Fanatical about cricket since he was a boy, Miles Jupp would do anything to see his heroes play. But perhaps deciding to bluff his way into the press corps during England's Test series in India wasn't his best idea. By claiming to be the cricket correspondent for BBC Scotland and getting a job with the (Welsh) Western Mail, Miles lands the press pass that will surely be the ticket to his dreams.
Soon, he finds himself in cricket heaven - drinking with David Gower and Beefy, sharing bar room banter with Nasser Hussain, and swapping diarrhea stories with the Test Match Special team. Amazing! But struggling in the heat under the burden of his own fibs, reality soon catches up with Miles as - like a cricket-obsessed Boot from Evelyn Waugh's Scoop - he bumbles from one disaster to the next.
A joyous, charming, yet cautionary tale, Fibber in the Heat is for anyone who's ever dreamt about doing nothing but watching cricket all day long.
©2012 Miles Jupp (P)2012 Random House Audiobooks
"It's Just Not Cricket!"
I know absolutely nothing about cricket and wouldn't have read this as a book but I adore Miles Jupp so I wanted to hear this as he is reading it himself.
It is more than just a cricket book- it is a hilarious listen as he goes through his love of the game and the journey, both actual and spiritual, he takes to what he thinks is going to be his dream job.
An absolute hoot!
"Superb"
This started life as a stage show that was hugely enjoyable and has now been extended to full length book. A must for both fans of cricket and for those who are ambivalent, it mixes humour and pathos as it follows Miles Jupp's attempts to pass himself off as a cricket journalist on England's tour of India through to his final realisation of the reality of his love for the game. I saw the show three times; this is a permanent and extended reminder of those, one one that can be listened to again and again.
"Miles Jupp at his best"
This audio book is awesome, a brilliant accompaniment to TMS!! 10/10, a nice journey of troubles disappointing and triumph, in a cricket kind of way!
"Tragi-comic yarn of chasing a dream"
A true story that is quite light hearted in its plot line, but stil manages to be touching. Miles Jupp, as can be expected from a comedian with a reputation with children, is very good in the funny parts. But what I found more interesting is the intorspection that he has to go through as the tour does not go well for him at all, in terms of logistical issues, all the time wresting with the reality known only to him that he is an imposter. The darker parts lend balance to the book and enhance it.
"Bowled over"
I am not a fan of cricket at all. However I am a fan of Mr. Jupp. He is someone who is rather embarrassed about being posh but is really funny with it. A very likeable character. On the whole I found this audio book charming, funny and very well read by the author. But I'm afraid I feel I missed out a lot not being a fan of, in my opinion, the very dull game of cricket. If you are a fan of Miles but not a fan of cricket, then still a good listen. If you are fan of cricket but not a fan of Miles, it's still a good listen. If you don't like either, avoid.
"A good listen for a Cricket fan"
Quite a good listen really into the goings on of someone trying to be a cricket journalist. Funny in places but definately worth getting if your a cricket fan!
"From stage to page successfully"
This narrative started life as a live show which was universally acclaimed - and deservedly so. Now Miles Jupp has expanded this into a full length account of his rather naive attempt to become a cricket journalist on England's tour of India. His performance of the book is every bit as wonderful as the show. Often hilarious, sometimes heart wrenching, always engaging we accompany him as he chases his dream through a whole string of obstacles through to it's - and his - ultimate realisation.
You don't need to be a cricket fan to enjoy this book. It's a great reminiscence on any level.
"Trials and Tribulations of a Wanna Be!"
Essential reading for me as a cricket nut who writes a little. The narrative is a little like one of those dreams where you are wading through treacle whilst trying to run a 100m race. His efforts to obtain the coveted media passes were beset by such difficulties, that you could almost touch the frustration. A little dark in places when he becomes disillusioned with his attempts to join the ranks of cricket journalists but it is all handled with humour and a great deal of self-deprecation. I'm glad I listened