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samstillreading's review against another edition
4.0
Everybody knows that I enjoy Michael Palin’s works – whether they be in book format, comedy or travel documentaries. This is the second book of Michael’s diaries, taking us from the end of Monty Python to A Fish Called Wanda and then onto an unknown horizon – Around the World in Eighty Days. This book also deals with some more serious issues – the death of his sister and mother moving out of the family home. However, there are some highs – Mrs Palin taking her first overseas trip to New York at age 80 and the success of various ventures (I have to see The Missionary now!).
Once again, Palin’s writing is brilliant, taking you to that era and making the everyday seem extraordinary and interesting – from parent-teacher meetings, to work meetings and travelling Concorde (okay, so that’s not so ordinary). It feels like he’s a regular, everyday Englishman who happens to act, write and perform very well. I was interested to read his trepidations before the 80 Days trip – he didn’t think it would be overly successful and Palin was a fourth or more choice. But as we all know, it started off some fantastic journeys. I loved reading about behind the scenes with Wanda and Meaning of Life (one of my favourite films) as well as ‘George H’ dropping by (that’s George Harrison of The Beatles). Ordinary man living an exceptional life.
I really enjoyed this book. I presume there won’t be any more published because the travel diaries have already been produced, but I suppose I can hope…
Once again, Palin’s writing is brilliant, taking you to that era and making the everyday seem extraordinary and interesting – from parent-teacher meetings, to work meetings and travelling Concorde (okay, so that’s not so ordinary). It feels like he’s a regular, everyday Englishman who happens to act, write and perform very well. I was interested to read his trepidations before the 80 Days trip – he didn’t think it would be overly successful and Palin was a fourth or more choice. But as we all know, it started off some fantastic journeys. I loved reading about behind the scenes with Wanda and Meaning of Life (one of my favourite films) as well as ‘George H’ dropping by (that’s George Harrison of The Beatles). Ordinary man living an exceptional life.
I really enjoyed this book. I presume there won’t be any more published because the travel diaries have already been produced, but I suppose I can hope…
lyndsiamanda's review against another edition
5.0
I loved reading this version of the diaries, not as much separate python mentions as expected since they broke up back in the seventies but with all the movies he did, and didn't do, and which of the pythons he worked best with and which ones he wasn't as close to as he was before. It was a glorious read, I'm about to start the third one of the diaries to see his travelogues! :) 5/5
kfrench1008's review against another edition
3.0
Not as entertaining as his Python diaries, but still a lot of fun.
miramanga's review
5.0
It was with massive regret that I finished this book. It turns out it is possible to fall in love with someone through their writing alone. Michael Palin is so immeasurably likeable, charismatic and eloquent in his writing that you can't fail to love this book.
I shared a few laughs with him on this journey through the 80's and surprisingly a few tears. The writing is so honest and warm and open that you can't help to set aside preconceptions and just join in the journey.
Palin appeared in Brazil, A Fish Called Wanda, and is of course a Python himself - reading about these legendary subjects from a man on the inside is joyful, enlightening and enthralling. I enjoyed reading about Terry Gilliam and his battles with the studios, elements, fate as seen through the eyes of genial, easy going Palin.
Two of my highlights
* Michael Palin meeting Roald Dahl. (This happens twice)
* Realising that it was Michael Palin (one of my favourites) along with Alan Lee (one of my favourite artists) who wrote [b:Mirrorstone|1464526|Mirrorstone|Michael Palin|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1298821707s/1464526.jpg|1455426] which was one of my favourite childhood books.
Aww I am a lucky monkey to get my hands on this book! Straight off to the library website to order his previous [b:Diaries: The Python Years, 1969-1979|845223|Diaries The Python Years, 1969-1979 (Palin Diaries, #1)|Michael Palin|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335093212s/845223.jpg|654114] and his newest [b:Brazil. Michael Palin|15926713|Brazil. Michael Palin|Michael Palin|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348887910s/15926713.jpg|21677288]
Cannot recommend highly enough.
I shared a few laughs with him on this journey through the 80's and surprisingly a few tears. The writing is so honest and warm and open that you can't help to set aside preconceptions and just join in the journey.
Palin appeared in Brazil, A Fish Called Wanda, and is of course a Python himself - reading about these legendary subjects from a man on the inside is joyful, enlightening and enthralling. I enjoyed reading about Terry Gilliam and his battles with the studios, elements, fate as seen through the eyes of genial, easy going Palin.
Two of my highlights
* Michael Palin meeting Roald Dahl. (This happens twice)
* Realising that it was Michael Palin (one of my favourites) along with Alan Lee (one of my favourite artists) who wrote [b:Mirrorstone|1464526|Mirrorstone|Michael Palin|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1298821707s/1464526.jpg|1455426] which was one of my favourite childhood books.
Aww I am a lucky monkey to get my hands on this book! Straight off to the library website to order his previous [b:Diaries: The Python Years, 1969-1979|845223|Diaries The Python Years, 1969-1979 (Palin Diaries, #1)|Michael Palin|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335093212s/845223.jpg|654114] and his newest [b:Brazil. Michael Palin|15926713|Brazil. Michael Palin|Michael Palin|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348887910s/15926713.jpg|21677288]
Cannot recommend highly enough.
juvation's review against another edition
5.0
The point should be clear from previous reviews of this kind of stuff - the main thing that comes through is how hard these guys work. Being clever and motivated doesn't hurt, of course, and a quality education contributes, but there's no magic bullet or secret here - just a dedication to the establishment, development, and refinement of the art.
lmlanigan's review against another edition
4.0
Like the previous Diaries selection, this thorough tome is worth savoring every page.
peixinhodeprata's review against another edition
4.0
Not as fast paced as the first installment of his diaries, however still very interesting. We get to know a lot about life in the 80's through MP eyes in this book, especially life in Margaret Thatcher's England.
We also get a lot of insight at the film industry, and how it works from writing a book, to produce it, film it and then finally put it out there and the endless marketing involved.
I liked this book a lot, especially because we can see how an idol is actually such a normal individual.
https://peixinhodepratablog.wordpress.com/2017/11/15/o-segundo-diario-de-michael-palin/
We also get a lot of insight at the film industry, and how it works from writing a book, to produce it, film it and then finally put it out there and the endless marketing involved.
I liked this book a lot, especially because we can see how an idol is actually such a normal individual.
https://peixinhodepratablog.wordpress.com/2017/11/15/o-segundo-diario-de-michael-palin/
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