goodbookss95's review against another edition
3.0
Okay, so, I did enjoy this book. I thought that it did provide some good strategies on how to talk to people about things that you disagree on. I definitely like the emphasis on the idea that, whilst everyone is entitled to their own opinion, they should be able to defend that opinion. I liked the various topics that were discussed in the book, and I think the tactics explored will be helpful in real life conversations. From the small segments that James included in this book, I'm not sure how effective these conversation were at opening people's eyes to the ludicrousness of their positions. I also liked how James spoke about the idea that it isn't all the general public's fault that they believe and act the way they do. While everyone of course is allowed to think freely and critique things as they wish, they often don't. Because the education system has failed them. Because the newspapers that basically all report the same thing make it seem like there's no room for critique. Because political and corporate propaganda is everywhere, unavoidable and constantly visible in every day life. It takes a lot for someone to have the courage to lift the wool from their eyes, because reality is not comforting. James has a good strategy that I think is understandable and usable for the everyday person. He explains things well and gives people a good background and foundation to build on, that will hopefully help to stimulate more critical conversations in today's society.
One can dream at least. Everyone should do their part.
One can dream at least. Everyone should do their part.
georgiaswad's review against another edition
4.0
good job james - as ever, eloquent, witty, and often more right than most.
did lose a star for the (i’m sorry james) relatively cheap shot at jeremy corbyn in an epilogue focussed on disloyal and smart talking politicians. of everyone to highlight in that short chapter, corbyn, a man who, despite his numerous faults, has been unfailing honest and trustworthy - often to his own detriment - was an odd choice. (some light was thrown on this when, a few paragraphs later, it became clear james lent a hand to the ‘people’s vote’ campaign - known as anti-corbyn and partially founded in order to undermine his leadership by unsympathetic labour MPs.
despite this it’s an accessible, enjoyable and informative read and has done nothing to dent my long standing respect for james o’brien as a man of integrity, and one of the best radio hosts in the game. highlights for me included;
‘…the way in which furiously held convictions so often collapse under the scantest scrutiny speaks to a British society which has morphed during my years on air into a space where, for reasons we will explore, people who once felt compelled by common decency (or 'political correct-ness’ as they often prefer to describe it) to keep their most vile views to themselves, now feel free to shout them from the rooftops’
‘He holds precisely the same position as all the prominent people (…) who routinely claim that their freedom to say such things is being compromised (…) Their problem is not that they are in any way prevented from preaching the sort of ignorant hatred Frank espoused, their problem is with people like me - and hopefully you - remaining free to describe it as ignorant hatred and, even more infuriatingly, being capable of proving it.’
bravo!
did lose a star for the (i’m sorry james) relatively cheap shot at jeremy corbyn in an epilogue focussed on disloyal and smart talking politicians. of everyone to highlight in that short chapter, corbyn, a man who, despite his numerous faults, has been unfailing honest and trustworthy - often to his own detriment - was an odd choice. (some light was thrown on this when, a few paragraphs later, it became clear james lent a hand to the ‘people’s vote’ campaign - known as anti-corbyn and partially founded in order to undermine his leadership by unsympathetic labour MPs.
despite this it’s an accessible, enjoyable and informative read and has done nothing to dent my long standing respect for james o’brien as a man of integrity, and one of the best radio hosts in the game. highlights for me included;
‘…the way in which furiously held convictions so often collapse under the scantest scrutiny speaks to a British society which has morphed during my years on air into a space where, for reasons we will explore, people who once felt compelled by common decency (or 'political correct-ness’ as they often prefer to describe it) to keep their most vile views to themselves, now feel free to shout them from the rooftops’
‘He holds precisely the same position as all the prominent people (…) who routinely claim that their freedom to say such things is being compromised (…) Their problem is not that they are in any way prevented from preaching the sort of ignorant hatred Frank espoused, their problem is with people like me - and hopefully you - remaining free to describe it as ignorant hatred and, even more infuriatingly, being capable of proving it.’
bravo!
henry_edwards1's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
5.0
catcaird's review against another edition
4.0
A really interesting book. I listened to the audio version which was read by James O'Brien and it was done really well. He has some fascinating stories and view points.
holyheadharpie's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.5