Tells it like it is

I loved the first of Clarkson's books and this is almost as good. As with his on screen persona he doesn't pull any punches and the plain speaking makes for a great read.<br /><br />The style of the book makes it ideal for dipping in and out of and it's a perfect book to read on journeys when you don't have time to get into something longer.

The Wit of Cricket.

An Audio Book which I have enjoyed listening to over and over again. Makes the day a whole lot better. Not offensive in the slightest way.

Wise Words

This book changed my life...for the better. Never before had i been told of the horrors and dangers of holidays abroad. If Slap-Happy Jellyfish is what awaits me, i don't think i'll bother. <br />This book oozes with greatness and it will last the test of time...that is until monkeys take of the planet and rid the world of all evil. That's when the aren't serving coffee in monkey cafes.

Dr Ten Thumbs rides again

Phil Hammond is a carrot-topped, motor-mouthed, whislteblowing medic; star of stand-up, small screen and author of the `Medicine Balls' column for Private Eye. This book is effectively those columns, extended with material from his successful Edinburgh Fringe show and interspersed with spoof GP consultations. It is, he says `a semi-autobiographical, medico-politico, self-help comedy with poems'. So you can see, he isn't quite sure where the book fits but, as you would expect, it's sharp and very funny.<br /><br />The autobiographical bits include the problems of being a `ten-thumbed' doctor hopeless at the dextrous bits of his trade, and his drug addiction - to Australian Shiraz. Edited, the medico-politico bits could stand as a Sunday broadsheet rant against what New Labour has done to the NHS, or, edited another way, a health policy document for Gordon Brown. The GP consultations suggest that Dr Hammond has a nice ear for dialogue and might one day write a good play. The self-help is succinct and spot on: `Other Emergencies: Sudden loss of anything - sight, movement, feeling, breath, blood, condom, consciousness, the will to live - requires urgent medical assistance. This does not apply to your cat or wallet.' Give this book or Christmas to anyone not going into hospital, or Alan Johnson. <br />

Contains swearing. Not for young children.

I bought this from amazon a few weeks ago, and was alarmed when I read the first rhyme, and found Prince Charming calling Cinderella a"sl*t". Returned the book immediately.Have rated it with stars for the quality of writing. Dahl is funny, but this one isn't for younger children, and has no business being in this section.

I think I wet myself!

Having to commute to work on the same bus as school kids Is a nightmare, you really wish for a baseball bat sometimes! Thankfully there's Screen Burn to dispense with the vitriol at the world on my behalf! Thank you Charlie!! Every day I would be almost wetting myself laughing to myself on the bus while reading this, venting of the spleen. Give this man a primetime show on the Beeb NOW!!!

Hmm... mixed feelings

My friend lent me a copy of this book - she thought I needed it because I was contemplating asking a guy out. I wasn't convinced.<br /><br />And I'm still not.<br />Although a lot of what the book has to say about"not that into you" clues early on in a relationship is fairly reasonable, I think it's pretty rubbish once you get further down the path. For instance, the example where a woman is happily settled with a guy who previously got messily divorced but is reluctant to get married again... Greg all but suggests she dump him. Uh, no! I got angrier and angrier as I got further and further in to the book. The one-size-fits-all approach really isn't appropriate in the real world.<br /><br />Regardless, I'm going to go and ask that guy out. Greg has annoyed me to the point where I'm going to do it just because I can!<br /><br />Oh, and the friend that lent it to me? Very, very single...

Inspirational writing

This is a brilliant book. Helped inspire me to keep going with my novel. Great book for anyone trying to finish their novel or wants to have a go at writing.

I'm Sorry What Was That Again?

This is an awesomely hilarious"antidote to panel games". Featuring regulars Barry Cryer, Willie Rushton (the voice behind The Trapdoor series and whom I can't listen to without thinking of Boney) and Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor of Goodies fame ( Goodies fans will be pleased to know that Bill Oddie did a pilot show too) and the inimitable Humph Lyttleton, master of deadpan satire and innocuous innuendo with the assistance of the delightful Samantha on his right hand. Also assisted by the most able (or at least most available) Colin Sell at the piano, this is an interesting collection of sketches for fans of double-entendre and word play. I bought this for a long motorway journey and found myself giggling all the way to the various"rounds": Limericks, where the teams have to complete the Limerick with appropriate vocal gymnastics, Doctor's Songbook ( Recommended listening for Doctors), and the unique, yet strangely familiar, strategy game that is Mornington Crescent. Definately worth every penny. Mrs Trellis of North Wales.

Fantastic! A Work of Pure Genius!

Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy: Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets Pt.1 is, simply put, the greatest book written since the dawn of time. The storyline is sensational, the written style is marvellous, the enthralling quality of the book is superb, and the overall presentation of this book is spectacular. I simply cannot find enough superlatives to describe how good this book is! you'll have to buy it for yourself to know exactly how i feel, but i assure you, when your eyes glance the cover of this book, you will not be able to put it down until you have finished it, and when that moment comes, the climax will leave you with a feeling so satisfying that you will feel at one with the world.
Another stroke of genius from the authorial legend that is Dav Pilkey!
This book is truly amazing! This is an absolutely essential purchase for any appreciative follower of classic literature!
You will find out for yourself when you have read it!
I can honestly say i have never read a work of art like it and now that i have i feel my life is complete and i feel a responsibility to alert the world of the unique talent and originality of the said author.

Cynical Re-hash of Clarkson articles from 10-15 years ago - AVOID!

You would be forgiven for buying this book and thinking you were getting something new - in fairness, it does say in the small print on the back that the book is a collection of"classic" Clarkson, and that it was first published in 1999, but even that (should you spot it) doesn't give any indication of just how old and irrelevant the contents are.<br /><br />The book is simply a compilation of newspaper articles from the 90s, many from the very eary 90s, so most are at least 10-15 years old. The problem is that newpaper columns tend by their nature to be fairly topical, and so throughout the book it is genuinely hard to understand what the topical references relate to.<br /><br />In my view, this is just lazy and cynical publishing - Clarkson has already been paid handsomely to write these articles as a columnist in the first place, so to simply collate it all together and pretend it is something new is greedy and misleading.<br /><br />Its not that Clarkson isn't funny, he is in places as always, but you just can't help feeling cheated for paying good money for this recycled rubbish.<br /><br />This book would be OK if you want a trip down memory lane from the last decade, but avoid if you are expecting something more contemporary.<br /><br />

Some Really Great Ideas

I've really enjoyed this book. Granted, a lot of the ideas are really simple and you could probably have come up with them yourself, but actually I think that's what makes it so good, a lot of the projects can be made from things you already have in the house and are uncomplicated. I can dip in when I need a quick idea for something to do on a rainy day. <br /><br />I have found though that because the author is American it does mention brands and supplies that I don't know, which can be frustrating. And, I would have liked some more pictures (some projects do have pictures, but not many and not very detailed) just to help me a long on some of the projects, but in general it's good value, and a lot of fun. <br /><br />I would recommend it to mum's who are in need of some inspiration. In fact, I've enjoyed it so much I'm going to buy one for my friend. <br />

very disappointing, the songs get short shrift

Although this is worth a listen for diehard Conchord fans, I wouldn't recommend it for anyone else. A big part of the appeal of their HBO show, as well as the concert clips I've seen, is the contrast between Bret and Jemaine's dead-pan"normal" personalities, and their exuberant and fanciful songs. Since a radio show obviously has no visual component, you'd at least expect performances of the songs to be front and center, but it's not the case. The songs are rarely if ever presented complete and uninterrupted, often stepped on by Rob Brydon's otherwise decent narration, or faded out and talked over by other characters, or cut such that the entire song never appears in the show. Contrived as it was, I much prefer the way the HBO show built the plot around the songs. Even the short clips of their live show on YouTube are better than this. <br /><br />With the exception of the excellent Rhys Darby as proto-Murray manager Brian Nesbitt, and, to a lesser extent, Neil Finn as Brian's unwitting rock-and-roll mentor, the supporting players range from forgettable to really annoying (especially Greg Proops).<br /><br />So, hardcore fans, check it out for Bret, Jemaine, and Rhys Darby. Everyone else, I'd recommend the HBO series DVD and YouTube.<br />

What Is Mornington crescent????

It is hailed as the antidote to 'quiz shows'! That aroused my curiosity so I bought it. Not only am I now 'cured' but I am absolutely addicted to this little gem of a show. It is very, very funny; very, very clever and the Mornington Crescent GAme will have you on the edge of your seat! Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden are hillarious. Barry Cryer is just a genius and Humphrey Littleton's double entendres with the mysterious Samantha is just outrageous. It is good clean fun though and I could happily listen to it with great aunt Agatha and granma. Definitely one for sunday afternoon tea - but make sure you don't have a mouthful of cake, it really is laugh out loud stuff!

Adams Hitting New Rich Vein of Form!

This latest (31st) collection of Dilbert cartoons contains all the syndicated cartoon strips (including the longer Sunday strip) from March 2007 - early January 2008. As a bonus, they are now ALL in colour, not just the Sunday ones. I have really enjoyed this collection - Adams has hit a new bit of sharp form in this latest collection. Wally, PHB, Alice....they are all here. An excellent, humourous read. Highly recommended.

Amazing

If you like the series, then you will love the book. It is split in very small pieces of information, which makes it ideal for commuting. I recommend it!

Awesome

So you wanna learn magic?

In one word buy this book. You wont be disappointed. Beautifully Illustrated, Well made and Easy to follow!

The colour images help you understand better. As far as magic books go this is one of the best I have come across.

Essential reading for pundits

I ordered this book for my son (aged 11½) - we really enjoy ISIHAC on BBC radio 4 and BBC 7. At first, he was confused. It looked like his school dictionary, but he couldn't understand the entries. We've discuss the definitions and his grasp of the English Language and his appreciation of the English sense of humour has led him to produce some excellent ideas for new contributions - it should be compulsory reading for all Key Stage 2 pupils.
I look forward to the 18th-ish edition.