Paperback pick: I Laughed, I Cried
A moving and funny portrayal of a woman chasing her dream

I Laughed, I Cried
by Viv Groskop (Orion, £8.99)
Spurred on by a looming 40th birthday, journalist Viv Groskop decides to fulfil a long-held ambition and become a stand-up comedian.
She plays a riotous 100 gigs in 100 consecutive nights; all the time guiltily pining for her family.
Groskop’s sharp, savvy account of her triumphant, messy adventure is inspiring, moving and funny.