It is a great and glorious tradition the world over to vehemently state one thing and then do the exact opposite. From cyclists, white hip-hop fans, reality television-haters to chav-haters, green campaigners and anti-Americans, this text pulls no punches in its witty harangue of those who say one thing and do another.

Highlighting the most exciting musical star to emerge in the United Kingdom in many years, this account chronicles the inspiring story of soul-singing sensation Alexandra Burke. Beginning with her impoverished childhood of sharing a bed with her sister in a cramped north London flat, this examination follows the performer through countless obstacles such as the wrath of jealous classmates and the heartache of her parents separation at age six. Depicting her triumph over these hardships, this biography also recounts Burke s "X Factor" journey, documenting her loss in the 2005 series as well as...