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  • Hopeful

  • An Autobiography
  • By: Omid Djalili
  • Narrated by: Omid Djalili
  • Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (185 ratings)
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Hopeful cover art

Hopeful

By: Omid Djalili
Narrated by: Omid Djalili
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Summary

Omid Djalili's fascinating story begins with an unconventional childhood spent at his family's London guesthouse for visiting Iranians. At school he is kept busy with the beginnings of a passionate love affair with football but he hopes one day to live a more intellectually fulfilled life. For one wonderful summer in California it seems that maybe he will find his spiritual home at UCLA. Sadly his exam results don't quite hit the mark (it's difficult to study astrophysics at one of the world's top universities without O-level maths) and so, ever hopeful, Omid returns home to spend the next three years sitting his A-levels again, and again, and again.

Eventually, in a moment of madness, he concludes that the best way to achieve the desired A-level results is to 'improve' his certificates. Travelling to the university of Ulster he finds true connection and relaxing solitude despite the backdrop of Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles and nearly being killed by paramilitaries. Here he decides that a life in show business is the only secure option he has left, and what follows is a hilarious and captivating insight into the life of a young performer who embraces his cultural identity, works harder than anyone else, and doesn't give up until he has hung out with Brad Pitt in Morocco, injured himself severely while showing off in front of Kate Winslet, and shared an 'intimate moment' with Oliver Reed in Gladiator.

Full of the warmth and intelligence that makes Omid such a successful comedian and sought-after actor, this memoir takes us on a joyously vivid journey through an unusually British life.

©2014 Omid Djalili (P)2014 Headline Digital

What listeners say about Hopeful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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What did I just listen to ...?

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

Um ... nope, sorry, can't think of anyone.

What was most disappointing about Omid Djalili’s story?

That there was, in fact, very little "story". It was a surprisingly dull narrative which surprised me because his public image suggest someone full of banter. He's basically a blagger (who cheats his way into university) and probably blagged his way into a publisher's office and convinced them he could write. I would really like to get my "credit" back for this one but I kept going with it (hoping it would improve)- and didn't think it was fair to ask for a refund.

How could the performance have been better?

If the substance of the book had been more interesting.

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not really.

Any additional comments?

As a performer, I like him. As a writer, not so much.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Funny British Iranian Guy

I am also British-Iranian (English mother & Persian father). So Omid's autobiography has some relevance. His performance reading this book is very good and amusing, who could have done it better ? I have also seen him live at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith; he was very funny. My only criticism is that he could have written more about his comedy act and career. Recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Inspiring, funny & well worth the listen

Loved listening to this autobiography! Having enjoyed Omid’s live show and having Iranian in-laws I knew this would be fun. It was also inspiring, fascinating, informative and moving. I could’ve continued listening non stop. Highly recommend!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic read

This book is so interesting and of course funny. Omid’s reflections on his early years took me to another world, another culture another way of life. With so many interesting but real characters and events. Omid is clearly a very clever, thoughtful and kind soul. Loved this book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous

Great life story, funny and interesting in equal measures; made even better being told by himself.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

Some parts were not enthralling and the structure perhaps was meandering. However rather than detract this just made me appreciate the rest that was so illuminating more. The narration was brilliant. I now feel a greater affinity to Omid. I will follow his projects and career more closely.

Overall excellent and wish to hear more audio books from him.....

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful book!

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook! I would recommend it, highly and as a fan, it did not disappoint.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Hilarious and heartfelt

Brilliantly narrated, fascinating story of his life, with hilarious stories mixed with some very heartfelt and moving moments too. Highly recommended.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

thank you

An amazing and weirdly relatable story. you have lived life Omid, thank you for sharing it with us 🙏🏾

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good laugh by an interesting guy

Loads of funny content and a good story of how to overcome rejection. 7/10 for me.

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