Dame Deborah James’ book 'How to Live When You Could Be Dead', published posthumously, has debuted at number one in the UK, it has been revealed. Since its release, just under a week ago, on Thursday, August 18 it has sold 40,878 copies, according to Nielsen BookScan’s Total Consumer Market and has also become the bestselling non-fiction debut of the year so far.
The campaigner, podcast host and former deputy headteacher - who was known by many by her social media handle @Bowelbabe - died in June aged 40, five years after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. She had been working on her latest book for two years but completed the last chapters at her parent's home in her final few weeks.
Deborah announced in early May that she was receiving end-of-life care, telling her followers it was a message she "never wanted to write". At the time, she also revealed the creation of the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK - which has so far raised almost £7.5 million - and £3 from every copy of the book sold in the UK will go towards the fund.
“I am so thrilled that How To Live When You Could Be Dead has become the number one bestselling nonfiction book," Sam Jackson, editorial director at Vermilion books, said: “It was Deborah’s dream to write a huge bestseller in the self-help space and it’s been such a privilege to help make this a reality.
“This is by far my proudest publishing moment and I am delighted that Deborah’s inspiring and transformative perspective will help so many people.”
Deborah's mum, Heather, joined ITV's Lorraine last week to talk about her late daughter's book on the day of its publication. "I’ve read the last chapters now," She told Christine Lampard: "And they’re very emotional but very, very good advice to the children, so that’s good."
Dame Deborah was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 and shared her cancer journey with her social media followers including videos of her dancing her way through treatment. In 2018, she had her debut book F*** You Cancer published and launched the You, Me And The Big C podcast alongside Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland.
Shortly before her death, Deborah was made a dame and Prince William attended the family home in mid May to honour her with the accolade. The campaigner also had a rose named after her, as well as revealing to her followers she had written her second book, 'How To Live When You Could Die".
