An Average Joe: My Horribly Abnormal Life

by Joe Hildebrand

Part memoir, part wander through a changing political landscape, part rant about Australia, the media, politics, and everything, Joe Hildebrand's new book, like the man himself, defies description. Joe Hildebrand is the man you see on tV, the man you read in the Daily telegraph, the man you might follow on twitter (where he's rated as one of the top ten most influential tweeters in Australia), the man with an opinion on everything and anything, especially the dire straits of the current political landscape. But who is he? Where did he come from?In this, his first book, you can meet the man behind the man; his highly unconventional family and upbringing, his odd relatives, his less than stellar school career and then his arrival at University where he discovered a tribe of similar outcasts and freaks - student politicians. the lesson Joe learned as an aspiring student leader and newspaper editor would bring him girlfriends, win him elections, and prepare him for a life inside the den of evil itself; the Murdoch newspaper empire.Sit back, relax and laugh along with Joe as he reflects on his life and times - and tries to find some semblance of meaning in either.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2013

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Hard to find a smart, but funny book written by an Australian (name me one and I'll read it). And this is all three. Snorted with laughter on the way to work most days, but ended up in tears with Joe's final revealations at the end of the book, proving again that life throws difficulties and sadness at all of us, but it's thrown a big one at Joe and his family.

It's a no holds barred account of family life, his university career and his ensuing love life, working life (hippie lefty vibe man but working for Rupert Murdoch - aren't we all), and the rise and fall of the Labor party (he was the political journalist for the Tele and toured with Rudd).

If you loved Adrian Mole's Growing Pains, if you went to university and had anything to do with the student union (even if it was to painstakingly avoid them), if you loved Latham, Rudd or Carr (or hated them all), if you live in Sydney and are not sure why, you'll love An Average Joe.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up a couple of years behind you, a couple of suburbs away and went from middle class to single mother poor in the 90's recession. You told the story of our similar youths so honestly and I felt like I was back there. Thank you for telling mr Rudd about your dental story. U make all us zone 3 public schooled kids damn proud!!! This book makes u laugh and cry and just feel damn good. U will want to savour every word if every well crafted sentence. Utterly delicious.

[Alyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this. An easy read and a good insight into someone who can be hard to 'pigeonhole' from his media work.

[Trish O'neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

laughed out loud so often the people on the train thought I was nuts....then I cried. He is much more than an average Joe and so is this book. Loved it

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny. Joe has a similar writing style to Tony Martin.

[Adam Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first encounter with Joe Hildebrand was on the ABC series "Dumb, Drunk and Racist" and I've been a fan of his humorous brand of journalism ever since. Coming from the US, I always found Joe to be Australia's closest thing to Jon Stewart in terms of tackling real news issues but doing it in a funny and ironic way that really connects with the audience. If Australia ever gets its own Daily Show, I vote for Joe to be the host.

So with great excitement, I picked up Joe's first book--an autobiography--and I'm happy to report it's a blast to read. He's a humorous writer and tells a story about his life that sounds like it would make a great '80s coming-of-age movie.

As a journalist myself, I especially appreciated the insights into Joe's evolution as a reporter and his commentary on Australian politics. To be honest, I would have liked to read more about his insights on reporting and the direction that journalism has taken in general. Hopefully, Joe will write another book on this subject!

Anyway, whether you're from Australia, the US, or any other country that appreciates humor, give this book a try!

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrifically entertaining memoir detailing the dysfunctional life of Australian journalist Joe Hilderbrand. Hilderbrand has certainly lead an abnormal life which he has recounted in a sarcastic, self-deprecating tongue in cheek style. The book of course was not all humour and Hilderbrand wrote a poignant description of the disappearance of his brother, Paddy. I feel I would be remiss not mention the similarities between this and another memoir, by another Brand, My Booky Wook. I preferred Hildebrands slightly more, because I felt sections of the memoir were enlightening i.e. the overview of the machinations of the student politics. Also Hlderbrand is not a socialist...anymore...I think?.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting read

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last quarter of the book was when things really got interesting for me. Definitely wanted more detail on his work as a journo. Felt like the story was only just beginning here.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. A very entertaining life, so far.

[Huilin Zhou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5