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Parky: My Autobiography
From prize-winning journalist to chat show king on a show voted one of the top10 British TV programs of all time, Michael Parkinson's starry career spans over four decades. Now an international celebrity himself, the man from a humble but colorful Yorkshire mining family who can tease out the secrets of even the most reticent star guest, at last reveals his own story, wit
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This is a delightfully written narration of a remarkable life and career. Sir Michael Parkinson is everything he appears to be when interviewing his wide variety of entertaining guests. This is where most of us have seen him at work. The conversational style of the book leads the reader to believe ‘Parky’ could be sitting opposite recounting the tales of his life.
Starting life as the only son of a coal miner ‘Jack’s Lad’ left his lowly beginnings driven on by his mother whom he refers to revere ...more
Starting life as the only son of a coal miner ‘Jack’s Lad’ left his lowly beginnings driven on by his mother whom he refers to revere ...more
I grew up watching Parky on Saturday nights in the UK. He always brought out the best in his guests, without stealing the stage himself - which is the mark of a good interviewer. There are very few TV interviewers like that anymore, and so Parky was one of the last greats of talk-show. I will never forget his interviews with Mohammed Ali, Billy Connolly, and Dame Edna Everage.
Although this book tends to shout his own praises somewhat (more than he ever did on TV) it is still a fascinating tale o ...more
Although this book tends to shout his own praises somewhat (more than he ever did on TV) it is still a fascinating tale o ...more
Perhaps 'autobiography' is not quite the right name for this book. While the first third was a touching insight into Parkinson's childhood and a lively personal account of his foray into the competitive journalism industry, the heart of the book was largely focussed on...other people. And while the anecdotes are often funny and wittily put (writing engagingly is how Parkinson earned his bread and butter) , do we really care that 'Bob' the head of whatever television company was a great joke tell
...more
Book Review By Jill Smith January 2009
This is a delightfully written narration of a remarkable life and career. Sir Michael Parkinson is everything he appears to be when interviewing his wide variety of entertaining guests. This is where most of us have seen him at work. The conversational style of the book leads the reader to believe ‘Parky’ could be sitting opposite recounting the tales of his life.
Starting life as the only son of a coal miner ‘Jack’s Lad’ left his lowly beginnings driven on ...more
This is a delightfully written narration of a remarkable life and career. Sir Michael Parkinson is everything he appears to be when interviewing his wide variety of entertaining guests. This is where most of us have seen him at work. The conversational style of the book leads the reader to believe ‘Parky’ could be sitting opposite recounting the tales of his life.
Starting life as the only son of a coal miner ‘Jack’s Lad’ left his lowly beginnings driven on ...more
This is very much a contrast to Simon Pegg's autobiography (which I just read). Parky breezes through his school years in the first few chapters with nary a diversion, realising that an overview of this era works better than a blow by blow account of childhood friends.
The first half of the book detailing his upbringing, family, way of life and personal ethic is rich and compelling, well told and a great personal insight into a vanishing era. Cricket, the pits, the war, his foray into journalism ...more
The first half of the book detailing his upbringing, family, way of life and personal ethic is rich and compelling, well told and a great personal insight into a vanishing era. Cricket, the pits, the war, his foray into journalism ...more
Growing up, one of the TV programmes I enjoyed was 'Parkinson' talkshow hosted by Sir Michael Parkinson a man who was in the mould of David Frost and would be followed by Michael Aspel. He came from the old school of interviewers who seek to inform as well as entertain with his choice of guests which encompassed the best in Acting, Theatre, Sports and Politics.
Born in the North Yorkshire town of Cudworth near Barnsley in 1935. The son of a Coal Miner and keen Cricket follower who wanted his son ...more
Born in the North Yorkshire town of Cudworth near Barnsley in 1935. The son of a Coal Miner and keen Cricket follower who wanted his son ...more
From a coal mining area to a knighthood the boy’s done good as Michael Parkinson recollects the hard life in the coalfields of Yorkshire to the pinnacle of his journalistic and broadcasting life. He knew the hardships of his father and vowed never to follow in his footsteps but idolised the man all the way through his life. His mother was more refined but none the less influential, he recollects friends and enemies along the way and for some readers may be staggered at the lifestyle in Britain i
...more
I read this in dribs and drabs so to speak. It lends itself well to that sort of reading. I like Parky and I found him a very easy read. It was good to read about his life before the main show. I learned so many things about him! Of course he has interviewed some of the most fascinating and famous people of our time. I thought he might have given more away than he did about those celebrities but then again it's not that surprising that he kept it brief. Naturally Meg Ryan featured (what a disast
...more
I enjoyed this book for the discussion of those people he met and interviewed during his career. Not a particularly well-written book, and can't say I have ever thought too much of Michael per se. If you want to hear about the people he interacted with, then I recommend it. Otherwise...
I eventually got into this book when he picked up the pace regarding his long term infamous "Parkinson". When he got to this stage it became a list of celebs and various stories about them which were eye-opening and engaging. I now also admire the entertainer for his other talents, that I didn't know about - writing, screenplays, charity work etc.
However having invested the time in reading this, I feel as though I know more about the guests than Parky - there was very little 'family' talk, other ...more
However having invested the time in reading this, I feel as though I know more about the guests than Parky - there was very little 'family' talk, other ...more
Aug 09, 2011
Barbro Kinnunen
added it
I have always loved Michael Parkinsons talk show, where he, in the slow paced, witty and seemingly improvised and relaxed chat style, interviews mega stars and prominent people. Always a must-see for me. Now after reading his life story from the early years of childhood into hits and flops of his career I'm in love with this man ;-) He shares his endevours with sparks in his eyes and, as it should, tells HIS life's story and keps elegantly away from the pit fall of making the book a tattle fest
...more
Funny and as you would expect long and engaging.
Many, many stories about people who were on his show. Loved it
Many, many stories about people who were on his show. Loved it
Despite the fact it took me a very long time to read this book, I enjoyed every word, I found Parky's style of writing very engaging, and I had no idea all the adventures Parky had before showing up on our TV screens. He's obviously had a very exciting life, including trips to war zones and a stint in Australia!
It's true there's quite a bit of name dropping in the final third of the book, but I found that fun. I'd drop names too if I met so many famous and interesting people.
Anyway, I'd recommen ...more
It's true there's quite a bit of name dropping in the final third of the book, but I found that fun. I'd drop names too if I met so many famous and interesting people.
Anyway, I'd recommen ...more
Michael Parkinson or Parky is an institution in British media. For my generation mostly TV and talk shows, but he is also a writing journalist. Something his memoirs really shows you. He knows how to tell a tale or two.
With his famous charm and wit he tells the story about growing up in a miner family in Yorkshire and how he wanted to be cricket player but became a journalist instead. Quite a remarkable life and career, which makes the book a good read.
With his famous charm and wit he tells the story about growing up in a miner family in Yorkshire and how he wanted to be cricket player but became a journalist instead. Quite a remarkable life and career, which makes the book a good read.
Unexpectedly good humoured, especially in the first half of the book providing many a chuckle. A tad heavy on the cricket for my liking though some may enjoy it if they have a passion for it. The second half of the book read a bit like a listing of the show summaries - but the first half explaining Parky's rise to journalism and television and his family life growing up was very enjoyable.
As another reviewer has already said, I found this much more interesting once he started writing about his talk show and the great people he has met - but then again, it's an autobiography and so it's fair enough that he took us through everything! Nice to read an autobiography that's actually been written by the subject (rather than ghost written as so many have)
Feb 05, 2015
Lynne Stringer
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
autobiographies-biographies
I grew up watching Parky, as my parents liked watching his interviews when they were on, so I was interested in the behind the scenes story of his life and the many people he interviewed on his show. Having done some interviews myself in my journalism days, I can sympathise with the difficulties when the interviewee simply will not cooperate. A great read.
Jack's lad. Mike gives an insightful description of his life. I wouldn't have known that he was in the army, accidentally started a brothel (unbeknownst to himself, until too late), how he was at Granada and how Sydney Bernstein chose Manchester as the place to start a television company (very smart reason). I just hope my life is as interesting.
Brilliant read, I remember watching Parkinson religiously as a child and marveling at the wonderful array of guests he would attract. All the Hollywood greats interviewed in Parky's inimitable style.
This biog captures all the golden moments, chapter after chapter, hidden behind the scenes facts, recalling the good and the bad.
Highly recommended.
This biog captures all the golden moments, chapter after chapter, hidden behind the scenes facts, recalling the good and the bad.
Highly recommended.
Bloody brilliant book, you can actually hear Parky saying the stories he tells. Not many people have lived such a charmed life as Michael Parkinson, yet he acknowledges this with good humour and humility. He's met some amazing people and done some great things and he tells you the tales fabulously in his on Yorkshire style. Must read!
A lovely book, full of surprisingly detailed anecdotes. Obviously drafted, crafted and honed over many years. Some of it is very easy to read; other parts are more slow-going. But it's certainly a book that you should take your time over. It's not one that is sped through. Savour a chapter or two over a cup of tea.
I never expected to get much from this book, But I tried it due to the fact so many other people told how good it was. They were not wrong. An amazing run through the life of this man leaves you gasping, tearful and amazed at the intricacies and eventfulness of this mans life. Read it , it will surprise you.
Written in a conversational style so typical of his shows, this is an entertaining read. However, half the book is about the people he meets and interviews and works with, so while they are interesting in the main, it becomes a list of famous names. Nevertheless I enjoyed it but can only give it 3 stars.
An interesting and very funny beginning describing his upbringing in Cudworth, Yorkshire is followed by a more pedestrian telling of life away from home. There are numerous amusing incidents which are told well, but by the end one is almost overwhelmed by the name-dropping.
I liked the stories he shared, I love the way he tells the stories and being Australian, I cant deny his taste. After having seen him interview so many people it is interesting to find out what the man is thinking and he does throw out a few surprises.
Quite a readable book & some interesting insights in to Parky, his life & someof his guests. However it does end up feeling like a list of the famous & used to be famous; I shouldn't be surprised I suppose as he's most famous for interviewing famous people
Aug 02, 2011
Rachel
added it
Very interesting insight into Parky's life. I think he was very honest. Didn't enjoy the book as much as I thought I would though. I felt a bit too young for it as I didn't know a lot of the people he'd interviewed in the early days.
If you are a cricket lover and have a good knowledge of who's-who in the world of British broadcasting this would be your book.
For me the first chapters about his childhood were very interesting and then boredom set in.
For me the first chapters about his childhood were very interesting and then boredom set in.
I already admired this guy....after reading his very down-to-earth autobiography I only admire him more......lovely insights into some of his guests and admirable use of discretion and restraint in some cases!
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Sir Michael Parkinson, CBE (born 28 March 1935) is an English broadcaster, journalist and author. He presented his chat show, Parkinson, from 1971 to 1982 and from 1998 to 2007. He has been described by The Guardian as "the great British talkshow host".
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