chevalierene's review against another edition
5.0
The moment I started reading this book I knew it was going to be just as fun as reading Anything Goes. What I wasn't expecting from this book were the different emotional states. Sometimes I would laugh hysterically, other times I would cry. I also felt angry, sad, embarrassed, and pleased. Reading this book made me have a conglomeration of feelings that I hadn't experienced in a while. John and Carole's writing style always makes for a great read and I can't wait to read their new children's series and Torchwood novel!
slipperbunny's review
5.0
Just as wonderful as Anything Goes, but with different stories. I loved it when John told about his dogs (I almost cried) and, well, I actually loved everything. I think Carole is the perfect person to write these books because he knows John so well and he knows how he speaks and acts.
lizabethstucker's review
4.0
Reading a book from John and Carole really is like sitting down with him and listening to family stories and discussing whatever subject might come up. Once again the chapters are entitled by the names of songs that pertain to the contents within. This time chapters are divided by Family Table Talk moments where you hear a more intimate remembrance or talk.
As before I would suggest not reading this in public, unless you don't mind people looking at you strangely for breaking out in laughter. John is truly a raconteur in every aspect of the word. His footnotes are, once again, as amusing and interesting as the information in the story itself.
You simply must buy this book and the prequel, Anything Goes. It is well worth the money and a delightful way to spend a few hours. And for those Doctor Who and Torchwood fans, there are more stories contained within about John's experiences with the cast and crew.
Bravo to John and his sister Carole for another wonderful read. I hope this is the beginning of many more books.
As before I would suggest not reading this in public, unless you don't mind people looking at you strangely for breaking out in laughter. John is truly a raconteur in every aspect of the word. His footnotes are, once again, as amusing and interesting as the information in the story itself.
You simply must buy this book and the prequel, Anything Goes. It is well worth the money and a delightful way to spend a few hours. And for those Doctor Who and Torchwood fans, there are more stories contained within about John's experiences with the cast and crew.
Bravo to John and his sister Carole for another wonderful read. I hope this is the beginning of many more books.
fat_girl_fiction's review
4.0
I Am What I Am by John Barrowman
Having read Anything Goes I was excited to find another Barrowman autobiography. My only concern is that he'd pretty much covered his whole life in the first book, what was left to talk about?
However, I didn't have to worry, it was great, full of entertaining stories and memorable moments and opinions. I loved the 'table talk' sections about what the Barrowman's would discuss around the dinner table and I really enjoyed reading the lists relevant to each chapter. As always the pictures were great and the writing was high quality and a joy to read. I found myself laughing out loud and nearly crying when he was talking about his dog dying.
The only thing that got on my nerves, were the footnotes. They must have been in the other book, but this time it was annoying to keep checking down the bottom of the page. I also found him a little annoying. I love John Barrowman, I'm a massive fan of Torchwood and I know his personality, but there were some points were I felt a little sorry for his family and his partner.
Overall, four stars, not as good as Anything Goes but still a brilliant read.
Having read Anything Goes I was excited to find another Barrowman autobiography. My only concern is that he'd pretty much covered his whole life in the first book, what was left to talk about?
However, I didn't have to worry, it was great, full of entertaining stories and memorable moments and opinions. I loved the 'table talk' sections about what the Barrowman's would discuss around the dinner table and I really enjoyed reading the lists relevant to each chapter. As always the pictures were great and the writing was high quality and a joy to read. I found myself laughing out loud and nearly crying when he was talking about his dog dying.
The only thing that got on my nerves, were the footnotes. They must have been in the other book, but this time it was annoying to keep checking down the bottom of the page. I also found him a little annoying. I love John Barrowman, I'm a massive fan of Torchwood and I know his personality, but there were some points were I felt a little sorry for his family and his partner.
Overall, four stars, not as good as Anything Goes but still a brilliant read.
deejah_fig_and's review
3.0
Another memoir?? Yep - I am sure it will be the final one for me in this project. This is another book given to me by my pal Lara http://larasreadingroom.blogspot.com/ . She asked if it would be a book that I would be interested in checking out because she knew that I am a sci-fi fan overall and a Torchwood fan specifically. See, for the uninitiated, John Barrowman plays Captain Jack Harkness on the Doctor Who and Torchwood franchises. He is a Scottish-born actor who grew up in the US. He is flamboyant and funny and brilliant at his craft. He is also a little bit crazy - as evidenced in the opening of his book. He invites us, the reader, into his home. Pointing out what we see on the walls and in the foyer, introducing us to his dogs and using at least two footnotes on page one. He is a lover of a footnote - I am not...but I soldiered on.
One of the many things I dislike about the memoir format is at equal turns, it seems both self-indulgent and self-effacing. I got plenty of both from this book, but I also found out some great insight about this man. He spends a lot of time talking about Torchwood and the way the show ended. He talks about his 15-year relationship with his partner Scott Gill. He talks about his childhood and his unending love of his Mum and Dad. There were good stories and bad ones. Some went on for too long, some I wish hadn't ended.
For folks not familiar with Barrowman, I am not sure how enjoyable this book would be. I am a pretty big fan and even I was frustrated from time to time. It is very well-written with great humor and honesty - he really holds nothing back. There were definitely parts that made me laugh out loud and there were also some pretty moving stories. But - it is not a linear tale and he jumps from story to story and that sapped some of my enjoyment. Overall Barrowman is a fun guy, and I will watch him in anything, but I'm not sure I need to read anything more about him.
One of the many things I dislike about the memoir format is at equal turns, it seems both self-indulgent and self-effacing. I got plenty of both from this book, but I also found out some great insight about this man. He spends a lot of time talking about Torchwood and the way the show ended. He talks about his 15-year relationship with his partner Scott Gill. He talks about his childhood and his unending love of his Mum and Dad. There were good stories and bad ones. Some went on for too long, some I wish hadn't ended.
For folks not familiar with Barrowman, I am not sure how enjoyable this book would be. I am a pretty big fan and even I was frustrated from time to time. It is very well-written with great humor and honesty - he really holds nothing back. There were definitely parts that made me laugh out loud and there were also some pretty moving stories. But - it is not a linear tale and he jumps from story to story and that sapped some of my enjoyment. Overall Barrowman is a fun guy, and I will watch him in anything, but I'm not sure I need to read anything more about him.
felecia's review
Love this book! Engaging writing style. Feels like hanging out with JB for an evening.
jolew's review
5.0
Great book of stories. John is witty and tells some great stories. I had to stifle some laughter (since I was sitting at work).
jenell's review
4.0
Love John Barrowman and loved this! I read his first autobiography a few years ago and loved it too so this was a nice follow up! Definitely had me laughing out loud a few times!