Author: Jon Richardson Publish Date:23 June 2011 Genre: Comedy, Non-Fiction Audience: Teens and up
I had spotted this book on numerous occasions, whether it be hidden in the depths of Waterstones, or sitting proudly in a charity shop. It was one of those books which just seems to follow you around. After stumbling across it yet again whilst scouring the library's return shelves, I decided it was time to delve into the world of Jon Richardson. After all, it looked a relatively short read. Unfortunately, this book took me far longer than I expected. But that wasn't because it was substandard. 'It's Not Me, It's You!' first piqued my attention as it is the writings of a perfectionist - something I would consider myself - and I related to Richardson on more than one level throughout this book. That little niggling feeling you get when the condiments on the table aren't lined up properly? The annoyance at having missed the car clock over a milestone on the odometer? Richardson sums it up perfectly in just one weekend of experiences. In addition, Richardson's writing is extremely pleasant to read - in fact, it was the most well-written book I have come across in a while. The way he describes his happenings are humorous, but with a strangely poetic nature - even if it simply observing those around him at the breakfast table, and is therefore easy to relate to. Ironically, it's an amiable experience, despite Richardson's stark hatred at certain aspects of life. Where this book let me down, is the lack of variety. Whilst the first half had me completely absorbed, it soon became repetitive; the situations were different, but the perfectionist concepts and ideals were the same, and it soon became tedious. Another flaw I noticed was the complete lack of interaction Richardson had throughout the entirety of the book. Whilst I admit, that is kind of the point he was trying to make, it made the narration heavy and slightly overwhelming, and this is why it took me so long to finish. I think there was an entire week when I didn't even pick it up because even the thought of reading it was too much effort! (Having said that, it was an easy read once I was into it, and not nearly as much effort as I'd made it out to be). In conclusion, 'It's Not Me, It's You!' delivers a unique and personal experience in which nearly every reader can relate to, perfectionist or not. The flaws identified by myself are most likely down to my own personal take on the book, and overall it is worth a read in order to obtain a new insight on the everyday world around you. Next read: 'The Manifesto on How To Be Interesting' by Holly Bourne
Author: Dave Gorman, Danny Wallace Publish Date: 4 July 2002 Genre: Documentary Comedy, Non-Fiction Audience: Teens and up
Words cannot describe how much I love this book. Which is ironic considering I am writing a blog post on it. But seriously - this book is everything I never knew I was missing.
First of all, Dave Gorman has been one of my favourite comedians for a short while now after discovering his genius TV show 'Modern Life is Goodish'. I have been meaning to read his latest book for a while now, but after my brother bought me Dave's first publication for Christmas (with a lovely addition of a personalised signing as shown below), I thought I may as well start here.
And I sure am glad I did.
'Are You Dave Gorman?' is simply a wonderfully engaging tale of two flatmates who get drunk and make a ludicrous bet - to find 54 people named David Gorman. It seems like something that you would find in a fiction novel as they scour the world far and wide, but every line is ridiculously and beautifully true.
Dave Gorman and Danny Wallace's commentary delivers this journey perfectly, with the appropriate amount of comedy in all the right places; there is even the odd overly dramatic scene in which you, as a reader, find yourself far too deeply invested in where and when they will find the next Dave Gorman.
It is startlingly plain to see the true lengths that this petty bet evolved to, and never have I been so invested in a journey like this before - I doubt I ever will be again! The epilogue truly struck a place in my heart and I closed the book with a resentful sigh (before realising the true absurdity that I was hung up over 55 Dave Gormans and 1 Danny Wallace and I started to contemplate all meaning in my life).
In short, 'Are You Dave Gorman?' is a truly heart-warming tale of a preposterous expedition that will make you laugh, cry, and most of all - make you want to change your name to Dave Gorman.
