| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Plus, get an extra £5 Gift Certificate when you trade in books worth £10 or more before June 30, 2012. Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. |
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
|
More About the Author
Product Description
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Like his previous bets, Tony's new task takes him all over the world. He scours Nashville, Sudan, Holland and finally Albania in his search for a hit, amassing a small but varied catalogue of songs as he goes. As ever, his dry observations of the people and places elicit quite a few chuckles. However, it's the sections covering his time in Sudan and Albania that really stand out. Hawks' primary objective in Sudan is to write on his experiences, in order to raise funds for UNICEF, and as in Moldova, Hawks' writes with touching empathy as he describes the conditions in Sudan and the daily troubles of its people. However, the moving subject matter doesn't drag the lighter moments down, and the introspective moments blend well. The Albanian section however, is a real joy, mainly due to Hawks' ability to wrest every comic ounce out of the ludicrous situation he has found himself in. Hawks recalls that Norman Wisdom is adored and revered in Albania (and readers are left in no doubt as to just how much), so Tony, along with Sir Tim Rice (yes, Sir Tim Rice!), pen a catchy song to this effect. Add to this a backing band, some toy instruments and a tour of Albania with Sir Wisdom himself, and you have a laugh-out-loud funny and upbeat (if slightly surreal) end to the challenge.
If there is a downside to the end of the book, it's the feeling of unfinished business with both the instigator of the bet, and a well known record producer, who Tony met along the way. The book does conclude on an upnote though, and at the reader can at least look forward to the prospect of Hawks' making a certain somebody eat their words (or a large novelty-shaped cake).
I won't reveal whether or not Tony met his challenge, but I'm positive that "One Hit Wonderland" will be a hit in its own right.
These minor irritations aside, Hawks is an amiable companion, and he scores over others in this field - Bryson, McCarthy et al - because he knows how to write and tell the occasional joke. By far the most enjoyable section is the last, in Albania, and it just about makes up for the faintly disappointing earlier bits in Nashville and the Sudan.
Quite good fun, all in all.
This time, you have to worry about his sanity, as he's made a bet with someone at a dinner party that he'll get another top 20 record back in the charts, after his debut with "Morris Minor and the Majors". However, the person at the dinner party really doesn't seem bothered about the whole thing, and you have to wonder whether Tony just saw another opportunity to throw together a lightweight bestseller.
To give him credit, he certainly goes the distance, experimenting with World Music remixes, East-European duets and flying to Amsterdam dressed as a Pixie. It's not until the surreal combination of Tim Rice and Norman Wisdom enters the frame that he has a chance of success.
Tony's humour, sense of adventure and madcap optimism makes this a very fun read. I got the feeling that the whole thing was a little strained though - did anyone but Tony really care about the bet this time ? Perhaps this pervades his adventures a bit, too, as he seems to have real difficulty getting people in to the spirit this time.
Of course, it doesn't stop this being extremely funny in parts, but it's all getting a little formulaic. If you're a fan of his other books, give it a go !
Part 1 Tony's inital bet and visit to America. Read more
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
- Books > Biography > Film, Television & Music > Music > Rock & Pop
- Books > Humour > Essays
- Books > Humour > Fiction
- Books > Music, Stage & Screen > Music > Styles > Rock & Pop > Styles
- Books > Travel & Holiday > Travel Writing
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
|
