What was I Thinking

by Paul Henry

This book will challenge all your prejudices. It will keep you entertained for hours. It's the very unusual story of Paul Henry - from his eventful childhood to his adventurous career in journalism to his recent outrageous comments on television which divided the country.

A natural-born story teller, Paul spins many great yarns in this book. It's fascinating insight into his complex character. He's surprising -- he doesn't adhere to any prescribed set of beliefs. He's bold -- he set himself up as an international news correspondent working out of his Masterton lounge. And he's versatile -- turning his hand to running a cafe, running for Parliament and running from terrorists.

Genres: Autobiography

360 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2011

Reviews

[Shirley · Rating 2 out of 5]

My opinion of Paul Henry has not changed hes a jumped up twit

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love him or hate him he's been on and off the NZ TV and media scene for many years and never afraid to share his opinion on anything. By and large this is a surprising read from his time in the UK at the BBC to being a foreign correspondent travelling the worst places in the world. Never does he lose his inherent belief that he will survive or share his opinion on where he is or what he's doing there.
Fascinating and frustrating I enjoyed the challenge - might just read the next one - Outraged

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Paul Henry. He has a refreshing personality, and I like that he does not conform to what everybody else wants. I like that he is not afraid to speak his mind. I don't know how much of the book is 100% accurate (neither does he) but it was definitely an interesting read. I really enjoyed it.

[Jax · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Paul's irreverent sense of humor and I no he's not for everyone but he has given me belly laughs in some of the darkest moments of my life and in this book I think it's great he has been able to provide context for those who haven't enjoyed his sense of humor as some of us have. I hope he stays around the nz media scene for years to come and maybe one day he will write a follow up to this book. 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Juston Fenton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Janet Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it, love him!!

[Lynette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Latter part of the book more interesting than the first. Enjoyed the foreign correspendent part especially.

[Heather Steevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d rate this 3.5.

An easy read over the holidays.

[Klm · Rating 1 out of 5]

There were parts of this book I actually found interesting, especially Paul Henry's experiences as a journalist in conflict environments, some of his reflections on his mental health, and the writing itself was relatively good. But absolutely nothing can make up for the fact that this is a self-indulgent and entirely unnecessary memoir by a deeply narcissistic, arrogant man who has not achieved anything that justifies an entire autobiography. Paul Henry possesses what I personally believe is one of the absolute worst personality flaws a person can have: he is a very intelligent man who believes that his intelligence makes him better than other people and entitles him to be cruel and demeaning towards others. He believes his intelligence means his opinions are always right and, worse, that the only reason one could hold a differing opinion is due to their comparative stupidity.

But he's not always right, and when he's wrong he can't admit it. Paul Henry finds it difficult to understand the point of view of people in different circumstances to himself. Even his characterisation of his mental illness is deeply offensive and narrow-minded: that he, through his work ethic, brilliant mind, and general greatness remains functional with a level of (self-diagnosed, by the way) OCD that would cripple mere mortals. Combine this breathtaking narcissism with a truly juvenile sense of humour that often wanders into the territory of casual racism or sexism, and I find him a truly unpleasant person. For these reasons, I couldn't enjoy his book even though I was determined to give it a try and hear his perspective. I remain unconvinced - Paul Henry isn't a victim of an overly PC society and media hellbent on limiting his freedom of speech. He's a bully.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been entertained by Paul Henry on TV for years I thought I knew a bit about this man ... but it turns out I knew practically nothing about him at all. I've always enjoyed Paul's opinions and his intolerance, and the fact that he's not afraid to speak his mind - but having read his book, I've discovered that he's also done a huge amount of impressive things in his life, travelled extensively and has a heap of great stories to tell. "What was I Thinking" is a hugely entertaining overview of his life so far. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!

[Tim Clack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paul Henry has been a lively and entertaining broadcaster both on the radio and on the tellybox. This book simply fails to reflect these attributes and is instead a dull account of Paul's life to date. The prose lacks the spark that epitomises his broadcasting style and I was left asking what was I thinking when I parted with the cash to purchase this book!

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great yarns from an interesting and diverse career. I still don't understand his desire or motivation to outrage, which I guess I wanting from a personal perspective having been involved in several situations dealing with the 'commercial' impact of his on-air behavior.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rather prefer Paul Henry to listen to than read....he is good at both yet far better as a speaker for myself personally......would recommend this book for it's amazing glimpse into a life and adventures of a really great guy...

[Mariella Venrooy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't too bad. Better than I expected, quite enjoyable :)

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself laughing out loud!

[Kyle Wadsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading about how he built his career, and his life in general - a very interesting, funny man!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but lacked a clear structure for me.... rambled a bit too much, jumping forwards and backwards in time. Unfortunately, because of this I only got 2 thirds of the way through.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and easy read, I had no idea he had done so much!

[John Hedges · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written entertaining book.

[Alex Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it a lot...not bad for someone who has dyslexia

[Daniel Mccarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down... was great to see the other side of Paul, my actual rating is 3 and a half stars. Very funny book.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining.

[P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Paul, and this is a laugh a minute. Great read from a great man!