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232 reviews for:
Between the Stops: The View of My Life from the Top of the Number 12 Bus
Sandi Toksvig
4.32 AVERAGE
232 reviews for:
Between the Stops: The View of My Life from the Top of the Number 12 Bus
Sandi Toksvig
4.32 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Well of course a memoir from Sandi Toksvig is going to be delightful. I enjoyed the non linear nature of the memoir, scattered memories and ideas come and go as they would in conversation.
About as much of the book as is dedicated to Sandi's life and memories is dedicated to the history of the area the number 12 bus travels through, and I found those parts fascinating also.
Basically like having a cup of tea and a natter, which is what a memoir should be.
About as much of the book as is dedicated to Sandi's life and memories is dedicated to the history of the area the number 12 bus travels through, and I found those parts fascinating also.
Basically like having a cup of tea and a natter, which is what a memoir should be.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
The appeal of a memoir is very heavily based on the subject of the book - it's worth being fussy about which ones you pick up. So when I saw an offering from Sandi Toksvig I had to grab with both hands. I first noticed her back in the days of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" - a part of her life that gets fairly little mention due to the huge volume of work she's done both before and after. But also, because this is a book about far more than her career. Yes, there are the not unexpected childhood memories, but it's a history of London too. We really do ride the number 12 from Dulwich to central London with a collection of marvellous anecdotes and historical trivia. Arguably rather more unexpected for a memoir about a Dane who was initially raised in America.
Honestly, if you're interested in reading about Sandi's television career this book will be somewhat lacking for you. She touches on a number of her jobs, both high profile and somewhat more obscure, but they are brief mentions, almost asides or segues between something she clearly cares about dearly, the world around her. There is a warmth when she talks about her family, across all the generations, which few memoirs seem to capture. These aren't just stories to fill gaps, there is pride and affection when talking about her loved ones.
There is also a sincere interest, and concern, for the world around her. She has a wonderful tone when talking about subjects that matter to her, primarily female and LGBTQ+ rights but across a broad spectrum. Unlike many commentators today, she doesn't preach. You're in no doubt how she feels, and she will share a number of details and the occasional personal perspective, but ultimately the reader is left to find their own opinions on these issues. So uncommon but refreshing these days.
As for London? Sandi does an amazing job of sharing some lesser-known but riveting tidbits of info. For a city that has had so much written about it, she found an affectionate outlook upon the capital, even in some unexpected ways and places. We get villains and vegetables. Rights and wrongs. She reminds us what a rich tapestry the capital is, and shares her love for the place well.
The introduction opens with sound advice. "Life is too short to read a book that upsets you." And, judging by some passages, the poor reviewer at the Daily Mail will find themselves rather upset but forced to read on. However, the rest of us have a choice in whether or not we read it. And if you can't find joy in stories about four nuns in a clapped-out Fiat 500 then maybe this isn't the book for you. But if you are a fan of Sandi as an author, actress, television star, political activist, sailor, lighthouse painter, assistant in the Apollo 11 moon landings, or one of the countless other endeavours she recounts - grab a copy. This is a woman deserving of our time, and our respect. This is a book that can bring a little joy and warmth into your life. Enjoy, I know I did.
Honestly, if you're interested in reading about Sandi's television career this book will be somewhat lacking for you. She touches on a number of her jobs, both high profile and somewhat more obscure, but they are brief mentions, almost asides or segues between something she clearly cares about dearly, the world around her. There is a warmth when she talks about her family, across all the generations, which few memoirs seem to capture. These aren't just stories to fill gaps, there is pride and affection when talking about her loved ones.
There is also a sincere interest, and concern, for the world around her. She has a wonderful tone when talking about subjects that matter to her, primarily female and LGBTQ+ rights but across a broad spectrum. Unlike many commentators today, she doesn't preach. You're in no doubt how she feels, and she will share a number of details and the occasional personal perspective, but ultimately the reader is left to find their own opinions on these issues. So uncommon but refreshing these days.
As for London? Sandi does an amazing job of sharing some lesser-known but riveting tidbits of info. For a city that has had so much written about it, she found an affectionate outlook upon the capital, even in some unexpected ways and places. We get villains and vegetables. Rights and wrongs. She reminds us what a rich tapestry the capital is, and shares her love for the place well.
The introduction opens with sound advice. "Life is too short to read a book that upsets you." And, judging by some passages, the poor reviewer at the Daily Mail will find themselves rather upset but forced to read on. However, the rest of us have a choice in whether or not we read it. And if you can't find joy in stories about four nuns in a clapped-out Fiat 500 then maybe this isn't the book for you. But if you are a fan of Sandi as an author, actress, television star, political activist, sailor, lighthouse painter, assistant in the Apollo 11 moon landings, or one of the countless other endeavours she recounts - grab a copy. This is a woman deserving of our time, and our respect. This is a book that can bring a little joy and warmth into your life. Enjoy, I know I did.
informative
slow-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
Reading this was as satisfying as settling down on a comfy sofa with Sandi herself and discussing anything that came to mind. A memoir held together by scattershot memories and trivia, which is my ideal kind of memoir.
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
What a wonderful book! I did not know much about Sandi Toksvig besides her being the presenter of QI, but I am now a fan. She knows so much and has lived such an amazing full life, I am still in awe. This book is a great reflection on life, sexism, London History (but not only focused on London), and some random funny facts. I am sure the written book is amazing, but I think the audiobook works better because I could hear her "mental sighs" now and then, and I could also hear when she was smiling. This book has just entered my list of favourite books.