Product Description

Whose first records were produced by George Martin, and who had two singles banned by the BBC?

Who earned rare reviews on Broadway for his dancing?

>Who rode on the back seat of the Goodies trandem?

>Who has been called Britain s best-known birdwatcher ?

Who had his first clinical depression in his 60th year, and has only just discovered why?

>Who has written an autobiography that is as witty, candid and unconventional as the man himself?

The answer to all of the above is Bill Oddie.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #195580 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 312 pages

About the Author
Bill Oddie aged 66,
Comedy writer, pop singer, musician, TV presenter, naturalist, depressive, environmental campaigner, author and O.B.E.
Husband of two, father of three.

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Customer Reviews

Bill Oddie left with ego all over his face
Bill Oddie has, putting it nicely, a rather big ego. I'm sure he's aware of the fact and during the course of this book he does tend to deflate his own sense of self importance with some very funny stories and then waxes proud over a lifetime of achievements. To be fair, you don't actually begrudge him boasting of his career highs because a) most of it, impressive as it is, is now lost in the midst of time and b) part of the 'blame' for this is the awful cuddly persona people want to see on 'Springwatch'. It might come as a shock to many that 'cuddly' Bill Oddie has a darker side and is rather messed up by life, despite the successes and general 'cuddliness' which drives him mad.

It's a labyrinthine autobiography, so be warned. And the first half of the book is easily the most interesting where he goes into his troubled family life, his mother's illness and his realtionship (or lack of) with her. It also springs to life, and at times is painfully honest, when Bill starts talking about his depression. I, for one, did not realise that he only started having to deal with it in his sixties. And as somebody who has a similar experience of depression, reading the story of his attempt to deliver a simple lecture and going to pieces made uncomfortable reading, but that's how it is. And the best thing about this book is that it is honest to the bone. It's not about seeking sympathy or having a shoulder to cry on, for Bill it's all about stating the case. 'This is what happened and this is how I'm dealing with it.'

Parts of the book are a bit of a drag though. The 'interview' sections are a little self indulgent and he does have a habit of saying something four times when once would be enough! Oh and if you're easily offended - BE WARNED - Bill does drop the odd four letter word here and there. If you thought the 'horny stag beetle' incident on BBC 2's 'Springwatch' was a shocking, lewd and pornographic blasphemy against taste, you'd best not read this book! He uses 'naughty words'! Eek!


So if you're expecting a celebrity name dropping fest of 'Goody' stories and the like, you'd better give it a miss. If you're up for being annoyed, frustrated, moved, humoured and entertained then grab a copy. It's well worth it. And there's no bloody cuddly animals in it at all.

An alternate view
Having read the three reviews of this book, I felt moved to write from my point of view. I have been a fan of Oddie for many years, through the Goodies, I'm sorry I'll Read that Again, and all the wildlife. I read this book over two days, and could hardly put it down. Yes, he does come over as opinionated, but who wouldn't after the life he's led? This is an honest account of a man who clearly adores his family, and has dealt with an incredibly difficult childhood.

The Goodies have been covered in great detail in other books, as have Spring/Autumn watch, this book is about the man. It is his autobiography, and is about him. Although he states that he doesn't want to be known as a celebrity depressive, his account of his depression is both moving and inspirational. Mental health is still a taboo, and every time someone is brave enough to discuss it, I cannot help but to cheer them on.

an odd kind of book
An odd kind of book from an odd little man. I am hugely not a Bill Oddie fan, never watched the Goodies and find that his ego-based facetiousness gets in the way on Nature Watch. But I bought the book because I had heard about his tragic childhood which was revealed on Who do You Think You Are. The first half of the book is really interesting and I couldn't put it down. The rest of the book set out as interviews which he carried out on himself interspersed with a bit of diary written during a deep depression. Another reviewer has expressed surprise that his publishers accepted the book in this form. It is my guess that they were relieved that he finished at all. Bill Oddie undoubtedly had a very difficult childhood and he has done well to overcome it as much as he has. What appears as an irritatingly massive ego is probably a mask to protect his insides. However my sympathy for him does not detract from the fact that I find him a most annoying little man and I have passed my copy of his book on to a charity shop.