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28th out of 62 books
—
22 voters
I, Partridge: We Need to Talk About Alan
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published
September 29th 2011
by HarperCollins
(first published January 1st 2011)
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For those of us that have grown up with Steve Coogan's Alan Partridge, this book will either have you excited with anticipation, or fearful that his most successful character might end up going the way of Tony Ferrino or Duncan Thicket. Fear not, "I, Partridge: We Need to Talk About Alan" is every bit the Partridge book that you would've hoped for.
The autobiography takes us from Partridge's childhood through to his time in radio and then on TV with The Day Today and Knowing Me, Knowing You. Clev...more
The autobiography takes us from Partridge's childhood through to his time in radio and then on TV with The Day Today and Knowing Me, Knowing You. Clev...more
As funny as you'd expect, which is to say pretty damn funny. Partridge remains one of the most fully developed and endlessly fascinating comic creations of recent years, in my opinion, and none of that fascination wanes over the course of 300 pages of autobiography, even if some of it does go over old ground already covered in his various TV and radio shows. Some reviews suggest it also works as a satire on celebrity memoirs, but I wouldn't know as I've never read any. You probably already know...more
Brilliant. Consistently funny and entertaining, I've rarely laughed out loud so many times at one book.
Written "in character", it gives a fascinating insight into the thought process of the oft-deluded, always derided persona that IS "Mr Norfolk Radio".
The simultaneous tragedy and genius of Alan Partridge is that he's a loser who doesn't think he's a loser. No matter what happens to him, whether it's self inflicted or out of his hands, it's never, ever Alan's fault, and it's never, ever a setba...more
Written "in character", it gives a fascinating insight into the thought process of the oft-deluded, always derided persona that IS "Mr Norfolk Radio".
The simultaneous tragedy and genius of Alan Partridge is that he's a loser who doesn't think he's a loser. No matter what happens to him, whether it's self inflicted or out of his hands, it's never, ever Alan's fault, and it's never, ever a setba...more
AH HA!
Highly entertaining and hilarious from start to finish, with a back story that doesn't disappoint. The Audiobook is narrated by Partridge himself in full character. Definitely the format to go for on this one even if you don't usually do audiobooks.
It's so chocka block of the funny, that taking some random bit is bound to be hilarious and quotable. I randomly went to 2 hours in and got this:
Highly entertaining and hilarious from start to finish, with a back story that doesn't disappoint. The Audiobook is narrated by Partridge himself in full character. Definitely the format to go for on this one even if you don't usually do audiobooks.
It's so chocka block of the funny, that taking some random bit is bound to be hilarious and quotable. I randomly went to 2 hours in and got this:
...more
Back then things were different. Our tastes were simpler and less foreign. As a result Sal [Sally G
AHAAAAAAAAA!
As a local Norwich chap, Alan Partridge is a comic creation that certainly divides opinion. Some people think that Norfolk's second most famous son (after Bernard Matthews) has done more harm to the city than good - but I disagree, he's put our Fine City on the map.
This fictional spoof memoir had me literally laughing out loud from the off. It depicts Alan’s life from his childhood years (where his cold-hearted mother made him return from school to an empty home, making him fend for...more
As a local Norwich chap, Alan Partridge is a comic creation that certainly divides opinion. Some people think that Norfolk's second most famous son (after Bernard Matthews) has done more harm to the city than good - but I disagree, he's put our Fine City on the map.
This fictional spoof memoir had me literally laughing out loud from the off. It depicts Alan’s life from his childhood years (where his cold-hearted mother made him return from school to an empty home, making him fend for...more
There will be people who know Alan Partridge from his Radio,TV and/ or podcast programmes, which date back to 1992 and there will be those who don't know him. To those that do know him, they will either love him or hate him. He is Marmite. Not literally of course - he's not made from a yeast extraction, and he doesn't come in a bottle.
And if you "got" that last sentence, you'll probably "get" the gist of what Alan Partridge is mainly about - often making painful points by extricating the literal...more
And if you "got" that last sentence, you'll probably "get" the gist of what Alan Partridge is mainly about - often making painful points by extricating the literal...more
Despite the stocking filler timing of its release, this ranks as the second funniest book I've ever read. Written in the style of the unreliable narrator, its an autobiography of the fictional radio and TV presenter Alan Partridge.
If you don't know who Partridge is, this book will read as a brilliant satire of any minor celebrity that has cashed in on writing a life story the world really could have done without. All the tropes are there: dramatizing a mundane childhood, hamming their life up a...more
If you don't know who Partridge is, this book will read as a brilliant satire of any minor celebrity that has cashed in on writing a life story the world really could have done without. All the tropes are there: dramatizing a mundane childhood, hamming their life up a...more
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A lot of full-length humor books with a single conceit fall apart. I was surprised (pleasantly) to see this one hold up so well. If you've seen "I'm Alan Partridge," it's a must-read. Many of the jokes require a little familiarity with the character because they're so perfectly dryly delivered. For example, in one episode of the show (spoiler alert), a BBC executive offers Alan a contract but dies before signing it. Alan forges his signature. When that episode is recounted in this book, of cours...more
I had a think about whether I wanted to read this - having thought that the TV programme was some of the finest comedy of all time. I decided that it might be a bit annoying and didn't want to go for it. However, receiving it as an Xmas present made up my mind.
There is no doubt that it is funny - more for reminding you of the day today, the chat show series, the travel tavern series and then when he is in the caravan. The travel tavern is the real peak and some of the best TV this side of Fawlty...more
There is no doubt that it is funny - more for reminding you of the day today, the chat show series, the travel tavern series and then when he is in the caravan. The travel tavern is the real peak and some of the best TV this side of Fawlty...more
A-hah! Finally, Norwich's most inescapable talk show host has released a biography that shines a light on one of one of history's most underrated and misunderstood broadcasters. (1) True—his notoriety rests almost entirely on the fact that during the last minutes of the last show of his BBC2 series, Knowing Me, Knowing You, With Alan Partridge (2), he shot and killed one of his guests. After that bombshell (3), what the BBC overlooked, as Alan Partridge points out in his scathing exposé, is that...more
A very funny autobiography charting Alan's career through his own eyes. There are many laugh out loud moments throughout the first 250 pages although I felt after after the events of IAP series 2 the book fell a little flat. Really enjoyed name checking of real celebrities:Oddie, Cooke, Rosenthal, Newbon, Ryder and Lynam;that have become Alan's friends or enemies(which would be worse?!).
There are two elements to this book. Firstly, there is, of course, Partridge. It must be a great deal of fun to write Partridge, and the attention to detail is impressive, with the feel that each and every sentence has been crafted and (enjoyably) agonised over. He's such a fully formed character, that asides such as his head would be turned by a sale at Blacks – therefore offering an opportunity for some discounted waterproof trousers – seem absolutely right. The narcissism, insensitivity, and...more
What can we say about Alan Partridge that hasn't already been said? True, most of it has been said by Partridge himself, but that's by the by. Bestriding the nineties and noughties like a broadcasting behemoth, he has carved what can only be called a career through both Radio and Television, bringing his own special magic to both mediums.
In this book of words and pictures he tells his life story, from his birth to his current berth (see what I did there?) at North Norfolk Digital (Norfolk's Best...more
In this book of words and pictures he tells his life story, from his birth to his current berth (see what I did there?) at North Norfolk Digital (Norfolk's Best...more
This is a bloomin' funny book.
I think I could actually finish my review there. It's not like Alan is paying me by the word for this review or anything.
I suppose I should "fill out the dead space" though so here's a bit more. This is a bloomin' funny book that will make you snort out loud with laughter. You just won't be able to help it. This is not a book to read in a public place and should really come with a warning on the front to that end because if you read it on a bus or train you will get...more
I think I could actually finish my review there. It's not like Alan is paying me by the word for this review or anything.
I suppose I should "fill out the dead space" though so here's a bit more. This is a bloomin' funny book that will make you snort out loud with laughter. You just won't be able to help it. This is not a book to read in a public place and should really come with a warning on the front to that end because if you read it on a bus or train you will get...more
The creators of this book were clearly on to a winner. They understand that the people who liked the banter and wit that made Alan Partridge as popular as it was made sure they filled a book with it.
You will enjoy cavorting through the anecdotes of the some what deluded Partridge as he endlessly tries to have the "last laugh." After about 60 pages I started to worry that the old meme had been done to death. However the book is a testament to the work of Ianucci and his fantastic attention to det...more
You will enjoy cavorting through the anecdotes of the some what deluded Partridge as he endlessly tries to have the "last laugh." After about 60 pages I started to worry that the old meme had been done to death. However the book is a testament to the work of Ianucci and his fantastic attention to det...more
The 'autobiography' of one Alan Gordon Partridge, "son to a dead father, father to a living son, TV personality, businessman, brand, rambler, writer, sayer, thinker, doer" taking in the highs (the birth of son Fernando, the commissioning of his series Knowing Me, Knowing You) and the lows (driving to Dundee in his bare feet, in the grip of a serious Toblerone addiction), all to the sounds of a 'compulsory' playlist (genius).
There's not much in here for non-Partridge fans (who are you and why are...more
There's not much in here for non-Partridge fans (who are you and why are...more
I really liked the idea of the book and was really impressed with the early chapters, that you can tell are written with verve and enthusiasm. As you read you can hear Alan's voice narrating as the style of writing fits perfectly. Loved the section on the Scouts and Alan's anecdotes about his celebrity pals; Bill Oddie, Sue Cook, Jim Rosenthal and a brilliant episode with Sally Gunnell. The book's weakness though are the patchy bits where we either get a re-hash of the TV series or overcooked sc...more
Alan Partridge has finally released his frank and bitter memoirs, charting the rise and fall of his broadcasting career. It’s full of laughable analogies and not so laughable (minor) celebrity anecdotes, pomposity and self-importance. He provides an interesting commentary on the key moments in his radio and TV series, justifying the shooting of one of his chat show guests, and explaining at great length why he is not bothered about his wife leaving him or losing his BBC2 show.
I listened to the a...more
I listened to the a...more
I don't usually go for autobiographies, especially fictional ones, but I'd heard good reviews about this so sussed out the first chapter or so on Amazon, and was pleasantly surprised. I'd watched the Alan Partridge series on telly a while back and caught the odd one repeated on Dave or whatever more recently, but wouldn't profess to being a super-fan. However, the book had me cracking a smile within the first page or so and chuckling shortly after. Just a well-written, light-hearted, easy to rea...more
Yet again Alan Partridge demonstrates his role and significance in British broadcasting. But Alan also reveals another side to that complex and engaging personality. He also possesses a real ability to write. Until this book was published English has been bereft without his metaphors and similes: trainers tumbling in a dryer; a snowflakes falling as if a snowman had stepped on a landmine. And at the center is Alan: tireless and imaginative, and like so many of his type, misunderstood and margina...more
I enjoyed this a great deal, although I suspect the spoken word version with Partidge's voice would be even funnier. The more of the various Alan Partridge series you've seen and can remember, the more pleasure there is to be had from the book. Scenes in which Partridge disgraced himself in the series are re-presented here in a sympathetic light with Alan either as hero, or as diginified victim. The footnotes are a nice touch (e.g. signposting every metaphor) as is the joyously 'bad' writing: "S...more
If you haven't watched "I'm Alan Partridge", go watch it. Preferably watch "Knowing Me, Knowing You" first. Then come back.
I approached this volume with trepidation, as many of the books centering on TV characters aren't that funny. but was pleasantly shocked. It's great! Anyone who's a fan of Steve Coogan's character, "Alan Partridge" won't be able to put the book down. Written as a memoir, it covers parts of Alan's life that aren't in any TV series. If you've got a tattoo on your chest of Alan...more
I approached this volume with trepidation, as many of the books centering on TV characters aren't that funny. but was pleasantly shocked. It's great! Anyone who's a fan of Steve Coogan's character, "Alan Partridge" won't be able to put the book down. Written as a memoir, it covers parts of Alan's life that aren't in any TV series. If you've got a tattoo on your chest of Alan...more
Really funny and totally in character all the way through. You can hear the voice of alan in your head as you read along. One minute he's telling you about the way a digital signal works and the next he's coming out with comments such as my hairy ball bags. He talks about some of the things that happened during his tv series and the book has a key throughout to indicate theme tunes he wants you to play to emphasise that chapter. Genius, really interesting to hear about the made up life of a made...more
This is essential reading for fans of Alan in my opinion. You know what to expect but it will have you laughing and curling your toes at the same time as only Alan can. Partridge is a British institution and this book continues his legacy.
For people who have not seen the shows I would suggest watching them first before reading the book, especially people out of the UK.
We know Alan's previous book (bouncing back) got pulped but I am sure this one won't! No free 'Danko night stick' with this purc...more
For people who have not seen the shows I would suggest watching them first before reading the book, especially people out of the UK.
We know Alan's previous book (bouncing back) got pulped but I am sure this one won't! No free 'Danko night stick' with this purc...more
I have had this book for over a year now, after it was bought for me by my secret Santa, at work. (Sainsbury, had it on at half price). Although I must confess that I did tell him to buy it for me as soon as I found out,that he was my secret Santa and Sainsbury was trying to entice book lovers. He did as I requested and for only ten pounds, "I Partridge: We need to talk about Alan" was mine. Also, I didn't want to end up with shower gel (incidentally that is what my secret Santa got. The odd thi...more
Jun 26, 2012
Patrick Neylan
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Staunch fans only
Recommended to Patrick by:
Claire Moulange
Shelves:
humour
"Hey Steve, reckon we can squeeze any more cash out of Partridge?"
"Nah, I'm fed up with him, to be honest."
"How about a spoof autobiography? We'll just rewrite some sketches where he talks about himself. All you have to do is pose for the cover. Maybe a coupla days' work on the audiobook."
Partridge is a classic TV and radio character, but much of his comedic impact comes from Coogan's characterisation and his pompous interplay with his guests and interviewees. In book form, those two aspects are...more
"Nah, I'm fed up with him, to be honest."
"How about a spoof autobiography? We'll just rewrite some sketches where he talks about himself. All you have to do is pose for the cover. Maybe a coupla days' work on the audiobook."
Partridge is a classic TV and radio character, but much of his comedic impact comes from Coogan's characterisation and his pompous interplay with his guests and interviewees. In book form, those two aspects are...more
Oct 16, 2011
Blair
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
biography-or-memoir,
read-on-kindle
There's probably not a great deal I can say about this, really; the fact that it's a spoof autobiography of a fictional comedy character tells you all you need to know. If you're a huge fan of Alan Partridge, you'll probably find it a very amusing read - if you're not, well, it's not going to be of much interest. The narrative captures Alan's voice brilliantly - I almost felt I could hear him speaking as I read it - but I kept having to take a break from it, as there was only so much of this I c...more
I have never listened to an audio book before but when I heard that Steve Coogan read this 'autobiography' completely in character I was keen to give it a go.
This is simply brilliant. I was listening on the train to and from work and other commuters were giving me the strangest looks as I stifled countless bouts of laughter.
The only 'criticism' I can offer is that because Coogan is so good in the character its easy to forget that he's acting. But that's not a criticism is it?
So good.
This is simply brilliant. I was listening on the train to and from work and other commuters were giving me the strangest looks as I stifled countless bouts of laughter.
The only 'criticism' I can offer is that because Coogan is so good in the character its easy to forget that he's acting. But that's not a criticism is it?
So good.
Having been a massive fan of Alan Partridge back in the day, there wasn't much chance of me NOT liking this, and it doesn't disappoint. Laugh out loud funny in places, it's hard not to believe at times that Steve Coogan's alter-ego isn't real! I listened to the audio version in the car (while driving, obviously, I didn't just sit in the car and listen to it, that would have been weird) and I think it was all the better for being read by the great Partridge himself. Brilliant.
Classic Partridge! Right up there with the finest autobiographies available. (North) Norfolk's finest early morning DJ gives us insights into key moments in his remarkable life story. Surely destined to grace coffee tables everywhere, this page turner will really keep the reading wolf from the door. If considerations about the pedestrianisation of Norwich city centre are at the top of your wish list then this is for you!
Ruddy, bloody good!
Ruddy, bloody good!
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![I, Partridge: We Need to Talk about Alan. Alan Partridge with Rob Gibbons ... [Et Al.] (Paperback)](http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335992143s/12544734.jpg)
Journalist, presenter, broadcaster, husband, father, vigorous all-rounder – Alan Partridge – a man with a fascinating past and an amazing future. Gregarious and popular, yet Alan’s never happier than when relaxing in his own five-bedroom, south-built house with three acres of land and access to a private stream. But who is this mysterious enigma?
Alan Gordon Partridge is the best – and best-loved –...more
More about Alan Partridge...
Alan Gordon Partridge is the best – and best-loved –...more
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