Making It
Blades, JayPerhaps you have heard of Jay Blades from TV's 'The Repair Shop'? Even if you haven't he's a man worth knowing for his amazing rise from considerable adversity to being a TV personality, a furniture restorer, businessman, recipient of an MBE, and an all-round likeable chap known for his kindness.
Of Jamaican heritage, he grew up in East London facing poverty, racism, police brutality and eventually homelessness, but today he inspires others with his compassion and positivity.
This easy-to-read memoir with its open, frank approach and conversational style, really is the story of a repairman repairing himself.
Pages
282
282
Year
2021
2021
Reviews
11-03-2024
All really enjoyed knowing so much more about Jay. Created a new understanding of him in 'The Repair Shop'. An honest depiction of racial feelings and how it impacted on his teenage life. Engendered great respect for what he's done in his life.
04-03-2024
Our group was unanimous, rating this book an easy read about a very interesting character. The discussion ventured into the reasons Jay formed quick, but not everlasting relationships with his wives, his undoubted talents, and his dyslexia.
22-02-2024
An honest, open account of Jay's life as lived by him. Very easy read but shows that although you think you probably have someone's 'measure' through having seen them on TV, you can still be surprised and admire them for their achievements.
22-11-2023
A variety of responses - inspiring but not well-written. More like a magazine article. Good at helping people but more work needed on his relationship with his Dad and with women - misogyny! Race issues very interesting, told with honesty and courage.
18-10-2023
We all thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all readers. There are several important messages to it, particularly to those who have struggled with reading and finding their way in life. Inspiring.
12-09-2023
'Jay Blades' life story is inspiring - his entrepreneurship; a love for young people and how he poured out his life to help them; the great leap of faith he took in heading off to university as a dyslexic who couldn't read a word. From a fatherless home, he overcame racism, homelessness and poverty, to haul himself out of a life of crime and violence. Some of us found the book not particularly well-written; others found the writing retained his unique voice and made it authentic. It is a brave story, some of it doesn't show him in the best light, but that is part of its charm. Fast, easy read.
21-08-2023
Enjoyed by the group. We considered it quite a light read. All agreed it was interesting to read of the life behind the smiling face on T.V.
04-08-2023
Very good discussion book. Lots to ponder.
04-05-2023
An enjoyable read about someone we were all familiar with from the TV show 'The Repair Shop'. He writes an honest memoir of his life and the ups and downs, the hardships, the bits you may want to hide. He has overcome his early life, found what he needed and become a role model and successful man.
20-04-2023
A mixed reaction, most thought not particularly well-written and some didn't like the italics. Quite pleased to have read it though - we liked the difference he made in the community but there was quite a bit of discussion on his parenting. Some of us now watching 'The Repair Shop'.