Russell Brand - My Booky Wook (My Booky Wook - Russell Brand)

Member Name: bennybishy

Product:	My Booky Wook - Russell Brand
Date:	26/06/09 (36 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A fantastic read from start to finish, offering the reader an insight into a superbly talented mind.

Disadvantages: Not for the narrow-minded, and may focus on drugs a little too much.

I wasn't a huge fan of Brand; he looks a bit funny, probably smells a bit funny too, and he supports West Ham. But I could tell he was a smart-one, and after a friend recommended I read his autobiography, I decided it would accompany me on holiday and help me stay glued to the sun bed.

First things first - after reading the book, I can't deny Brand has a talent for writing. I'd read many of his Guardian articles and enjoyed his sports column, but the application of lyrical skill to an autobiography is something quite different. Brand kills it. With Brand only being 32 years of age during the book's publication, many may question how much there really is to know about someone who, in all things entertainment, hasn't been around for too long. Fear not, as an eventful life has lead to a great book being created; and whilst a large portion of it focuses around Russell's struggles with drink, drugs and women, we are also given insight into Russell's upbringing and where he feels he's at now.

Russell tells us about his problems as a youngster; his complicated relationships with his parents and his grandmother, his quest to lose his virginity, and his struggles in reaching his desired goal of being loved by his audience. I don't want to list any spoilers, I WANT you to read this book, so I'll keep things completely analytical. My Booky Wook offers the reader a brief look into the events that helped mould Russell into the person, and entertainer, that he is now. We travel with Russell through Primary, Secondary and Drama school, and Brand's incredible writing skills helps us feel a very part of his story.

However cliché the term, My Booky Wook really is a rollercoaster, with Russell able to propel himself into the limelight, taking his first steps to where he wants to be, before shooting himself in the foot (quite a feat through those hideous fairy-boots of his). Mingling with other comedians who are at the top of their game, Brand always seems to find a way of pushing the barriers that little bit too far. But why not try it? When you know you have what it takes, and you know that someday you'll make it to the top, you might as well have some fun along the way.

Russell tells us of everything he has worked on up until the book's publication, which, for those who have seen the things he talks about, really is a fascinating insight into the mind of a comic creator. I found Russell's memories of RE: Brand particularly interesting. Russell tells us of his struggles with drugs, which are imaginable a struggle in any sort of life, but in the surroundings of an obscure television series, it must have been an incredible struggle to keep professional and focused on what Russell and his team had hoped to create. Youtube currently has all of Russell's work from RE: Brand available to watch, and linking the clips in with what is said in the book really gives the reader some sort of feeling as to what it was like in Russell's situation.

I found very little I disliked about My Booky Wook. Brand is an incredible talent; he has a talent for writing and a talent for storytelling. But those stories did start to feel rather similar after the umpteenth heroin anecdote. Nevertheless, a small blemish on what is a fantastic read in it's entirety. Many may argue that the book serves only to propel Brand's ego through a medium other than television or radio, but for me it serves as a way of trying to understand the mind of a very clever talent, who has the world at his feet. It may also have served Russell an opportunity to see himself in a different light and to reflect on what has been a very exciting life so far. No one should deny someone of that, and if it makes them a few bobby wob on the way, then props to them.

Summary: A great autobigraphy from a superb talent - 10/10