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That's Another Story: The Autobiography
Julie Walters has been delighting audiences on screen and on stage for more than 25 years, and has been described as Britain's most popular actress and comedienne. Now she tells us her own story, in her own words. She was born in 1950s Birmingham, daughter of an austere Irish Catholic mother, and was sent to school in a convent. She wanted to be an actress from a young age, but to appease her mother she first went into nursing—that didn't last for long, and she soon joined Liverpool's Everyman Theatre. West End success followed, and she quickly replicated her success on film, earning an Academy Award nomination for her role in Educating Rita . Julie's collaborations with her close friend Victoria Wood have given audiences many unforgettable characters, and she's recently charmed a new generation of fans playing Mrs. Weasley in the Harry Potter films, alongside Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia! , co-starring with Helen Mirren in Calendar Girls , and co-starring in Billy Elliot . A natural writer with an instinctive sense of timing, Julie's memoirs are warm, moving, painfully felt, fiercely intelligent—and totally entertaining.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2008
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1722 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
December 9, 2018
National treasure Julie Walters tells us her own story of how she was born in the 1950's, Birmingham, the daughter of an Irish Catholic mother and was sent to convent school. She always wanted to be an actress but in an effort to please her mother went into nursing. This didn't last long but there are still many laugh out loud moments told in the book.
This is a very entertaining book and I got many a strange look from my wife while I was reading it as I tittered along. Unusual for this type of book the best part for me was the recap of her earlier life prior to fame and fortune where she struggled in her native Birmingham. Knowing the area well as I do this was an added enjoyment as she spoke about many of the things I could personally relate to.
A thoroughly enjoyable read from a very talented a likeable lady.
This is a very entertaining book and I got many a strange look from my wife while I was reading it as I tittered along. Unusual for this type of book the best part for me was the recap of her earlier life prior to fame and fortune where she struggled in her native Birmingham. Knowing the area well as I do this was an added enjoyment as she spoke about many of the things I could personally relate to.
A thoroughly enjoyable read from a very talented a likeable lady.
September 24, 2015
This is a pleasant read, from the funny, modest, fiesty and sometimes anarchic personality that is Julie Walters. It's her life story - from her childhood in Birmingham, to her training as an actor at Manchester Polytechnic, and then on to her amazingly successful working career on stage and screen. She is very down-to-earth; the absolute opposite of glamorous celebrity so often touted as the badge of a successful acting career. This has it's own rewards - and she has worked with some of our most interesting playwrights and directors.
Her relationship with her mother was good, but she comes across as a pretty tough caregiver
She writes wonderfully about the culture of Birmingham when she was a child. I was particularly interested in her experiences at school
Time and time again she shows her independence and humour
She is incredibly honest throughout the book. At one stage she writes about being part of a school gang that bullied someone who used to be a very good friend of hers. She describes clearly the urge to be part of the in-crowd, versus her shame at the treatment they meted out to this poor girl. Years later, she wrote to the girl and apologised.
She also writes fascinatingly about being haunted as an adult by night terrors. Waking up absolutely terrified, after horrible dreams. Sometimes she sleep-walked too. This went on for many years. Eventually she tried acupuncture as a remedy - and it worked immediately. They stopped completely.
She writes generously about her relationships with friends, boyfriends and acting colleagues, most of which sound rich and rewarding. She is obviously a people person through and through. She's a feisty lady though, and the book is far from being all honey and spice.
She also writes on several occasions about the craft of acting, and how she approaches her work, and that is interesting too.
All in all an entertaining read. I read it as a bedtime book - and for this it was perfect.
Her relationship with her mother was good, but she comes across as a pretty tough caregiver
She writes wonderfully about the culture of Birmingham when she was a child. I was particularly interested in her experiences at school
Time and time again she shows her independence and humour
She is incredibly honest throughout the book. At one stage she writes about being part of a school gang that bullied someone who used to be a very good friend of hers. She describes clearly the urge to be part of the in-crowd, versus her shame at the treatment they meted out to this poor girl. Years later, she wrote to the girl and apologised.
She also writes fascinatingly about being haunted as an adult by night terrors. Waking up absolutely terrified, after horrible dreams. Sometimes she sleep-walked too. This went on for many years. Eventually she tried acupuncture as a remedy - and it worked immediately. They stopped completely.
She writes generously about her relationships with friends, boyfriends and acting colleagues, most of which sound rich and rewarding. She is obviously a people person through and through. She's a feisty lady though, and the book is far from being all honey and spice.
She also writes on several occasions about the craft of acting, and how she approaches her work, and that is interesting too.
All in all an entertaining read. I read it as a bedtime book - and for this it was perfect.
March 11, 2012
I listened to this book which was actually read aloud by the good lady herself. Most of the book was listened to in the car whilst cursing the M1 and M25!! You can imagine the looks I got as I was howling with laughter at certain points, especially with the tales of her grandmother. The beauty of listening to autobiographies is that you feel the passion of the author and you also get the added bonus of accents and funny sound effects.
Julie Walters is one in a million and I really enjoyed this book.
Julie Walters is one in a million and I really enjoyed this book.
July 14, 2020
Interesting, easy read. Took me some time to finish but being a real life story, that is expected.
I didn't realize how well-acquainted the author felt soon after the first chapter. The childhood, her trudging through the school and education and then her entry in the theatres and movies - it's all so unpredictable. What is recommendable is how she has written her reactions,her thoughts to how life was coming along. It feels so natural that I could easily connect, though I'm from a different continent and entirely different culture. I felt like meeting someone and knowing them completely which is quite shocking to me as well. That lively the book goes on.
Sometimes I felt she could go in details and describe things. I would have loved to read what happens on the sets, especially the Harry Potter sets. I would have enjoyed the behind camera stuff, other stars, the life in Hollywood. That's something I missed in the book. The funny incidents tries to balance that and before I knew, I was moved to the next chapter.
While closing the book, I was like what happened next? How is she doing now? I even wondered if I ever get to write my autobiography (IF I ever do I won't publish it) how would I write it. And that was the interesting question the book left me with. So, yes. I was impressed by the actor, by the life, much more than the author in Julie Walters.
I didn't realize how well-acquainted the author felt soon after the first chapter. The childhood, her trudging through the school and education and then her entry in the theatres and movies - it's all so unpredictable. What is recommendable is how she has written her reactions,her thoughts to how life was coming along. It feels so natural that I could easily connect, though I'm from a different continent and entirely different culture. I felt like meeting someone and knowing them completely which is quite shocking to me as well. That lively the book goes on.
Sometimes I felt she could go in details and describe things. I would have loved to read what happens on the sets, especially the Harry Potter sets. I would have enjoyed the behind camera stuff, other stars, the life in Hollywood. That's something I missed in the book. The funny incidents tries to balance that and before I knew, I was moved to the next chapter.
While closing the book, I was like what happened next? How is she doing now? I even wondered if I ever get to write my autobiography (IF I ever do I won't publish it) how would I write it. And that was the interesting question the book left me with. So, yes. I was impressed by the actor, by the life, much more than the author in Julie Walters.
July 25, 2011
What a smashing read this was - funny, moving, warm and greatly entertaining. Love the actress, love the book.
Back Cover Blurb:
Julie Walters has been described as the nation's most popular actress and comedienne. She has been delighting us on screen and on stage for over twenty-five years and - thanks to her undoubted talent, infectious spirit and self-deprecating humour - we have taken her to our hearts. Now she tells us her own story, in her own words.
Back Cover Blurb:
Julie Walters has been described as the nation's most popular actress and comedienne. She has been delighting us on screen and on stage for over twenty-five years and - thanks to her undoubted talent, infectious spirit and self-deprecating humour - we have taken her to our hearts. Now she tells us her own story, in her own words.
January 5, 2020
I decided to start to this year of reading a little different. I love non-fiction books, especially autobiographies. And this did not disappoint. Funny, sentimental, touching, entertaining - it managed to make me laugh-out-loud on multiple occasions - this book achieved a real air of familiarity and connection. I love Julie Walters even more after this read, and I didn't know that would be possible.
August 11, 2021
Whether you've seen Julie Walters in "Educating Rita," as Mrs. Weasley in the Harry Potter films, with Helen Mirren in "Calendar Girls," in "Billy Elliot," where she played Jamie Bell's mother, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 as Mrs. Pauline Mole, with Jim Broadbent in "Wide-Eyed and Legless," or as Mrs. Overall in BBC's Acorn Antiques, or many TV dramas, you probably agree that she's one of Britain's most versatile actresses, equally at home in drama or comedy. In this engaging full-of-humour memoir, she tells the story of her life and career with plenty of candid details. It's both moving and full of laughs. A great read. - BH.
August 28, 2016
3.5/5, rounded up because it's just delightful.
I was given an old tattered copy of this by the family I stayed with in London in 2012, but damn, I wish I had an audiobook instead. It would've made the stories even funnier, if that's possible (I was positively dying of laughter during the chapter "The Little Nurse"). I found the first half of the book much more enjoyable because it dealt with her growing up. The rest was behind the scenes when her acting career kicked off which probably would've worked better if I were more familiar with her filmography.
Writing-wise I was very impressed, for the most part. Julie Walters is a great storyteller, but sometimes she would get caught up in it all and overuse certain phrases, like "it was (t)here that I", which appeared twice on one page and with just lines apart. That problem was mostly resolved when the story left her family house.
All in all, enjoyable all-around, though maybe my plan of waiting to watch more of her films before reading this was the way to go.
I was given an old tattered copy of this by the family I stayed with in London in 2012, but damn, I wish I had an audiobook instead. It would've made the stories even funnier, if that's possible (I was positively dying of laughter during the chapter "The Little Nurse"). I found the first half of the book much more enjoyable because it dealt with her growing up. The rest was behind the scenes when her acting career kicked off which probably would've worked better if I were more familiar with her filmography.
Writing-wise I was very impressed, for the most part. Julie Walters is a great storyteller, but sometimes she would get caught up in it all and overuse certain phrases, like "it was (t)here that I", which appeared twice on one page and with just lines apart. That problem was mostly resolved when the story left her family house.
All in all, enjoyable all-around, though maybe my plan of waiting to watch more of her films before reading this was the way to go.
November 25, 2016
This is not a book i would typically pick up but i'm on holiday in Spain and this book is in the apartment so i why not eh... and it was indeed a good decision, i loved this book! I come from Northern England and so many parts of this book spoke to me like it was tale a family member was telling at the dinner table. Even though it is an autobiography i found it held back on a few details in a good way, she doesn't go into to much detail about her break ups, which kind of bores me i'm not very interested in girly romantic books. It's really focused on funny moments in her life, some of which were very embarrassing and made me laugh a lot! I've fallen in love with her, and i now need to find all her books.
October 10, 2009
LOVED this book. So well written and SOUNDS like Julie. Written as it would be said. I was very interested to find out the 'larger' journey of her career. I expected to LIKE this book..but as I said I LOVED it and would defo reccomend to anyone who has heard of her or likes an autobiography.
I learnt that even those who seem to have glided into thier success have years f scratching and clawing their way up. 'True class' means they don't cry about this, nor do they show signs of wear when they arrive. Wonderful.
I learnt that even those who seem to have glided into thier success have years f scratching and clawing their way up. 'True class' means they don't cry about this, nor do they show signs of wear when they arrive. Wonderful.
May 5, 2011
Julie Walters is one of my favorite actresses. I especially liked her in Educating Rita - I have seen it many times.
This is a really fun book to read. I especially enjoyed reading about her experience as a first time Oscar nominee for Educating Rita. She was also nominated for Billy Elliot. It's nice to read that Michael Caine is a down-to-earth guy. I didn't know that Educating Rita was a play first. Julie wrote that she enjoyed doing the play more than making the movie. This is quite a good memoir!
This is a really fun book to read. I especially enjoyed reading about her experience as a first time Oscar nominee for Educating Rita. She was also nominated for Billy Elliot. It's nice to read that Michael Caine is a down-to-earth guy. I didn't know that Educating Rita was a play first. Julie wrote that she enjoyed doing the play more than making the movie. This is quite a good memoir!
March 26, 2015
One of maybe a handful of books I have read as assigned in a Book Club and was as uninterested (or more) in reading at the end as I was at the beginning. I'm sure it was at least partly due to the fact that she's an older English woman and as such has TONS of references to tv shows, places, times etc. that I know nothing about. Probably my favorite part of the book was the last 5 minutes when she spoke about being pregnant with her daughter, since that was something I could definitely relate to.
September 12, 2009
This was a very quick read for me as Julie is an excellent story teller with a great wit and it was a fascinating insight into her life and how she got to where she is today. My daughter is studying drama and performing arts and I intend to make sure she reads this book as I think it will help her enormously. Julie seems such a warm-hearted and honest person and I came away feeling like I had just read my best friends diary!
July 11, 2010
Absolutely hilarious from start to finish, and not your typical "star" story. Ms Walters' honest shines through the prose with an earthy grittiness that one can immediately relate to.
I loved reading it and once I got started I couldn't stop.
I loved reading it and once I got started I couldn't stop.
July 2, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. She made me laugh so much. I am such an admirer of her work and she has now gone up more in my estimation. She spoke throughout the book on her acting career and stayed away from a therapy style autobiographies that are gracing our shelves these days. A wonderful read
March 25, 2016
I may have gone a bit overboard with the rating, but it was such a lovely read. I felt that her personality shone through and so much of it made me smile.
Whether it was because she is of a similar age but so much of her early life I could relate to.
I would recommend this autobiography.
Whether it was because she is of a similar age but so much of her early life I could relate to.
I would recommend this autobiography.
March 27, 2009
just finished it.. really good read
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September 6, 2009Nice light entertaining read, why are/were all good actresses nurses?
August 2, 2011
A good read, quite interesting. Not as funny as I thought it would be. She's an amazing actress though, which makes up for it!
July 23, 2012
Funny read - Julie Walters is a national treasure & her life story was a joy to read, plus being a fellow brummie I could relate to her family life & some of the places she mentions. Loved it xx
August 22, 2012
Brilliant for beginning to end, love it!!
September 9, 2012
great book so funny in places
February 6, 2017
Touching, funny, moving and insightful.
September 13, 2022
Dame Julie Walters is something of a national treasure in the UK. In her role as Petula Gordino, in Dinnerladies, she doesn't even have to speak to have me in fits of giggles. She's a wonderful comic actor with her facial expressions saying a thousand words. She also starred in one of my favourite films of all time - Educating Rita. (If you haven't already watched it, then do so at once. It's a great film with moments of humour but it's also a window onto early 1980s Britain & the class & education systems which still existed then. It also stars Michael Williams - Dame Judi Dench's late husband - in a supporting role).
This autobiography covers from her early years in Edgbaston, Birmingham through to her role as Molly Weasley in the Harry Potter films. There were some moments where I actually laughed out-loud, but I did think that her film career was sped through rather quickly compared to her early years. I would have liked to hear more about her friendship & working relationship with Victoria Wood, but it is what it is. Overall, enjoyable with some genuinely funny moments. 3.5 stars (rounded up).
This autobiography covers from her early years in Edgbaston, Birmingham through to her role as Molly Weasley in the Harry Potter films. There were some moments where I actually laughed out-loud, but I did think that her film career was sped through rather quickly compared to her early years. I would have liked to hear more about her friendship & working relationship with Victoria Wood, but it is what it is. Overall, enjoyable with some genuinely funny moments. 3.5 stars (rounded up).
December 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this and liked the way the anecdotes seamlessly moved from one to another. The only thing that drove me a bit nuts was the length of chapters and the lack of paragraph breaks. It made finding a suitable gap to stop really difficult. Publishers, please stop your authors from doing this!
March 29, 2025
I love how open Julie was when writing this book. I really like how at the end of this book she listened movies/shows she is in and the date they were released. Personally I would have loved if she talked more about her time filming Harry Potter. With saying that not all the films were made when this book was released
September 28, 2021
What a fascinating life. Love Julie Walters!!
December 26, 2021
Audiobook
November 2, 2023
She’s really funny and a great writer.
April 11, 2025
I love Julie Walters and I'm a big fan of her acting. This is quite a short read, which doesn't linger too long on any one part of her life. I would have loved to learn more about the Walters and Wood days, but they are only briefly mentioned. Still, very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews