Wednesday 30 December 2009

Only when I laugh...

I can be a bit slow at getting round to things. Back in August 2008 I read articles about English comedian Mark Steel's book 'What's Going on?' (and blogged about it here). For Xmas this year I finally got hold of the book in question (thanks my Mark) and I'm reading it this week. It is brilliant (though some of the references may be very British for those of you in the lands of far, far away) and so it is my recommendation for this year, next year, indeed any year with a number in it. Yes, go forth and read Mark Steel's book – it has excellent lines on news, politics, life, relationships and it's also packed with lots and lots of really good, clever jokes. Poetry's all very well but really...this book is something else. Any fool can write a poem...


p.s. Happy New Year for Friday.

x

17 comments:

hope said...

I'll have to add it to my list...after all, you didn't steer me wrong on the Billy Connolly one. ;)

When I go back to work, I'll be "listening" to Craig Ferguson's autobiography, which was a Christmas wish that was granted. I figured this one would be more interesting to hear him tell it.

Best wishes to you and yours in 2010!

Rachel Fox said...

I think you've mentioned that Ferguson guy before, Hope. I looked him up just now because he sounded familiar and he started as a comic over here but then moved the US and hit big time. He was even in the Lemony Snicket movie I note (one of Girl's faves and so I've seen it a few times). You like your Scots don't you!
x

Totalfeckineejit said...

Happy New Year Rachel! The name meant nothing to me but I recognise the face, he do be quite funny on the TV.Is it an autobiography?

Rachel Fox said...

He has a couple of books (some are collections of his newspaper articles I think) but this one is part autobiography, part world affairs of recent times and part commentary about political ideas. Some great anecdotes too. You'll love it TFE.

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The Weaver of Grass said...

A Happy New Year to the three of you and to Zoe too.

Rachel Fox said...

Thanks Weaver...and to all of you!
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Marion McCready said...

The book sounds really good! Hope you have a great new year xx

Rachel Fox said...

Definitely one for you Sorlil (and it's a bargain because it came out last year...way back). Double points.

Oh and thanks for the tip about the H Clinton book...I got it for my Mum (from Oxfam in Perth as it happens) and she has really enjoyed it. She's hurt her hand holding it (because it's so heavy!) but she's really enjoyed it.

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green ink said...

Happy new year Rachel! Thank you for keeping me entertained, comforted and inspired this year x

Rachel Fox said...

And to you GI Phil - for your cheerful, bursting-with-enthusiasm accounts of big city life and new romance (me and mine celebrate our 13th year together in 2010...what old folk we are...).
x

ken armstrong said...

Happy New Year, you poem-writing fool you. :)

Rachel Fox said...

No fooling you, Ken. Happy New Year. Maybe even see you (and yours) in 2010!
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Dominic Rivron said...

I will read it! I saw it only the other day - and nearly bought it.

Rachel Fox said...

I liked it so much I've asked for his other books for my birthday!
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Unknown said...

Oh surely not as slow as me for getting around to things!

Happy new thingywotsit, have a great 2010 :)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a worthwhile read. I will definitely get a hold of it.
Happy New Year, Rachel. All the best for 2010!!

Rachel Fox said...

What a lovely trio of happy new years....best wishes for 2010 to all of you too.
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