Making It

  5 Reviews

Perhaps 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.

Comments from BDS Reviewers

"I'm a huge fan of 'The Repair Shop' and enjoyed reading the book. Bit of an eye-opener in some ways (27 siblings!)."

"Fans of 'The Repair Shop' will be particularly interested in this book. It is uplifting because it really is a 'self-repair' story."

"Written in a conversational style and while it's not a literary read, it is written with a disarming honesty."

"Very easy to read. An interesting life-story and Jay has a very positive outlook."

"What I will remember most about this book is his honesty. It was interesting to read of the racism he faced as a child and his violent response to that."

"It's a pleasant read, but a bit 'once over lightly' in some respects."

"Although Jay is very honest about his faults and failures, he also exhibited a boastfulness that jarred a little."

Reviews

TAUR 062

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.

TAUR 023

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.

FERN 001

04-08-2023

Very good discussion book. Lots to ponder.

AKAR 001

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.

NELS 007

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'.