When it comes to books it is still non-fiction that consistently tops the bestselling lists… 
…and there is a constant stream of new biographies and autobiographies being released. From politicians to pop stars, footballers to fashion models we are a nation that just can’t get enough of reading about the lives of others.
‘Call Me Dave’, Lord Ashcroft’s unauthorised autobiography of Prime Minister David Cameron, has certainly grabbed more headlines than most, although it’s only a couple of lines from 20 000 word that have actually caused the stir. The book itself is being seen as something of a revenge piece by the former peer who famously fell out with the Tory leader. Another political page-turner that’s just hit the shelves is the second volume of Margaret Thatcher’s authorised biography, an all together much more sympathetic look back at The Iron Lady’s time in power.
Of course if you’re looking to read about sex, drugs and bad behaviour, musicians generally have a lot to get off their chest, and are often amazingly open about it. The new books from ‘80s super-star Grace Jones – the brilliantly titled ‘I’ll Never Write my Memoirs’, and rock star Chrissie Hynde (‘Reckless’) don’t disappoint, with both talking candidly about their lives and the industry they were involved in.
Another warts and all read comes from Howard Marks, the country’s most famous drug dealer. Mr Smiley is a follow up to his hugely successful Mr Nice, but this is a much darker tale, painting a far less glamorous life of a man who has never been short of a tale to tell.
When it comes to popularity, however, it’s invariably sports stars that dominate the bestseller lists. The current top 10 is led by Alex Ferguson’s ‘Leading’, with Steven Gerrard’s biography ‘My Story’ hot on his heels in second place. Also in the top 10 are books by ex Formula 1 drivers Nigel Mansell and Mark Webber.
As Christmas comes closer expect a positive glut of these page-turners to hit the shelves – it seems that the rich and famous never get tired of talking about themselves!