Author:Georges Perec
'A problem of space first of all, then a problem of order'
One of the most singular and extravagant imaginations of the twentieth century, the novelist and essayist Georges Perec was a true original who delighted in wordplay, puzzles, taxonomies and seeing the extraordinary in the everyday. In these virtuoso writings about books and language, he discusses different ways of reading, a list of the things he really must do before he dies and the power of words to overcome the chaos of the world.
One of twenty new books in the bestselling Penguin Great Ideas series. This new selection showcases a diverse list of thinkers who have helped shape our world today, from anarchists to stoics, feminists to prophets, satirists to Zen Buddhists.
Another fine book of odd stories from No Such Thing As A Fish. I look forward to next year’s edition.
—— Daily ExpressThe Book Of The Year 2019 is a treat for all the ages. It's stuffed with fascinating facts from the past twelve months . . . genuine talent and bucketloads of personality . . . It's intellectual but always warm-hearted
—— British Comedy GuideGreat fun, ideal to pick up and absorb in bite-sized chunks. Plus it might make a welcome change from buying the Guinness Book Of World Records every year *****
—— How It WorksYou can really dip in anywhere and be sure of finding something unexpected and amusing . . . the authors always remain curious and excited: for all their comic strengths, they are never too cynical to be fascinated. Despite everything, they still regards the world as a place of wonder
—— Mail on SundayThe sheer scope of the research takes the breath away, and the humour is perfectly judged.
—— The Season's Best Gift Books , Spectator... packed with killer facts.
—— Daily MailBitesize chunks of truth in a year of fake news. If you love fact-based trivia, you'll get a kick out of this.
—— Funniest Books for Christmas , Irish TimesA frank, funny and long overdue ode to teachers and teaching
—— Adam KayA delightfully frank and funny book - with a very serious message
—— Jacqueline WilsonAn ode to teaching: hilarious, inspiring and so terrifyingly true
—— Lucy KellawayFunny, sensitive and clever
—— Victoria DerbyshireA hilarious love letter to teaching - and to teenagers. It throws open the doors to the staff room and our ears to the gossip inside. As someone who was a nightmare as a teen, it made me think of the teachers who championed me, regardless, and the influence they had on my adult life. A timely celebration of the importance of teachers
—— Christie WatsonIf you want to know what the world of schools and classrooms is really like, this is your book. An unputdownable account of Ryan Wilson's teaching years that describes the absolute reality of teaching in UK schools including the good parts, the bad and all that is ugly. I was captivated by Wilson's honesty and vulnerability and loved reading and exploring every minute of this familiar world
—— Andria Zafirakou, 2018 Global Teacher Prize winnerRyan Wilson passes with flying colours and earns an A-grade for his debut book... If anyone has read Adam Kay's This is Going to Hurt... Ryan's terrific tome strikes a similar funny, feel-good and frank tone
—— Thomas Stichbury , attitudeA pleasant and heartfelt account of one man's brief journey into and out of education... unquestionably funny... poignant and very personal
—— Emma Williams , Schools WeekVery funny, often inspiring, occasionally tragic - and a timely reminder of the unforgettable influence of great teachers
—— Daily MailEngaging . . . Kessler approaches her topic with even-handedness and rigour.
—— Maclean’sBrilliantly in-depth not only in the explanations of the gig economy, but in the narratives of people who work gigs as well.
—— Washington TimesAs well-reported, and at times as emotionally wrenching, as Amy Goldstein’s Janesville . . . In facing . . . the fraying of the social contract between employer and employee, Sarah Kessler's work in Gigged makes one thing increasingly clear: we must get busy building a new one that benefits all sides of that relationship, and the society around it.
—— Editor’s Choice , 800 CEO ReadGoes under the bonnet of the gig economy.
—— What CEOs Are Reading , Management TodayKessler’s recent book Gigged is all about [the] desire for independence . . . Kessler investigates the liberating ethos and terrible trade-offs of this new economy by following several people working in such positions. She discovers why the revolution in “independent contractor” work – which comes without guarantees for minimum wages, paid vacation, or health benefits – is paradise for one slice of the population, but has been disappointing, and in some cases devastating, for others.
—— QuartzFor those interested in inquiries into modern (and future) work, there’s Gigged by Sarah Kessler, an analysis of the gig economy.
—— Books of the Year , Buzzfeed NewsLooks at the potential of the gig economy and ultimately the problems it bears.
—— Books of the Year , Fast Company