Mini Reviews

Ticket to the World: My 80s Story by Martin Kemp
read by Colin Mace

51-XSgFXWcL._SL500_Synopsis: “Ticket to the World is a joyous, nostalgic celebration of 80s culture from one man at the centre of it all.
New Year’s Eve, 1979. My family and I stand arm in arm around our Formica kitchen table, counting down to the new decade with each televised chime of Big Ben. We have no idea what is about to hit us, no idea of the seismic waves of change approaching. The 80s transformed life as we knew it. Music, style and culture exploded in a haze of dayglo colour. There were hardships, but there were opportunities too. And I lived through – and helped to shape – Britain’s last real youth movement.
Ticket to the World is my time-warp trip down memory lane, reliving that truly unforgettable decade. Join me as I recall what it was like to lead the New Romantics, stay up all night at the Blitz with Sade and Boy George, travel the world with Spandau Ballet and contribute to the era-defining Live Aid.
So, grab that glass of Babycham and let’s toast the very best of the 80s: the creativity and the culture, the fashion and the FUN!“

This was so fun! I really enjoyed listening to Martin Kemp’s memories of the 1980s. I’ve never been a Spandau Ballet fan, but I was a teenager in the 80s, so still remember a lots about it, especially the music. I loved the way this book was put together, with each year of the 80s as a chapter. It wasn’t just about the band, but about the music scene and also what was happening in the UK culturally. Having read part of Pepsi & Shirlie’s book earlier last year, I wasn’t expecting much from the this, but enjoyed it a lot more. It was really interesting, especially about how the New Romantic scene came about, which the Kemp brothers were a part of. I loved hearing hearing how Band Aid and Live Aid came about, including that infamous rivalry between Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. Of course he mentions how instrumental George Michael was in getting him and Shirlie together, plus lots of other gossip about various bands and artists and music producers. Highly recommended if you enjoy memoirs on audio.

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Keep Moving: And Other Truths About Living Well Longer
by Dick Van Dyke

41ACUiy8XbL._SL500_Synopsis: “Beloved Hollywood icon Dick Van Dyke will celebrate his 90th birthday in December 2015. He’s an established legend, having starred in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. And yet he’s still keeping himself busy, entertaining America on television, movies, the stage, and social media. Everyone wonders, “How does he do it?” For the first time, Van Dyke shares his secrets and tips on old age: Just keep moving.
In a fun and folksy way of addressing readers, Keep Moving serves as an instruction book on how to embrace old age with a positive attitude. The chapters are filled with exclusive personal anecdotes that explore various themes on ageing: how to adapt to the physical and social changes, deal with loss of friends and loved ones, stay current, fall in love again, and “keep moving” every day like there’s no tomorrow.”

This was great fun, so positive, a fantastic book to the start the New Year with! Who doesn’t love Dick Van Dyke even if he did have that terrible cockney accent in Mary Poppins! 😂 I loved his thoughts on ageing, he doesn’t feel old, has always been an optimist and isn’t a professionally trained dancer! He just loves to move to music! As well as tips about getting older it’s also a memoir, so I learned lots about him and what I heard I liked. He’s actually 97 now, which is amazing considering he was a heavy smoker and an alcoholic. He definitely inspired me to keep moving every day, even if it’s a quick walk around the block or just having a boogie in the kitchen whilst cooking tea. His thoughts on love are amazing, as were he memories of meeting The Beatles on the set of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! He also did a report card of his 90 years, which was really clever and fascinating at the same time. I listened to this via the audible plus catalogue, and can imagine listening again sometime. Highly recommended!