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Richard Coles narrates this witty account of life as a parish priest and Radio 4 broadcaster. After a life of sex and drugs and the Communards - brilliantly recounted in the highly acclaimed first volume of his memoirs Fathomless Riches - the Reverend Richard Coles went on to devote his life to God and Christianity. He is also a much-loved broadcaster, presenting Saturday Live on Radio 4 and giving us regular reason to Pause for Thought on Radio 2.
Hello there. Welcome to my autobiography. Throughout this audiobook I talk about my life and work, including Little Britain, Come Fly with Me, Bridesmaids, Les Miserables, Alice in Wonderland and, of course, Shooting Stars. The thing is, this is a bit different to most memoirs you may have listened to, because it comes in the form of an A-Z. Anyway, I hope you buy it at least twice. Thank you.
Around about September of 1948, Mr and Mrs Cyril Wakeman had an early night. And some time later, at Perivale in Middlesex, Mrs Wakeman produced a bonny baby son. They named him Richard, but he quickly became known as Rick.
Rick was a likable little fellow who had a talent for the piano (and for making trouble), and music became his life. Later, he joined a popular music group called Yes and became a legend.
Sir Tony Robinson is a much-loved actor, presenter and author with a stellar career lasting over 50 years. Now, in his long-awaited autobiography, he reveals how the boy from South Woodford went from child stardom in the first stage production of Oliver!, a pint-size pickpocket desperately bleaching his incipient moustache, to comedy icon Baldrick, the loyal servant and turnip aficionado in Blackadder.
Shaun Bythell owns The Bookshop, Wigtown - Scotland's largest second-hand bookshop. In these wry and hilarious diaries, Shaun provides an inside look at the trials and tribulations of life in the book trade, from struggles with eccentric customers to wrangles with his own staff. He takes us with him on buying trips to old estates and auction houses, recommends books and evokes the rhythms and charms of small-town life, always with a sharp and sympathetic eye.
People say 'like father, like son', and the story of my life has mirrored my father's to a quite uncanny degree. Right from when I was a little boy, he was my rock, my mentor, my hero. It is no exaggeration to say that he taught me virtually everything I know about both country life and television. Without him I certainly would not be doing what I am today.
Richard Coles narrates this witty account of life as a parish priest and Radio 4 broadcaster. After a life of sex and drugs and the Communards - brilliantly recounted in the highly acclaimed first volume of his memoirs Fathomless Riches - the Reverend Richard Coles went on to devote his life to God and Christianity. He is also a much-loved broadcaster, presenting Saturday Live on Radio 4 and giving us regular reason to Pause for Thought on Radio 2.
Hello there. Welcome to my autobiography. Throughout this audiobook I talk about my life and work, including Little Britain, Come Fly with Me, Bridesmaids, Les Miserables, Alice in Wonderland and, of course, Shooting Stars. The thing is, this is a bit different to most memoirs you may have listened to, because it comes in the form of an A-Z. Anyway, I hope you buy it at least twice. Thank you.
Around about September of 1948, Mr and Mrs Cyril Wakeman had an early night. And some time later, at Perivale in Middlesex, Mrs Wakeman produced a bonny baby son. They named him Richard, but he quickly became known as Rick.
Rick was a likable little fellow who had a talent for the piano (and for making trouble), and music became his life. Later, he joined a popular music group called Yes and became a legend.
Sir Tony Robinson is a much-loved actor, presenter and author with a stellar career lasting over 50 years. Now, in his long-awaited autobiography, he reveals how the boy from South Woodford went from child stardom in the first stage production of Oliver!, a pint-size pickpocket desperately bleaching his incipient moustache, to comedy icon Baldrick, the loyal servant and turnip aficionado in Blackadder.
Shaun Bythell owns The Bookshop, Wigtown - Scotland's largest second-hand bookshop. In these wry and hilarious diaries, Shaun provides an inside look at the trials and tribulations of life in the book trade, from struggles with eccentric customers to wrangles with his own staff. He takes us with him on buying trips to old estates and auction houses, recommends books and evokes the rhythms and charms of small-town life, always with a sharp and sympathetic eye.
People say 'like father, like son', and the story of my life has mirrored my father's to a quite uncanny degree. Right from when I was a little boy, he was my rock, my mentor, my hero. It is no exaggeration to say that he taught me virtually everything I know about both country life and television. Without him I certainly would not be doing what I am today.
Alan Cumming grew up in the grip of a man who held his family hostage, someone who meted out violence with a frightening ease, who waged a silent war with himself that sometimes spilled over onto everyone around him. That man was Alan's father, Alex Cumming. Alex was the dark, enigmatic heart of Cumming family life. But he was not the only mystery. Alan's maternal grandfather, Tommy Darling, had disappeared to the Far East after the Second World War.
How do you get rid of unwanted guests? What do you do if there's a racket in the quiet carriage? How should you eat peas, and behave in queues? How to behave, like how to punctuate, is an aspect of life that many are no longer taught. Thankfully, Sandi Toksvig has come to the rescue with her entertaining guide to modern manners, with characteristic wit and perceptiveness.
In the autumn of 1936, some 200 men from the Tyneside town of Jarrow marched 300 miles to London in protest against the destruction of their towns and industries. Precisely 80 years on, Stuart Maconie walks from north to south, retracing the route of the emblematic Jarrow Crusade. Following history's footsteps, Maconie is in search of what modern Britain is really like today.
Danny Baker is a national treasure with a well-documented and colourful life. For over a quarter of a century, he has amused and entertained audiences on both radio and television. Beginning his career at the age of 15 in a small record shop in London's West End, Danny went on to become an acclaimed music journalist and started his radio career on BBC GLR in 1989. With a unique take on life and a lot to say, Danny's latest book is full of his trademark warmth, wit and insight.
What is life for Giles and Mary outside the willow-patterned cocoon? Giles is a countryman who relishes solitude. His wife, Mary, thrives in company and enjoys frequent escapes to London. After 30 years in a marriage of opposites, Giles and Mary have adapted to a life of domestic misunderstandings within comical misadventures.
Looking back over his life, from schoolboy crushes (on girls and boys) to discovering the power of making people laugh (in the Cambridge Footlights with David Mitchell), and from losing his beloved mother to becoming a husband and father, Robert Webb considers the absurd expectations boys and men have thrust upon them at every stage of life.
A moving, thought-provoking and surprisingly humorous book which is both a description of a journey to death and a celebration of the act of living. Based on Clare Wise's blog, which she started when she was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013, Not That Kind of Love charts the highs and lows of the last three years of Clare's life. The end result is not a book that fills you with despair and anguish. On the contrary, Not That Kind of Love should be listened to by everybody for its candour and for its warmth and spirit.
Amanda Owen has been seen by millions on ITV's The Dales, living a life that has almost gone in today's modern world, a life ruled by the seasons and her animals. She is a farmer's wife and shepherdess, living alongside her husband, Clive, and seven children at Ravenseat, a 2,000 acre sheep hill farm at the head of Swaledale in North Yorkshire. It's a challenging life but one she loves.
Oliver Reed may not have been Britain's biggest film star - for a period in the early 70s he came within a hairsbreadth of replacing Sean Connery as James Bond - but he is an august member of that small band of people, like George Best and Eric Morecambe, who transcended their chosen medium, became too big for it even, and grew into cultural icons. For the first time Reed's close family has agreed to collaborate on a project about the man himself.
When Monty Don's golden retriever, Nigel, became the surprise star of BBC's Gardeners' World, inspiring huge interest, fan mail and even his own social media accounts, Monty Don wanted to explore what makes us connect with animals quite so deeply. In many respects Nigel is a very ordinary dog - charming, handsome and obedient, as so many are. He is also a much loved family pet. He is also a star. By telling Nigel's story, Monty relates his relationships with other special dogs in his life in a memoir of his dogs past and very much present.
A bumper collection of classic fun and games from one of BBC Radio 4's best-loved and most enduring comedy panel games. The inimitable Humphrey Lyttelton is in the chair for these 36 hilarious editions, collected together for the first time. He presides over regular players Tim Brooke-Taylor, Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden and Willie Rushton, plus guests including Stephen Fry, Tony Hawks, Andy Hamilton, Paul Merton, Sandi Toksvig and Jeremy Hardy.
Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Spectacles, the hilarious, creative and incredibly moving memoir from much loved comedian, writer and presenter Sue Perkins. When I began writing this book, I went home to see if my mum had kept some of my stuff. What I found was that she hadn't kept some of it. She had kept all of it - every bus ticket, postcard, school report....
A parish priest in Northamptonshire; a former rock-star whose number-one hit with The Communards was the biggest-selling single of 1986; the regular host of BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live - these three people are not usually embodied in one person.
The Reverend Richard Coles' memoir offers his rich and personal insights into one of the most diverse of lives, encompassed with the wit and humour he brings to his popular radio show. Richard Coles gives the phrase 'time management' a new emphasis.
From conducting the funeral of a cross-dressing farmer and recording an interview with a Californian who believes he was abducted by aliens, to a lunch meeting with the Mothers Union, then making an after-dinner speech to a roomful of thoughtful actuaries, his work has taken him from food-fights in a Swiss hotel with the Beastie Boys to propitiating the gods of the sea as Deputy Chaplain to the Admiral of the Wash on his annual inspection of the Beacons and Buoys.
Mirroring the Christian calendar with its narrative of birth, death, and renewal, from Advent to Christmas, from Lent to Easter, Richard Coles gives an honest and lighthearted account of the drama that comes with fulfilling so many roles, and the daily challenges that accompany it.
Fathomless Riches - a phrase characteristic of St Paul and his followers - is the indescribable generosity, love and sheer surprise that Richard Coles encounters through a life of faith. The result is one of the most readable and illuminating autobiographies of the year.
Would you listen to Fathomless Riches again? Why?
As a young boy growing up in Belfast, I remember watching The Communards’ music video for Never Can Say Goodbye. In that video I was mesmerised by the keyboard player in the grey suit, rounded spectacles who sported flat top black hair miming the words ‘Never can say goodbye, boy!’ as he rolled his eyes. This man was Richard Coles, and much to the bewilderment of my parents I wanted the Red album for a Christmas stocking filler.
Years later, while I was studying for the priesthood myself I read an article in the Tablet Magazine that informed me that the said member of The Communards was himself in training for priesthood within the Anglican Church. For years I have always wanted to know how and why someone had the calling from pop to the pulpit.
I decided to listen to Fathomless Riches on audible, as I have been listening to Richard for many years on BBC Radio4, and I wanted to hear him tell the story rather than initially read it. At first, in his preface I found myself connecting with his understanding of Saint Paul and the joy that can be found in the liberating message of the Gospel, but I immediately was left wondering how most people would react to this preface and would it set the tone for the book. Within seconds I was listening to Richard tell a story about a naked man dancing around a car park one Christmas night with nothing but a tinsel wrapped around a certain part of his anatomy, and immediately I found myself laughing and I knew that Yes, this was a story I really wanted to hear.
As if sitting in room, beside a burning log fire with a dachshund on my lap, I was enthralled with the story of a normal Northampton boy who faced the struggles of his life and who took the chances when they came to form one of the biggest pop bands of the 80’s. Richard spared little to exercise the imagination; warts, bums and all were revealed. His honesty, firstly with this sexuality and sexual encounters gave insight in the struggles most gay men face, but also revealed his yearning for more. Secondly, there is a clear golden thread throughout the story that his life was ordained from the beginning to serve. Thirdly, he clearly has the natural gift of a story teller, who’s anecdotes are aptly chosen and refined to leave a lasting memory of who the real man behind the title of ‘rev’ is.
It’s always a privilege to journey with someone as they recount their lives, but often this is hard to experience within a book. Yet, having listened to the first part of his life story I can see that Richard has worked out many things in his life and struggled with many demons to come to the vocation and positon in life where he has been greatly blessed and finds that his soul has found the niche in God’s hand where he can dwell in safety.
So, having listened to this audible version of this book and written the promised review, I’m going to make myself a cuppa and begin listening to it again; if only to get a laugh from the Christmas Tinsel Man.
Thank you Richard – It’s a superb story and I really enjoyed it.
Any additional comments?
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Any additional comments?
Having listened to Richard Coles on Radio 4, and remembering his days in the Communards, I was curious to learn how he came to be a man of the cloth. It's an interesting story, with some interesting and famous faces along the way.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
What did you like most about Fathomless Riches?
I loved the honestly, and directness of the story. Theres no stone unturned, no bush hidden behind or anthing dressed up. This is an autobiography that lays the story bare, and allows the listener to be drawn in and gripped by the some times hilarious, often poignant and always honest story telling.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Fathomless Riches?
The description of the roof on the thatched cottage had me laughing out loud. Brilliant.
Which scene did you most enjoy?
I loved the retelling of Richards involvement of the Miners Strike.
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Made me laugh out loud, and cry buckets. Its very emotional.
Any additional comments?
No, I loved it. Quite simply put.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Wow I wasn't expecting this to be such a fantastic audio book. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Enjoy
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Richard Coles is a very interesting man who has lived a crazy life. One thing that sold me this audiobook is that Richard reads it himself which, I find, adds a lot more depth to any memoir.
For anyone who doesn’t know, The Reverend Richard Coles has an insanely interesting life; from popstar in 80s group The Communards to a CofE priest turned comedian. I wanted to read this for a good period of time before I actually picked it up because Richard’s appearances on shows like QI and Have I Got News For You have turned him in to one of my favourite TV personalities. This book was not a disappointment, it made me laugh, it was interesting and also gave me a little spiritual lifting, something I really wasn't expecting to get from it in spite of his affiliation with the church!
This book is brutally honest, but still respectful of the others involved, and I admired that. There is an insane amount of drugs, sex and rock and roll, especially in the first half. There’s the rise and fall of The Communards, his life through the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, where he lost of many friends. The years that followed where he drifted and then found himself turning to religion, going to university to study theology and his subsequent path to the pulpit.
It does end quite abruptly, just has he has been ordained, but I have been assured (by several sources, I'm not sure how reliable they are) that there is a part 2 to come, as to when that will be I don’t know! I look forward to reading, or listening, to it because I’d quite like to hear about his life after being ordained.
I loved this and I think it would be a great place to start with the audiobook format!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Would you consider the audio edition of Fathomless Riches to be better than the print version?
I have not read the printed version, but thoroughly enjoyed Richard Coles' rendition of his own book.
What did you like best about this story?
The hope it inspires that we can change and become better beings. The book charts Richard Coles' progress from insecure, self-obsessed narcissist to a man of the cloth with less focus on himself.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Richard Coles description of the Easter service during his training.
Any additional comments?
An enjoyable autobiography, although I'm not sure I like Richard Coles as he portrays himself!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Would you consider the audio edition of Fathomless Riches to be better than the print version?
I have not read the print version so I cannot comment. Having said this I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version and was massively impressed by The Revd Richard Coles life's journey.
Who was your favorite character and why?
It has to be the author himself, there are many multi dimensional characters in this autobiography but they are all somewhat peripheral to the subject of the story.
What does Richard Coles bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
He has a good broadcasting voice and without doubt I felt he was telling me his story which made it more personal than the written word.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The crossing and re crossing of the Tiber which describes his move from Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism and back again. I can fully see where he is coming from in this. The Church of England is a broad church so much so that it struggles to encompass views that seem diametrically opposed. As an openly gay priest though The Revd Coles is able to be more 'honest' as an Anglican and this can only serve to make his ministry more pertinent in the early twenty first century.
Any additional comments?
A painfully honest book which might trouble some but will inspire many. Jesus was a man of and in his time and context, it is to be hoped that this honest autobiography will serve to help drag the Christian faith towards modern society, albeit in some areas kicking, screaming and dragging its feet!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
What an honest, brave and sincere autobiography, he never wavers in scooping out his most difficult traits to present them to the listener, in a layer of humour.
I knew Richard Coles was in the Communards and I know he's a Vicar.
I didn't know the rest...blimey!
This is extremely revealing and honest look into Richard's extraordinary life which he (and others) have plucked from oblivion more than once.
His social commentary on the 80's, particulayly his experiences as a gay man really enforce what a wild and even dangerous period it was. Very moving.
An excellent audiobook - one of the best.
What did you like most about Fathomless Riches?
I enjoyed the honesty of Richard's reflection on his life. It really made me think about homosexuality and Christianity and how they are meant to go together. I truly believe in Richard's conversion and absolutely respect him for his life choices and the things he has done. I still find it hard to connect homosexuality to the Biblical God who is so clearly against it. Very thought provoking.
Who was your favorite character and why?
I adored Richard's honesty
Have you listened to any of Richard Coles’s other performances? How does this one compare?
No but about to buy his new book
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
decadent, honest, real
Any additional comments?
Buy this book to hear a true Saul/Paul conversion. It will make you think and explore your beliefs as you try to place your beliefs into the Very Reverent Richard's life. I look forward to listening to his next book.
Would you try another book from Richard Coles and/or Richard Coles?
Yes, I would. There were many aspects of the book that I enjoyed. Overall, however, I felt there was too much confessional info and it was not even that interesting. I read it as I know of him as a personality. The religion bit left me cold.
What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)
I already knew how it would end.
What three words best describe Richard Coles’s performance?
Erudite, fast-paced, listenable.
Was Fathomless Riches worth the listening time?
In retrospect, no. I read it to the end to see if would improve. Some of the prose was lovely, but I wanted more dialogue and meaningful interactions.`
Any additional comments?
I suppose this captures an era, but I didn't feel it went deep enough. It wasn't Joe Orton. Also, the conversion stuff was not terribly believable or interesting. The best bits were about the BBC and his travels.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful