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bhnmt61's review
4.0
Other than knowing that Eddie Izzard is a trans British comedian, I really knew nothing about him before I picked up this book. I saw it on a list of books recommended by Bill Gates, and the idea that a billionaire, nerdy tech-guy would consider this a worthwhile read intrigued me. But the first third of it, covering Izzard's childhood and the death of his mother, is standard issue celebrity bio. I almost put it down. It gets more interesting once he starts working. I was impressed by his stubborn persistence. I give up on an idea that doesn't pan out after a year or two, but he worked for twenty years in one capacity or another before he really became successful, without knowing whether or not he would ever be successful. It's not the thoughtful, reflective memoir I wish it was--I really wish he had written more about the trans experience-- but I'm glad I read it.
stepriot's review
4.0
First, I highly recommend you get this as an audiobook. You'll get a lot of bonus content. The first half was very moving and interesting. After he achieves fame, it gets a lot less interesting. I think that's because in the first half he's telling you his story. Eddie Izzard is one of my favorite storytellers. The second half is a bit more pontificating and analysis, which is a lot less interesting. Dressed to Kill is still one of my favorite specials and I'm glad he owns the rights to his stuff because the skits someone anyone animated with lego is brilliant. Would be an injustice if a studio made them come down.
hayley_henderson22's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
mrs_bonaventure's review against another edition
3.0
I really like Eddie Izzard and I enjoyed this, but it could have done with editing quite a bit more.
His central theme, that everyone can do more than they think they can, and you need persistence and stamina, is completely true and inspiring - I just wish he’d spent longer on his career or his marathon running and less on his school days. Never mind, it was worth reading.
Oh, and got to meet him when he signed copies at our local bookshop.
His central theme, that everyone can do more than they think they can, and you need persistence and stamina, is completely true and inspiring - I just wish he’d spent longer on his career or his marathon running and less on his school days. Never mind, it was worth reading.
Oh, and got to meet him when he signed copies at our local bookshop.
pagecw's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
gerdursif's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.5