Driven: A thrilling autobiography from the TV chef, star of Saturday Morning

by James Martin

Whether skateboarding across the kitchen as a child,
or taking part in the world's most prestigious vintage road race, TV chef James Martin has never been one
to sit still. In this entertaining narrative he reveals
how his two passions – cooking and cars – have fuelled his hopes, dreams and successes and made him the household name he is today. James talks with passion, energy and candid humour about his childhood, early ambitions, becoming a successful chef and wowing audiences with his foxtrot on Strictly Come Dancing. His story is punctuated with tales of remarkable cars, from his first toy Ferrari to his vintage Maserati, each one representing a personal milestone and bringing with it charming stories and amusing anecdotes. James' cars give him the perfect excuse to delve into his life, revealing frank and fascinating details - from racing through the fields on his father's tractor and teenage fumblings in the back seat, to hurtling round a track with James Bond actor, Daniel Craig. With James' career reaching new heights, and his collection of classic cars continuing to grow, Driven tells how his two lifelong obsessions have shaped the life of this relentlessly ambitious man.

Genres: Biography

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2008

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great little book. Great fun, great reading and very informative

[Danielle Bade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found james martin's personality came across as less of the play boy tv personality you read about and see on tv and more of a genuinely nice, very hard working Yorkshire lad who likes cars. What comes across the most is that he has worked for every single thing he has achieved and really enjoys the spoils of his work, and so he should.

[I C Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is quite an old book (2008 first print) to quote James Martin, “I LOVED this!”🤣
His complete love of all things with a motor (in particular cars) overshadows his love for cooking in my opinion, but being a lover of cars and bikes myself I could understand, just wish I could afford to indulge myself🙄

Nicely written and very easy indeed to read, an interesting insight into James’ usually very private world, very respectful towards people in his life, whether friends, family or work colleagues it builds on James’ true to life working class nice guy.

Some interesting snippets which I won’t mention here to avoid spoilers, but if you like cars with a bit of cooking thrown in you’ll love this, even if you don’t…you’ll like this book🤣

[Paul Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love JM. I love his Saturday show and I got the privilege of seeing his tour earlier this year. I got this book, which had the tickets hidden inside, as a Christmas present last year.
I am not a big fan of autobiographies, as a genre, but thought I'd give this a go.
I was pleasantly surprised. what a good read this is. Full of insight into the catering industry and the car industry.
This was such an easy and pleasant read, I couldn't put it down. I felt like I was a travelling companion in one of the many cars mentioned in the book. And what a ride.
A very personal insight into James himself, without the name dropping clichés you get in many a biography.

[Sean Flatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good autobiography on this well known chef

This autobiography book is good and explains about how James Martin became a chef and after a classic car fanatics as well.
The book is well written and enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would read it again sometime later on. Best wishes Sean

[sue sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great auto

Very honest view of himself ,loved it, look forward to next autobiography, then to now and life in Hampshire with cars

[Deborah Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. He has worked so hard to get to where he is today and he's so grounded.
Loved all the talk about the cars he's had or driven.

[Lynne Patrica Housman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing,unless you're a car enthusiast

I expected much more about James Martin's family life and culinary ideas and much less about cars. For a man with such warmth and charisma on screen to portray himself as a person with superficial values is more than disappointing.

[Paula Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very disappointed with this book because in my opinion it makes James seem very shallow and uninteresting. He talks mainly about the places he's worked and various expensive motor vehicles but I learned nothing at all about the man - unless there is nothing to know after all. It may be of interest to male readers who like cars but, on the other hand, I also love food and exciting motor vehicles and I was bored by the whole book. I think my autobiography would be more interesting than this one. Sorry James but despite your ostensibly glamorous lifestyle - I don't envy you.

[David Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book for someone who likes watching him on TV. His personality shines through and his easy style is just like his cooking programmes, lots of asides as well as getting though the details.
He really is a car fanatic and most of his success is linked to the opportunity to buy another 'milestone' car. It shows how hard he works and and how he chooses to reward himself. There's also an insight into his private life which is not normally visible
I really enjoyed it

[Ailsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

More a hard working guy, not just another TV personalty.