TOMMY'S WORLD, Billy Hopkins seventh novel, was published in paperback on August 3. The novel, the perfect companion to OUR KID and KATE'S STORY, is based on the fascinating and inspiring life of the author's father who was born in a Manchester slum in 1886 and completes Billy Hopkins' story, adding his father's tale to that of his mother (KATE'S STORY), and covering over a century of social history. To mark its paperback publication ASDA have commissioned a special edition of TOMMY'S WORLD, available in supermarkets now.

Prior to the release of the paperback edition of TOMMY'S WORLD there was recognition of Billy (Wilfred) Hopkins' contribution to literature and teaching when he was awarded an Honorary M.Ed degree by University College Plymouth St Mark & St John in July. Billy Hopkins joins a distinguished list of recipients of honorary degrees from the university that also includes Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Sue Barker and Chicken Run animators Peter Lord and David Sproxton.

TOMMY'S WORLD is Billy Hopkins' seventh autobiographical novel in the series that started with the nostalgic classic OUR KID, a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller. The series also features KATE'S STORY, which reached number 12 in the Sunday Times list.

For more information on Billy Hopkins and his novels and photos of him receiving his honorary degree click here

Praise for Billy Hopkins:

'Hopkins has the ability to heighten the senses - in one moment you cannot help but chuckle, in the next you are wrestling with a lump in your throat, hoping that no one will notice.'
--Alan Domville, Warrington Guardian

'TOMMY'S WORLD is a delight from start to finish...told with warmth, humour and that special bond of love that exists between father and son, this is a revealing and uplifting tale of an ordinary man and his extraordinary life.'
--Lancashire Evening Post

'The characters will stay with you after you've finished the book, but what you won't be left with is the sickly sweet taste of nostalgia. If you like to learn something from a good story then this could well be the book for you.' 
--The Bookbag

'TOMMY'S WORLD is warm, nostalgic and sentimental. Readers who are only too aware that their loved ones lived alongside Tommy Hopkins...are going to find themselves reading this book with an uncanny feeling that they are an integral part of this story.' 
--Middleton & North Manchester Guardian