousands nationwide. Now, with passion and honesty, Debbie shares her unique story. Told with the joie-de-vivre and grace for which she has become known, Debbie describes her life and her battle.

If you're intrigued by the art of international relations and the nuanced power dynamics between nations, "Diplomacy: A Singapore Experience" would be an enlightening read. Authored by a seasoned diplomat, Prof S Jayakumar, it gives a firsthand account of how a small state like Singapore navigated its foreign policy through complex geopolitical landscapes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sovereign respect and adherence to international law. Not just a historical account, but a manual of Singapore's pragmatic approach to diplomacy.

This book is a must-read for those intrigued by the intricate web of political maneuvering and decision-making that led to the Iraq War. Bob Woodward's meticulous research and exclusive interviews offer unprecedented insight into the minds of key figures such as President Bush, Cheney, Powell, and Rumsfeld. With gripping accounts of war planning and CIA operations, Plan of Attack provides a thought-provoking analysis of the intelligence assessments and the consequences of this highly controversial conflict.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the peace process in Northern Ireland and the role of David Trimble in it. The book offers a revealing insight into the mind of a Nobel Peace Prize winner and his political journey towards achieving peace in a divided society. Trimble's willingness to gamble everything for peace highlights his courage and conviction in the face of adversity. The author's challenging questions and Trimble's candid responses make for a riveting read.

In this first volume of his memoirs, Dr Kissinger covers his first four years (1969-1973) as Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs - and President Nixon's closest adviser on foreign policy. It is undoubtedly the most significant book to come out of the Nixon Administration. Among the countless great and critical moments Dr Kissinger recalls are his first meeting with Nixon, his secret trip to China, the first SALT negotiation, the Jordan crisis of 1970, the India-Pakistan war of 1971, and the historic summit meetings in Peking and Moscow. He covers the major controversies over Indochina policy during that period, including events in Laos, the overthrow of Cambodia's Prince Sihanouk, his secret talks with the North Vietnamese in Paris, his 'Peace is at hand' press conference, and the breakdown of the talks that led to the 'Christmas bombing' of 1972. He offers his insight s into the Middle East conflicts, Sadat's break with the Soviets, the election of Salvador Allende in Chile, issues of defense strategy, and relations with Europe and Japan.Other highlights are his relationship with Nixon, brilliant portraits of major foreign leaders, and his views as to the handling of crises and the art of diplomacy. Few men have wielded as much influence in the arena of American foreign policy as Henry Kissinger. This record makes an invaluable and lasting contribution to the history of this crucial time.

Former White House counsel and bestselling author John Dean reveals how the Bush White House has set America back decades -- employing a worldview and tactics of deception that he claims will do more damage to the nation than Nixon at his worst.

"The Prosecutor" would be a good read for those interested in a memoir of a prominent judicial figure in Singapore. This book offers an intimate account of the personal and professional life of Glenn Knight, the first Director of Commercial Affairs and Deputy Public Prosecutor in Singapore. Readers who enjoy legal thrillers and criminal investigations will find this book fascinating as it sheds light on highly publicised cases such as the Adrian Lim murders and the Pan El and JB Jeyaretnam cases. The book's unique feature is its portrayal of Knight's interaction with major legal personalities of Singapore, giving readers an inside look at the workings of the country's judicial system.

Investigative reporter Bob Woodward had unusual access to the Bush White House in researching and writing this insider account of the George W. Bush administration's march to war against Saddam Hussein. While almost all of his many sources spoke off the record (an exception being the President), Woodward's narrative of even

Named Churchill's official biographer in 1968, renowned historian Sir Martin Gilbert has amassed exclusive archival and personal documentation to explore the statesman's famed affinity for and relationship with the United States. Churchill and America tells the intensely personal story of Winston Churchill's profound connection to America, which resulted in an Anglo-American alliance that has stood at the center of international relations for more than a century. Drawing on this extensive store of Churchill's own words -- his private letters, his articles and speeches, and press conferences and interviews given to American journalists on his journeys throughout the United States -- Gilbert paints a rich portrait of the Anglo-American relationship, illuminated by its most famous proponent.

Statecraft is a must-read for anyone interested in international relations and politics. Margaret Thatcher provides insightful observations and guidance on how Western powers can counter threats posed by rogue states, Islamic extremism, international terrorism, and other instability hotspots. She also offers guidance for the future while warning against over-reliance on international institutions at the expense of nation-states.

Plan of Attack by Bob Woodward is a must-read book if you are interested in the decision-making and behind-the-scenes manoeuvring that led to the Iraq war. Woodward provides an enriching account of the top players involved in the war, examining the causes and consequences of the most controversial war since Vietnam. This book is highly recommended for those who want an insightful, close-up, and authoritative narrative of this turning point in history.

True Lies by Ross Slater could be a good read for those interested in a thrilling story of espionage and the conflict between environmentalism and government agencies. Slater's personal experience as a double agent for Special Branch, spying on Greenpeace, provides a unique and insider perspective on the often-misunderstood divide between environmentalists and government agencies. Readers can expect a fast-paced and engaging read, with plenty of twists and turns to keep them on their toes.