Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A hilarious and touching personal memoir..., 17 Oct 2003
Somewhere in literature there must be some classic quote about how comedy is borne of tragedy. Just like there must be other clever quotes about how the pain of adolescence and peer pressure in a small town can amplify that suffering from being merely lonely and painful into something much worse. If I was smart and articulate enough I’d probably pull them out of the literary hat right now to illustrate Rhona’s biography, however I’m not so I won’t. Fortunately, neither does Rhona, despite the fact it must be tempting. This is the least pretentious and painfully honest book about growing up I’ve ever read. So ignore the TV personality bit, the ‘gay icon’ bit or the desert island bit - this is the no holds barred story of a formative year in the life of a young girl who, as well as having to cope with the usual teen crises, finds herself painfully confused by her own sexuality and her place in an environment that openly scorns anything other than the right fashions, the right football team and the ruthlessly-adhered-to popularity pecking order. Biographies aren’t usually my thing as I tend to find them a bit dry and self obsessed, however this book had me hooked all the way through – I found it engaging, well written, and interspersed with diary entries and conversations with colourful characters from her own imagination. It was by turns hilarious, shocking, touching and tragic, and gives the reader a snapshot of true insight into the background of one of the countries best contemporary comedy talents.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous!!!!, 4 Mar 2004
I thought I had forgotten the 70's but this book brings it all back I mean who remembers: Pippa Dee parties, arctic roll, Embassy Regal, fights after school, playing cards in a caravan, Butterflies on TV, Chopper bikes, Ford Cortina's, Starsky and Hutch, Girl Guides - badges and captains and handbooks etc., school careers interviews, school disco's - snogging and more!! The list is endless and Rhona remembers it all and says it like it is - how does she do it?However, along with this is an honest and touching account of her struggle to fit in and the loss of her father. Truly brilliant!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brave!, 24 Feb 2004
I read this novel cringing with shock, surprise, and embarassment every few pages, and not just at Rhona's exploits but at how much I had forgotten about my own childhood. Did we really do all those things that Rhona is so brave to put her hands up to? "Kays catalogue" says it all really.But other than being cringeworthy, this book is a good read especially for those readers (me) who are sick to death of so-called celebrities publishing their childhood memoirs in the dim hope that they have something important to share, (they dont). Rhona is just like every one of us, it feels as if you are reading your friend's tale, because you actually care, you can share experience, and it feels as if you are gossiping with Rhona, sharing these horrible moments over a vodka and coke. When Rhona needs to get serious toward the end of the book, she does with a childlike exactness and boldness. I had tears rolling down my cheeks, soaking my pillow, before I realised. Its quite a gift to be able to make me cry! Great book - and thanks for the conclusion to Jamie's story!
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