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jen_abrahall's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
I would say this book is simply fantastic. It’s an eloquently written, engaging, clearly formulated manifesto for change. I read most of this book on the buses (which I firmly believe should be publicly owned and free to all) of Bristol - a city known for its refusal to accept the status quo which I think was the perfect venue for this book to be absorbed. Even as someone relatively well read in social issues this was an enlightening read. Simply staggering statistics which as a chronically ill woman training for a career in TV didn’t shock but did surprise me (not in the existence of the facts but in the extent of them). I don’t know how else to say this is a must read - it’s perfectly written in a wonderfully concise format and tied up in such a beautifully neat bow in chapter 12. It’s wonderfully informed - I couldn’t be more on board with the collaborative style of this book - I particularly loved that despite the fact it was Lenny Henry talking to you throughout there was no attempt to hide the many contributors to both this book and his campaign. It’s just perfect - short and sweet and worth every joyous moment of reading.
emilily's review against another edition
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.5
This book discusses some of the major shortcomings in the performance industry, critiquing the lack of authentically diverse representation in the media.
The tone of the book is jovial and light-hearted, despite heavier source material, and concepts are explained in very user-friendly ways. This is great for the layperson looking for an overview of how diversity can and should be improved both onscreen and behind the camera.
The only criticism is that the book didn't always deliver clear data, but overall, it starts an important discussion that will hopefully push people to seek out missing info on their own, and call for action from television networks.
The tone of the book is jovial and light-hearted, despite heavier source material, and concepts are explained in very user-friendly ways. This is great for the layperson looking for an overview of how diversity can and should be improved both onscreen and behind the camera.
The only criticism is that the book didn't always deliver clear data, but overall, it starts an important discussion that will hopefully push people to seek out missing info on their own, and call for action from television networks.
dunneniamh's review against another edition
4.0
A must read if you want to work in television, feel passionately about increasing diversity in the media both in front of and behind the camera - or if you've ever watched television in your life.
Henry and Ryder make one point particularly clear throughout the book. The groups that we can view as 'in the minority' in the TV industry - people of colour, disabled people, women, LGBTQIA+ people, working class people etc are actually the majority. The numbers back it up! The problem is that the decades old institutions - particularly in the UK - aren't doing enough to open these hallowed halls to the majority, merely letting one or two trickle in at a time.
I really hope that this book, and the continued work that Sir Lenny Henry, Marcus Ryder and so many other people working in the media is highlighted further and we actually start to see good, actionable change. It made me feel positive about the industry I'm about to enter.
Highly recommend the audiobook - Lenny Henry reads it himself and there's plenty of jokes along the way (I definitely giggled out loud a few times).
Henry and Ryder make one point particularly clear throughout the book. The groups that we can view as 'in the minority' in the TV industry - people of colour, disabled people, women, LGBTQIA+ people, working class people etc are actually the majority. The numbers back it up! The problem is that the decades old institutions - particularly in the UK - aren't doing enough to open these hallowed halls to the majority, merely letting one or two trickle in at a time.
I really hope that this book, and the continued work that Sir Lenny Henry, Marcus Ryder and so many other people working in the media is highlighted further and we actually start to see good, actionable change. It made me feel positive about the industry I'm about to enter.
Highly recommend the audiobook - Lenny Henry reads it himself and there's plenty of jokes along the way (I definitely giggled out loud a few times).
stelly68's review against another edition
5.0
Great book and worth a read. It’s a UK focussed book and it tells the story of Sir Lenny Henry and Marcus Ryder on their quest for diversity in Tv and beyond.
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