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Time of My Life
From the much-loved Myf Warhurst comes a captivating and joyous memoir of wisdom, humour and heart that unleashes the music within us all
We all have a soundtrack to our lives, songs that as soon as we hear them we're transported to a moment in time. As the youngest child, and only girl, in a family of creative types, Myf Warhurst grew up with the music in her. Whether she was watching Daryl Braithwaite on TV on a Sunday night or listening to the crackle of the needle across vinyl as Agnetha and Anni-Frid took her from rural Victoria to Eurovision, music has always shaped Myf's life. Later her love of music (and the realisation that a professional pianist gig wasn't part of the plan) would shape her career.
But music isn't just about memories. It's a safe place for people who feel different. Songs and lyrics helped Myf make sense of the world and deal with heartbreak and uncertainty. Music steered her hopes and fashion choices, cemented friendships and bonded family. In Time of My Life she shares funny, fabulous and occasionally fraught tales about growing up in a small country town with an unhealthy obsession with Countdown, then working in Australian radio and her experiences on the much-loved music quiz show Spicks & Specks. She spills the backstage beans on work, fame, feminism, failure, love and success. Like a sommelier matches food with wine, Myf matches hits with memory, and in the process reminds us all that, as Louis Armstrong said, 'Music is life itself.'
A captivating and joyous memoir of wisdom, humour and heart that unleashes the music within us all.
We all have a soundtrack to our lives, songs that as soon as we hear them we're transported to a moment in time. As the youngest child, and only girl, in a family of creative types, Myf Warhurst grew up with the music in her. Whether she was watching Daryl Braithwaite on TV on a Sunday night or listening to the crackle of the needle across vinyl as Agnetha and Anni-Frid took her from rural Victoria to Eurovision, music has always shaped Myf's life. Later her love of music (and the realisation that a professional pianist gig wasn't part of the plan) would shape her career.
But music isn't just about memories. It's a safe place for people who feel different. Songs and lyrics helped Myf make sense of the world and deal with heartbreak and uncertainty. Music steered her hopes and fashion choices, cemented friendships and bonded family. In Time of My Life she shares funny, fabulous and occasionally fraught tales about growing up in a small country town with an unhealthy obsession with Countdown, then working in Australian radio and her experiences on the much-loved music quiz show Spicks & Specks. She spills the backstage beans on work, fame, feminism, failure, love and success. Like a sommelier matches food with wine, Myf matches hits with memory, and in the process reminds us all that, as Louis Armstrong said, 'Music is life itself.'
A captivating and joyous memoir of wisdom, humour and heart that unleashes the music within us all.
293 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2022
27 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
December 27, 2022
I absolutely love Myf! I completely gobbled this up in two days could be the fact that I actually had a rare day off and was completely relaxed! As anyone can attest that grew up listening to the non commercial triple J radio station the soundtrack to my youth and still enjoy to this day, the delightful spicks and specks music trivia game show where she is a fixture as team captain, Myf is a breath of fresh air in the Australian broadcasting music scene. Her broad knowledge encapsulating the ever evolving musical landscape and my go to guru on anything related to music, news and pop cultural references along with her co host of one of my favourite podcasts Bang On with Zan Rowe these are my kind of women, educated on all my favourite topics. They are who I regard with influencing my range of musical knowledge. As a close follower of Myfs long standing career in the Australian music and arts scene I feel like she is a true beacon of light and positivity in the cut throat world of entertainment, always ready with the biggest smile and contagious laugh she is always willing to share her knowledge to an audience of fellow music appreciators. I hope she continues gracing the airwaves and our screens for many years to come. Should I mention again how much I love holiday reading!?
October 30, 2022
All Australian's know and love Myf Warhurst. What an absolute pleasure it was to listen to this audiobook, read by Myf herself. I was sad when it was over. She is such an optimistic and upbeat woman, despite what life has thrown at her over the years. I loved learning more about her time growing up and how she got to where she is today.
I am roughly the same age as Myf, give or take a few years, so it was a real step back in time to my own childhood. I didn't grow up in the country though, and always wanted a pony! Her early days discovering music and how it made her feel really resonated with me. I also idolised Olivia Newton John and wanted a white jumpsuit like ABBA in Arrival. This time in her life made me laugh so much.
Her passion for all things music really comes through in her story, and it makes me happy that she is doing something that she really loves. Her stories of Triple J, Who Do You Think You Are and I'm a Celebrity were funny and insightful. Her struggles through the Melbourne lockdown and zoom funerals touched me. It was all very relatable.
Of course, I am a massive Spicks and Specks fan, with it being a must watch in our household since day one. We love to play along and guess the answers. I love howe Myf sings the songs to herself to get the answers, that is what I have to do alot of the time too.
A must read for music lovers in Australia, there is so much more to her than Spicks and Specks. I think that Myf and I would get on like a house on fire, and we are both short!
I am roughly the same age as Myf, give or take a few years, so it was a real step back in time to my own childhood. I didn't grow up in the country though, and always wanted a pony! Her early days discovering music and how it made her feel really resonated with me. I also idolised Olivia Newton John and wanted a white jumpsuit like ABBA in Arrival. This time in her life made me laugh so much.
Her passion for all things music really comes through in her story, and it makes me happy that she is doing something that she really loves. Her stories of Triple J, Who Do You Think You Are and I'm a Celebrity were funny and insightful. Her struggles through the Melbourne lockdown and zoom funerals touched me. It was all very relatable.
Of course, I am a massive Spicks and Specks fan, with it being a must watch in our household since day one. We love to play along and guess the answers. I love howe Myf sings the songs to herself to get the answers, that is what I have to do alot of the time too.
A must read for music lovers in Australia, there is so much more to her than Spicks and Specks. I think that Myf and I would get on like a house on fire, and we are both short!
October 7, 2022
Myf's memoir is an absolute delight. It probably helps that I'm the same age as Myf, share some similar interests (cats, horses, A Country Practice), and understand all the cultural and musical references but I don't think that's essential to enjoy this lovely book. Myf comes across as such an optimistic, forward-looking person who seems to have been able to find the positives and opportunities in both personal and professional experiences. This was just what I needed this week (month, year!).
I listened to the audiobook read by Myf which is a most excellent way to to enjoy it.
Like a cosy blanket of nostalgia with a cup of warm love and positivity. 5 stars.
I listened to the audiobook read by Myf which is a most excellent way to to enjoy it.
Like a cosy blanket of nostalgia with a cup of warm love and positivity. 5 stars.
October 15, 2022
Myf’s stories of her childhood were hilarious and though I’m a little older, there was a lot I could remember from those eras. I particularly liked Myf’s exploration of her family history. I put down the book at this stage and watched her episode of ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ Despite Myf’s experiences with celebrities and rock stars, her recollections never come across as name dropping or big noting. She also treats her experiences of personal relationships with subtlety and respect. The chapters where Myf lived through Melbourne’s Covid lockdowns brought back a lot of memories. Myf’s appreciation for the arts and architecture show she is curious and thoughtful about the world around us.
A quick read but very enjoyable memoir.
A quick read but very enjoyable memoir.
October 27, 2022
If I had read a physical copy of this book, it would have a tab on EVERY PAGE!
Myf’s memoir was jammed packed with cultural and musical references that catapulted me back in time to my own youth, growing up in the 70’s and 80’s!
Her stories centred in ‘the good room’ had me laughing out loud (before lol was a thing) and Myf, let me assure you that you were not alone - CFM boots is indeed a legitimate cultural linguistic reference from the era!
When I heard the line “who doesn’t put down their bottle of sub zero and fight their way……” all kinds of depraved drunken memories that I didn’t even realise I’d forgotten resurfaced from the murky depths of my mind!
Not just for fans of Spicks and Specks (and those that loved the Pete Murray/naked episode) this book is not just all music knowledge it also contains some really lovely nuances of both joy and sorrow! The heartbreaking retelling of loss and her experience of a ‘pandemic style zoom funeral’ had me in tears as I recalled my own surreal experience of being unable to get the usual closure of a ‘proper’ funeral.
As someone who doesn’t watch much commercial TV and is generally not a fan of modern reality shows, the stories Myf recounts of her experience with “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here” were nearly enough to make me want to watch it!
For those that share Myf’s ethos of “there’s no such thing as a guilty pleasure, just pleasure” and for fans of a Country Practice (Bowie was obsessed – who knew?!?!? mind blown!) I highly recommend this heartfelt memoir full of colour and candour.
Myf, you can be my Cruise Director Julie anytime!
Myf’s memoir was jammed packed with cultural and musical references that catapulted me back in time to my own youth, growing up in the 70’s and 80’s!
Her stories centred in ‘the good room’ had me laughing out loud (before lol was a thing) and Myf, let me assure you that you were not alone - CFM boots is indeed a legitimate cultural linguistic reference from the era!
When I heard the line “who doesn’t put down their bottle of sub zero and fight their way……” all kinds of depraved drunken memories that I didn’t even realise I’d forgotten resurfaced from the murky depths of my mind!
Not just for fans of Spicks and Specks (and those that loved the Pete Murray/naked episode) this book is not just all music knowledge it also contains some really lovely nuances of both joy and sorrow! The heartbreaking retelling of loss and her experience of a ‘pandemic style zoom funeral’ had me in tears as I recalled my own surreal experience of being unable to get the usual closure of a ‘proper’ funeral.
As someone who doesn’t watch much commercial TV and is generally not a fan of modern reality shows, the stories Myf recounts of her experience with “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here” were nearly enough to make me want to watch it!
For those that share Myf’s ethos of “there’s no such thing as a guilty pleasure, just pleasure” and for fans of a Country Practice (Bowie was obsessed – who knew?!?!? mind blown!) I highly recommend this heartfelt memoir full of colour and candour.
Myf, you can be my Cruise Director Julie anytime!
October 17, 2022
Lol’d and cried on the train listening on audible. The Aussie nostalgia; the love for Melbourne; the celebration of music; and the praise for Eurovision were all far too aligned with my interests. I’m not at all surprised that I loved every second of this. This is a wonderful memoir!
October 10, 2022
A heartfelt account of Myf’s eclectic life, with equal parts joy and sorrow, this book gives readers a much better appreciation of the depths of her musical expertise and her complex personality. A very enjoyable read.
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October 23, 2022More reviews on insta - @books.coffee.plants
Myf’s trademark humour and candour come alive in the passages of Time of My Life, using a song to bookend memories and orientate the reader throughout. Choosing the soundtrack to one’s life must be a difficult feat, especially for someone with such vast knowledge and taste, but each chapter is framed beautifully, helping to give a deeper peek into the becoming of Myf Warhurst.
Through carefully selected memories and nuanced reflection, Myf offers insight into her life, imparts wisdom like the Aunty you need, and offers a glimpse at Australian history while she’s at it - tinned asparagus and all.
Brava, Myf.
Myf’s trademark humour and candour come alive in the passages of Time of My Life, using a song to bookend memories and orientate the reader throughout. Choosing the soundtrack to one’s life must be a difficult feat, especially for someone with such vast knowledge and taste, but each chapter is framed beautifully, helping to give a deeper peek into the becoming of Myf Warhurst.
Through carefully selected memories and nuanced reflection, Myf offers insight into her life, imparts wisdom like the Aunty you need, and offers a glimpse at Australian history while she’s at it - tinned asparagus and all.
Brava, Myf.
November 28, 2023
I have been a fan of Myf Warhurst since her Triple J breakfast days, and adore her podcast Bang On with Zan Rowe (another legend in Australian broadcasting) (#bangfam!) So when I heard Myf had written a book, there was no question I was going to buy it.
Myf Warhurst is an icon, having been at the forefront of Melbourne's music and entertainment scene since she arrived. From InPress to Spicks and Specks, Triple J to Eurovision, the goofy kid trying to be cool to the give-no-fucks adult celebrating the kitsch, Myf has had a life like no other.
Time of My Life is a funny, poignant, moving memoir, exploring the music and the events that shaped her. There are the soaring highs of singing Islands in the Stream with Kenny Rogers to the crushing lows of personal losses and mental health challenges.
Each chapter (barring one) is anchored around a song that drives the focus for the pivotal moments, and through this Myf explores everything from growing up in a small regional town to being a tabloid target to hanging out with the Prime Minister .
Throughout the book, Myf is open and honest, even in parts that must have been painful to revisit. The good, the bad and the ugly are all laid bare for us.
I listened along to the Audible audiobook (read by Myf herself) while reading, which added an extra layer to an already excellent read.
Overall this was a thoroughly good book (and I'm ashamed I hadn't read it sooner!) - Myf Warhurst has lived extraordinary life.
This is a must for fans of the Aus music scene, Spicks and Specks, Australian comedy and broadcasting. And the Bangfam.
Myf Warhurst is an icon, having been at the forefront of Melbourne's music and entertainment scene since she arrived. From InPress to Spicks and Specks, Triple J to Eurovision, the goofy kid trying to be cool to the give-no-fucks adult celebrating the kitsch, Myf has had a life like no other.
Time of My Life is a funny, poignant, moving memoir, exploring the music and the events that shaped her. There are the soaring highs of singing Islands in the Stream with Kenny Rogers to the crushing lows of personal losses and mental health challenges.
Each chapter (barring one) is anchored around a song that drives the focus for the pivotal moments, and through this Myf explores everything from growing up in a small regional town to being a tabloid target to hanging out with the Prime Minister .
Throughout the book, Myf is open and honest, even in parts that must have been painful to revisit. The good, the bad and the ugly are all laid bare for us.
I listened along to the Audible audiobook (read by Myf herself) while reading, which added an extra layer to an already excellent read.
Overall this was a thoroughly good book (and I'm ashamed I hadn't read it sooner!) - Myf Warhurst has lived extraordinary life.
This is a must for fans of the Aus music scene, Spicks and Specks, Australian comedy and broadcasting. And the Bangfam.
February 27, 2023
This girl knows how to party!
If you were a child or teenager in the 70s, 80s or early 90s, you'll love Myf's walk down memory lane of her childhood and teen years. I found myself smiling at the brand names and fads galore, and gained a greater understanding of the woman I mainly know from Spicks and Specks, and Eurovision. Funny, down-to-earth, and poignant at times, it tells the story of a country girl who grew up watching Countdown, and then had to pinch herself years later when meeting most of her idols.
But there are some more serious times of reflection too, about losing the love of her life, and about how cruel some people can be towards those in the public eye when they don't think they measure up. It made me think about how easy it is to judge celebrities, and forget that they're just ordinary people underneath the fame. A call for us all to be a little kinder to ourselves and each other. She's also honest about her own failings, starting more than a couple of anecdotes with something like, 'look, I'm not proud of this, but ...'.
We learn about her radio career, Spicks and Specks, Eurovision, and her stints on 'I'm a Celebrity ...', and 'Who Do You Think You Are?' But the lessons learned in between also make an interesting read. Depending on your age, Myf is either the little sister you want to look out for, or the fun aunty you do duets with on Karaoke night.
A fun read, with a heartfelt undercurrent.
If you were a child or teenager in the 70s, 80s or early 90s, you'll love Myf's walk down memory lane of her childhood and teen years. I found myself smiling at the brand names and fads galore, and gained a greater understanding of the woman I mainly know from Spicks and Specks, and Eurovision. Funny, down-to-earth, and poignant at times, it tells the story of a country girl who grew up watching Countdown, and then had to pinch herself years later when meeting most of her idols.
But there are some more serious times of reflection too, about losing the love of her life, and about how cruel some people can be towards those in the public eye when they don't think they measure up. It made me think about how easy it is to judge celebrities, and forget that they're just ordinary people underneath the fame. A call for us all to be a little kinder to ourselves and each other. She's also honest about her own failings, starting more than a couple of anecdotes with something like, 'look, I'm not proud of this, but ...'.
We learn about her radio career, Spicks and Specks, Eurovision, and her stints on 'I'm a Celebrity ...', and 'Who Do You Think You Are?' But the lessons learned in between also make an interesting read. Depending on your age, Myf is either the little sister you want to look out for, or the fun aunty you do duets with on Karaoke night.
A fun read, with a heartfelt undercurrent.
July 7, 2024
What a beautiful ride I was taken on by reading a flustering to Myf’s memoir! I’ve grown up with Myf being a staple in my life from being a pre teen reading Inpress, listening to triple J religiously as a teen, and then in 2012 my school friends and I embarked on our new tradition, watching Eurovision religiously every year, waking up to Myf and Sam! Don’t forget getting hooked with my mum and stepdad on Spicks and Specks and then buying them the board game for old time sakes!
As someone who has family roots in the Sunraysia area (gotta love Red Cliffs) it just solidified my deep appreciation for Myf’s long spanning career. This book deep dives head first into her life, and the ups and downs.
It really shows the brutal and harsh nature of the entertainment industry and the fear and anxiety of worrying about when and where the next job may be.
Myf makes some great and painful points of the nature of the beast of the industry. The horrible tolls it took on her own well-being, and the insurmountable impact on others.
While there were so many beautiful and deep undertones, it still read so well and I breezed through it with Myf’s dulcet tones as I did all my errands around Mildura. I’m so glad I picked this up and learnt so much more about a person I’ve appreciated for over 20 years!
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who has family roots in the Sunraysia area (gotta love Red Cliffs) it just solidified my deep appreciation for Myf’s long spanning career. This book deep dives head first into her life, and the ups and downs.
It really shows the brutal and harsh nature of the entertainment industry and the fear and anxiety of worrying about when and where the next job may be.
Myf makes some great and painful points of the nature of the beast of the industry. The horrible tolls it took on her own well-being, and the insurmountable impact on others.
While there were so many beautiful and deep undertones, it still read so well and I breezed through it with Myf’s dulcet tones as I did all my errands around Mildura. I’m so glad I picked this up and learnt so much more about a person I’ve appreciated for over 20 years!
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2023
“Time Of My Life” (TOML) is the memoir of Myf (short for Myfanwy) Warhurst, an Australian radio announcer and television personality.
It’s about her life growing up in regional Victoria, and moving to the “big smoke” of Melbourne; it’s about her time as a rookie music journalist, her time on Triple J (youth radio station), and progression to television (as team captain on music quiz show Spicks And Specks and Australian host of Eurovision; it’s about her experiences both high and low, her fears and hopes, her insecurities and personal growth. But underlining it all is the impact that music (of all genres) has had on her entire life.
And this book is just lovely.
I will admit that Myf Warhurst and I are of very similar ages so many of the cultural references in TOML were like a stroll down my own memory lane (ahh, Red Tuilp After Dinner Mints in the little brown envelopes anyone?!) including all of the musical references.
I will also admit - I’m a huge fan of Myf Warhurst. And have been for literally decades ever since I first heard her on the drive home, to when she hosted the lunchtime slot, and then greeted me at breakfast on Triple J (which was always playing on the radio in my car or on my desk at work). Everything I read in TOML was exactly how I expected to be…funny, poignant, completely self deprecating, and warts and all honest.
TOML is so completely Myf and it gets 5 Trashy Lunchtime Quizzes out of 5.
It’s about her life growing up in regional Victoria, and moving to the “big smoke” of Melbourne; it’s about her time as a rookie music journalist, her time on Triple J (youth radio station), and progression to television (as team captain on music quiz show Spicks And Specks and Australian host of Eurovision; it’s about her experiences both high and low, her fears and hopes, her insecurities and personal growth. But underlining it all is the impact that music (of all genres) has had on her entire life.
And this book is just lovely.
I will admit that Myf Warhurst and I are of very similar ages so many of the cultural references in TOML were like a stroll down my own memory lane (ahh, Red Tuilp After Dinner Mints in the little brown envelopes anyone?!) including all of the musical references.
I will also admit - I’m a huge fan of Myf Warhurst. And have been for literally decades ever since I first heard her on the drive home, to when she hosted the lunchtime slot, and then greeted me at breakfast on Triple J (which was always playing on the radio in my car or on my desk at work). Everything I read in TOML was exactly how I expected to be…funny, poignant, completely self deprecating, and warts and all honest.
TOML is so completely Myf and it gets 5 Trashy Lunchtime Quizzes out of 5.
November 17, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I’m a few years older than Myf but the early chapters about finding her love of music, Countdown and where she grew up resonated with me so much.
There is so much to love about this book - nostalgia, humour, sadness, self reflection, it really has it all.
I’ve just had a cochlear implant and as part of rehab, reading text while listening to the audio book is recommended. This book was the PERFECT choice! . I streamed the audio directly to my implant so my good ear couldn’t take over.
I chose the Time of my Life because Mug’s voice is so familiar to me and I’m able to tell my brain ”it’s Myf, you know her” 😊 so the robotic sounds that I’m hearing are slowly starting to sound like her voice. It was like a robotic Myf but still amazing 😊
Highly recommend this book!
There is so much to love about this book - nostalgia, humour, sadness, self reflection, it really has it all.
I’ve just had a cochlear implant and as part of rehab, reading text while listening to the audio book is recommended. This book was the PERFECT choice! . I streamed the audio directly to my implant so my good ear couldn’t take over.
I chose the Time of my Life because Mug’s voice is so familiar to me and I’m able to tell my brain ”it’s Myf, you know her” 😊 so the robotic sounds that I’m hearing are slowly starting to sound like her voice. It was like a robotic Myf but still amazing 😊
Highly recommend this book!
January 7, 2023
Joyous.
Myf brings joy in buckets, from the cover, through her country childhood right through her radio and TV career, the longest lockdown in the world, tragedies and loneliness. Even the difficult topics she respectfully navigates and explains not just the impact on her, but what she learned from the experience and how it has made her a better human.
As someone who is just a few years older than me, Myf seems to have 'always' been on my radio or TV and it was so nice to hear her story, rather than her telling other peoples. The audio narration is of course done by the author and adds so much to the book.
Great memoir, so glad she wrote it and that I got to read it.
Myf brings joy in buckets, from the cover, through her country childhood right through her radio and TV career, the longest lockdown in the world, tragedies and loneliness. Even the difficult topics she respectfully navigates and explains not just the impact on her, but what she learned from the experience and how it has made her a better human.
As someone who is just a few years older than me, Myf seems to have 'always' been on my radio or TV and it was so nice to hear her story, rather than her telling other peoples. The audio narration is of course done by the author and adds so much to the book.
Great memoir, so glad she wrote it and that I got to read it.
May 23, 2023
Enjoyable read from Myf about her journey into a career that would have been my dream. Being a music journalist. She is so down to earth and humble.
July 18, 2023
No major surprises, but a reflective read full of 90s nostalgia from a fun loving woman; loving life and always looking ahead. Very much enjoyed this book.
July 31, 2023
Loved it Myf. 💕💕
August 8, 2023
Funny and heartwarming memoir of Myf Warhurst's childhood, and how she got her break in music journalism. She also doesn't shy away from sharing the hard times and heartbreak either. A lovely quick read, and it really felt like the Myf you see on the screen is the one who shone through on these pages.
October 30, 2023
Gives a great insight into Myf and her life so far. She certainly knows and loves her music .
June 18, 2024
Myf’s personality, positivity and love of life just shines in this book. I’m only slightly older than Myf and loved the trip down memory lane every time she mentioned things I remembered (and some things I’d forgotten) about being a teen/young adult in Australia at that time. Myf on the page is the Myf we’ve come to love on TV. She’s so authentic and open hearted.
October 28, 2023
Myf is Australia’s most humble and down-to-earth celebrity. This book was so hard to put down. I absolutely love Myf. My mum did too 🤍
November 25, 2023
Countdown, recording my favourite songs from the top 40 on the radio, oh and the blue light disco, did you mention blue eye shadow that everyone used to wear. Thanks for rekindling the memories of my youth Myf.
October 16, 2022
A really enjoyable read. Funny and heartfelt. Myf is a great storyteller. And I felt a lot of this really strongly. I too tried to fit in growing up. It's not until I was older that I realised, I wasn't designed to fit in. I just had to be my weird self. My favourite stories are of Butchie the Beagle. Showing up at school assembly sitting at her dads feet and him asking who owns such a creature. Wandering the town as if he owns the place and his unfortunate demise. Definitely worth a read.
August 29, 2023
Loved hearing Myf’s stories throughout her life. I’ve always loved her from Spicks & Specks, she is the sweetest person and to read her book was an absolute joy.
August 19, 2024
If you were born between 1970 and 1975, and grew up in Australia - more specifically, Melbourne - Myf Warhurst's memoir,
Time of My Life
, is for you (obviously I meet the readership criteria).
Warhurst is known for her career in radio and television - predominantly on Triple J and as a team captain for the much-loved Spicks & Specks music trivia show. More recently, she became SBS's Eurovision commentator, alongside comedian Joel Creasey.
Not surprisingly, her memoir is focused on the importance of music in her life, and is organised around particular songs that had an impact. For example, her earliest memory of being transfixed by a song came via Sherbet's Howzat ; she remembers stealing into the 'good room' to play ABBA's Dancing Queen , despite being forbidden to touch the record player (this is identical to my own experience); and she describes how Leonard Bernstein's Somewhere, in combination with a teacher at her school, inspired her to pursue tertiary studies in music.
Essentially chronological, Warhurst moves from her childhood in regional Victoria (Donald and then Red Cliffs), to describing young adulthood in a string of share houses in Parkville, West Melbourne and Fitzroy. There are so many references to things I did in my own childhood and to places I hung out during my uni days that the book was a joyful walk down memory lane (testament to this is the number of passages I sent an old friend).
Clark Rubber above ground pools (a 'signifier of affluence') feature heavily, and how '...everyone (including me) thought it hilarious when Uncle Brent would put the powder chlorine into the pool and get me to swim around in it to mix it into the pool by calling it 'grow', promising that these chemicals would give me a growth spurt...'. My uncle also had a Clark Rubber pool (which we loved) and we'd spend hours making whirlpools. Family friends had the pool with a deck built around it - fancy!
It's the small details that were the most fun. Describing a school friend's house, she notes -
Fairly sure that my primary school friend Emily's loo had exactly the same wallpaper. I also thought it was marvelous.
There were some bits that I read and I was taken straight back to the eighties - '...the diamond-set memento from Bruce and Walsh...'; the jingle about TAB cola being the drink for beautiful people (you're singing it now, right?); CFM boots; Clockwork Orange at Chevron and Hard'n'Fast at Chasers; waiting for the latest edition of InPress; and gigs at The Tote, Punters Club and comedy night at the Prince Patrick. I could go on and on...
While Warhurst's taste in music went down a grungier path than mine (I was more frequently at Warehouse's retro night, Marmalade, than Clockwork Orange), our interests converge again when it comes to Eurovision - she describes it (accurately) as '...kitsch, bonkers, greatness...'. Her love of Eurovision began when SBS came to the Sunraysia district in the late '80s. The district was home to many migrants from Italy, Greece and Turkey -
I don't think my reasons were as pure back then. I just loved the madness of it all.
Thanks for the memories, Myf!
3.5/5
Warhurst is known for her career in radio and television - predominantly on Triple J and as a team captain for the much-loved Spicks & Specks music trivia show. More recently, she became SBS's Eurovision commentator, alongside comedian Joel Creasey.
Not surprisingly, her memoir is focused on the importance of music in her life, and is organised around particular songs that had an impact. For example, her earliest memory of being transfixed by a song came via Sherbet's Howzat ; she remembers stealing into the 'good room' to play ABBA's Dancing Queen , despite being forbidden to touch the record player (this is identical to my own experience); and she describes how Leonard Bernstein's Somewhere, in combination with a teacher at her school, inspired her to pursue tertiary studies in music.
Essentially chronological, Warhurst moves from her childhood in regional Victoria (Donald and then Red Cliffs), to describing young adulthood in a string of share houses in Parkville, West Melbourne and Fitzroy. There are so many references to things I did in my own childhood and to places I hung out during my uni days that the book was a joyful walk down memory lane (testament to this is the number of passages I sent an old friend).
Clark Rubber above ground pools (a 'signifier of affluence') feature heavily, and how '...everyone (including me) thought it hilarious when Uncle Brent would put the powder chlorine into the pool and get me to swim around in it to mix it into the pool by calling it 'grow', promising that these chemicals would give me a growth spurt...'. My uncle also had a Clark Rubber pool (which we loved) and we'd spend hours making whirlpools. Family friends had the pool with a deck built around it - fancy!
It's the small details that were the most fun. Describing a school friend's house, she notes -
It was all very '70s, and hip. I was particularly in love with their toilet wallpaper: black, with some sort of Art Nouveau-style design in gold. Très fricken chic. People weren't afraid to make a room to poo into a fantasy land back then. I like that sense of adventure.
Fairly sure that my primary school friend Emily's loo had exactly the same wallpaper. I also thought it was marvelous.
There were some bits that I read and I was taken straight back to the eighties - '...the diamond-set memento from Bruce and Walsh...'; the jingle about TAB cola being the drink for beautiful people (you're singing it now, right?); CFM boots; Clockwork Orange at Chevron and Hard'n'Fast at Chasers; waiting for the latest edition of InPress; and gigs at The Tote, Punters Club and comedy night at the Prince Patrick. I could go on and on...
While Warhurst's taste in music went down a grungier path than mine (I was more frequently at Warehouse's retro night, Marmalade, than Clockwork Orange), our interests converge again when it comes to Eurovision - she describes it (accurately) as '...kitsch, bonkers, greatness...'. Her love of Eurovision began when SBS came to the Sunraysia district in the late '80s. The district was home to many migrants from Italy, Greece and Turkey -
For these families, pre-internet, watching the Eurovision contest provided a link to friends and families they missed in their home countries. Eurovision was a beautiful global connector.
I don't think my reasons were as pure back then. I just loved the madness of it all.
Thanks for the memories, Myf!
3.5/5
October 3, 2022
I’m a massive fangirl of Myfs and once crossed the road when I saw her as I didn’t want her to see my crazy excited face!
But her love of music, friends, family and herself shone through the pages of this wonderful book. It’s funny and heartwarming- I even learned a thing or two.
Thanks for sharing your life with us Myf.
But her love of music, friends, family and herself shone through the pages of this wonderful book. It’s funny and heartwarming- I even learned a thing or two.
Thanks for sharing your life with us Myf.
October 4, 2022
Cover to cover this book was a heartwarming and delightful read. Myf's stories of growing up as a country kid resonated deeply. I hope she knows that she provided for a generation of country kids what she wished she had had growing up.
February 14, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
As a music obsessed teen in the 2000s, Myf was #goals to me. I grew up with Spicks and Specks and almost 20 years later, get a laugh when the reruns come on… the fashion, the hair… what were we all thinking?!
As Myf touches on in her memoir, she was on TV during a time when most women who got air time were white, blonde hair, thin, beautiful etc so to have someone like Myf to look up too was amazing. She wasn’t just a role model… I idolised her and totally wanted to be her. I grew up in a small country town too, I always thought my music taste was a bit odd for my mates but Spicks and Specks kind of made me feel less alone. I spent my days dreaming about a career in the music/entertainment industry but in the end found the uni course wasn’t for me.
Myf’s memoir is a nice, quick read. It jumped around a bit too much for me but other then that, it was very interesting to hear more about what Myf’s life has been like and what’s next for her. She’s very down to earth (and this is evident in her writing)
This is a book for the Myf fans, women trying to make it in a man’s world, music/arts/entertainment lovers etc etc. Thanks Myf for sharing a little insight into your life (I was especially excited to hear about fostering. As a child free/less person; it was really great to hear more about your journey.)
💖💖💖
As a music obsessed teen in the 2000s, Myf was #goals to me. I grew up with Spicks and Specks and almost 20 years later, get a laugh when the reruns come on… the fashion, the hair… what were we all thinking?!
As Myf touches on in her memoir, she was on TV during a time when most women who got air time were white, blonde hair, thin, beautiful etc so to have someone like Myf to look up too was amazing. She wasn’t just a role model… I idolised her and totally wanted to be her. I grew up in a small country town too, I always thought my music taste was a bit odd for my mates but Spicks and Specks kind of made me feel less alone. I spent my days dreaming about a career in the music/entertainment industry but in the end found the uni course wasn’t for me.
Myf’s memoir is a nice, quick read. It jumped around a bit too much for me but other then that, it was very interesting to hear more about what Myf’s life has been like and what’s next for her. She’s very down to earth (and this is evident in her writing)
This is a book for the Myf fans, women trying to make it in a man’s world, music/arts/entertainment lovers etc etc. Thanks Myf for sharing a little insight into your life (I was especially excited to hear about fostering. As a child free/less person; it was really great to hear more about your journey.)
💖💖💖
November 15, 2022
I love listening to Myf on Bang On so I put my usual wariness of memoirs aside and renewed my Audible subscription so I could listen to Myf talk about her life on my way to work. Her references throughout to the zeitgeist of each decade were so bang on and reminded me of things that I had long forgotten. There were also several laugh out loud, ‘yep, been there’ moments that made me feel like I was in the midst of a great chat, albeit one-way with a good friend. Myf comes across as completely down-to-earth and genuine, I love that she embraces her ‘unconventional life’ and she sounds like she is the absolute life of the party. Love ya Myf! (Bang fam)
June 18, 2024
Read most of this on a train travelling through rural Victoria, the backdrop for the first part of the book. Which I think always adds to the experience. Admittedly not the best writing, but reading Myf’s stories about the same small town I grew up in had me looking back on my childhood in a way I never had before. Total delight to read.
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