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Russell Brand learned early on to make a joke of fear and failure. From a troubled childhood in industrial Essex, England, to his descent into addictions to alcohol, drugs, and sex in the seamy underbelly of London, Brand has seen his share of both and miraculously lived to tell the tale. In My Booky Wook he leads readers on a rollicking journey through his disastrous school career, his infamous antics on MTV, and his multifarious sexual adventures. But this irreverent memoir is a story not show more simply of struggle but also of redemption, a testament to the difficulty of discovering what you want from life and the remarkable power of a bloody-minded determination to get it. My Booky Wook is a giddy trip through the brilliant mind of one of Britain's most valuable exports. show lessTags
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blueviolent Both ostentatious heroin addicts with an Oscar Wilde-an aptitude for humorous epigrams. Both in love with themselves, but cleverly hilarious enough to make reading their works worth wading through the ego.
Member Reviews
My primary take-away from My Booky Wook is to never invite Russell Brand to any party I'm throwing. All that other stuff about how heroin is a bad idea, as well as cocaine and indiscriminate sex, I'd pretty much already figured out.
Still, if not instructional (not many people are in danger of wanting to do the things Brand gets up to on an ordinary afternoon), it is entertaining. Brand has a charming, self-effacing wit that extracts sympathy through some very extreme examples of poor impulse control. He knows he's being an enormous jerk, but still, it's all a bit funny, isn't it? And it generally is, not as it actually happened (I suspect), but in how Brand tells the story afterward. The result is a sort of odd mix of Sid Vicious and show more Michael Palin; debauchery written about by a guy who really loves his Mom and his cat. show less
Still, if not instructional (not many people are in danger of wanting to do the things Brand gets up to on an ordinary afternoon), it is entertaining. Brand has a charming, self-effacing wit that extracts sympathy through some very extreme examples of poor impulse control. He knows he's being an enormous jerk, but still, it's all a bit funny, isn't it? And it generally is, not as it actually happened (I suspect), but in how Brand tells the story afterward. The result is a sort of odd mix of Sid Vicious and show more Michael Palin; debauchery written about by a guy who really loves his Mom and his cat. show less
Russell Brand is a bit like Marmite - people seem to either love him or hate him. Perhaps this autobiography will help to convert those who seek to dismiss Brand as a flamboyant, egotistic idiot (if, that is, they can see past the simplistic title which is, in fact, a reference to 'The Clockwork Orange').
This autobiography charts Brand's childhood in Essex, in a loving but occasionally misguided family, and his troubled school life. He was a loner, an outsider, and always felt - indeed, sought - to be different from his peers, to set himself apart. Unfortunately, even when his 'Eureka!' moment arrived and he realised he wanted to be a showbiz star, this need to be different manifested itself in troublesome forms which ended in a string show more of expulsions from various academic and dramatic institutions. Falling in with some interesting characters at school, Brand turned for the first time to drugs and alcohol. As the years went by he added sex to his repertoire, and progressed to harder drugs and more trouble, being fired from job after job, being arrested and released over and over again, and making his way through a string of girlfriends and prostitutes. Ultimately, it came to a choice between drugs and rehab, life and death - and thankfully, with a bit of persuasion from those around him, he chose life. At last, clean and sober (and having spent some interesting time in sex addiction rehab to boot), he was finally diagnosed with manic depression (hardly surprising to anyone with any experience with the illness), his career took off and Russell Brand, Dickensian dandy and charismatic charmer, became a household name in television, radio, movies and the comedy circuit.
It's certainly a gripping and ultimately uplifting story. Brand is incredibly honest about every experience life has thrown at him - for example, he knows that drugs nearly ruined his life, but at the same time acknowledges that they offered much calm and comfort at the time. He doesn't hide his shameful moments, the most cringeworthy experiences of his life, but instead shares them and freely offers his judgement that they were stupid, unforgivable things to do. Not only is this an honest book, it is also well written (albeit with a few slips into that trademark Essex grammar), full of sharp insight, funny musings, a few wonderfully Brand-esque flights of language and a wealth of artistic, literary and cultural references that any professor would be proud of. Even in paperback there are also photos, letters and extracts from his rehab diaries, amongst other things, scattered throughout its pages, which helps put faces to names and in many cases brings a poignant reminder that these hellish experiences were very real.
All in all, I was surprised by this book, even as a Brand fan. Having eagerly read Peter Kay's 'The Sound of Laughter' a while back and been disappointed by how his comedic style translated so badly onto the page, I was delighted to find that 'My Booky Wook' is readable, compelling and has Russell Brand written all over it in a way that adds to its appeal rather than detracting from it. It is vibrant, honest, sexy, moving and despairing in turn, with an ultimate message of hope and redemption which left a smile on my face. I just hope it will open some people's eyes to the man behind the persona, the man inside it, the man entwined with it, who shimmers through in interviews and whose existence is so much more complex than many people realise. show less
This autobiography charts Brand's childhood in Essex, in a loving but occasionally misguided family, and his troubled school life. He was a loner, an outsider, and always felt - indeed, sought - to be different from his peers, to set himself apart. Unfortunately, even when his 'Eureka!' moment arrived and he realised he wanted to be a showbiz star, this need to be different manifested itself in troublesome forms which ended in a string show more of expulsions from various academic and dramatic institutions. Falling in with some interesting characters at school, Brand turned for the first time to drugs and alcohol. As the years went by he added sex to his repertoire, and progressed to harder drugs and more trouble, being fired from job after job, being arrested and released over and over again, and making his way through a string of girlfriends and prostitutes. Ultimately, it came to a choice between drugs and rehab, life and death - and thankfully, with a bit of persuasion from those around him, he chose life. At last, clean and sober (and having spent some interesting time in sex addiction rehab to boot), he was finally diagnosed with manic depression (hardly surprising to anyone with any experience with the illness), his career took off and Russell Brand, Dickensian dandy and charismatic charmer, became a household name in television, radio, movies and the comedy circuit.
It's certainly a gripping and ultimately uplifting story. Brand is incredibly honest about every experience life has thrown at him - for example, he knows that drugs nearly ruined his life, but at the same time acknowledges that they offered much calm and comfort at the time. He doesn't hide his shameful moments, the most cringeworthy experiences of his life, but instead shares them and freely offers his judgement that they were stupid, unforgivable things to do. Not only is this an honest book, it is also well written (albeit with a few slips into that trademark Essex grammar), full of sharp insight, funny musings, a few wonderfully Brand-esque flights of language and a wealth of artistic, literary and cultural references that any professor would be proud of. Even in paperback there are also photos, letters and extracts from his rehab diaries, amongst other things, scattered throughout its pages, which helps put faces to names and in many cases brings a poignant reminder that these hellish experiences were very real.
All in all, I was surprised by this book, even as a Brand fan. Having eagerly read Peter Kay's 'The Sound of Laughter' a while back and been disappointed by how his comedic style translated so badly onto the page, I was delighted to find that 'My Booky Wook' is readable, compelling and has Russell Brand written all over it in a way that adds to its appeal rather than detracting from it. It is vibrant, honest, sexy, moving and despairing in turn, with an ultimate message of hope and redemption which left a smile on my face. I just hope it will open some people's eyes to the man behind the persona, the man inside it, the man entwined with it, who shimmers through in interviews and whose existence is so much more complex than many people realise. show less
I really enjoyed this book, having been a fan of Russell for a while I really wanted to find out more about him, and this book delivers. Russell talks you through his childhood into his early days of fame and divulges many of his embarrassing moments and indiscretions along the way. There were quite a few moments in this book where I found myself not liking him as much as I thought I did, and had to remind myself that he is explaining the events that have made him who he is today, and is not necessarily representative of his current personality. He tells his story in his own unique way, which is really enjoyable, particularly if you're a fan as you can really hear him talking as he does on stage, with all the flourishes and campness you show more would expect. It is a deeply personal autobiography, where Russell really lays himself open through some very difficult times in his life. For me, it was also quite an eye opener into a world of drug taking, the levels of which I haven’t seen / experienced. Overall, I would recommend this book to any fan that wants to know Russell better, and anybody else that wants an insight into a troubled mind. I still love him! show less
Before the MTV Music Video awards in 2009, I had no idea who Russell Brand was. I only watched part of the MTV Music Video Awards that year because of my sister (Ah, the year that Kanye West was mean to little Taylor Swift). When this loud, rather obnoxious British man came out and began yelling, I was like WTF? Do people really find him funny?
As it would turn out, Brand would make many more appearances on my TV. He would also go onto marry the goddess known as Katy Perry. Finally, tired of feeling like I was out of some Russell-Brand-Is-God loop, I decided to read his book. I am very glad that I did.
Russell Brand is not god, though he does look disturbingly like every single painting of Jesus I have ever seen. What Brand is is a very show more funny, but troubled man. He’s also colossally charming. If a person can charm you from the pages of a book, they are pretty damned charming. What I ended up liking the best about Brand was his honesty. He is completely honest (it would seem. I wasn’t there, so he could be lying) about his struggle with drugs and sex addiction. Brand also discusses his very troubled childhood, unconventional upbringing, and his somewhat bizarre rise to fame.
I enjoyed this autobiography (which he wrote all by himself. Kudos Mr. Brand!) tremendously. I feel like I finally “get” why people like him and I don’t think I would have “gotten” it if I hadn’t read his book. I have his second book waiting for me and I am equally thrilled to read it.
I read quite a few autobiographies and memoirs and Brand’s is definitely one of the most enjoyable, entertaining, sad, and relate-able, that I have read. I definitely recommend this book! show less
As it would turn out, Brand would make many more appearances on my TV. He would also go onto marry the goddess known as Katy Perry. Finally, tired of feeling like I was out of some Russell-Brand-Is-God loop, I decided to read his book. I am very glad that I did.
Russell Brand is not god, though he does look disturbingly like every single painting of Jesus I have ever seen. What Brand is is a very show more funny, but troubled man. He’s also colossally charming. If a person can charm you from the pages of a book, they are pretty damned charming. What I ended up liking the best about Brand was his honesty. He is completely honest (it would seem. I wasn’t there, so he could be lying) about his struggle with drugs and sex addiction. Brand also discusses his very troubled childhood, unconventional upbringing, and his somewhat bizarre rise to fame.
I enjoyed this autobiography (which he wrote all by himself. Kudos Mr. Brand!) tremendously. I feel like I finally “get” why people like him and I don’t think I would have “gotten” it if I hadn’t read his book. I have his second book waiting for me and I am equally thrilled to read it.
I read quite a few autobiographies and memoirs and Brand’s is definitely one of the most enjoyable, entertaining, sad, and relate-able, that I have read. I definitely recommend this book! show less
Russell Brand kan göra en rolig historia av allt, hela hans liv består av material som han använder i sin stand up.
Russell har inte haftcen bea uppväxt, kanske främst på grund av sig själv.För ärligt talat var hans uppväxt inte värre än någon annans, han har haft en mamma som avgudade honom över allt annat. Men Russell är mörk, han drivs av en inre destruktivitet och i tonåren tog han sönder allt gan kom inärheten av , främst sig själv. Han tog droger, skadade sig sig själv och blev utsparkad från skolan Det var hans talang som blev hans räddning och tur.
En ärlig självbiografi , av en talangfull man , jag älskar Russell Brand och boken har bara förstärkt mina känslor.
Handling & Tema : 4/5
Karaktärerna: show more 4/5
Miljöbeskrivning: 4/5
Språk och berättarkonst 4/5
Stark 4/5 i helhetsbetyg show less
Russell har inte haftcen bea uppväxt, kanske främst på grund av sig själv.För ärligt talat var hans uppväxt inte värre än någon annans, han har haft en mamma som avgudade honom över allt annat. Men Russell är mörk, han drivs av en inre destruktivitet och i tonåren tog han sönder allt gan kom inärheten av , främst sig själv. Han tog droger, skadade sig sig själv och blev utsparkad från skolan Det var hans talang som blev hans räddning och tur.
En ärlig självbiografi , av en talangfull man , jag älskar Russell Brand och boken har bara förstärkt mina känslor.
Handling & Tema : 4/5
Karaktärerna: show more 4/5
Miljöbeskrivning: 4/5
Språk och berättarkonst 4/5
Stark 4/5 i helhetsbetyg show less
Very interesting and surprisingly well written. I had to admire the honesty of this book as Russell really does come across as a self-destructive arse for most of it - until he dealt with his addictions - which he doesn't do until the end of this book - hence the need, I suppose, for My Booky Wook 2. Having seen the clean and sober Russell interviewed he now comes across as someone who I would like to know but the Russell in this book is terrifyingly out of control.
I've never been interested in Russell Brand. I don't find his stand up humour to be very funny and at time he can be quite irritating.
Out of curiousity I read My Booky Wook and found it to be a very honest and shocking read. He describes his antics and previous drug addictions in a matter of fact way and uses them as an explanation for his outrageous behaviour.
Having said that, it is a good read. It's worth reading once so that you can understand his wild nature and you do look at him with fresh eyes having known where he came from and what his history his.
At times it can be quite funny and other times you're in shock reading about his escapades but it is in essence a good read.
Out of curiousity I read My Booky Wook and found it to be a very honest and shocking read. He describes his antics and previous drug addictions in a matter of fact way and uses them as an explanation for his outrageous behaviour.
Having said that, it is a good read. It's worth reading once so that you can understand his wild nature and you do look at him with fresh eyes having known where he came from and what his history his.
At times it can be quite funny and other times you're in shock reading about his escapades but it is in essence a good read.
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29+ Works 2,864 Members
Russell Brand is an English comedian, actor, author and activist. He was born on June 4th, 1975, in Grays, Essex, England. He attended Grays School Media Arts College and the Italia Conti Academy for training in theatre arts. Known primarily for his award winning stand-up comedy, he has appeared in a number of American Films, including: Paradise, show more Arthur, Get Him to the Greek, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Brand has written a number of books, including; Revolution, and his memoirs, Booky Wook 2: This Time it's Personal, and My Booky Wook: A memoir of Sex, Drugs, and Stand-Up. He also published several collections of articles that he had written for The Guardian, entitled Articles of Faith and Irons in the Fire. He made his children's book debut with Russell Brand's Trickster Tales: The Pied Piper of Hamelin. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Awards and Honors
Awards
Distinctions
Series
Work Relationships
Is contained in
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 2007
- People/Characters
- Russell Brand; Barbara Brand; Ron Brand
- Important places
- Grays, Essex, England, UK; London, England, UK
- Epigraph
- 'The line between good and evil runs not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either, but through every human heart'
Alexander Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago
'Mary: Tell me, Edmund: Do you have something special in your life?
Edmund: Well, yes, as a matter of fact, I do.
Mary: Who?
Edmund: Me.
Mary: No, I mean someone you love, cherish, and want to keep safe from all t... (show all)he horror and the hurt.
Edmund. Erm ... Still me, really.'
Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, Blackadder Goes Forth - Dedication
- For my mum, the most important woman in my life, this book is dedicated to you. Now for God's sake don't read it.
- First words
- On the morning of April Fool's Day, 2005, I woke up in a sexual addiction treatment centre in a suburb of Philidelphia.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)The other woman - a wise woman, seemingly aware that her words and attitude were potent and poetic enough to form the final sentence in a stranger's book - paused, then said, "The bus was always coming."
Classifications
- Genres
- Biography & Memoir, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 791.45092 — Arts & recreation Recreation, sports, and performing arts Movies, TV, Video Motion pictures, radio, television, podcasting Television History, geographic treatment, biography Biography
- LCC
- PN1992.4 .B69 .A3 — Language and Literature Literature (General) Literature (General) Drama Broadcasting Television broadcasts
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 1,465
- Popularity
- 15,860
- Reviews
- 38
- Rating
- (3.56)
- Languages
- English, French, German, Swedish
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 19
- ASINs
- 11