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This Boy

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This Boy

By: Alan Johnson
Narrated by: Alan Johnson
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About this listen

Alan Johnson's childhood was not so much difficult as unusual, particularly for a man who was destined to become Home Secretary. Not in respect of the poverty, which was shared with many of those living in the slums of postwar Britain, but in its transition from two-parent family to single mother and then to no parents at all....

This is essentially the story of two incredible women: Alan's mother, Lily, who battled against poor health, poverty, domestic violence and loneliness to try to ensure a better life for her children; and his sister, Linda, who had to assume an enormous amount of responsibility at a very young age and who fought to keep the family together and out of care when she herself was still only a child.

©2013 Alan Johnson (P)2013 Random House Audiobooks Historical Military & War Politicians Politics & Activism Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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heart wrenching, amazing story. only listened because of the reviews. So glad I did. Just about to buy the next book; need to know what happened next. Engrossing and well narrated. One of my favourite audible selections.

wasn't expecting to enjoy it so much

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This is a wonderful book, beautifully read. I found it interesting, gripping, and above all, humbling. Read it.

This Boy

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The childhood story behind one of our very best politicians should be compulsory reading/ listening for children today. The 50s were both a great and also a horrific time to grow up in. Alan Johnson's impoverished childhood was by no means unique and was being echoed all over the country, and certainly I experienced some of the hardships he describes ( but does not complain about) in Yorkshire. The freedom to escape from grown ups was balanced by near death experiences at the hands of bullies and grown ups who believed in the old spare the rod and spoil the child philosophy. My one complaint is that Alan Johnson did not make any of his stories- funny, sad, happy, scary- sound different; he hardly changed his style of reading throughout. Well worth listening to, though.

great trip down memory lane.

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What made the experience of listening to This Boy the most enjoyable?

It was written in a simple and straightforward way

Who was your favorite character and why?

It's an autobiography...the author I guess but his sister was amazing

Have you listened to any of Alan Johnson’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Only ever heard this one. I found his style quite fast and clipped but it was better with the speed turned down

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Few laughs and some sad bits. It was a factual type of book and I liked that. It came across as very honest.

Any additional comments?

A good listen

an inner city childhood

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Loved it! I can see why Alan Johnson is both respected and liked across the political spectrum. Despite the adversity in his childhood, the values and manners instilled by his mother, shine through in both his sister Linda and him.

Moving And Heartwarming

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Extraordinary story .. hard to believe someone growing up with this background could become Home Sec. Written and told without bitterness or a chip.

Extraordinary

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Would you listen to This Boy again? Why?

Yes, because it was informative, moving and well read.

What other book might you compare This Boy to, and why?

Like the 'oven on the landing' this is a stand alone book.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Many, but especially the end when Alan sees his mother's reflection and he reveals that he has learnt what his mother's sad life taught him - Family. not money, is the most important thing in life.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

the angel of North Kensington.

Any additional comments?

This book brings back personal memories of bubble n squeek, bread and dripping, supporting the local football team. Having the author read his own autobiography is more involving and authorative.

Yesterday

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Alan Johnson's early years told by himself, impartially despite the emotional content. Brutally honest and dignified in highlighting what life is really like when your poor. He should be proud of how his mother, sister and he achieved a close family life together despite crushing bad health and luck. The birth of a socialist with clear moral boundaries.

What a boy!

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Anyone of Alan Johnsons age or thereabouts will relate to his life, one of awful poverty but real feeling. He really understands how ordinary people lived when he was a boy. Real sense of community. Very sad in parts too-he is almost too kind to his absent waster father. Loved this book. Hope he writes a sequel and can think of no one better to be am MP. Stand again Mr Johnson. Leading the Labour Party ! You get REAL people. Thank you for sharing your life so far

A Real and Touching Life Story

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I have read this book twice and was so excited when i saw Alan Johnson was narrating that I had to listen to it. Alan evokes the era so well and now I'm about to listen to his second book.

LOVE THIS BOOK

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