Category Archives: Autobiography

Book Review: Rory Stewart ~ Politics on the edge: A memoir from within (2023)

Posted on September 21, 2024 by odeboyz

Political memoirs are exercises in self-glorification. This makes them tedious unless well-written with colourful ‘assassinations’ that are stiletto sharp. Stewart’s book is successful. His critique of David Cameron and Boris Johnson is masterful. His pen portraits of fellow MPs doesn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography, Humour, Literature, Politics, Prison, Prison reform | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Book Review: Roy Keane: the second half ~ Roy Keane with Roddy Doyle (2014)

Posted on September 4, 2024 by odeboyz

Two Irish giants coming together to translate the spoken word into an autobiography should end up with something great. Keane was a superb footballer playing at the highest level for 12 years at Manchester United. Roddy Doyle is an outstanding … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography, Literature, Review, Sport | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Gerald Ratner: Honesty Isn’t Always the Best Policy

Posted on July 10, 2024 by odeboyz

Gerald rejected his grammar school to work on his father’s stall in London’s famous Petticoat Lane market. It was a cut-throat trading environment where traders were predators. He loved it. Gerald worked the crowds, seducing them into buying his goods. … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography, Finance, History, Humour | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Andrei Kanchelskis meets Sir Alex Ferguson

Posted on July 3, 2024 by odeboyz

“ They also taught me the correct way to address the manager of Manchester United. Almost the first time I came across Alex Ferguson in the corridors of the Cliff, he said to me, ‘All right, Andrei, how’s it going?’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography, Humour, Sport | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jack Dee on being alcoholic

Posted on March 23, 2024 by odeboyz

“I’ve had my run-ins with booze; it’s well documented. So what I can say from experience is that it takes a lot of guts and perseverance and courage to stop drinking. Which is why I haven’t.”

Posted in Autobiography, Health, quips | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Book Review: Keith Richards (with James Fox) ~ Life (2010)

Posted on March 13, 2024 by odeboyz

Unless you’re a Rolling Stones fan and keen on an autobiography featuring drink, drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll you’re unlikely to enjoy this. It’s filled with endless ‘shock-horror’ moments. Here’s a sample, 1 Gangster Keith 2 Drug addict Keith 3 … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography, Health, Review | Tagged , | Leave a comment

John Lennon on teenage posturing

Posted on February 14, 2024 by odeboyz

“I come from the macho school of pretense. I was never really a street kid or a tough guy. I used to dress like a Teddy boy and identify with Marlon Brando and Elvis Presley, but I was never really … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

TV Review: Beckham (Netflix) (2023)

Posted on December 13, 2023 by odeboyz

Beckham is successful in every activity he’s pursued . A sublime footballer, a photo-shoot superstar, trophy wife and businessman. As a result, he’s had intense media scrutiny for most of his life. So, hasn’t planet *Beckham* been gutted of all … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography, Film, Sport | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Joey Chestnut: A human dustbin

Posted on October 25, 2023 by odeboyz

This photo is of what he *ate* in 10 minutes in an eating competition. Source Joey Chestnut sets world record with 74 hot dogs at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest; third straight win and 11th in 12 years (yahoo.com)

Posted in Autobiography, cookery, Health, photography | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Paul Merton quip

Posted on October 25, 2023 by odeboyz

“My school days were the happiest days of my life, which should give you some indication of the misery I’ve endured over the past 25 years.”

Posted in Autobiography, education, Humour | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment