1st half was the best bit, 21 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading the first part of this book as Ted travelled down through Africa. He seemed focussed on the journey ahead, seemed interested in all the contrasting people around him and included lots of detail about his bike. From South America onwards however, he seemed to lose interest in the trip and dwelled far too long on certain events. He also skipped through whole countries in a matter of a couple of pages. His philosophising on whether he might be a God was irritating and at this point I found myself skipping pages. Disappointing in places.

Great read!, 25 Jun 2008
I'm a busy mother of 4 and have found this book pure escapism. It's been a facinating insight into the world back in the 70's (when I was a child!). I enjoyed Ewan and Charley's adventures but now I can see where their inspiration came from. It's not always a light read but I can't recommend it enough!

This is a brilliant book, 16 Feb 2008
I love this book, it's one of my treasured favourites and I have re-read it many times over the years. From our armchair we go with Ted around the world, sharing in his fears, joys and small triumphs. He is an excellent writer who shows many insights; we get to know him as a friend. I enjoyed the follow-up, Riding High too, but not as much as this one.

Great travel story, 19 Nov 2007
This is a wonderful book. Very well written and drags you in to his journey. If you love travel and seeing the world, get this. Great read.

Be a pillion passenger with Ted!, 17 Jul 2007
Brought this book on holiday to Bulgaria to pick up and read a few pages each day by the pool.Ended up reading the whole book in 2 days. Could not put it down. Just can't wait to read follow up.

A series of anecdotes, such as are included in Surely You're Joking, Mr Feynman, shouldn't by rights add up to an autobiography, but that's just one of the many pieces of received wisdom that Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman (1918-88) cheerfully ignores in this engagingly eccentric book. Fiercely independent (read the chapter entitled "Judging Books by Their Covers"), intolerant of stupidity even when it comes packaged as high intellectualism (check out "Is Electricity Fire?"), unafraid to offend (see "You Just Ask Them?"), Feynman informs by entertaining. It's possible to enjoy Surely You're Joking, Mr Feynman, a bestseller ever since its initial publication in 1985, simply as a bunch of hilarious yarns with the author as know-it-all hero. At some point, however, attentive readers realise that underneath all the merriment simmers a running commentary on what constitutes authentic knowledge: learning by understanding, not by rote; refusal to give up on seemingly insoluble problems, and total disrespect for fancy ideas that have no grounding in the real world. Feynman himself had all these qualities in spades, and they come through with vigour and verve in his no-bull prose. No wonder his students--and readers around the world--adored him. --Wendy Smith

1st half was the best bit, 21 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading the first part of this book as Ted travelled down through Africa. He seemed focussed on the journey ahead, seemed interested in all the contrasting people around him and included lots of detail about his bike. From South America onwards however, he seemed to lose interest in the trip and dwelled far too long on certain events. He also skipped through whole countries in a matter of a couple of pages. His philosophising on whether he might be a God was irritating and at this point I found myself skipping pages. Disappointing in places.

Great read!, 25 Jun 2008
I'm a busy mother of 4 and have found this book pure escapism. It's been a facinating insight into the world back in the 70's (when I was a child!). I enjoyed Ewan and Charley's adventures but now I can see where their inspiration came from. It's not always a light read but I can't recommend it enough!

This is a brilliant book, 16 Feb 2008
I love this book, it's one of my treasured favourites and I have re-read it many times over the years. From our armchair we go with Ted around the world, sharing in his fears, joys and small triumphs. He is an excellent writer who shows many insights; we get to know him as a friend. I enjoyed the follow-up, Riding High too, but not as much as this one.

Great travel story, 19 Nov 2007
This is a wonderful book. Very well written and drags you in to his journey. If you love travel and seeing the world, get this. Great read.

Be a pillion passenger with Ted!, 17 Jul 2007
Brought this book on holiday to Bulgaria to pick up and read a few pages each day by the pool.Ended up reading the whole book in 2 days. Could not put it down. Just can't wait to read follow up.

Like the Essays of Montaigne - Wit, Wisdom and Vitality, 30 Oct 2008
I'm a big fun of Charlie Munger's writings and he put me in the direction of this book. It's deceptively simple. You start reading and think these are twee stories well told. It took me a couple of months to get really into it, but then each chapter needed to be read slowly to absorb its insight and idiosyncratic wisdom.

I love the way he says something by weaving it with stories from every day life, where he was at a particular time, what he did, and what happened afterwards.

I'm a non-conformist, and I found Feynman a reassuring and inspiring kindred spirit. He's not impressed by much. He'd rather have turned down the Nobel Prize and he has a playful attitude to sex, authority and responsibility. What a cool and brilliant man!

Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one!, 25 Aug 2008
Part physicist, part prankster, part musician, part teacher, part genius, part story teller, part little boy and all human being, this is the true story of Richard Feynman. He was a man with an insatiable curiosity, and had a zest to explore the world of physics, human nature and himself.

The stories in the book are funny, entertaining and enlightening. Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one. From the gifted young boy who fixed radios by thinking to the top notch physicist who could explain concepts to laymen like no one else, Feynman was one of a kind.

Well worth the read!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide To: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

I just don't understand, 31 Jul 2008
I just don't understand why this book recieves such good reviews? I found it a boring read - the type of stories that boring people try to regale you with whilst stuck on a train or other public places where escape from their witterings is hard.



hilarious and bizarre anecdotes, 31 Jul 2008
hilarious annotation of improbably bizarre but somehow believable happenings in the life of this extraordinary man. ok, sometimes he comes accross as maybe lacking in the empathy department , and as construing situations involving human interaction as challenges to find something ridiculously unconventional to do with them - but at a certain level it is funny.

Mr Feynman, you are awful...but I like you!, 22 Jan 2008
What an interesting book! Richard Feynman was an acknowledged genius and this is not an autobiography in the normal sense. Compiled from a series of interviews set up for the purpose, Feynman's sense of fun and sheer joy of physics, maths and life in general shines through.

He is not shy in taking credit where it is due - he certainly "gets" things really quickly where others struggle - but is also surprisingly honest when describing his relationships for example and is quite happy to acknowledge the efforts made by others. This is an easy book to "dip" into and one can also sit down and devote significant time to it. Not only is this one of the best science books I have read it is one of the best biographies I have read full stop.

I can't help feeling that if you were to happen acros RF in a bar (and that would not be an unusual occurrence) you would find him a pleasant and interesting companion.

1st half was the best bit, 21 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading the first part of this book as Ted travelled down through Africa. He seemed focussed on the journey ahead, seemed interested in all the contrasting people around him and included lots of detail about his bike. From South America onwards however, he seemed to lose interest in the trip and dwelled far too long on certain events. He also skipped through whole countries in a matter of a couple of pages. His philosophising on whether he might be a God was irritating and at this point I found myself skipping pages. Disappointing in places.

Great read!, 25 Jun 2008
I'm a busy mother of 4 and have found this book pure escapism. It's been a facinating insight into the world back in the 70's (when I was a child!). I enjoyed Ewan and Charley's adventures but now I can see where their inspiration came from. It's not always a light read but I can't recommend it enough!

This is a brilliant book, 16 Feb 2008
I love this book, it's one of my treasured favourites and I have re-read it many times over the years. From our armchair we go with Ted around the world, sharing in his fears, joys and small triumphs. He is an excellent writer who shows many insights; we get to know him as a friend. I enjoyed the follow-up, Riding High too, but not as much as this one.

Great travel story, 19 Nov 2007
This is a wonderful book. Very well written and drags you in to his journey. If you love travel and seeing the world, get this. Great read.

Be a pillion passenger with Ted!, 17 Jul 2007
Brought this book on holiday to Bulgaria to pick up and read a few pages each day by the pool.Ended up reading the whole book in 2 days. Could not put it down. Just can't wait to read follow up.

Like the Essays of Montaigne - Wit, Wisdom and Vitality, 30 Oct 2008
I'm a big fun of Charlie Munger's writings and he put me in the direction of this book. It's deceptively simple. You start reading and think these are twee stories well told. It took me a couple of months to get really into it, but then each chapter needed to be read slowly to absorb its insight and idiosyncratic wisdom.

I love the way he says something by weaving it with stories from every day life, where he was at a particular time, what he did, and what happened afterwards.

I'm a non-conformist, and I found Feynman a reassuring and inspiring kindred spirit. He's not impressed by much. He'd rather have turned down the Nobel Prize and he has a playful attitude to sex, authority and responsibility. What a cool and brilliant man!

Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one!, 25 Aug 2008
Part physicist, part prankster, part musician, part teacher, part genius, part story teller, part little boy and all human being, this is the true story of Richard Feynman. He was a man with an insatiable curiosity, and had a zest to explore the world of physics, human nature and himself.

The stories in the book are funny, entertaining and enlightening. Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one. From the gifted young boy who fixed radios by thinking to the top notch physicist who could explain concepts to laymen like no one else, Feynman was one of a kind.

Well worth the read!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide To: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

I just don't understand, 31 Jul 2008
I just don't understand why this book recieves such good reviews? I found it a boring read - the type of stories that boring people try to regale you with whilst stuck on a train or other public places where escape from their witterings is hard.



hilarious and bizarre anecdotes, 31 Jul 2008
hilarious annotation of improbably bizarre but somehow believable happenings in the life of this extraordinary man. ok, sometimes he comes accross as maybe lacking in the empathy department , and as construing situations involving human interaction as challenges to find something ridiculously unconventional to do with them - but at a certain level it is funny.

Mr Feynman, you are awful...but I like you!, 22 Jan 2008
What an interesting book! Richard Feynman was an acknowledged genius and this is not an autobiography in the normal sense. Compiled from a series of interviews set up for the purpose, Feynman's sense of fun and sheer joy of physics, maths and life in general shines through.

He is not shy in taking credit where it is due - he certainly "gets" things really quickly where others struggle - but is also surprisingly honest when describing his relationships for example and is quite happy to acknowledge the efforts made by others. This is an easy book to "dip" into and one can also sit down and devote significant time to it. Not only is this one of the best science books I have read it is one of the best biographies I have read full stop.

I can't help feeling that if you were to happen acros RF in a bar (and that would not be an unusual occurrence) you would find him a pleasant and interesting companion.


Very informative and entertaining, 31 Jul 2008
Great for car journeys, well produced, and lots of interesting stuff. Recommended for children 8 plus. My 10, 14 and 18 year old all enjoy these Naxos books, and so do their parents.
Well done naxos.

Excellent purchase, 06 Feb 2008
This audio CD book, alongside with other Naxos educational CDs for children, is absolutely fantastic. It contains loads of information, so adults' interest is guaranteed as well as children's fascination. It's a must for curious little minds. Presented in an easy listening format, it educates and enterntains at the same time. Boring car journeys became a highly enjoyable and educational experiences in our family since Naxos CDs were purchased. Being non-fiction, they can be listened to over and over again, offering a chance for the child to remember and/or understand more details each time.

1st half was the best bit, 21 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading the first part of this book as Ted travelled down through Africa. He seemed focussed on the journey ahead, seemed interested in all the contrasting people around him and included lots of detail about his bike. From South America onwards however, he seemed to lose interest in the trip and dwelled far too long on certain events. He also skipped through whole countries in a matter of a couple of pages. His philosophising on whether he might be a God was irritating and at this point I found myself skipping pages. Disappointing in places.

Great read!, 25 Jun 2008
I'm a busy mother of 4 and have found this book pure escapism. It's been a facinating insight into the world back in the 70's (when I was a child!). I enjoyed Ewan and Charley's adventures but now I can see where their inspiration came from. It's not always a light read but I can't recommend it enough!

This is a brilliant book, 16 Feb 2008
I love this book, it's one of my treasured favourites and I have re-read it many times over the years. From our armchair we go with Ted around the world, sharing in his fears, joys and small triumphs. He is an excellent writer who shows many insights; we get to know him as a friend. I enjoyed the follow-up, Riding High too, but not as much as this one.

Great travel story, 19 Nov 2007
This is a wonderful book. Very well written and drags you in to his journey. If you love travel and seeing the world, get this. Great read.

Be a pillion passenger with Ted!, 17 Jul 2007
Brought this book on holiday to Bulgaria to pick up and read a few pages each day by the pool.Ended up reading the whole book in 2 days. Could not put it down. Just can't wait to read follow up.

Like the Essays of Montaigne - Wit, Wisdom and Vitality, 30 Oct 2008
I'm a big fun of Charlie Munger's writings and he put me in the direction of this book. It's deceptively simple. You start reading and think these are twee stories well told. It took me a couple of months to get really into it, but then each chapter needed to be read slowly to absorb its insight and idiosyncratic wisdom.

I love the way he says something by weaving it with stories from every day life, where he was at a particular time, what he did, and what happened afterwards.

I'm a non-conformist, and I found Feynman a reassuring and inspiring kindred spirit. He's not impressed by much. He'd rather have turned down the Nobel Prize and he has a playful attitude to sex, authority and responsibility. What a cool and brilliant man!

Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one!, 25 Aug 2008
Part physicist, part prankster, part musician, part teacher, part genius, part story teller, part little boy and all human being, this is the true story of Richard Feynman. He was a man with an insatiable curiosity, and had a zest to explore the world of physics, human nature and himself.

The stories in the book are funny, entertaining and enlightening. Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one. From the gifted young boy who fixed radios by thinking to the top notch physicist who could explain concepts to laymen like no one else, Feynman was one of a kind.

Well worth the read!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide To: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

I just don't understand, 31 Jul 2008
I just don't understand why this book recieves such good reviews? I found it a boring read - the type of stories that boring people try to regale you with whilst stuck on a train or other public places where escape from their witterings is hard.



hilarious and bizarre anecdotes, 31 Jul 2008
hilarious annotation of improbably bizarre but somehow believable happenings in the life of this extraordinary man. ok, sometimes he comes accross as maybe lacking in the empathy department , and as construing situations involving human interaction as challenges to find something ridiculously unconventional to do with them - but at a certain level it is funny.

Mr Feynman, you are awful...but I like you!, 22 Jan 2008
What an interesting book! Richard Feynman was an acknowledged genius and this is not an autobiography in the normal sense. Compiled from a series of interviews set up for the purpose, Feynman's sense of fun and sheer joy of physics, maths and life in general shines through.

He is not shy in taking credit where it is due - he certainly "gets" things really quickly where others struggle - but is also surprisingly honest when describing his relationships for example and is quite happy to acknowledge the efforts made by others. This is an easy book to "dip" into and one can also sit down and devote significant time to it. Not only is this one of the best science books I have read it is one of the best biographies I have read full stop.

I can't help feeling that if you were to happen acros RF in a bar (and that would not be an unusual occurrence) you would find him a pleasant and interesting companion.


Very informative and entertaining, 31 Jul 2008
Great for car journeys, well produced, and lots of interesting stuff. Recommended for children 8 plus. My 10, 14 and 18 year old all enjoy these Naxos books, and so do their parents.
Well done naxos.

Excellent purchase, 06 Feb 2008
This audio CD book, alongside with other Naxos educational CDs for children, is absolutely fantastic. It contains loads of information, so adults' interest is guaranteed as well as children's fascination. It's a must for curious little minds. Presented in an easy listening format, it educates and enterntains at the same time. Boring car journeys became a highly enjoyable and educational experiences in our family since Naxos CDs were purchased. Being non-fiction, they can be listened to over and over again, offering a chance for the child to remember and/or understand more details each time.

It is really like this....., 31 May 2007
Although it may be unpalatable to many, this is exactly what it was ( ?is) like to be junior doctor...I know i was one.
I'm now a consultant and things haven't changed much (other than for the worse)
Read it if you want to get a true perspective as opposed to the nonsense in Holby City, Casualty etc


Whilst you're at it take a look at the Cardiac Arrest series from the 90's now on DVD -- probaly the best hospital TV series ever made

Important reading for doctors in training, 20 Feb 2007
As a medical teacher I was keen to add my thoughts having
just read this book. Like other reviewers I found aspects of this book
negative, missing out a lot of the positive
points out about being a junior doctor.

Having said that there are some parts of the book which were very valuable.

Suicide among doctors is a real issue and it is vital all
doctors, particularly junior doctors, read the section on
pages 80-82; "Suicide is Painless". He writes; "So if
you're a doctor and you think it it's all over and your
whole world has gone irretrievably pear-shaped, I say
this: Bail out. Don't kill yourself. Leave your job. .....
Reclaim your life: have it over again. You're young.
You'll make new friends."

If you have issues relating to views on health service
managers, then read page 118.

And finally, a useful
quotation; "Accident and Emergency is the random anecdote
generator of the NHS, the strange attractor to which all
ridiculousness will gravitate." (Page 68)

The book is well worth a read, particularly for doctors in training.




Hilarious, 12 Dec 2005
This is the only book that tells it like it is about being a junior doctor in the UK. It's funny and dark. A must-read for all doctors and would-be doctors out there.

unrelentless ranting, 22 Mar 2005
This book is more or less a long, bitter rant. Now there are times when I like that kind of thing, but the negativity is overwhelming here, and incessant! There are some insights into life as a junior doctor to be gleaned if you are not a doctor and there is some (I think almost accidental) comment on real issues about the downsides of medical training. However I am in two minds as to whether I really learnt anything new or indeed if I enjoyed the read. This is a book to borrow from a friend or take out of the library, I don't think I'd buy it again though I am glad I read it.

Humorous to Cynical in 60 seconds, 30 Oct 2004
This book started out as an entertaining and humorous account about life as a junior doctor, and quickly disintegrated into a cynical and negative assault on nurses and patients - the very people vital to Foxton's success and employment. Do your health a favour and give it a miss.

1st half was the best bit, 21 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading the first part of this book as Ted travelled down through Africa. He seemed focussed on the journey ahead, seemed interested in all the contrasting people around him and included lots of detail about his bike. From South America onwards however, he seemed to lose interest in the trip and dwelled far too long on certain events. He also skipped through whole countries in a matter of a couple of pages. His philosophising on whether he might be a God was irritating and at this point I found myself skipping pages. Disappointing in places.

Great read!, 25 Jun 2008
I'm a busy mother of 4 and have found this book pure escapism. It's been a facinating insight into the world back in the 70's (when I was a child!). I enjoyed Ewan and Charley's adventures but now I can see where their inspiration came from. It's not always a light read but I can't recommend it enough!

This is a brilliant book, 16 Feb 2008
I love this book, it's one of my treasured favourites and I have re-read it many times over the years. From our armchair we go with Ted around the world, sharing in his fears, joys and small triumphs. He is an excellent writer who shows many insights; we get to know him as a friend. I enjoyed the follow-up, Riding High too, but not as much as this one.

Great travel story, 19 Nov 2007
This is a wonderful book. Very well written and drags you in to his journey. If you love travel and seeing the world, get this. Great read.

Be a pillion passenger with Ted!, 17 Jul 2007
Brought this book on holiday to Bulgaria to pick up and read a few pages each day by the pool.Ended up reading the whole book in 2 days. Could not put it down. Just can't wait to read follow up.

Like the Essays of Montaigne - Wit, Wisdom and Vitality, 30 Oct 2008
I'm a big fun of Charlie Munger's writings and he put me in the direction of this book. It's deceptively simple. You start reading and think these are twee stories well told. It took me a couple of months to get really into it, but then each chapter needed to be read slowly to absorb its insight and idiosyncratic wisdom.

I love the way he says something by weaving it with stories from every day life, where he was at a particular time, what he did, and what happened afterwards.

I'm a non-conformist, and I found Feynman a reassuring and inspiring kindred spirit. He's not impressed by much. He'd rather have turned down the Nobel Prize and he has a playful attitude to sex, authority and responsibility. What a cool and brilliant man!

Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one!, 25 Aug 2008
Part physicist, part prankster, part musician, part teacher, part genius, part story teller, part little boy and all human being, this is the true story of Richard Feynman. He was a man with an insatiable curiosity, and had a zest to explore the world of physics, human nature and himself.

The stories in the book are funny, entertaining and enlightening. Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one. From the gifted young boy who fixed radios by thinking to the top notch physicist who could explain concepts to laymen like no one else, Feynman was one of a kind.

Well worth the read!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide To: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

I just don't understand, 31 Jul 2008
I just don't understand why this book recieves such good reviews? I found it a boring read - the type of stories that boring people try to regale you with whilst stuck on a train or other public places where escape from their witterings is hard.



hilarious and bizarre anecdotes, 31 Jul 2008
hilarious annotation of improbably bizarre but somehow believable happenings in the life of this extraordinary man. ok, sometimes he comes accross as maybe lacking in the empathy department , and as construing situations involving human interaction as challenges to find something ridiculously unconventional to do with them - but at a certain level it is funny.

Mr Feynman, you are awful...but I like you!, 22 Jan 2008
What an interesting book! Richard Feynman was an acknowledged genius and this is not an autobiography in the normal sense. Compiled from a series of interviews set up for the purpose, Feynman's sense of fun and sheer joy of physics, maths and life in general shines through.

He is not shy in taking credit where it is due - he certainly "gets" things really quickly where others struggle - but is also surprisingly honest when describing his relationships for example and is quite happy to acknowledge the efforts made by others. This is an easy book to "dip" into and one can also sit down and devote significant time to it. Not only is this one of the best science books I have read it is one of the best biographies I have read full stop.

I can't help feeling that if you were to happen acros RF in a bar (and that would not be an unusual occurrence) you would find him a pleasant and interesting companion.


Very informative and entertaining, 31 Jul 2008
Great for car journeys, well produced, and lots of interesting stuff. Recommended for children 8 plus. My 10, 14 and 18 year old all enjoy these Naxos books, and so do their parents.
Well done naxos.

Excellent purchase, 06 Feb 2008
This audio CD book, alongside with other Naxos educational CDs for children, is absolutely fantastic. It contains loads of information, so adults' interest is guaranteed as well as children's fascination. It's a must for curious little minds. Presented in an easy listening format, it educates and enterntains at the same time. Boring car journeys became a highly enjoyable and educational experiences in our family since Naxos CDs were purchased. Being non-fiction, they can be listened to over and over again, offering a chance for the child to remember and/or understand more details each time.

It is really like this....., 31 May 2007
Although it may be unpalatable to many, this is exactly what it was ( ?is) like to be junior doctor...I know i was one.
I'm now a consultant and things haven't changed much (other than for the worse)
Read it if you want to get a true perspective as opposed to the nonsense in Holby City, Casualty etc


Whilst you're at it take a look at the Cardiac Arrest series from the 90's now on DVD -- probaly the best hospital TV series ever made

Important reading for doctors in training, 20 Feb 2007
As a medical teacher I was keen to add my thoughts having
just read this book. Like other reviewers I found aspects of this book
negative, missing out a lot of the positive
points out about being a junior doctor.

Having said that there are some parts of the book which were very valuable.

Suicide among doctors is a real issue and it is vital all
doctors, particularly junior doctors, read the section on
pages 80-82; "Suicide is Painless". He writes; "So if
you're a doctor and you think it it's all over and your
whole world has gone irretrievably pear-shaped, I say
this: Bail out. Don't kill yourself. Leave your job. .....
Reclaim your life: have it over again. You're young.
You'll make new friends."

If you have issues relating to views on health service
managers, then read page 118.

And finally, a useful
quotation; "Accident and Emergency is the random anecdote
generator of the NHS, the strange attractor to which all
ridiculousness will gravitate." (Page 68)

The book is well worth a read, particularly for doctors in training.




Hilarious, 12 Dec 2005
This is the only book that tells it like it is about being a junior doctor in the UK. It's funny and dark. A must-read for all doctors and would-be doctors out there.

unrelentless ranting, 22 Mar 2005
This book is more or less a long, bitter rant. Now there are times when I like that kind of thing, but the negativity is overwhelming here, and incessant! There are some insights into life as a junior doctor to be gleaned if you are not a doctor and there is some (I think almost accidental) comment on real issues about the downsides of medical training. However I am in two minds as to whether I really learnt anything new or indeed if I enjoyed the read. This is a book to borrow from a friend or take out of the library, I don't think I'd buy it again though I am glad I read it.

Humorous to Cynical in 60 seconds, 30 Oct 2004
This book started out as an entertaining and humorous account about life as a junior doctor, and quickly disintegrated into a cynical and negative assault on nurses and patients - the very people vital to Foxton's success and employment. Do your health a favour and give it a miss.

Breathtaking..., 20 Apr 2008
I picked up this book as an "add on" to other biographical writing I was studying for a Creative Writing Course. During the course I didn't get chance to read it; I have seen and heard about Monty Roberts work and decided to read the book for pleasure.

It's an incredible story told simply and with great warmth. There are no pretensions - he just tells it how it is and is very generous with his description of his techniques and the highs and lows of his life's work. This is his (and his familys) story, his journey and his observations on this most noble of animals and their language. It's a mark of incredible generosity that he has put it down in words.

I have been brought up with horses and understood how you treat them with respect and care; in later life I have had very little contact with them. If I ever return to riding I shall approach it from a more gentle, more respectful perspective.

This is not good writing - it's great writing told with great humility and style. It is a privilege to have an insight into his life, passion and work; he comes across as he does in the interviews I have seen as an ordinary man with extraordinary insight, skills and judgement.

He is quite simply unique, as is this book.

Fantastic book, 08 Jan 2008
Not sure if it helps to be into horses but I loved this book. It's the first of the Monty Roberts books I have read and will now be getting the others. Hope they are just as good!

This man is fantastic!!, 26 Dec 2007
Monty Roberts is inspirational. I have admired his work for many years & since learning more about his methods he has helped change (invaluably for the better)the relationship I have with my own 'problem horse'. I could not put this book down. When you read his life story and learn how hard Monty has worked to get where he is today you`ll admire him even more! This book is essential reading for every horse owner/ lover.

Really enjoyed it!, 12 Jul 2007
I love horses anyway so i knew i would like this book before i even picked it up. I thought it was a fantastic read and i just couldn't put down!. I'm not normally into autobiographies but found this one was very well written. Rather than starting from when Monty was young until present day, he interjected other stories along the way top break it up e.g. the visit to the Queen.

The only reason i have rated 4 instead of 5 stars is because there were a couple of instances where i wasn't quite sure if what he was describing was true or poetic licence e.g. the fact his old teacher met up with him years later and remembered the assignment he had written on setting up a horse training facility. Seemed a little 'cheesy'.

On the whole however i really enjoyed it.

Fantastic and Amazing Read, 15 May 2005
I really enjoyed reading Man Who Listens to Horses, Monty Roberts' work is just amazing. I do not have my own horse but when I do I will know how to treat them better now and to understand them move. I could hardly put the book down as I just wanted to know what he done next. I highly recommend reading this book as it really is such a pleasure to read. I have also read 2 other Monty Roberts books - The Horses of my Life, and Shy boy, both are great also, hearing about his life with horses.

1st half was the best bit, 21 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading the first part of this book as Ted travelled down through Africa. He seemed focussed on the journey ahead, seemed interested in all the contrasting people around him and included lots of detail about his bike. From South America onwards however, he seemed to lose interest in the trip and dwelled far too long on certain events. He also skipped through whole countries in a matter of a couple of pages. His philosophising on whether he might be a God was irritating and at this point I found myself skipping pages. Disappointing in places.

Great read!, 25 Jun 2008
I'm a busy mother of 4 and have found this book pure escapism. It's been a facinating insight into the world back in the 70's (when I was a child!). I enjoyed Ewan and Charley's adventures but now I can see where their inspiration came from. It's not always a light read but I can't recommend it enough!

This is a brilliant book, 16 Feb 2008
I love this book, it's one of my treasured favourites and I have re-read it many times over the years. From our armchair we go with Ted around the world, sharing in his fears, joys and small triumphs. He is an excellent writer who shows many insights; we get to know him as a friend. I enjoyed the follow-up, Riding High too, but not as much as this one.

Great travel story, 19 Nov 2007
This is a wonderful book. Very well written and drags you in to his journey. If you love travel and seeing the world, get this. Great read.

Be a pillion passenger with Ted!, 17 Jul 2007
Brought this book on holiday to Bulgaria to pick up and read a few pages each day by the pool.Ended up reading the whole book in 2 days. Could not put it down. Just can't wait to read follow up.

Like the Essays of Montaigne - Wit, Wisdom and Vitality, 30 Oct 2008
I'm a big fun of Charlie Munger's writings and he put me in the direction of this book. It's deceptively simple. You start reading and think these are twee stories well told. It took me a couple of months to get really into it, but then each chapter needed to be read slowly to absorb its insight and idiosyncratic wisdom.

I love the way he says something by weaving it with stories from every day life, where he was at a particular time, what he did, and what happened afterwards.

I'm a non-conformist, and I found Feynman a reassuring and inspiring kindred spirit. He's not impressed by much. He'd rather have turned down the Nobel Prize and he has a playful attitude to sex, authority and responsibility. What a cool and brilliant man!

Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one!, 25 Aug 2008
Part physicist, part prankster, part musician, part teacher, part genius, part story teller, part little boy and all human being, this is the true story of Richard Feynman. He was a man with an insatiable curiosity, and had a zest to explore the world of physics, human nature and himself.

The stories in the book are funny, entertaining and enlightening. Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one. From the gifted young boy who fixed radios by thinking to the top notch physicist who could explain concepts to laymen like no one else, Feynman was one of a kind.

Well worth the read!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide To: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

I just don't understand, 31 Jul 2008
I just don't understand why this book recieves such good reviews? I found it a boring read - the type of stories that boring people try to regale you with whilst stuck on a train or other public places where escape from their witterings is hard.



hilarious and bizarre anecdotes, 31 Jul 2008
hilarious annotation of improbably bizarre but somehow believable happenings in the life of this extraordinary man. ok, sometimes he comes accross as maybe lacking in the empathy department , and as construing situations involving human interaction as challenges to find something ridiculously unconventional to do with them - but at a certain level it is funny.

Mr Feynman, you are awful...but I like you!, 22 Jan 2008
What an interesting book! Richard Feynman was an acknowledged genius and this is not an autobiography in the normal sense. Compiled from a series of interviews set up for the purpose, Feynman's sense of fun and sheer joy of physics, maths and life in general shines through.

He is not shy in taking credit where it is due - he certainly "gets" things really quickly where others struggle - but is also surprisingly honest when describing his relationships for example and is quite happy to acknowledge the efforts made by others. This is an easy book to "dip" into and one can also sit down and devote significant time to it. Not only is this one of the best science books I have read it is one of the best biographies I have read full stop.

I can't help feeling that if you were to happen acros RF in a bar (and that would not be an unusual occurrence) you would find him a pleasant and interesting companion.


Very informative and entertaining, 31 Jul 2008
Great for car journeys, well produced, and lots of interesting stuff. Recommended for children 8 plus. My 10, 14 and 18 year old all enjoy these Naxos books, and so do their parents.
Well done naxos.

Excellent purchase, 06 Feb 2008
This audio CD book, alongside with other Naxos educational CDs for children, is absolutely fantastic. It contains loads of information, so adults' interest is guaranteed as well as children's fascination. It's a must for curious little minds. Presented in an easy listening format, it educates and enterntains at the same time. Boring car journeys became a highly enjoyable and educational experiences in our family since Naxos CDs were purchased. Being non-fiction, they can be listened to over and over again, offering a chance for the child to remember and/or understand more details each time.

It is really like this....., 31 May 2007
Although it may be unpalatable to many, this is exactly what it was ( ?is) like to be junior doctor...I know i was one.
I'm now a consultant and things haven't changed much (other than for the worse)
Read it if you want to get a true perspective as opposed to the nonsense in Holby City, Casualty etc


Whilst you're at it take a look at the Cardiac Arrest series from the 90's now on DVD -- probaly the best hospital TV series ever made

Important reading for doctors in training, 20 Feb 2007
As a medical teacher I was keen to add my thoughts having
just read this book. Like other reviewers I found aspects of this book
negative, missing out a lot of the positive
points out about being a junior doctor.

Having said that there are some parts of the book which were very valuable.

Suicide among doctors is a real issue and it is vital all
doctors, particularly junior doctors, read the section on
pages 80-82; "Suicide is Painless". He writes; "So if
you're a doctor and you think it it's all over and your
whole world has gone irretrievably pear-shaped, I say
this: Bail out. Don't kill yourself. Leave your job. .....
Reclaim your life: have it over again. You're young.
You'll make new friends."

If you have issues relating to views on health service
managers, then read page 118.

And finally, a useful
quotation; "Accident and Emergency is the random anecdote
generator of the NHS, the strange attractor to which all
ridiculousness will gravitate." (Page 68)

The book is well worth a read, particularly for doctors in training.




Hilarious, 12 Dec 2005
This is the only book that tells it like it is about being a junior doctor in the UK. It's funny and dark. A must-read for all doctors and would-be doctors out there.

unrelentless ranting, 22 Mar 2005
This book is more or less a long, bitter rant. Now there are times when I like that kind of thing, but the negativity is overwhelming here, and incessant! There are some insights into life as a junior doctor to be gleaned if you are not a doctor and there is some (I think almost accidental) comment on real issues about the downsides of medical training. However I am in two minds as to whether I really learnt anything new or indeed if I enjoyed the read. This is a book to borrow from a friend or take out of the library, I don't think I'd buy it again though I am glad I read it.

Humorous to Cynical in 60 seconds, 30 Oct 2004
This book started out as an entertaining and humorous account about life as a junior doctor, and quickly disintegrated into a cynical and negative assault on nurses and patients - the very people vital to Foxton's success and employment. Do your health a favour and give it a miss.

Breathtaking..., 20 Apr 2008
I picked up this book as an "add on" to other biographical writing I was studying for a Creative Writing Course. During the course I didn't get chance to read it; I have seen and heard about Monty Roberts work and decided to read the book for pleasure.

It's an incredible story told simply and with great warmth. There are no pretensions - he just tells it how it is and is very generous with his description of his techniques and the highs and lows of his life's work. This is his (and his familys) story, his journey and his observations on this most noble of animals and their language. It's a mark of incredible generosity that he has put it down in words.

I have been brought up with horses and understood how you treat them with respect and care; in later life I have had very little contact with them. If I ever return to riding I shall approach it from a more gentle, more respectful perspective.

This is not good writing - it's great writing told with great humility and style. It is a privilege to have an insight into his life, passion and work; he comes across as he does in the interviews I have seen as an ordinary man with extraordinary insight, skills and judgement.

He is quite simply unique, as is this book.

Fantastic book, 08 Jan 2008
Not sure if it helps to be into horses but I loved this book. It's the first of the Monty Roberts books I have read and will now be getting the others. Hope they are just as good!

This man is fantastic!!, 26 Dec 2007
Monty Roberts is inspirational. I have admired his work for many years & since learning more about his methods he has helped change (invaluably for the better)the relationship I have with my own 'problem horse'. I could not put this book down. When you read his life story and learn how hard Monty has worked to get where he is today you`ll admire him even more! This book is essential reading for every horse owner/ lover.

Really enjoyed it!, 12 Jul 2007
I love horses anyway so i knew i would like this book before i even picked it up. I thought it was a fantastic read and i just couldn't put down!. I'm not normally into autobiographies but found this one was very well written. Rather than starting from when Monty was young until present day, he interjected other stories along the way top break it up e.g. the visit to the Queen.

The only reason i have rated 4 instead of 5 stars is because there were a couple of instances where i wasn't quite sure if what he was describing was true or poetic licence e.g. the fact his old teacher met up with him years later and remembered the assignment he had written on setting up a horse training facility. Seemed a little 'cheesy'.

On the whole however i really enjoyed it.

Fantastic and Amazing Read, 15 May 2005
I really enjoyed reading Man Who Listens to Horses, Monty Roberts' work is just amazing. I do not have my own horse but when I do I will know how to treat them better now and to understand them move. I could hardly put the book down as I just wanted to know what he done next. I highly recommend reading this book as it really is such a pleasure to read. I have also read 2 other Monty Roberts books - The Horses of my Life, and Shy boy, both are great also, hearing about his life with horses.

A Big Book About a Big Man, 17 Oct 2008
In two hundred years time very few people now alive will be routinely known and their names and deeds recalled. Only historians will be be familiar with the names of pygmies such as Bush and Blair. However, we live in a culture which immortalises great explorers - Magellan, Columbus, Cook, Amundsen, Hillary & Tenzing Norgay and many others. In our time Neil Armstrong joined this exclusive group along with Yuri Gagarin.

I would go so far as to say that the Apollo mission to the moon was the defining cultural statement of identity made by mankind in the second half of the twentieth century. It was our equivalent of building stonehenge, the great wall of China, the Egyptian pyramids, the great mediaeval cathedrals, the voyages of discovery in small wooden ships and the great Victorian engineering achievements. It set down a mark for future generations to get a measure of us. It was as if we were saying to posterity 'look at this and wonder at us that we could do this in our time. This is the most difficult thing we can do at this time. Judge us by this.'

Whilst Apollo was an immense engineering and scientific project it was also one of the greatest human adventures of modern times. And at the centre of this adventure was an enigma, Neil Armstrong. Armstrong is a quiet man from Ohio who developed an early interest in aviation that takes him into the military and the Korean war. Later he becomes a brilliant test pilot and this leads to his involvement with the space programme. It is extraordinary that this is the first full biography that has been written about Armstrong with his co-operation. It is quite amusing that in an extrovert nation such as the US, which seems to like its super heroes to be big, loud, brash and in your face, Armstrong comes across as introverted and self-contained with no interest at all in celebrity or fame. He has spent most of his post Apollo life living quietly on a farm in Ohio.

I admire the author's perseverance in persuading Armstrong to co-operate in the first place as this was evidently not easy. Despite all the difficulties he has produced a big and worthy book. It's clear, reading between the lines, that Armstrong was not the easiest man to work with and his co-operation was less than total. Nevertheless, this is the best book you're ever going to get about Neil Armstrong. If you are interested in his life and remarkable achievements this is the one to buy.

Good but perhaps not perfect, 17 Oct 2007
Having looked forward to a 'life of Neil Armstrong book' for most of my life being a real Apollo fan. I did enjoy reading First Man: The Life of Neil Armstrong. This book is well researched, has some good pictures and for the first time the reader can learn about the 'real Neil Armstrong'. There is much more to Mr.Armstrong than being the first man on the moon.

A great read - will be liked by space buffs, maybe a little dry for those who are not!



This should be a fascinating book..., 08 Aug 2007
...but is by far and way the worst written book I have read in years. I cannot fathom how anyone can make the story of travelling and landing on the moon so uninteresting. There is page after page after page of irrelevant data which leaves you feeling cheated of precious time.

I have no doubt this is an incredibly well researched book, but so is an encyclopedia and I have no interest in reading one from cover to cover.

Award Winning!, 30 Dec 2006
This book has just earned the title of "Outstanding Academic Book" of 2006, awarded by CHOICE magazine and the American Library Association. It has also won the top book award of the American Astronautical Society and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. As Walter Cronkite says on the cover of the book, it is "a book for all time."

Plane Spotter's Delight, 09 Dec 2006
Neil's forebears came from Scotland, but none was William Wallace or Robert the Bruce, or Bonny Prince Charley.

When Neil was at Primary school it is thought that, on occasions, he may have got a gold star. But there is no documentation on the matter.

A nasty man called Yeager wrote some stories about Neil but they were probably not what occurred.

A chap called Wolfe wrote a book which exaggerated a lot of things and some of them weren't how Neil remembers them.

Neil flew a lot of state of the art planes, sometimes for hours on end, and he did a lot of take offs and landings, and all his bosses thought he was an OK guy, most of the time.

If you are a plane spotter or an insomniac you will love this book.

1st half was the best bit, 21 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading the first part of this book as Ted travelled down through Africa. He seemed focussed on the journey ahead, seemed interested in all the contrasting people around him and included lots of detail about his bike. From South America onwards however, he seemed to lose interest in the trip and dwelled far too long on certain events. He also skipped through whole countries in a matter of a couple of pages. His philosophising on whether he might be a God was irritating and at this point I found myself skipping pages. Disappointing in places.

Great read!, 25 Jun 2008
I'm a busy mother of 4 and have found this book pure escapism. It's been a facinating insight into the world back in the 70's (when I was a child!). I enjoyed Ewan and Charley's adventures but now I can see where their inspiration came from. It's not always a light read but I can't recommend it enough!

This is a brilliant book, 16 Feb 2008
I love this book, it's one of my treasured favourites and I have re-read it many times over the years. From our armchair we go with Ted around the world, sharing in his fears, joys and small triumphs. He is an excellent writer who shows many insights; we get to know him as a friend. I enjoyed the follow-up, Riding High too, but not as much as this one.

Great travel story, 19 Nov 2007
This is a wonderful book. Very well written and drags you in to his journey. If you love travel and seeing the world, get this. Great read.

Be a pillion passenger with Ted!, 17 Jul 2007
Brought this book on holiday to Bulgaria to pick up and read a few pages each day by the pool.Ended up reading the whole book in 2 days. Could not put it down. Just can't wait to read follow up.

Like the Essays of Montaigne - Wit, Wisdom and Vitality, 30 Oct 2008
I'm a big fun of Charlie Munger's writings and he put me in the direction of this book. It's deceptively simple. You start reading and think these are twee stories well told. It took me a couple of months to get really into it, but then each chapter needed to be read slowly to absorb its insight and idiosyncratic wisdom.

I love the way he says something by weaving it with stories from every day life, where he was at a particular time, what he did, and what happened afterwards.

I'm a non-conformist, and I found Feynman a reassuring and inspiring kindred spirit. He's not impressed by much. He'd rather have turned down the Nobel Prize and he has a playful attitude to sex, authority and responsibility. What a cool and brilliant man!

Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one!, 25 Aug 2008
Part physicist, part prankster, part musician, part teacher, part genius, part story teller, part little boy and all human being, this is the true story of Richard Feynman. He was a man with an insatiable curiosity, and had a zest to explore the world of physics, human nature and himself.

The stories in the book are funny, entertaining and enlightening. Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one. From the gifted young boy who fixed radios by thinking to the top notch physicist who could explain concepts to laymen like no one else, Feynman was one of a kind.

Well worth the read!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide To: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

I just don't understand, 31 Jul 2008
I just don't understand why this book recieves such good reviews? I found it a boring read - the type of stories that boring people try to regale you with whilst stuck on a train or other public places where escape from their witterings is hard.



hilarious and bizarre anecdotes, 31 Jul 2008
hilarious annotation of improbably bizarre but somehow believable happenings in the life of this extraordinary man. ok, sometimes he comes accross as maybe lacking in the empathy department , and as construing situations involving human interaction as challenges to find something ridiculously unconventional to do with them - but at a certain level it is funny.

Mr Feynman, you are awful...but I like you!, 22 Jan 2008
What an interesting book! Richard Feynman was an acknowledged genius and this is not an autobiography in the normal sense. Compiled from a series of interviews set up for the purpose, Feynman's sense of fun and sheer joy of physics, maths and life in general shines through.

He is not shy in taking credit where it is due - he certainly "gets" things really quickly where others struggle - but is also surprisingly honest when describing his relationships for example and is quite happy to acknowledge the efforts made by others. This is an easy book to "dip" into and one can also sit down and devote significant time to it. Not only is this one of the best science books I have read it is one of the best biographies I have read full stop.

I can't help feeling that if you were to happen acros RF in a bar (and that would not be an unusual occurrence) you would find him a pleasant and interesting companion.


Very informative and entertaining, 31 Jul 2008
Great for car journeys, well produced, and lots of interesting stuff. Recommended for children 8 plus. My 10, 14 and 18 year old all enjoy these Naxos books, and so do their parents.
Well done naxos.

Excellent purchase, 06 Feb 2008
This audio CD book, alongside with other Naxos educational CDs for children, is absolutely fantastic. It contains loads of information, so adults' interest is guaranteed as well as children's fascination. It's a must for curious little minds. Presented in an easy listening format, it educates and enterntains at the same time. Boring car journeys became a highly enjoyable and educational experiences in our family since Naxos CDs were purchased. Being non-fiction, they can be listened to over and over again, offering a chance for the child to remember and/or understand more details each time.

It is really like this....., 31 May 2007
Although it may be unpalatable to many, this is exactly what it was ( ?is) like to be junior doctor...I know i was one.
I'm now a consultant and things haven't changed much (other than for the worse)
Read it if you want to get a true perspective as opposed to the nonsense in Holby City, Casualty etc


Whilst you're at it take a look at the Cardiac Arrest series from the 90's now on DVD -- probaly the best hospital TV series ever made

Important reading for doctors in training, 20 Feb 2007
As a medical teacher I was keen to add my thoughts having
just read this book. Like other reviewers I found aspects of this book
negative, missing out a lot of the positive
points out about being a junior doctor.

Having said that there are some parts of the book which were very valuable.

Suicide among doctors is a real issue and it is vital all
doctors, particularly junior doctors, read the section on
pages 80-82; "Suicide is Painless". He writes; "So if
you're a doctor and you think it it's all over and your
whole world has gone irretrievably pear-shaped, I say
this: Bail out. Don't kill yourself. Leave your job. .....
Reclaim your life: have it over again. You're young.
You'll make new friends."

If you have issues relating to views on health service
managers, then read page 118.

And finally, a useful
quotation; "Accident and Emergency is the random anecdote
generator of the NHS, the strange attractor to which all
ridiculousness will gravitate." (Page 68)

The book is well worth a read, particularly for doctors in training.




Hilarious, 12 Dec 2005
This is the only book that tells it like it is about being a junior doctor in the UK. It's funny and dark. A must-read for all doctors and would-be doctors out there.

unrelentless ranting, 22 Mar 2005
This book is more or less a long, bitter rant. Now there are times when I like that kind of thing, but the negativity is overwhelming here, and incessant! There are some insights into life as a junior doctor to be gleaned if you are not a doctor and there is some (I think almost accidental) comment on real issues about the downsides of medical training. However I am in two minds as to whether I really learnt anything new or indeed if I enjoyed the read. This is a book to borrow from a friend or take out of the library, I don't think I'd buy it again though I am glad I read it.

Humorous to Cynical in 60 seconds, 30 Oct 2004
This book started out as an entertaining and humorous account about life as a junior doctor, and quickly disintegrated into a cynical and negative assault on nurses and patients - the very people vital to Foxton's success and employment. Do your health a favour and give it a miss.

Breathtaking..., 20 Apr 2008
I picked up this book as an "add on" to other biographical writing I was studying for a Creative Writing Course. During the course I didn't get chance to read it; I have seen and heard about Monty Roberts work and decided to read the book for pleasure.

It's an incredible story told simply and with great warmth. There are no pretensions - he just tells it how it is and is very generous with his description of his techniques and the highs and lows of his life's work. This is his (and his familys) story, his journey and his observations on this most noble of animals and their language. It's a mark of incredible generosity that he has put it down in words.

I have been brought up with horses and understood how you treat them with respect and care; in later life I have had very little contact with them. If I ever return to riding I shall approach it from a more gentle, more respectful perspective.

This is not good writing - it's great writing told with great humility and style. It is a privilege to have an insight into his life, passion and work; he comes across as he does in the interviews I have seen as an ordinary man with extraordinary insight, skills and judgement.

He is quite simply unique, as is this book.

Fantastic book, 08 Jan 2008
Not sure if it helps to be into horses but I loved this book. It's the first of the Monty Roberts books I have read and will now be getting the others. Hope they are just as good!

This man is fantastic!!, 26 Dec 2007
Monty Roberts is inspirational. I have admired his work for many years & since learning more about his methods he has helped change (invaluably for the better)the relationship I have with my own 'problem horse'. I could not put this book down. When you read his life story and learn how hard Monty has worked to get where he is today you`ll admire him even more! This book is essential reading for every horse owner/ lover.

Really enjoyed it!, 12 Jul 2007
I love horses anyway so i knew i would like this book before i even picked it up. I thought it was a fantastic read and i just couldn't put down!. I'm not normally into autobiographies but found this one was very well written. Rather than starting from when Monty was young until present day, he interjected other stories along the way top break it up e.g. the visit to the Queen.

The only reason i have rated 4 instead of 5 stars is because there were a couple of instances where i wasn't quite sure if what he was describing was true or poetic licence e.g. the fact his old teacher met up with him years later and remembered the assignment he had written on setting up a horse training facility. Seemed a little 'cheesy'.

On the whole however i really enjoyed it.

Fantastic and Amazing Read, 15 May 2005
I really enjoyed reading Man Who Listens to Horses, Monty Roberts' work is just amazing. I do not have my own horse but when I do I will know how to treat them better now and to understand them move. I could hardly put the book down as I just wanted to know what he done next. I highly recommend reading this book as it really is such a pleasure to read. I have also read 2 other Monty Roberts books - The Horses of my Life, and Shy boy, both are great also, hearing about his life with horses.

A Big Book About a Big Man, 17 Oct 2008
In two hundred years time very few people now alive will be routinely known and their names and deeds recalled. Only historians will be be familiar with the names of pygmies such as Bush and Blair. However, we live in a culture which immortalises great explorers - Magellan, Columbus, Cook, Amundsen, Hillary & Tenzing Norgay and many others. In our time Neil Armstrong joined this exclusive group along with Yuri Gagarin.

I would go so far as to say that the Apollo mission to the moon was the defining cultural statement of identity made by mankind in the second half of the twentieth century. It was our equivalent of building stonehenge, the great wall of China, the Egyptian pyramids, the great mediaeval cathedrals, the voyages of discovery in small wooden ships and the great Victorian engineering achievements. It set down a mark for future generations to get a measure of us. It was as if we were saying to posterity 'look at this and wonder at us that we could do this in our time. This is the most difficult thing we can do at this time. Judge us by this.'

Whilst Apollo was an immense engineering and scientific project it was also one of the greatest human adventures of modern times. And at the centre of this adventure was an enigma, Neil Armstrong. Armstrong is a quiet man from Ohio who developed an early interest in aviation that takes him into the military and the Korean war. Later he becomes a brilliant test pilot and this leads to his involvement with the space programme. It is extraordinary that this is the first full biography that has been written about Armstrong with his co-operation. It is quite amusing that in an extrovert nation such as the US, which seems to like its super heroes to be big, loud, brash and in your face, Armstrong comes across as introverted and self-contained with no interest at all in celebrity or fame. He has spent most of his post Apollo life living quietly on a farm in Ohio.

I admire the author's perseverance in persuading Armstrong to co-operate in the first place as this was evidently not easy. Despite all the difficulties he has produced a big and worthy book. It's clear, reading between the lines, that Armstrong was not the easiest man to work with and his co-operation was less than total. Nevertheless, this is the best book you're ever going to get about Neil Armstrong. If you are interested in his life and remarkable achievements this is the one to buy.

Good but perhaps not perfect, 17 Oct 2007
Having looked forward to a 'life of Neil Armstrong book' for most of my life being a real Apollo fan. I did enjoy reading First Man: The Life of Neil Armstrong. This book is well researched, has some good pictures and for the first time the reader can learn about the 'real Neil Armstrong'. There is much more to Mr.Armstrong than being the first man on the moon.

A great read - will be liked by space buffs, maybe a little dry for those who are not!



This should be a fascinating book..., 08 Aug 2007
...but is by far and way the worst written book I have read in years. I cannot fathom how anyone can make the story of travelling and landing on the moon so uninteresting. There is page after page after page of irrelevant data which leaves you feeling cheated of precious time.

I have no doubt this is an incredibly well researched book, but so is an encyclopedia and I have no interest in reading one from cover to cover.

Award Winning!, 30 Dec 2006
This book has just earned the title of "Outstanding Academic Book" of 2006, awarded by CHOICE magazine and the American Library Association. It has also won the top book award of the American Astronautical Society and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. As Walter Cronkite says on the cover of the book, it is "a book for all time."

Plane Spotter's Delight, 09 Dec 2006
Neil's forebears came from Scotland, but none was William Wallace or Robert the Bruce, or Bonny Prince Charley.

When Neil was at Primary school it is thought that, on occasions, he may have got a gold star. But there is no documentation on the matter.

A nasty man called Yeager wrote some stories about Neil but they were probably not what occurred.

A chap called Wolfe wrote a book which exaggerated a lot of things and some of them weren't how Neil remembers them.

Neil flew a lot of state of the art planes, sometimes for hours on end, and he did a lot of take offs and landings, and all his bosses thought he was an OK guy, most of the time.

If you are a plane spotter or an insomniac you will love this book.


Einstein, Genius & Nice Guy, 11 Oct 2008
Walter Isaacson has created a unique and wholely respectful insight into the life of one of the great scientific figures of the 20th century.

As with any biography that is true to the subject and not retrospectively judgemental, Mr. Isaacson paints a very human picture of a man held in awe by most and misunderstood by many.

This is a first rate book. I've taken one star off, as the scientific detail could even be shorter.

Mr.Isaacson, keep writing please !


Fascinating biography, 17 May 2008
Having just finished the recent biographies of Stanley and the young Stalin, this one had a lot to live up to, and whilst not containing the elements of derring do that those two books had, this is nonetheless a fascinating and enthralling story. Many new facts have recently emerged about Einstein's life and Mr Isaacson has woven them into a story that is easy to get through and grips throughout, which will hopefully encourage those who may not be so keen on science books to give this a chance. It is fair to say that Einstein was a "bit of s lad" at times, and belies his "mad scientist" image - he really should have got a hairdresser to sort his mane out!

I heard the author speaking on NPR radio and was keen to emphasise that this is a personal story more than a scientific tome, and indeed the science contained herein is excellently described without overwhelming the little grey cells. The book also serves as a history of the scientific politics both pre, during and post world war two which is an added bonus to be honest.

If you are at all interested in famous lives, science and or history then this book should appeal to you.

1st half was the best bit, 21 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading the first part of this book as Ted travelled down through Africa. He seemed focussed on the journey ahead, seemed interested in all the contrasting people around him and included lots of detail about his bike. From South America onwards however, he seemed to lose interest in the trip and dwelled far too long on certain events. He also skipped through whole countries in a matter of a couple of pages. His philosophising on whether he might be a God was irritating and at this point I found myself skipping pages. Disappointing in places.

Great read!, 25 Jun 2008
I'm a busy mother of 4 and have found this book pure escapism. It's been a facinating insight into the world back in the 70's (when I was a child!). I enjoyed Ewan and Charley's adventures but now I can see where their inspiration came from. It's not always a light read but I can't recommend it enough!

This is a brilliant book, 16 Feb 2008
I love this book, it's one of my treasured favourites and I have re-read it many times over the years. From our armchair we go with Ted around the world, sharing in his fears, joys and small triumphs. He is an excellent writer who shows many insights; we get to know him as a friend. I enjoyed the follow-up, Riding High too, but not as much as this one.

Great travel story, 19 Nov 2007
This is a wonderful book. Very well written and drags you in to his journey. If you love travel and seeing the world, get this. Great read.

Be a pillion passenger with Ted!, 17 Jul 2007
Brought this book on holiday to Bulgaria to pick up and read a few pages each day by the pool.Ended up reading the whole book in 2 days. Could not put it down. Just can't wait to read follow up.

Like the Essays of Montaigne - Wit, Wisdom and Vitality, 30 Oct 2008
I'm a big fun of Charlie Munger's writings and he put me in the direction of this book. It's deceptively simple. You start reading and think these are twee stories well told. It took me a couple of months to get really into it, but then each chapter needed to be read slowly to absorb its insight and idiosyncratic wisdom.

I love the way he says something by weaving it with stories from every day life, where he was at a particular time, what he did, and what happened afterwards.

I'm a non-conformist, and I found Feynman a reassuring and inspiring kindred spirit. He's not impressed by much. He'd rather have turned down the Nobel Prize and he has a playful attitude to sex, authority and responsibility. What a cool and brilliant man!

Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one!, 25 Aug 2008
Part physicist, part prankster, part musician, part teacher, part genius, part story teller, part little boy and all human being, this is the true story of Richard Feynman. He was a man with an insatiable curiosity, and had a zest to explore the world of physics, human nature and himself.

The stories in the book are funny, entertaining and enlightening. Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one. From the gifted young boy who fixed radios by thinking to the top notch physicist who could explain concepts to laymen like no one else, Feynman was one of a kind.

Well worth the read!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide To: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

I just don't understand, 31 Jul 2008
I just don't understand why this book recieves such good reviews? I found it a boring read - the type of stories that boring people try to regale you with whilst stuck on a train or other public places where escape from their witterings is hard.



hilarious and bizarre anecdotes, 31 Jul 2008
hilarious annotation of improbably bizarre but somehow believable happenings in the life of this extraordinary man. ok, sometimes he comes accross as maybe lacking in the empathy department , and as construing situations involving human interaction as challenges to find something ridiculously unconventional to do with them - but at a certain level it is funny.

Mr Feynman, you are awful...but I like you!, 22 Jan 2008
What an interesting book! Richard Feynman was an acknowledged genius and this is not an autobiography in the normal sense. Compiled from a series of interviews set up for the purpose, Feynman's sense of fun and sheer joy of physics, maths and life in general shines through.

He is not shy in taking credit where it is due - he certainly "gets" things really quickly where others struggle - but is also surprisingly honest when describing his relationships for example and is quite happy to acknowledge the efforts made by others. This is an easy book to "dip" into and one can also sit down and devote significant time to it. Not only is this one of the best science books I have read it is one of the best biographies I have read full stop.

I can't help feeling that if you were to happen acros RF in a bar (and that would not be an unusual occurrence) you would find him a pleasant and interesting companion.


Very informative and entertaining, 31 Jul 2008
Great for car journeys, well produced, and lots of interesting stuff. Recommended for children 8 plus. My 10, 14 and 18 year old all enjoy these Naxos books, and so do their parents.
Well done naxos.

Excellent purchase, 06 Feb 2008
This audio CD book, alongside with other Naxos educational CDs for children, is absolutely fantastic. It contains loads of information, so adults' interest is guaranteed as well as children's fascination. It's a must for curious little minds. Presented in an easy listening format, it educates and enterntains at the same time. Boring car journeys became a highly enjoyable and educational experiences in our family since Naxos CDs were purchased. Being non-fiction, they can be listened to over and over again, offering a chance for the child to remember and/or understand more details each time.

It is really like this....., 31 May 2007
Although it may be unpalatable to many, this is exactly what it was ( ?is) like to be junior doctor...I know i was one.
I'm now a consultant and things haven't changed much (other than for the worse)
Read it if you want to get a true perspective as opposed to the nonsense in Holby City, Casualty etc


Whilst you're at it take a look at the Cardiac Arrest series from the 90's now on DVD -- probaly the best hospital TV series ever made

Important reading for doctors in training, 20 Feb 2007
As a medical teacher I was keen to add my thoughts having
just read this book. Like other reviewers I found aspects of this book
negative, missing out a lot of the positive
points out about being a junior doctor.

Having said that there are some parts of the book which were very valuable.

Suicide among doctors is a real issue and it is vital all
doctors, particularly junior doctors, read the section on
pages 80-82; "Suicide is Painless". He writes; "So if
you're a doctor and you think it it's all over and your
whole world has gone irretrievably pear-shaped, I say
this: Bail out. Don't kill yourself. Leave your job. .....
Reclaim your life: have it over again. You're young.
You'll make new friends."

If you have issues relating to views on health service
managers, then read page 118.

And finally, a useful
quotation; "Accident and Emergency is the random anecdote
generator of the NHS, the strange attractor to which all
ridiculousness will gravitate." (Page 68)

The book is well worth a read, particularly for doctors in training.




Hilarious, 12 Dec 2005
This is the only book that tells it like it is about being a junior doctor in the UK. It's funny and dark. A must-read for all doctors and would-be doctors out there.

unrelentless ranting, 22 Mar 2005
This book is more or less a long, bitter rant. Now there are times when I like that kind of thing, but the negativity is overwhelming here, and incessant! There are some insights into life as a junior doctor to be gleaned if you are not a doctor and there is some (I think almost accidental) comment on real issues about the downsides of medical training. However I am in two minds as to whether I really learnt anything new or indeed if I enjoyed the read. This is a book to borrow from a friend or take out of the library, I don't think I'd buy it again though I am glad I read it.

Humorous to Cynical in 60 seconds, 30 Oct 2004
This book started out as an entertaining and humorous account about life as a junior doctor, and quickly disintegrated into a cynical and negative assault on nurses and patients - the very people vital to Foxton's success and employment. Do your health a favour and give it a miss.

Breathtaking..., 20 Apr 2008
I picked up this book as an "add on" to other biographical writing I was studying for a Creative Writing Course. During the course I didn't get chance to read it; I have seen and heard about Monty Roberts work and decided to read the book for pleasure.

It's an incredible story told simply and with great warmth. There are no pretensions - he just tells it how it is and is very generous with his description of his techniques and the highs and lows of his life's work. This is his (and his familys) story, his journey and his observations on this most noble of animals and their language. It's a mark of incredible generosity that he has put it down in words.

I have been brought up with horses and understood how you treat them with respect and care; in later life I have had very little contact with them. If I ever return to riding I shall approach it from a more gentle, more respectful perspective.

This is not good writing - it's great writing told with great humility and style. It is a privilege to have an insight into his life, passion and work; he comes across as he does in the interviews I have seen as an ordinary man with extraordinary insight, skills and judgement.

He is quite simply unique, as is this book.

Fantastic book, 08 Jan 2008
Not sure if it helps to be into horses but I loved this book. It's the first of the Monty Roberts books I have read and will now be getting the others. Hope they are just as good!

This man is fantastic!!, 26 Dec 2007
Monty Roberts is inspirational. I have admired his work for many years & since learning more about his methods he has helped change (invaluably for the better)the relationship I have with my own 'problem horse'. I could not put this book down. When you read his life story and learn how hard Monty has worked to get where he is today you`ll admire him even more! This book is essential reading for every horse owner/ lover.

Really enjoyed it!, 12 Jul 2007
I love horses anyway so i knew i would like this book before i even picked it up. I thought it was a fantastic read and i just couldn't put down!. I'm not normally into autobiographies but found this one was very well written. Rather than starting from when Monty was young until present day, he interjected other stories along the way top break it up e.g. the visit to the Queen.

The only reason i have rated 4 instead of 5 stars is because there were a couple of instances where i wasn't quite sure if what he was describing was true or poetic licence e.g. the fact his old teacher met up with him years later and remembered the assignment he had written on setting up a horse training facility. Seemed a little 'cheesy'.

On the whole however i really enjoyed it.

Fantastic and Amazing Read, 15 May 2005
I really enjoyed reading Man Who Listens to Horses, Monty Roberts' work is just amazing. I do not have my own horse but when I do I will know how to treat them better now and to understand them move. I could hardly put the book down as I just wanted to know what he done next. I highly recommend reading this book as it really is such a pleasure to read. I have also read 2 other Monty Roberts books - The Horses of my Life, and Shy boy, both are great also, hearing about his life with horses.

A Big Book About a Big Man, 17 Oct 2008
In two hundred years time very few people now alive will be routinely known and their names and deeds recalled. Only historians will be be familiar with the names of pygmies such as Bush and Blair. However, we live in a culture which immortalises great explorers - Magellan, Columbus, Cook, Amundsen, Hillary & Tenzing Norgay and many others. In our time Neil Armstrong joined this exclusive group along with Yuri Gagarin.

I would go so far as to say that the Apollo mission to the moon was the defining cultural statement of identity made by mankind in the second half of the twentieth century. It was our equivalent of building stonehenge, the great wall of China, the Egyptian pyramids, the great mediaeval cathedrals, the voyages of discovery in small wooden ships and the great Victorian engineering achievements. It set down a mark for future generations to get a measure of us. It was as if we were saying to posterity 'look at this and wonder at us that we could do this in our time. This is the most difficult thing we can do at this time. Judge us by this.'

Whilst Apollo was an immense engineering and scientific project it was also one of the greatest human adventures of modern times. And at the centre of this adventure was an enigma, Neil Armstrong. Armstrong is a quiet man from Ohio who developed an early interest in aviation that takes him into the military and the Korean war. Later he becomes a brilliant test pilot and this leads to his involvement with the space programme. It is extraordinary that this is the first full biography that has been written about Armstrong with his co-operation. It is quite amusing that in an extrovert nation such as the US, which seems to like its super heroes to be big, loud, brash and in your face, Armstrong comes across as introverted and self-contained with no interest at all in celebrity or fame. He has spent most of his post Apollo life living quietly on a farm in Ohio.

I admire the author's perseverance in persuading Armstrong to co-operate in the first place as this was evidently not easy. Despite all the difficulties he has produced a big and worthy book. It's clear, reading between the lines, that Armstrong was not the easiest man to work with and his co-operation was less than total. Nevertheless, this is the best book you're ever going to get about Neil Armstrong. If you are interested in his life and remarkable achievements this is the one to buy.

Good but perhaps not perfect, 17 Oct 2007
Having looked forward to a 'life of Neil Armstrong book' for most of my life being a real Apollo fan. I did enjoy reading First Man: The Life of Neil Armstrong. This book is well researched, has some good pictures and for the first time the reader can learn about the 'real Neil Armstrong'. There is much more to Mr.Armstrong than being the first man on the moon.

A great read - will be liked by space buffs, maybe a little dry for those who are not!



This should be a fascinating book..., 08 Aug 2007
...but is by far and way the worst written book I have read in years. I cannot fathom how anyone can make the story of travelling and landing on the moon so uninteresting. There is page after page after page of irrelevant data which leaves you feeling cheated of precious time.

I have no doubt this is an incredibly well researched book, but so is an encyclopedia and I have no interest in reading one from cover to cover.

Award Winning!, 30 Dec 2006
This book has just earned the title of "Outstanding Academic Book" of 2006,