review by Ro Bennett on recorded show dec 2011
This is another well priced stocking filler. I enjoyed this book. It’s an eclectic mix and very interesting, sometimes thought provoking, often humorous. It has been compiled by Ariane Sherine, a comedy writer and journalist. She writes for The Guardian, and has also written for The Sunday Times, The Independent, New Statesman and the NME. She started her career in television, writing for My Family (BBC1) and Countdown (Channel 4). Having said that I had never previously heard of her or some of the contributors...
It’s not a collection of anti-christian rants, it’s not a Scrooge’s grumpy guide. It’s touching, personal, educational and funny - and charitable because the Terence Higgins Trust benefits from every sale, because the editors and author all did it for free - which I think is very much in the spirit of Christmas!
There are 42 contributions which have been divided into six sections, Stories, Science, Philosophy and Events and finally How to and Arts which include practical suggestions for films, games, music, jokes, and even making Christmas environmentally friendly.
The contributors are also a mixed bunch, with people like Simon Le Bon, Jenny Colgan, Claire Rayner and David Baddiel to those we would expect such as Derren Brown, Richard Dawkins, Brian Cox and ilk.
The book also has a section on contributor biographies for added interest. It’s a good buy.
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