Book info

• Title Why Do I Say These Things?
• Author Jonathan Ross
• Year 2008
• Genre Memoir

Why is catalogue shopping responsible for Jonathan Ross's inimitable sense of style? Why might wearing cape and mask be a fast track to heaven? Why does Jonathan wince every time he sees a Hoover? And why did he fall in love with a deep-sea diver? Why? Because this is Jonathan Ross. And nothing is out of bounds when it comes to talking about life as he knows it. From sex and pugs to rock 'n' roll and genital warts, Jonathan holds forth as only he can. This sharply observed, laugh-out-loud, outrageous page-turner will leave you asking just one question... Why didn't he write it sooner?

Thoughts

It took me a while to get into this book. Jonathan Ross writes exactly as he speaks, and it wasn’t until I could hear his voice in my head as I was reading that it really started to flow. Some of the statements and sentences seemed harsh and out of place, but as soon as you’ve got Ross reading it to you in your head, then it all fits together much better.

It’s a highly unnecessary book, guiding you through some small snippets of his life, with nothing particularly groundbreaking or designed to grab headlines. That’s partly what makes it a refreshing read. It’s not a boring autobiography, and it‚’s not written to shock. It may be written simply to generate cash, but it’s a bit of fun, and as long as you dive into it with an easy-going attitude, you won’t be disappointed.

For Ross fans, it’s a must. For anyone else, I’d advise steering clear, as it would be really easy to misinterpret what he writes as genuine rather than humour.

Rating: 3 / 5