John Brown

The difference between true PR and all the other crap, 17 April 2012

I'll start with a disclaimer. I've worked for the Wadds and Steve for three years now, however my own personal ego and self loving prohibits me from distributing praise to anything other than a mirror. This time though, praise is deserved and so I will break the mould. This book is for anyone wishing to understand modern day PR. It's not a ten steps to pitching success, five steps to writing a press release or one step to wearing knacker hugging jeans and saying 'I work in media'. This book (and I have read it) gives deep insight - using clear examples and expert opinions - to add the context around the challenges the industry faces, the changing media world we operate in and what it takes… Read more

Takes a while to digest, but ultimately satisfying, 8 Mar 2010

This was my first Fforde. After hearing great things about comic genius, well thought out plots and superb writing, I was eager to get stuck in.

The first 100 pages or so were a real struggle. For me Fforde fails to set the scene and expects the reader to blindly accept the Colourtocracy world that the characters live in. There was plenty of re-reading for me as I waded through a hue based hierarchy and bizarre relationship procedures. I am not asking to be spoon fed the background and the meaning behind the rules and regulations of this futuristic world, but a little helping hand early on would have been welcome.

However, perseverance paid off. You do find yourself… Read more

Crack for the male narcissist, 26 Feb 2010

Was given this book at my book club and, being a ladish lad, it was lucky that I was as I would never have picked this up myself.

I dubiously read the first chapter and was then hooked. The book became like crack for me, it was addictively good and really appealed to my love of all things grand, luxurious, deceitful and exciting.

Guys of the world, do not be put off by the title or references to this being a book for girls on holiday. It is full of sex, lies and moreish tales of overindulgence and narcissistic escapades.