Harrowing memoir of resilience and literary escape.
If you're drawn to stories of triumph amid adversity, Andrea Ashworth's "Once in a House on Fire" could resonate deeply with you. It's a testament to the power of reading as a means of escape, an inspiring story of a woman overcoming a brutal childhood. This memoir will likely speak to you if you appreciate candid narratives that showcase the human spirit's strength and the transformative impact of books.
- Somerset Maugham Award (1999)
Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.
ISBN: 9780330351928
Authors:
Andrea Ashworth
Publisher: Picador
Date of Publication: 1999-01-01
Format: Paperback
Goodreads rating: 3.95
(rated by 2342 readers)
Description
Andrea Ashworth's father died when she was five, leaving her, her three-year-old sister, and mother to fend for themselves. A succession of stepfathers, some violent, and an itinerant life of poverty were her lot, but reading was her escape route out of misery.
Condition guide
Book Condition Guide
Books in Like New Condition
This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Books in Very Good Condition
This book has been used, but it is still in a clean condition. There should be no foxing or annotations of any kind on the inner pages, but a sparse amount may be present on the cover, title pages, or outside edges of the book. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be light crease marks on the spine.
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Books in Good Condition
We do our best to ensure the quality of our books, but there is no escaping the wear and tear that comes with time. Slight foxing and some annotations may be present on the pages and the cover. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be several crease marks on the spine.
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Books in Well Read Condition
This is a well-read book, which means that the previous owner probably really enjoyed it! The cover and pages may include moderate foxing and annotations, but the text is not obscured and still readable. Moderate cosmetic defects and minor water damage may be present on the edges of the book. For paperbacks, there may be multiple crease marks on the spine.
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Find out more about our process here.
Quantity selected exceeds current stock
Adding product to your cart
Harrowing memoir of resilience and literary escape.
If you're drawn to stories of triumph amid adversity, Andrea Ashworth's "Once in a House on Fire" could resonate deeply with you. It's a testament to the power of reading as a means of escape, an inspiring story of a woman overcoming a brutal childhood. This memoir will likely speak to you if you appreciate candid narratives that showcase the human spirit's strength and the transformative impact of books.
- Somerset Maugham Award (1999)
Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.
Similar Reads
Uncover books linked by topic and theme
Biographies & Memoirs
David Emanuel, Elizabeth Emanuel |
Harper
Design
Dress for Diana
Regular price
$14.90
$9.90
34% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.29
Regular price
$14.90
$9.90
34% off
- Unit price
- / per
71% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the intersection of royalty and fashion, "Dress for Diana" is a treasure trove that offers an intimate look at Princess Diana's style evolution. You'll get to explore how her personal choices set trends and communicated messages, providing a deeper understanding of her impact on fashion and culture.
Frank Lavin, Henry Kissinger |
Ohio
University
Press
Home Front to Battlefront : An Ohio Teenager in World War II
Regular price
$11.90
$4.90
59% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.12
Regular price
$11.90
$4.90
59% off
- Unit price
- / per
93% off est. retail
Recommended for history buffs and war veterans. Lavin's personal accounts offer a unique insight into the experiences of a Jewish soldier in World War II, and his recollections are both disarming and sobering. A great read for anyone looking for an intimate look into the realities of war.
Edith Eger
|
Rider
The Choice
Regular price
$9.90
$6.90
30% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.58
Regular price
$9.90
$6.90
30% off
- Unit price
- / per
69% off est. retail
"The Choice" is an exceptional memoir that transcends mere storytelling. Edith Eger’s account of her harrowing experience in Auschwitz, followed by her incredible journey of psychological healing and professional success, has the power to profoundly impact your perspective on life's challenges. It's an intimate invitation to explore the resilience of the human spirit and the liberating power of forgiveness, even in the darkest of times. If you're looking for inspiration and a testament to the strength we all hold within, this book may be a transformative experience for you.
New
Ben Macintyre
|
Bloomsbury
Uk
Double Cross: The True Story of the D-Day Spies
$8.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.97
$8.90
- Unit price
- / per
This book is an engaging portrayal of the secret lives of the D-Day spies, with a focus on their major contribution towards the success of D-Day. The author's vivid account of the spy's secret strategies, betrayals and close encounters with danger make it a thrilling read.
Chelsea Handler
|
Grand
Central
Publishing
Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang
Regular price
$4.28
$3.90
9% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.82
Regular price
$4.28
$3.90
9% off
- Unit price
- / per
86% off est. retail
If you enjoy dark humor and quirky stories, Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang would be perfect for you. Handler combines different anecdotes from her life, including her struggles with her religious sister, to create laugh-out-loud moments. Faqs readers not to take life too seriously and enjoy the ride that is filled with hilariousness.
Marisa Berenson
|
Double-barrelled
Books
Elsa Schiaparelli's Private Album
$10.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.54
$10.90
- Unit price
- / per
89% off est. retail
If you are fascinated by fashion history and the personal stories behind iconic designs, "Elsa Schiaparelli's Private Album" might just be a treasure trove for you. It delves into the world of a legendary designer, offering intimate insights that are usually hidden from the public eye. This book could be like sitting down with Schiaparelli herself, flipping through her personal scrapbook filled with sketches, photos, and memories.
Palinurus, Cyril Connolly |
Penguin
Books
The Unquiet Grave: A Word Cycle
Regular price
$5.90
$3.90
34% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.95
Regular price
$5.90
$3.90
34% off
- Unit price
- / per
Imagine yourself submerged in the depths of a world at war, where the boundaries between reality and dreams blur. Cyril Connolly's "The Unquiet Grave" offers an intimate glimpse into the author's personal struggles with aging, lost love, and the horrors of war. With its unique blend of aphorisms, quotes, and reflective passages, this book will transport you to a time of chaos and introspection. Prepare to be captivated by its dazzling originality and profound insights that have captured the hearts of readers for generations.
$16.90
- Unit price
- / per
47% off est. retail
Binge could be a good read for anyone who enjoys comedic and personal essays. Tyler Oakley's witty and hilarious anecdotes will keep readers engaged, while also shedding light on serious topics such as social justice and LGBTQ+ rights. One of the most unique and distinctive features of this book is Oakley's ability to gracefully blend humor with social commentary. Overall, readers will likely find Binge to be an entertaining, insightful, and heartfelt compilation of personal stories.
Manal Al-Sharif
|
Simon
&
Schuster
Daring to Drive: My Life as an Accidental Activist in a Kingdom of Men
$9.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.33
$9.90
- Unit price
- / per
57% off est. retail
"Daring to Drive" is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Manal al-Sharif and a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Saudi Arabia. As a reader, you'll be taken on a journey of sheer bravery and personal transformation that echoes the aspirations of millions. This book isn't just an autobiography; it's an inspiring call to action that resonates with anyone who values freedom and equality.
$13.90
- Unit price
- / per
"The Moth" is like sitting around a communal fire where every person's experience ignites a unique flame. The humanity in these true stories ranges from heart-wrenching to heartwarming, often with a humorous twist. If you're seeking connection through the art of narrative, or just love to hear about the variety of human experience, this book might just be what you need to feel a sense of shared existence.
History Books
Eric Schlosser
|
Harper
Perennial
Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal
Regular price
$9.90
$3.90
61% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.75
Regular price
$9.90
$3.90
61% off
- Unit price
- / per
83% off est. retail
"Fast Food Nation" is more than just an eye-opener; it's a deep dive into a cultural phenomenon that shapes how millions live. If you've ever enjoyed the convenience of a quick meal but sensed an underlying issue with the industry, Eric Schlosser's rigorous investigation and engaging storytelling will confirm your suspicions and then some. It's the kind of book that doesn't just inform you; it transforms the way you view every bite.
New
Bill Bryson
|
Crown
A Short History of Nearly Everything
$15.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.21
$15.90
- Unit price
- / per
54% off est. retail
A Short History of Nearly Everything is a perfect read for people who are curious about how the universe and humans came to be. Bryson's engaging style of writing makes science accessible to everyone. It offers a captivating journey through the realm of human knowledge, with amusing anecdotes and interesting facts along the way. Readers will leave with a greater appreciation for the world around them and the mysteries of science.
Stephen Fry
|
Harper
Collins
Stephen Fry In America
Regular price
$8.90
$3.90
56% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.78
Regular price
$8.90
$3.90
56% off
- Unit price
- / per
80% off est. retail
If you're up for an adventure laced with wit and a British perspective, "Stephen Fry in America" has got you covered. Stephen Fry offers more than just a travelogue; his sharp humor and insightful observations make for a joyful ride through the kaleidoscope of American life. As Fry navigates each state, you're not just a spectator but a companion on his serendipitous journey.
William Hoffer
|
Sphere
Books
Midnight Express
Regular price
$8.90
$6.90
22% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.04
Regular price
$8.90
$6.90
22% off
- Unit price
- / per
If you're drawn to real-life adventures and tales of human endurance, "Midnight Express" won't disappoint. It's more than just an escape story; it's a raw and powerful account of resilience that highlights the profound will to survive against overwhelming odds. Billy Hayes' narrative grips you, transporting you into the depths of his experience with a visceral intensity that's hard to shake off.
David Gerstein, Daniel Kothenschulte, J.B. Kaufman |
Taschen
Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History - 40th Anniversary Edition
Regular price
$18.90
$12.90
32% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.54
Regular price
$18.90
$12.90
32% off
- Unit price
- / per
69% off est. retail
If you cherish Disney nostalgia and the magic Mickey Mouse has brought to generations, this lavish tribute is perfect for you. It’s more than just a treat for the eyes with stunning artwork and photography; it’s a profound dive into the character's history, its cultural impact, and the creative geniuses like Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney himself. For Disney aficionados or animation history enthusiasts, it promises a rich, behind-the-scenes journey through Mickey's evolution.
Eric Schlosser
|
Penguin
Books
Fast Food Nation: What the All-American Meal Is Doing to the World
$8.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.75
$8.90
- Unit price
- / per
55% off est. retail
If you're someone who casually enjoys fast-food meals without much thought, "Fast Food Nation" could change your perspective. Schlosser's investigative prowess takes you from the artificial creation of flavors straight to the grim realities of meatpacking plants. It's not just a book; it's a hard-hitting revelation about the industry shaping our meals and, by extension, our lives. The true cost of convenience and the 'all-American meal' is put under a microscope here, and it's certainly food for thought.
Sebastian Payne
|
Macmillan
Uk
The Fall of Boris Johnson: The Full Story
Regular price
$16.90
$6.90
59% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.7
Regular price
$16.90
$6.90
59% off
- Unit price
- / per
76% off est. retail
Whether you're a politico or just curious about the machinations within British politics, "The Fall of Boris Johnson: The Full Story" could quench that thirst. Sebastian Payne offers an intimate, fly-on-the-wall perspective on the cascade of missteps leading to a leader's undoing. Imagine having a backstage pass to one of the most pivotal political dramas in recent UK history—this book is that pass.
Avrum Stroll
|
Columbia
University
Press
Twentieth-Century Analytic Philosophy
$16.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.64
$16.90
- Unit price
- / per
61% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the pivots of intellectual thought throughout the 20th century, "Twentieth-Century Analytic Philosophy" could be a fascinating read for you. Avrum Stroll invites you to explore the landscape of analytical thinkers, posing and answering profound questions about the very nature of philosophy itself. This book could illuminate your understanding of philosophy's role alongside the sciences, perfect for sparking deep contemplation.
New
Paul Moses
|
Image
The Saint and the Sultan: The Crusades, Islam, and Francis of Assisi's Mission of Peace
$14.90
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 4.0
$14.90
- Unit price
- / per
61% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the complexities of history and the lessons it can provide for current global issues, "The Saint and the Sultan" would resonate with you. Paul Moses delves into a lesser-known but significant meeting that challenges our understanding of St. Francis and offers a narrative rich in historical detail. Its exploration of peace and understanding across cultural divides is as relevant today as it was during the Crusades.
Gary Taubes
|
Portobello
Books
Ltd
The Case Against Sugar
Regular price
$12.90
$8.90
31% off
- Unit price
- / per
Goodreads rating: 3.84
Regular price
$12.90
$8.90
31% off
- Unit price
- / per
70% off est. retail
If you've ever reached for a sweet snack and wondered about the health effects, "The Case Against Sugar" might alter your pantry forever. Gary Taubes doesn't just recite facts; he uncovers the dark history and science behind sugar's expansion into our diets. This book is an eye-opener that reads like a detective story, drawing you in with an urgency that could very well redefine your relationship with the sweet stuff.