NON-FICTION

Turner

Franny Moyle, Viking, £25

Landcape artist JMW Turner had a troubled childhood because of his mother’s mental illness.

Despite showing artistic talent early, he found it hard to sell his paintings as he didn’t want to part with them. The Damien Hirst of his day, he always went his own way.

Moyle’s book contains a number of illustrations, but isn’t a coffee table book. If you liked the Mr Turner film, you’ll find this an interesting read.

Our verdict 7/10

The Healthy Student Cookbook Student Beans, Orion, £8.99 (eBook £4.99)

Recipes for students who want to eat well. This time there are also recipes from fitness man of the moment Joe Wicks.

For those taking charge of the cooking for the first time, there’s advice on everything from cooking basics to saving money at the supermarket.

A reassuring purchase for worried parents.

Our verdict 8/10

The Trainable Cat John Bradshaw and Sarah Ellis, Penguin, £20

The conventional wisdom about pets says that, while dogs can be trained, cats are independentminded, doing what they want. That’s fine if their behaviour fits in with your lifestyle.

If, however, you find yourself with furniture shredded by claws, or one that fights going to the vet, the authors say you can train it to do what’s best for it, even when instinct tells it otherwise.

Our verdict 8/10