Reviews by Mrs.Judith

I was given an MP3 player and my first Audible credit as a birthday present over a year ago, with a view to enhancing my daily (well - fortnightly) walks to attain more fitness. I have to say that as I walk up and down the steep hills of Hastings (much more frequently now), this honest, warm, and most down to earth account of Sue Johnston's life has given me wings. I literally haven't been aware of whether I'm climbing a hill or not - it's a wonderful listen. I liked Sue Johnston's appearances in The Royle Family and Waking the Dead before this download, but having been given insights into many facets of her life and of her personality, I feel the greatest respect and warmth towards her. It doesn't ooze sentiment in any way, as it's understated and narrated by the author with gentle, self-effacing humour. Those who remember Brookside will be fascinated by the accounts of her time there, with Ricky Tomlinson as her screen husband - I never watched Brookside but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of that area of her life story.
During her life, Sue Johnston has become friends with many famous people including The Beatles, as she grew up in Liverpool and frequented the Cavern.These and many other celebrities are included in the narrative only because they are part of the author's story and who she is today - it doesn't become tiresome as when names are 'dropped' in other people's less powerful autobiographies. I bought this also as a paperback for my mother - who unfortunately doesn't have the technology to download the audiobook - and although she had to miss out on the excellent reading by the author, she loved it and was hooked by the first page. This is one story that has uplifted and warmed me and one that , rarely for me, I look forward to revisiting.