This is Jay’s story. It is not a work of great literature as it is written in the language of the street of where he grew up, but that only adds to the reality of his story.. It is Jay’s voice. Reading it is almost as though the man himself was sitting alongside you, such is the nature of the way the text comes across. It is Jay’s words, his character and nature, his background and the problems he encountered as a youngster, as a teenager and as an adult growing into the person he is today through all the experiences of growing up. The bullying, the racism, his (unidentified) dyslexia, nothing is avoided in this account of his life. Do not expect an easy read in any way. It is an honest, gritty, raw - at many times frighteningly so – in both its language and account which, in many ways, is a sad reflection on the society of the recent past. Some of his experiences are shocking and it is testament to his character that he has battled through those difficulties to be the person we appreciate and respect today for his achievements. His story adds to that respect and there are serious lessons for today to be learned from his account. Society should be ashamed of how history has treated members of our shared community. Having recently also read Lemn Sissay’s book on his experiences, there are some similarities in his and Jay’s accounts of what they had to go through to achieve that which they have today. Given his account, it raises the question would we have the Jay we know today had he not been through those experiences? The simple answer is, no. One decision to take an alternative path and, had he not had the strength of character to overcome his difficulties, this could have been a totally different story. Jay’s, however, is a story of triumph over adversity, of repair and renewal both in his own life and the lives of others. It is both an emotional and rewarding read. My respect for him has certainly increased.

This is an inspirational and passionate memoir from someone who wants to make the world a better place. Jay Blades who many of us will know from the heartwarming TV show The Repair Shop shows us how he got to the point where he is at now from growing up with his brother and mother in Hackney to living and working in Oxford, High Wycombe and now being in Wolverhampton. It covers the significant relationships of his life and covers parts where by his own admission he didn't behave as he should. Along the way one thread is that he has always got involved in projects that have tried to improve things for those who need it most and he has done all this while not being able to read due to dyslexia. This is a great memoir and I've read a lot of them in my time. He doesn't hold anything back and lays it all on the line. With all the different charity work over the years that he has become involved in any one of those roles would be an amazing achievement never mind a few like he has done. With the aim he is hoping for at the end of his book I'm willing him to achieve it. Buy this book.

I had read parts of the life story of Jay in a newspaper so was curious to read this and what a read. I could not put it down and read it in one day. Jay has a fascinating life story and I will not say much in my review as I would rather the reader discovers his highs and lows when reading it. He certainly faced a lot of challenges and hopefully he has now found enjoyment and peace in life. This really is an amazing read and as "autobiographies" go (you will understand the " " when you read it as to why I put that in quotes) this is right up there with the best of them. One of my top books of 20121

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book pre-publication. I LOVED it........Jay is a figure we all recognise from the television and the book is written (thanks to some wonderful software and a ghost writer) in his easy going, laid back style which makes it a pleasure to read. Whilst a mere whipper-snapper this dapper geezer's life has been no walk in the park and he lays all his faults out on the printed page for us all to read. Dealing with a range of topics including unemployment, gang behaviour, hard times, relationships, race and mental health issues This book is a brave and thought provoking read which I wholeheartedly recommend to all.