The Gift of a Radio: My Childhood and other Train Wrecks Hardcover – 10 Feb. 2022

I'd never heard of Justin Webb or the alluded-to father, and still haven't. This autobiography is interesting until the author descends into self-contemplation and thoughts about his mother's view of the world. Those bits are best skipped. 95% of the book are his school years, with most of the rest of his life in footnotes.

As someone who went through a similar childhood to Justin I was very disappointed with this book. There is more he could have described. The first half of the book was a constant series of describing the same problems. The book only became mildly interesting when he reached senior school. There was very little reference to the Radio and its benefits. I should have realised coming from a BBC man they rarely cover the subject. My wife found the book almost impossible to read.

I wasn't aware of the author but I liked the title and I like autobiography so I have it a whirl and I found myself drawn into his strange world.

When you write your AUTOBIOGRAPHY it's important to remember the ERA that you came from because unlike the BBC you can't JUDGE PEOPLE by the current FASHION

Justn Webb writes about his childhood and later life as the unacknowledged son of a famous BBC newsreader with admirable openness. At times both heart-breaking and thought-provoking, his writing style flows easily. An excellent read.,

A child of the 1960s, Justin Webb's memoir of growing up over two decades is set against the background of society's attitudes, during this period, towards class hierarchy, politics, family dysfunction and mental health. The stark reality how life was lived and negotiated in the 60s and 70s, is presented with eloquence which provides a grown-up insight into how a child processes, and tries to make sense of, what is happening around him. It is an evocative journey through childhood and a great read.

Interesting, insightful, humorous, educational- totally open- a joy for a boy from a similar time. A comforting read and so engaging…

Wonderful reading and a clear eyed exposition of surviving family dysfunction. A great example of how maternal love and a stiff upper lip can transform a misery memoir into something else - an illustration of the power of the human spirit to endure, transform and enlighten what comes its way without singing and dancing about it. It's had a powerful impact on me. I enjoyed the window on the 70s.Thank you for sharing.