My Dad Was Nearly James Bond

by Des Bishop

For years acclaimed comedian Des Bishop wanted to write a show about his father. Mike Bishop was a model and actor who gave up that life to become a hard-working man of the suburbs - a good husband, a caring father, a responsible citizen. Still, he sometimes talked wistfully about the glamorous life he might have had. All that changed after Mike was diagnosed with terminal cancer in late 2009. His regrets about his fantasy other life crumbled. He cherished his family and they came together to surround him with love, laughter, tears and talk. Lots of talk.The insights that emerged during Mike Bishop's illness became the show Des always wanted to stage. He and his father collaborated on My Dad Was Nearly James Bond - a hilarious, outrageous and moving celebration of what Des calls 'the heroics of fatherhood'. The show has attracted rave reviews and sell-out audiences around the world.Mike Bishop died in February 2011. Now Des has written a memoir inspired by the stage show, by the startling discoveries he made about his father's background before he died, and by his own realisation of what it means to finally grow up. The book is a funny, wise and unforgettable story of a father, a son and what really matters.

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Ben Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book and really enjoyed the entire story. The only thing stopping me from giving it 5 stars is that it desperately needs to be edited down.

I almost didn’t make it to page 100 but I’m so glad I did because the next 10 pages, when he shares entries from his dad’s memoir were so great.

It wasn’t that it was terrible up to that point. It’s just that the 100 pages could have been 60 and the entire 100,000 word book could have been 60-70,000 words and it would have been a lot more effective. But still, despite this I’d highly recommend it.

After reading the book, I watched the documentary about it on YouTube and would highly recommend that also.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

probably written as a catharsis,and a memoir to a father.its seems all the family went through turmoil going back through the generations.but the author finally saw the light and got his act together bravo.its a hard job to actually admit that you need help but also helping yourself.a good if difficult read.

[Heidi Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps it is because I have also lost a much-loved parent to a ruthless, relentless illness, and can understand how it feels to go from being ‘the cradled to the cradler’; perhaps it is because I have seen for myself the impact death and illness can have on family and the family dynamic, and understand the various twists and turns that come along the way; perhaps it is because the book is full of astute observations on the Irish and their unique approach to life and death; perhaps it is simply because this book is beautifully written, but to my surprise from the opening page I was completely taken with the story and found the book impossible to put down. I expected humour, and there is plenty in this story, what I hadn’t expected was the warmth, love and searing honesty with which Des Bishop so bravely tells his father’s story.

In short I had expected to like it, what I hadn't expected was that I would love it. 'My Dad Was Nearly James Bond' made me laugh and cry in equal measure, it is a real gem of a book and one that deserves to be read.

[John Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought me back from the dark when it comes to reading.

I'm a huge fan of Des Bishop's and really wanted to read this book. Even though I hadn't read anything
in years I found this book very easy to read and follow. There is humor, drama, sadness and booze.
It lets you into a rather strange family home ( no offense Des) and goes through it in great detail. Some things really shocked me and I don't think I was ready for them.

It really brings a tear to your eye, even if mushy reading isn't your thing. If you've ever liked a Des bishop show I suggest this book to you. You'll see this American, Irish man in a new light.

And if you can try and catch the documentary before you read it. : )

[Stephen McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like an extended, slightly manic, urgent conversation with a good friend. As others have said the observations of Irish quirks and customs are spot on.
The brutal honesty can be uncomfortable at times but the subject matter has touched almost everyone so a fresh approach is welcome.
I have seen Des' live show and he is an engaging character with an unusual take on the world we line in.
The book was nothing like i anticipated but I read it without any real pause. I did laugh out loud at certain times and was strangely quiet at others. it is sharp and witty and overall a good read.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seemed to take me ages to read as it did not hold my attention long enough to continue reading it. Instead I was reading other things and kept referring back to it. The story is sad but filled with Des Bishop style humour and the bond that develops between father and son is heart-warming. However the book did feel over-indulgent to me in parts. If it wasn't for the signed copy gifted to me then it would be donated to Oxfam.

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 100 or so pages of this book were quite a laborious read for me, but after reading someone else's review here on Goodreads, I stuck with this biographical account of this comedian's family life & the sad but respectful demise of his much loved father. In the end I was glad that I'd persevered as it turned out to be a well written, moving account of how a tragedy can really pull people together to find the love that they may have thought was absent previously.

[Alusha NotYourBusiness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this book very hard to rate. I mean his beloved father died and this is his lift story, how am I meant to rate this?
Therefor I'm giving it 4 Stars.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a llink to my blog review...
http://divaliciouzbookreviews.blogspo...

[Rowan Manahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really poignant and very well written. Lovely eye for detail and an interesting focus on things-you-wouldn't-necessarily-expect throughout the book. I loved it.

[Ciara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this. It was interesting and heartfelt but ultimately badly edited - too much repetition and overlap in the chapters.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could use an editor but interesting read nonetheless. Definitely agree with some of his observations about the Irish.