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May I Have Your Attention, Please?
The warm, hilarious story of the Gavin and Stacey cocreator and starAs far back as he can remember James Corden has only ever wanted to be in one place: in front of an audience, doing something to make them cry, shout, scream, or giggle uncontrollably—but it wasn't that easy getting there. Growing up, his dad would drive him up and down to London for auditions, sometimes three or four times a week, only to be met with constant rejections. Even the teenage distractions of girls, forming his own pop group, attempted (and failed) shoplifting, or the endless detentions he'd get from exasperated teachers didn't put him off. He knew where he wanted to be and he'd keep on trying until he got there, and here is the story of how he did it. From his time as one of the founding players of his school's first ever rugby team to nationwide fame as the loveably loud Smithy in the award-winning Gavin and Stacey, this is a tenderly—and very funnily—told story of what it’s like to try, try, and try again and get there in the end.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
May 22, 2019
I wouldn’t call myself a big Cordon fan, I feel that he can play a certain role well though.
Obviously he came to my attention because of ‘Smithy’ on Gavin and Stacey, but I was also curious to read this having guest starred in Doctor Who.
The main thing that I took from this biography was Cordon’s time touring The History Boy and the subsequent film adaptation.
What an incredible cast of young actors including Dominic Cooper, Russell Tovey and Samuel Barnett.
It made me want to watch the movie!
Cordons pursuit for fame and subsequent mini-spiral during a low point in his life add an additional dimension to someone who portrays that cheeky chappy persona.
Not as humorous as I thought it would be, this will only appeal to those that like his work.
Obviously he came to my attention because of ‘Smithy’ on Gavin and Stacey, but I was also curious to read this having guest starred in Doctor Who.
The main thing that I took from this biography was Cordon’s time touring The History Boy and the subsequent film adaptation.
What an incredible cast of young actors including Dominic Cooper, Russell Tovey and Samuel Barnett.
It made me want to watch the movie!
Cordons pursuit for fame and subsequent mini-spiral during a low point in his life add an additional dimension to someone who portrays that cheeky chappy persona.
Not as humorous as I thought it would be, this will only appeal to those that like his work.
January 30, 2016
I found it to be a bit of a snoozefest, I'm sad to say. I'm sure others will enjoy though. Lots of celebrity anecdotes and name dropping.
I'm glad Cordon changed himself in recent years but he was rather a dick for most of his life. Didn't make me warm to him really.
I listened via audible and even his voice and his inflection at the end of sentences started to grate on me.
I'm glad Cordon changed himself in recent years but he was rather a dick for most of his life. Didn't make me warm to him really.
I listened via audible and even his voice and his inflection at the end of sentences started to grate on me.
October 17, 2011
Yes, James, you've got our attention. You've released your autobiography and, as a huge 'Gavin and Stacey' fan, I was so excited to read it. Not only is he the man responsible for one of the - if not the - biggest British comedies in the last decade, he's also well-known for his roles in ITV's 'Fat Friends' and both the stage and movie productions of Alan Bennett's 'The History Boys'.
Basically, this book is a three-hundred and-odd page apology to everyone James Corden has ever pissed off. And, let's face it, that's a lot of people. Teachers, family, agents, crew, friends, journos and the public. From being the fat loveable kid in 'Fat Friends', his ego got the better of him and he became tabloid fodder, believing his own hype. Fair enough, the guy has been big enough to apologise for being a dick once his career took off but I wanted so much more from this book. I wanted to hear loads more about 'The History Boys' and 'G&S'. I wanted to hear about his relationship with Sheridan Smith. Yes, I am nosy. Can anyone who reads celebrity biographies / autobiographies really claim to be anything else?
OK, he does mention Sheridan but doesn't go into detail - perhaps I should give him a bit more credit for being respectful. Perhaps it's just Corden's dramatic background but every woman he's ever had a relationship has been incredibly dramatic and important to him. I fear that his use of superlatives only leaves the reader with no sense of who or what actually was truly important to him.
In between the apologies, you do get a few tidbits to sustain you. A few anecdotes about his time at school and college - yes, he was that irritating kid at school who had no interest and therefore messed about. Early in the book, Corden describes a typical day where he played truant from school then proceeded to ring into 'This Morning' and pretend to have a problem just to speak to agony aunt Denise Robertson. This story was funny. It made me want to continue reading the book, expecting every other page to be littered with silly, naughty stories - like Peter Kay's books. I was well and truly disappointed.
He does tell the reader about taking 'The History Boys' on a worldwide stage tour and some things that happened during it but none of them were that great, to be honest. Corden and Dominic Cooper end up sounding like arrogant pricks - so the book did nothing to dispel earlier rumours.
He tells you where the inspiration for 'Gavin and Stacey' came from and how he and Ruth Jones had to make near-impossible trips across land and sea to get scripts written but the magic I had expected just never appeared. I wanted more Alison Steadman, more Larry Lamb et al. I wanted stories from the shooting of the shows.
Although Corden talks you through his career, the things he did and who he worked with, it all sounds so fake and sycophantic. It is as if everyone he has ever worked with has been "the best", "an inspiration" or "a dream come true". The fact that he uses it for legends like Ken Loach and Alan Bennett but then uses similar pronouncements for runners just removes any meaning from what's written.
I was a fan of Corden before reading this but now I fear the release of the book is part of his rehabilitation into popular circles now he has realised his arrogance lost him a lot of respect both from the industry and the public. I honestly could not take what he was saying seriously.
Basically, this book is a three-hundred and-odd page apology to everyone James Corden has ever pissed off. And, let's face it, that's a lot of people. Teachers, family, agents, crew, friends, journos and the public. From being the fat loveable kid in 'Fat Friends', his ego got the better of him and he became tabloid fodder, believing his own hype. Fair enough, the guy has been big enough to apologise for being a dick once his career took off but I wanted so much more from this book. I wanted to hear loads more about 'The History Boys' and 'G&S'. I wanted to hear about his relationship with Sheridan Smith. Yes, I am nosy. Can anyone who reads celebrity biographies / autobiographies really claim to be anything else?
OK, he does mention Sheridan but doesn't go into detail - perhaps I should give him a bit more credit for being respectful. Perhaps it's just Corden's dramatic background but every woman he's ever had a relationship has been incredibly dramatic and important to him. I fear that his use of superlatives only leaves the reader with no sense of who or what actually was truly important to him.
In between the apologies, you do get a few tidbits to sustain you. A few anecdotes about his time at school and college - yes, he was that irritating kid at school who had no interest and therefore messed about. Early in the book, Corden describes a typical day where he played truant from school then proceeded to ring into 'This Morning' and pretend to have a problem just to speak to agony aunt Denise Robertson. This story was funny. It made me want to continue reading the book, expecting every other page to be littered with silly, naughty stories - like Peter Kay's books. I was well and truly disappointed.
He does tell the reader about taking 'The History Boys' on a worldwide stage tour and some things that happened during it but none of them were that great, to be honest. Corden and Dominic Cooper end up sounding like arrogant pricks - so the book did nothing to dispel earlier rumours.
He tells you where the inspiration for 'Gavin and Stacey' came from and how he and Ruth Jones had to make near-impossible trips across land and sea to get scripts written but the magic I had expected just never appeared. I wanted more Alison Steadman, more Larry Lamb et al. I wanted stories from the shooting of the shows.
Although Corden talks you through his career, the things he did and who he worked with, it all sounds so fake and sycophantic. It is as if everyone he has ever worked with has been "the best", "an inspiration" or "a dream come true". The fact that he uses it for legends like Ken Loach and Alan Bennett but then uses similar pronouncements for runners just removes any meaning from what's written.
I was a fan of Corden before reading this but now I fear the release of the book is part of his rehabilitation into popular circles now he has realised his arrogance lost him a lot of respect both from the industry and the public. I honestly could not take what he was saying seriously.
September 6, 2016
A fun listen. Made me laugh out loud a few times... Although it's a bit odd bc I didn't even know who James Corden was till carpool karaoke, but this book is 5 years old, so there's no mention of the Late Late Show or any of that.
But it was fun to hear his early career stories, (although I had to do a lot of googling to see who these British actors and directors are), even if I did get some weird looks for laughing out loud while listening in Costco. ;)
But it was fun to hear his early career stories, (although I had to do a lot of googling to see who these British actors and directors are), even if I did get some weird looks for laughing out loud while listening in Costco. ;)
March 28, 2017
I generally love James Corden and as such I had high hopes for this autobiography. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed.
I selected this one because I was coming off of some heavier reads and wanted something a bit lighter and something funny. While this was certainly jovial at times, I can't say that I ever really truly laughed; the most I got was a grin at a piece of wry British humor (my favorite kind normally.)
It was interesting to hear Mr. Corden's background - I actually didn't know as much about him as I thought I did. Perhaps that is one of the things that made this a bit of a miss for me. Mr. Corden is clearly very talented, and my main experience with him is his persona these days of a singing teddy bear with a slightly naughty streak. This book peeled back a few layers I didn't know about, and while I think that he is probably a pretty decent bloke, there is a lot in his background that is a bit off-putting, arrogant, and sleazy. It was a little like finding out the book version of The Fox and the Hound does NOT match Disney's version of the animated movie - doesn't make me dislike it, but it takes just a bit of the sheen off of the version I saw first. And it makes him seem a little less earnest and more "show-biz" than a previously thought. A shame, really, as his earnestness was one of the reasons he seemed so charming.
I commend him for getting out of whatever funk he was in for a while ("turning his life around" seems far too melodramatic to say, but he has seemingly curbed the partying and hubris that were so unappealing in the book.) It also seems like a good deal of the less satisfying behavior ultimately stemmed from self-consciousness, so it was interesting to see the juxtaposition of the self-effacing and arrogance.
I also didn't realize that the memoir was written several years ago, which was before he came on my radar - so the things I was hoping to hear him talk about hadn't even happened yet. That's ok - just wasn't aware of that when I started it.
I listened to the audio and he does give a great performance as the narrator (not too surprising, given his talent!)
Overall, this was enjoyable but a bit bland. Recommended for big fans of Mr. Corden's; but I can't say this has enough in there for anyone.
I selected this one because I was coming off of some heavier reads and wanted something a bit lighter and something funny. While this was certainly jovial at times, I can't say that I ever really truly laughed; the most I got was a grin at a piece of wry British humor (my favorite kind normally.)
It was interesting to hear Mr. Corden's background - I actually didn't know as much about him as I thought I did. Perhaps that is one of the things that made this a bit of a miss for me. Mr. Corden is clearly very talented, and my main experience with him is his persona these days of a singing teddy bear with a slightly naughty streak. This book peeled back a few layers I didn't know about, and while I think that he is probably a pretty decent bloke, there is a lot in his background that is a bit off-putting, arrogant, and sleazy. It was a little like finding out the book version of The Fox and the Hound does NOT match Disney's version of the animated movie - doesn't make me dislike it, but it takes just a bit of the sheen off of the version I saw first. And it makes him seem a little less earnest and more "show-biz" than a previously thought. A shame, really, as his earnestness was one of the reasons he seemed so charming.
I commend him for getting out of whatever funk he was in for a while ("turning his life around" seems far too melodramatic to say, but he has seemingly curbed the partying and hubris that were so unappealing in the book.) It also seems like a good deal of the less satisfying behavior ultimately stemmed from self-consciousness, so it was interesting to see the juxtaposition of the self-effacing and arrogance.
I also didn't realize that the memoir was written several years ago, which was before he came on my radar - so the things I was hoping to hear him talk about hadn't even happened yet. That's ok - just wasn't aware of that when I started it.
I listened to the audio and he does give a great performance as the narrator (not too surprising, given his talent!)
Overall, this was enjoyable but a bit bland. Recommended for big fans of Mr. Corden's; but I can't say this has enough in there for anyone.
April 30, 2024
i have nothing nice to say so i will let the star rating do the talking
March 12, 2012
I've just finished this book and I have to say, I really quite enjoyed it. It was an easy read that didn't take particularly long, but I didn't expect any different to be honest, it's an autobiography not a hard hitting novel. I found it refreshing to read just how down to earth he is, unlike some of the people on here, I certainly didn't interpet it as a book full of apologies at all. To me, it highlighted the extent of how hard he has worked to get to where he is today. I think it's very easy for people to think that just because he works in comedy and (as he readily admits) hasn't always given off the vibe that he really cares, that he almost fell into the job. That couldn't be further from the truth, he has got over some serious hurdles both before and during his career, all of which he has managed to come out the other side.
I get the impression (even more so than I already did, being a huge fan) that he is an absolutely lovely person. So, if you're looking for a light read, that will give you an insight into James Corden's life then I would definitely recommend it to you.
I get the impression (even more so than I already did, being a huge fan) that he is an absolutely lovely person. So, if you're looking for a light read, that will give you an insight into James Corden's life then I would definitely recommend it to you.
June 27, 2017
Despite his enormous successes in Britain, James Corden was virtually unknown in this country when he was tapped to replace Craig Ferguson as host of CBS's Late Late Show. I only knew him from his taped performance in NTL's One Man Two Guvnors. He fast became a favorite of ours as a late night host, and the unpredictable quality of his award-winning show and its originality continues. On picking up this autobiography, I was dismayed to find it was written on the eve of these events, but ended being delighted by his honest and generous sharing of his early life, warts and all, his family and their effect on his life (they make frequent appearances on his show), and feel confident he will come out with another chapter in his life. What this book does so well, and particularly when read in his familiar voice on the audible version, is show how he became the performer he is today. The fact that he doesn't take any of this for granted is apparent in his on-screen persona.
January 17, 2018
I love James Corden but was disappointed by this book as it was more of his personal memoirs and hardly any comedy in it. Also an extreme amount of name dropping. Still an interesting read, just not laugh out loud funny as I was expecting / hoping.
May 20, 2015
A fun read for Corden fans. I am one.
January 22, 2023
This was a decent read. I didn't go in with high expectations, but apparently I did, because it fell a little short for me. That might be because I don't have a lot of familiarity with James Corden pre-2010. I didn't enjoy this book at the beginning; I found Corden to be a little arrogant and entitled, but I appreciated that he said in retrospect that he'd made mistakes and he was owning up to them. Given some of the more recent news about Corden and his behavior, I think he still has some room to grow, as I think the attitude is still there.
He highlights some interesting things in terms of education and how adults (especially teachers) talk with children and teens about their futures. I also liked, to a certain extent, how Corden felt a bit lost in his 20s and wasn't happy. I really liked his family, especially his father.
The stuff with Lily Allen was kind of weird and I don't really know why that was included.
He highlights some interesting things in terms of education and how adults (especially teachers) talk with children and teens about their futures. I also liked, to a certain extent, how Corden felt a bit lost in his 20s and wasn't happy. I really liked his family, especially his father.
The stuff with Lily Allen was kind of weird and I don't really know why that was included.
November 9, 2018
Highly recommended listening!
I loved every minute of this audiobook. James Corden narrates which makes it feel like he is telling you the story on a one-to-one basis which is amazing!!
Before listening I had only seen James on his game show on Sky TV but since then I have watched every episode of Gavin & Stacey and rate him even higher now.
If you like James, you will love listening to this wonderful story of his life up until 2010.... there is so much more to know now so hopefully there will be a follow up book coming soon!
I loved every minute of this audiobook. James Corden narrates which makes it feel like he is telling you the story on a one-to-one basis which is amazing!!
Before listening I had only seen James on his game show on Sky TV but since then I have watched every episode of Gavin & Stacey and rate him even higher now.
If you like James, you will love listening to this wonderful story of his life up until 2010.... there is so much more to know now so hopefully there will be a follow up book coming soon!
August 4, 2023
An enjoyable read. It captured James Corden's personality but it did feel rushed towards the end.
January 3, 2012
I really enjoyed James' Book. I liked how human he seemed. I also like how he left all the boring details out that so many other celebs have tried to bore me with. He chose a couple of stories from each period of his life and didn't whittle on for pages about them. Straight and to the point. He sounds as if he's a very humble man, who has acknowledged that he was, indeed, a dick for a while. I would definitely recommend this book. Especially for all you that think James is only famous for being Smithy, I didn't realise how much James has done and how hard he has worked for it. Beware, you will find yourself constantly reaching for YouTube so that you can search whatever play or TV programme you didn't know he had starred in. Enjoy!
October 13, 2017
This book has been on my radar for a while but I finally listened to it this week and I'm a little disappointed to be honest. To be fair, this has very little to do with the book itself, more the fact it was published in 2011. I'm glad James talked so much about Gavin and Stacey and his career to that point, especially knowing how his career is going now with the Late Late Show.
The book is written in a very honest way, not always painting Corden in the best light or as the nicest person. However, it was a little more realistic that this is how he portrayed himself and it made the ending even sweeter.
I'd love James Corden to make a second autobiography but this one was a fun read that I would recommend if you want to learn more about his earlier life.
The book is written in a very honest way, not always painting Corden in the best light or as the nicest person. However, it was a little more realistic that this is how he portrayed himself and it made the ending even sweeter.
I'd love James Corden to make a second autobiography but this one was a fun read that I would recommend if you want to learn more about his earlier life.
January 9, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book! I started as a big fan of JC, at least what I'd seen him in, but quickly realised he has done much much more than I was aware of. The stuff about Take That make me smile out loud (if that is possible!) and the chapters about Gavin and Stacey made me go and buy the box set, which I can't wait to watch again from start to finish. Disappointed there wasn't more about the foundations and development of ALOTO, which is probably my favourite programme in TV at the moment. Overall, I though this was a really honest and inspiring book. The way it was written makes it really easy to read as it was just like having James speaking inside my head.
Read
November 1, 2016Since I discoverd my love for James Corden last year with the beginning of the Late Late show, I have pretty much tried to watch everything that he is done television-wise (surprisingly with the exception of Gavin and Stacey - but I will get to that soon).
I love this book because it was absolutely James, adorable, hysterical, ridiculous and at times a little teary eyed!
If you love him, you will love this.
I love this book because it was absolutely James, adorable, hysterical, ridiculous and at times a little teary eyed!
If you love him, you will love this.
March 21, 2012
I have just finished this book and it was really well written. James made me laugh out loud at times, and I felt quite sorry for him at other times. It just goes to show you that it can be lonely at the top, and that family and friends are so important. I look forward to following his story now that he has a new chapter in his life.
PS:- I can't believe he kept "Kimberley" in his sons name!!
PS:- I can't believe he kept "Kimberley" in his sons name!!
September 11, 2016
I really liked how he revealed his youthful blunders... They were pretty condemning but his honesty was refreshing. I am now addicted to "Gavin and Stacey" - the show he and Ruth wrote and starred in... HILARIOUSLY FUNNY!!!
Have your computer handy while reading so you can check out the many references he makes to videos, poems, people... All worth learning about.
Loved the book!
Have your computer handy while reading so you can check out the many references he makes to videos, poems, people... All worth learning about.
Loved the book!
November 20, 2017
i thrived on hearing about james' friendship with dominic cooper, the most ridiculous brit i have ever come across. if i ever meet either of them, i'm gonna have to ask about the origin of dom's nickname and then consequently die immediately afterward so i can take the secret to my grave
November 1, 2011
interesting and quite funny in parts i read this book as i am a huge fan of gavin and stacey
September 22, 2015
Loved this book. James cries a lot and is not afraid to let his readers know how much! It's good to know that a leading male figure has feelings.
June 13, 2017
Entertaining listen. I'd love to hear an update since his career has exploded since this book was written.
October 26, 2017
I love James Corden even more after reading this book. His story is one of living and learning. This book brings humor to that aspect of life.
February 9, 2019
Clevel, funny and honest... And he is a massive “Take That” fan. What’s not to like?
February 1, 2023
Good audio listen but I was a little disappointed. I was expecting a laugh out loud autobiography but instead it was a little boring. I guess I’m spoiled from Trevor Noah’s autobiography, which was outstanding.
May 24, 2019
The pitfalls in ones life can truly propel you to success...if you are willing to understand your limits and take risk. This book may not be for everyone, but it was the right book for me.
July 12, 2018
Fab
Really enjoyed this book couldn't put it down. Really exceeded my expectations of James writing. I hope you enjoy as I did
Really enjoyed this book couldn't put it down. Really exceeded my expectations of James writing. I hope you enjoy as I did
February 5, 2019
Note to self - don't bother reading autobiographies by comedians, I have yet to read one that I've really enjoyed. I also don't believe that at the age of 32 you qualify to be writing an autobiography, too young. Anyway I didn't laugh once, was I wrong to expect to?
June 24, 2018
Funny biography by James. He is surprisingly humble and serious about his craft. Made me want to watch his show Gavin and Stacey which I believe is currently available on Hulu.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews