Joe Moran is Professor of English and Cultural History at Liverpool John Moores University and is the author of seven books, including Shrinking Violets: The Secret Life of Shyness, First You Write a Sentence and If You Should Fail. He writes for, among others, the Guardian, the New Statesman and the Times Literary Supplement.

This is a deeply tender book, and full of wise insight and honesty. Moran manages to be funny, erudite and kindly: a rare - and compelling - combination. This is the essential antidote to a culture obsessed with success. Read it

Joe Moran is Professor of English and Cultural History at Liverpool John Moores University and is the author of seven books, including Shrinking Violets: The Secret Life of Shyness, First You Write a Sentence and If You Should Fail. He writes for, among others, the Guardian, the New Statesman and the Times Literary Supplement.

This is a deeply tender book, and full of wise insight and honesty. Moran manages to be funny, erudite and kindly: a rare - and compelling - combination. This is the essential antidote to a culture obsessed with success. Read it

Joe Moran is Professor of English and Cultural History at Liverpool John Moores University and is the author of seven books, including Shrinking Violets: The Secret Life of Shyness, First You Write a Sentence and If You Should Fail. He writes for, among others, the Guardian, the New Statesman and the Times Literary Supplement.

This is a deeply tender book, and full of wise insight and honesty. Moran manages to be funny, erudite and kindly: a rare - and compelling - combination. This is the essential antidote to a culture obsessed with success. Read it