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stephen_on_a_jet_plane's review against another edition
5.0
A non confrontational memoir which deals with many interesting topics and interests from the life of a first generation immigrant. Lenny is great company, full of unique life experiences and perspectives. In the audiobook he describes each of the photographic illustrations and then reflects a little on why he chose the picture and what it means to him. I really liked this approach.
In a fantastic afterword Lenny consolidates his ideas about jokes and funny people. He identifies the line between creative comedy and bullying, as well as the interesting power dynamic inherent in being a teller of jokes. It was eloquent and insightful.
In a fantastic afterword Lenny consolidates his ideas about jokes and funny people. He identifies the line between creative comedy and bullying, as well as the interesting power dynamic inherent in being a teller of jokes. It was eloquent and insightful.
kath61's review against another edition
3.0
Quite interesting, with some tips for aspiring comics, and appreciation of those who have helped him, as well as some shocking accounts of the racism he has faced. The writing style did not read very smoothly and there were repeated sections about the Minstrel Show which obviously weighs heavily on his shoulders.
evilmonkey85's review against another edition
4.0
I have been watching Sir Lenny perform his comedy sketches on TV since the early 90s or as far as I can remember. I also remember an episode he did an episode with TV Cook Nigel Slater – A taste of my life which looked back on his life through the food which his mama cooked as a child to starting Comic Relief in 1985 along with Richard Curtis, Jane Tewson, Peter Bennett-Jones.
Browsing the local library shelves for new content, I see this book on the top shelf of the biography’s shelf, it felt like it was staring at me, take me home and read me. The book is kind of like “This is your life Lenny Henry” where you start in the 80s Dudley with a young Lenny Henry, his siblings and a little about his parents and how they came to Dudley from Jamaica, which leads to performing from the age of 16 to being one of the most enjoyable/laughable comics on TV if you’ve had a stressed day by the time you’ve finished watching a Lenny Henry show you’ll forget all about it, Live at the Apollo today and lastly receiving his CBE in 1999 to being knighted for his contributions to Drama and Charity.
Born: Lenworth George Henry; 29 August 1958 like if you watched most of Lenny Henry’s shows in the 80s, 90s check out the book and enjoy it.
Browsing the local library shelves for new content, I see this book on the top shelf of the biography’s shelf, it felt like it was staring at me, take me home and read me. The book is kind of like “This is your life Lenny Henry” where you start in the 80s Dudley with a young Lenny Henry, his siblings and a little about his parents and how they came to Dudley from Jamaica, which leads to performing from the age of 16 to being one of the most enjoyable/laughable comics on TV if you’ve had a stressed day by the time you’ve finished watching a Lenny Henry show you’ll forget all about it, Live at the Apollo today and lastly receiving his CBE in 1999 to being knighted for his contributions to Drama and Charity.
Born: Lenworth George Henry; 29 August 1958 like if you watched most of Lenny Henry’s shows in the 80s, 90s check out the book and enjoy it.
josieruby1's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Racism
stanro's review
Sorry Lenny. If you’re going to write a book expecting it to sell on the back of your (in my estimation) well-earned fame, and then stop the memoir before said fame has emerged, I’ll stop reading at about 3% and await volume 2.