Making It cover art

Making It

How Love, Kindness and Community Helped Me Repair My Life

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Making It

By: Jay Blades
Narrated by: Damian Lynch
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About this listen

The Sunday Times bestseller, Making It is an inspirational memoir about beating the odds and turning things around even when it all seems hopeless, by Jay Blades, the beloved star of hit BBC One show The Repair Shop.

We had our hardships, and there were times that we didn’t have a lot of food and didn’t have a lot of money. But that didn’t stop me having the time of my life.

In his audiobook, Jay shares the details of his life, from his childhood growing up sheltered and innocent on a council estate in Hackney, to his adolescence when he was introduced to violent racism at secondary school, to being brutalized by police as a teen, to finally becoming the presenter of the hit primetime show The Repair Shop.

Jay reflects on strength, weakness and what it means to be a man. He questions the boundaries society places on male vulnerability and how letting himself be nurtured helped him flourish into the person he is today. An expert at giving a second life to cherished items, Jay’s positivity, pragmatism and kindness shine through these pages and show that with care and love, anything can be mended.

©2021 Jay Blades (P)2021 Macmillan Publishers International Ltd Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Mental Health Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Inspiring Heartfelt Funny Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

"Lynch dramatically conveys the diverse cultures, personalities and accents of Blades's world, and recounts how he coped with dyslexia and learned to 'upcycle' - repair items from a dump for resale - then taught homeless kids this marketable skill. Most memorable is Lynch's delivery of Blades's honesty, self-deprecating humour and can-do motto: If something's broken (including life), you can always find a way to put it together." (AudioFile)

All stars
Most relevant  
How life can change and move forward . Never forget your roots . Enjoyed the book

A great listen well read

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An gripping account of an amazing journey. Couldn't put this book down. I highly recommend it.

Fantastic book. Best I've read in a long time.

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I punched the air (never before) when Jay achieved his university degree. I identified with a lot Jay discusses. I have a family of dyslexic children but struggled and am still struggling to get diagnosed. Two of my children have succeeded but I still battle for myself and my daughter. Dragon software is not available to most children or adults. I also relate to the bullying but from a domestic violence survivor perspective. My creative side is what always saved me too along with some key people I my life. I am also, still work in progress. It is good to read such an honest account and I hope a lot of good and inspiration comes from this audio book. I hope those I charge of education in government open their eyes to different skills, teaching and learning methods, so that in the future we have a more inclusive generation that follows ours. One where everyone's skills are matched, encouraged and their individual traits are seen as valuable.

Most dyslexic people will identify with Jay

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Really enjoyed this book , mirrored a lot of my husbands life coming from the same area and background. Very caring man who wants to make a difference.

Enjoyable listen

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Jay Blades is a fascinating man and once you listen to his story you’ll realise just how amazing he really is and how far he has come.

Excellently told, an amazing history.

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loved it and was a lovely easy read
the honesty was fantastic well done jay

brilliant read

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I read this almost straight off. Couldn't stop listening.
Brilliant read.
I laughed out aloud but was saddened also for Jay.
Loved the narrator, Damian Lynch he sounded just like Jay so that was a really good choice.

Many thanks for taking the time to do this Down to earth, honest, straight talking account of your life so far Jay.
Wonder what life has in store for you in the future, whatever it is I wish you well.
God bless

Highly recommended

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Absolutely loved this... Laughing out loud in so many parts, then in an instant near to tears with emotion. Luv what Jay stands for and how he has overcome so much... He shows his authentic self all the way through. Highly recommended. 👏👏👏❤️

Tears of laughter and emotion all the way through.

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Wow. I loved this from beginning to end. What a humble, beautiful man. Keep doing your amazing work. This book helped me towards my very own internal repairs, thank you Jay xx

What a Man

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This book was inspirational. Jay’s life has so many layers to it, so many lessons to be learned. Each time I found myself rooting for the projects or relationships.
The narration was fantastic. I found myself chucking as I was listening on my walks.
I totally recommend!

Inspirational

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