I have always wanted to go to Los Angeles and, if I ever do go (unlikely, but you never know), the first place I want to visit is High Voltage, a tattoo parlour in Hollywood. The owner is known the world over and she has a new book out, Kat Von D - High Voltage Tattoo, which is part autobiography and part love letter to tattooing.
It's a brilliant book and a must-read for anyone who has ever watched the TV show, L.A. Ink, or seen the divine Kat Von D on a chat show (I'm sure she has been on Paul O'Grady) - or just anyone who loves tattooing.
The book not only tells about her life, but also explains some of the history of certain tattoo designs, and it's quite moving to see the reasons behind people's tattoo choices.
It also debunks some of the myths about tattoos, for example, you can't get glow-in-the-dark tattoos done. I'm always thinking about getting another tattoo (I have two already) and reading this has inspired me to find a design I really love.
A totally different book is The Horse Boy, by Rupert Isaacson.
It's the true story of a family dealing with a child who has been diagnosed with something not dissimilar to autism; a disorder that not even the experts understand properly.
The young boy has a natural affinity with animals, in particular horses, and slowly the family embarks on an adventure that will challenge everything thing they know about each other and themselves.
When I first heard about this book, I thought it would be cheesy and poorly written, but it's one of the most moving things I've read in a long time. It really evokes the beautiful bond that exists between parent and child, and captures a moment in time that will have you weeping one minute and then whooping with joy the next.
Forget 'misery memoirs'. This is an ultimately uplifting tale that will make your day better - I guarantee it.
Top 10 books
1. This Charming Man, by Marian Keyes
2. Teatime for the Traditionally Built, by Alexander McCall Smith
3. The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga (Booker Prize winner 2008)
4. The Secret Scripture, by Sebastian Barry
5. Dreams From my Father, by Barack Obama
6. The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, by Kate Summerscale
7. Miracle at Speedy Motors, by Alexander McCall Smith [25a0] 8. Wedding Season, by Katie Fforde
9. Netherland, by Joseph O'Neill
10. Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer
These were the top 10 titles sold at Waterstone's, in The Chimes, Uxbridge, during the week ending March 15. www.waterstones.com
