Recommend me an auto/biography
Discussion
I'm off on a rare holiday in a couple of weeks, and will be hell bent on sitting on my ar$e doing as little as possible, poolside, with a couple of cold ones.
I enjoy reading but hardly ever have chance to read a newspaper, let alone a book. I've decided to buy an autobiography or biography, as last time I did read, I read The Guv'nor (Lenny McLean), and really enjoyed it.
Could someone recommend a good one? I like cars, motor racing, music, villains, people who have made their mark etc. Not remotely interested in footballers or Katie Price. So far, I'm thinking Hendrix or McQueen.
I enjoy reading but hardly ever have chance to read a newspaper, let alone a book. I've decided to buy an autobiography or biography, as last time I did read, I read The Guv'nor (Lenny McLean), and really enjoyed it.
Could someone recommend a good one? I like cars, motor racing, music, villains, people who have made their mark etc. Not remotely interested in footballers or Katie Price. So far, I'm thinking Hendrix or McQueen.
I've read the Steve McQueen one by Marshall Terrill which was pretty good I think (read it a long time ago). Also the Ian Fleming biographies by Andrew Lycett and John Pearson (IIRC) are good, as is "Dino" about Dean Martin, by Nick Tosches. On a similar theme the book "Rat Pack Confidential" is worth a read.
Autobiography-wise "Boy" and "Going Solo" by Roald Dahl are terrific.
Autobiography-wise "Boy" and "Going Solo" by Roald Dahl are terrific.
Shantaram.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shantaram-Gregory-David-Ro...
Not strictly an autobiography, but this is about an Australian convict who went on the run and ended up spending a number of years living in an Indian slum. A fascinating read.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shantaram-Gregory-David-Ro...
Not strictly an autobiography, but this is about an Australian convict who went on the run and ended up spending a number of years living in an Indian slum. A fascinating read.
"The Life of Mahatma Gandhi" by Louis Fischer. An intimate and moving biography of Gandhi which tries to get close to the man himself rather than simply recite historical facts. It's not the easiest read, but it's well worth it IMHO.
Gandhi's autobiography is also very interesting, but I think the Fischer is better for the casual reader (as opposed to student).
Gandhi's autobiography is also very interesting, but I think the Fischer is better for the casual reader (as opposed to student).
If you enjoyed The Guv'nor then Dave Courtney's series of books are worth a read, the best two are Stop the Ride I Want to Get Off and Raving Lunacy (IMO). In a similar vein Watch My Back by Geoff Thompson is a very decent book too.
Pimp by Iceberg Slim is also another enlightening, if at times uncomfortable, read.
Pimp by Iceberg Slim is also another enlightening, if at times uncomfortable, read.
I'm just enjoying Alan Alda
Never Have Your Dog Stuffed....
Helps that I'm really a fan of M*A*S*H, including his directing - but beautiful, gently crafted, humour-packed and easy to read.
Never Have Your Dog Stuffed....
Helps that I'm really a fan of M*A*S*H, including his directing - but beautiful, gently crafted, humour-packed and easy to read.
My default recommendation for this question, and many others, is Chickenhawk by Robert Mason.
http://www.robertcmason.com/Books/chpage.html
http://www.robertcmason.com/Books/chpage.html
Completely misses the OP's stated interest but..:
'Seeing Things' by Oliver Postgate - yes, maker of 'The Clangers','Ivor the Engine' and 'Bagpuss - is a lovely read.
For more derring-do try 'Looking for Trouble', the autobiography of General Sir Peter de la Billière. Oh, and another if rather older memoir I enjoyed is 'The lonely sea and the sky ' by yachtsman Francis Chichester.
'Seeing Things' by Oliver Postgate - yes, maker of 'The Clangers','Ivor the Engine' and 'Bagpuss - is a lovely read.
For more derring-do try 'Looking for Trouble', the autobiography of General Sir Peter de la Billière. Oh, and another if rather older memoir I enjoyed is 'The lonely sea and the sky ' by yachtsman Francis Chichester.
Gassing Station | Books and Literature | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff