R2OK!

Eric Shone · Joined: 06 Sep 2010 Posts: 63

I decided to get a couple of books on "tape" for my journey into uni (having lost my little fm radio) So I got "Where Was I" and "Tracks of my Years".

Both are read by their authors and are excellent. I'm not finished listening to Wogan's offering, but I listened "from cover to cover" to Ken's book.
It's a great insight into his radio career and his personal life, something that is kept off air (quite rightly). It's inspirational (an overused word but can't think of anything more suitable) to hear him talk about his journey (sorry!) from an underachieving and seemingly talentless schoolboy to the broadcasting god that he is! I'm not going to ruin it for anyone who hasn't read it, but he has certainly had quite a life. You feel for him when discussing his personal life and his ups and downs, his battle to pursue his dream of a radio career and where his priorities lie media-wise.
A great listen and I caught myself smiling and stifling a laugh on the train.

Wogan's book seems more rambly. I'll post more when I've finished it!

If you haven't read/listened to these (esp. Ken's book) it's certainly something you should do.

Has anyone else read them (or other books by radio 2 presenters) and what did you think of them?

ColinB · Guest

Johnnie Walker's autobiography is fascinating (he signed a copy for me!) as is John Peel's (actually co-authored and completed by Sheila after John's untimely death). Both of them are very good indeed.

Soulsister · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:47 pm Post subject:

Really like the sound of the Ken Bruce book Eric - I'll have to see if I can get hold of a copy.

Thanks for the review!

Lord Evan Elpuss · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

I've read Ken's book, I must admit that I enjoyed it better later on in the book, particularly as you get to his broadcasting career. I'd certainly recommend it. If you can, Bob Harris' Whispering Years is worth tracking down.
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Lord Evan Elpuss, Your ideal job is a Lumberjack.

undiscovered · Joined: 15 Sep 2010 Posts: 650 Location: Peterborough

I've read "Is it Me" I think it wa sthe first of a long list of Auto's really enjoyed it, I quite fancy KB's one as I imagine it is quite funny.

I was disapointed with Margrave of the Marshes, but only really in the timing of his death, I think ih he'd finished it it would have been just like listening to his show (addictive) I thought his wifes bit was more dates and times, still interesting but not JP

Nice to see a young Ravenscroft present a program about scottish bands JP heralded in eithe 6 or 2 (can't remember) it was just like listening to his dads voice

Lord Evan Elpuss · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3417 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

Tom Ravenscroft (one of John Peel's sons) has a show on 6 music on Friday evenings.
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Lord Evan Elpuss, Your ideal job is a Lumberjack.