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This is Not a Drill
Picking up right where he left off, Paul Carter pulls out more tall tales of a mad, bad and dangerous life in the international oil trade. Starting with action and mayhem galore This is Not a Drill sets an unrelenting pace that just doesn't let up, as Paul almost drowns when the Russian rig he's working on begins to capsize; is reunited with his dad - another adrenaline junkie; gets married; hangs out with his rig pig buddies in exotic locations; and spends a couple of interesting weeks in Afghanistan...
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First published November 1, 2007
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About the author
Paul Carter
153 books90 followersPaul Carter was born in England in 1969. His father's military career had the family moving all over the world, re-locating every few years. Paul has lived, worked, gotten into trouble and been given a serious talking to in England, Scotland, Germany, France, Holland, Norway, Portugal, Tunisia, Australia, Nigeria, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Borneo, Columbia, Vietnam, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Sumatra, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, China, USA and Saudi Arabia. Today he lives in Perth with his wife, baby daughter and two motorbikes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 17, 2018
Some poignant writing in Afghanistan (although the reason the author was there remains unclear) got this up to 2 stars from me. Else would have been one.
Not nearly as many spit-your-coffee laugh-out-loud moments as Piano Player in a Whorehouse, this was more akin to a mid-life realisation (not quite a crisis) where the author decides on a last hurrah. or just wants to ride on the success of the first book. Laudable for the cynicism with which he treats the motives of his chosen industry, nonetheless the 'and then' style takes over and becomes repetative when its not interspersed with great comedic moments.
My own take was that there were far too many passages - and whole chapters - that are stretching the word count with no real point than to make the book up to book length. This is likely as much the result of an indulgent editor as author.
I kept reading after Afganhistan because there were some truly moving moments in those pages, and I wish the author had made more of the opportunity to explore some of the other countries he spent time in in such a way as well - Bangladesh and The Philippines being two. Expanding on a promising start in Nigeria would have been another.
Not nearly as many spit-your-coffee laugh-out-loud moments as Piano Player in a Whorehouse, this was more akin to a mid-life realisation (not quite a crisis) where the author decides on a last hurrah. or just wants to ride on the success of the first book. Laudable for the cynicism with which he treats the motives of his chosen industry, nonetheless the 'and then' style takes over and becomes repetative when its not interspersed with great comedic moments.
My own take was that there were far too many passages - and whole chapters - that are stretching the word count with no real point than to make the book up to book length. This is likely as much the result of an indulgent editor as author.
I kept reading after Afganhistan because there were some truly moving moments in those pages, and I wish the author had made more of the opportunity to explore some of the other countries he spent time in in such a way as well - Bangladesh and The Philippines being two. Expanding on a promising start in Nigeria would have been another.
May 19, 2013
Paul carter's second book of tales from his career as a rig hand in the oil and gas industry.
This book along with, don't tell mum I work on the rigs, are pretty much industry standard reading material for anyone in the business of exploration drilling. The stories in this book are hilarious and are relics of a time and place where health and safety hadn't taken all of the fun out of working in a remote posting.
This book is a must for anyone in the industry of exploration of any kind, it is also a must for any male aged 13 and up, as some of the stories are brilliantly immature
This book along with, don't tell mum I work on the rigs, are pretty much industry standard reading material for anyone in the business of exploration drilling. The stories in this book are hilarious and are relics of a time and place where health and safety hadn't taken all of the fun out of working in a remote posting.
This book is a must for anyone in the industry of exploration of any kind, it is also a must for any male aged 13 and up, as some of the stories are brilliantly immature
July 3, 2017
Paul Carter writes this book with the same flare, humour and creativity as his first memoir. I really enjoyed reading it. In saying that I think Carter used most of his best material in the first book (understandable because at that stage he didn't know there would be a second). Sometimes I felt like he was jumping from place to place trying to tell good stories. I still enjoyed it though and will definitely read his next book.
January 24, 2019
A very disappointing follow-up to a hilarious first book.
March 8, 2018
This book is an absolute hoot, although in some ways it reads so much like the first one of his that I read,"Don't Tell Mom I Work on the Rigs : She Thinks I'm a Piano Player in a Whorehouse" which was equally as funny. Author Paul Cater has a great gift of story telling that my fear is that he will run out of crazy 'not politically correct' escapades that he and his fellow 'riggers' get up to. But I shouldn't worry as he has a great imagination so that when he runs out of real ones, I am sure he will make up some stories that are equally side-splitting funny. A word of advice, don't read on an aircraft in the middle of the night when everyone else is at sleep, as you'll wake them up with your laughter.
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September 2, 2025
A hilarious book about life at oilfields (Part 2)
In his first memoir, first published in 2006, Paul Carter said see you in 15 years. And that's exactly what he did with this 2nd book. This time around he is more mature, more serious, and writing a memoir that shows his growth as he progressed up the corporate ladder in the oil industry.
Just kidding. This 2nd book was written merely 1-2 years after the first one, and in this one our "Pauli" is still the same legend that seems to attract chaos and drunken shenanigans wherever he goes.
This time around he travelled to exciting places once again, from Japan, to Bangladesh, to West Africa, and a lot more in between, including Scotland where he got so drunk at one time that he ended up tongue-kissing a border collie. In this sequel he also got stuck in the middle of the Russian sea on a rig staffed by colourful rig-mates with nicknames such as Sickboy, Vodka Bob, or my favourite The Cunt of Monte Cristo. He tells the story when he witnessed a pistol duel, almost died in a rig collapse, meeting a Hannibal Lecter type of character, and the most epic story: going out with his childhood friends that ended horribly wrong involving a poop in a purse and stealing a taxi.
Granted, this time around the book really does feel a tad bit more serious, where Pauli dived deeper into the politics of oil, especially during the time when he was on the ground in Afghanistan and seeing first-hand the devastating impacts from wars in the name of oil. He also dwell even deeper at the last chapter when he writes about his real view on the oil industry as the engine of global capitalism, which shows the rare perspective from an honest executioner of the drilling.
This second book also feels more mature and intimate, where he shares his story about reconnecting with his father (and had an epic night out with his dad's friends at a gentlemen's club), tells about his proposal to Claire, proceeded with the wedding, and the upcoming kid. Indeed, our boy is finally growing up, and while the ending of book 1 feels a bit sudden (and leaving me to want for more) this 2nd book nicely concludes his epic tale with an apropriate end.
In his first memoir, first published in 2006, Paul Carter said see you in 15 years. And that's exactly what he did with this 2nd book. This time around he is more mature, more serious, and writing a memoir that shows his growth as he progressed up the corporate ladder in the oil industry.
Just kidding. This 2nd book was written merely 1-2 years after the first one, and in this one our "Pauli" is still the same legend that seems to attract chaos and drunken shenanigans wherever he goes.
This time around he travelled to exciting places once again, from Japan, to Bangladesh, to West Africa, and a lot more in between, including Scotland where he got so drunk at one time that he ended up tongue-kissing a border collie. In this sequel he also got stuck in the middle of the Russian sea on a rig staffed by colourful rig-mates with nicknames such as Sickboy, Vodka Bob, or my favourite The Cunt of Monte Cristo. He tells the story when he witnessed a pistol duel, almost died in a rig collapse, meeting a Hannibal Lecter type of character, and the most epic story: going out with his childhood friends that ended horribly wrong involving a poop in a purse and stealing a taxi.
Granted, this time around the book really does feel a tad bit more serious, where Pauli dived deeper into the politics of oil, especially during the time when he was on the ground in Afghanistan and seeing first-hand the devastating impacts from wars in the name of oil. He also dwell even deeper at the last chapter when he writes about his real view on the oil industry as the engine of global capitalism, which shows the rare perspective from an honest executioner of the drilling.
This second book also feels more mature and intimate, where he shares his story about reconnecting with his father (and had an epic night out with his dad's friends at a gentlemen's club), tells about his proposal to Claire, proceeded with the wedding, and the upcoming kid. Indeed, our boy is finally growing up, and while the ending of book 1 feels a bit sudden (and leaving me to want for more) this 2nd book nicely concludes his epic tale with an apropriate end.
January 15, 2021
About one-third of it is rehashes and nearly identical stories from the first book. Feels very much like a what was left on the cutting room floor book. Less insights into oil and more general stories about the author's relationship with his father, wine, brandy, English gentleman's clubs, PMCs in Afghanistan and long cut and pastes from encyclopedias about various alcoholic beverages including gin and their history. Less inspired and less illuminating.
July 9, 2019
An interesting look at the hard-working, hard-drinking, craziness of oil-platform drillers. Especially liked the information about work in Russia, Afghanistan, and Nigeria. Some of the off-rig personal stuff didn't interest me as much. Probably the closest we have to old-fashioned "cowboy" mentality around. One definitely needs to be a different breed to work with these folks.
August 1, 2021
More thoughtful and thought provoking than the first book. 14 odd years since it was first published I hope the suggestion that we just need more engineering to to make deep sea oil drilling a reality is starting to look like more engineering means we DON’T need deep sea drilling at all. It’s a very good read though.
May 17, 2020
This is supposed to be a recommended read for blokes (big tough boys), I picked it up anyways just as a fun and light hearted read. Didn't regret at all and widened my perspective on the world of oil together with its accompanying (both real and funny) stories.
September 22, 2017
Tall stories indeed. Some ridiculous comparisons are made that simply don't makes sense whatsoever.
February 19, 2018
More macho bullshit but my husband enjoyed it as car trip listening- he gives it a 4
February 25, 2018
Paul gives us a funny look at life on the oil rigs in remote locations around the world.
April 15, 2019
Like Carter's first book, this had potential, but spent too long on 'hilarious' side stories and background information.
July 8, 2019
London-Montréal.
Just as funny as the first book.
Looking forward to reading the final one on my trip home today.
Just as funny as the first book.
Looking forward to reading the final one on my trip home today.
February 23, 2020
A great book to kick back, have a laugh and enjoy
May 14, 2020
Another great book. Didnt enjoy this as much as the first book. Found the tales in this book felt rushed. Especially the ending which I wont bother to spoil for anyone else.
3 stars for this is not a drill.
Wouldn't hesitate to read another book from Paul Carter however, his sense of humor is fantastic!
3 stars for this is not a drill.
Wouldn't hesitate to read another book from Paul Carter however, his sense of humor is fantastic!
August 29, 2021
Another great read from Paul Carter, anyone who is sensitive to language and politically incorrect writing probably should steer clear of his books.
September 30, 2021
Another round of hilarious and extreme stories
February 20, 2022
Very disappointing follow up book. No laughs and boring in places
September 2, 2024
Proper guff, sheer tripe
March 14, 2025
another good book, not quite the humour as his book 'Don't Tell Mom... She Thinks I'm a Piano player in a Whorehouse' but still worth reading.
July 4, 2025
Not politically correct but very funny.
March 20, 2025
3.5stars - not quite as good as the first, but still hugely entertaining and very well read by the author.
December 30, 2016
Loved the first book and was one of the fastest reads, really enjoyable. Although I did enjoy this, I think I preferred the structure of Paul's previous book and getting to know him and his life leading up to the oil industry. I did appreciate the more poignant moments in this book and his reflections on the dire conditions of people he meets around the world and horrific things he witnesses.
There sure were some really funny moments and if you read the first one I would thoroughly recommend it, just not 'as' enjoyable as the first. Definitely wanting to read the following book.
There sure were some really funny moments and if you read the first one I would thoroughly recommend it, just not 'as' enjoyable as the first. Definitely wanting to read the following book.
August 25, 2009
I'll start by saying I loved the first book - I picked it up purely based on the title and have had this book on my TBR list since it was released. OInce again it covers Paul on his world wide trips working on oil rigs or doing something related to that field. This time he introduced more of his personal life aspect which was missing from the first and I was glad he waited to add it to this book. The personal aspect fit really well as a follow up to the original. I would recommend reading his first book first, but you will miss nothing by starting here - and the first chapter really grabs you and gets you involved, with the aid of certain TV shows and his brief explaination of equipement and the such it's very real that first chapter.
The audio is narrated by the author, which worked really well and it was only 4.5 hours which allowed me to complete it on my one way trip for work. But I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it - and maybe it's something I will do on one of my next flight. Either it was the book or it was me but I found it jumped around a fair bit and at times hard to follow. I am not sure yet about the reason behind his trip to Afganistan, it was however an interesting look into the country and what's happening there.
Paul adds alot of social comentry into this book - which in some ways fits but I think could isolate certain people who have had different experiences or come from different backgrounds. My advice would be listen to it and take it for what it is, his opinion based on his knowledge and experience and try not to get tied up with the hard facts.
I'll have to re-review when I actually read the book instead of relying on the audio but definately read the first, and if you like that have a go at this one.
The audio is narrated by the author, which worked really well and it was only 4.5 hours which allowed me to complete it on my one way trip for work. But I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it - and maybe it's something I will do on one of my next flight. Either it was the book or it was me but I found it jumped around a fair bit and at times hard to follow. I am not sure yet about the reason behind his trip to Afganistan, it was however an interesting look into the country and what's happening there.
Paul adds alot of social comentry into this book - which in some ways fits but I think could isolate certain people who have had different experiences or come from different backgrounds. My advice would be listen to it and take it for what it is, his opinion based on his knowledge and experience and try not to get tied up with the hard facts.
I'll have to re-review when I actually read the book instead of relying on the audio but definately read the first, and if you like that have a go at this one.
May 13, 2012
Reviewing 'This Is Not A Drill', Shakespeare wrote of:
"...disastrous chances,
Of moving accidents by flood and field,
Of hair-breadth ’scapes..."
- lines he later used in 'Othello'. Paul Carter's sequel to 'Don't Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs' covers some of the same ground, but with different anecdotes, and brings his story up to date. Running pipe around the world, Carter has graduated, partly through his fascination with and qualification in advertising, into a more conscious and calculating reviewer of the social fabric of the oilfield and its context; Afghanistan, China, Russia, are sketched in terse, frank and often very funny terms. Carter discovers his true love, whom he marries, and is reconciled with his father, who provides the anecdotal material for one entire chapter. En route we encounter a motley crew of eccentrics and larger than life characters from a world where mad and macho meet. A good read.
"...disastrous chances,
Of moving accidents by flood and field,
Of hair-breadth ’scapes..."
- lines he later used in 'Othello'. Paul Carter's sequel to 'Don't Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs' covers some of the same ground, but with different anecdotes, and brings his story up to date. Running pipe around the world, Carter has graduated, partly through his fascination with and qualification in advertising, into a more conscious and calculating reviewer of the social fabric of the oilfield and its context; Afghanistan, China, Russia, are sketched in terse, frank and often very funny terms. Carter discovers his true love, whom he marries, and is reconciled with his father, who provides the anecdotal material for one entire chapter. En route we encounter a motley crew of eccentrics and larger than life characters from a world where mad and macho meet. A good read.
December 28, 2011
Not quite as insanely good as his first one, but still a good read. I like how he branched out a little, and told some of his father's stories. It always seemed to me that my father and his friends had the best times, and consequently, the best stories. Maybe because they didn't always have to worry about whether or not their actions would result in a lawsuit, or a sexual harassment seminar, or an anger management class. I think Paul Carter was thinking the same thing. Or maybe he ran out of really good stories of his own. Either way, I enjoyed this book, too, and would definitely buy another. If you haven't read the first one, RUN, DO NOT WALK, to the nearest independent bookstore, and buy a copy! It will be the funniest thing you ever read. With a few gross parts thrown in. Oil drilling is dangerous, y'all! ;-)
May 25, 2015
I listened to the author reading the audiobook, immediately after listening to the first volume (Don’t tell Mum I work on the oil rigs ….) which was great fun.
A strange mix of oilfield stories, his father;s stories and a strange little foray into Afghanistan. The first book was a bit more coherent and linear. This had much more of a feel of a collection of “I must write these stories down” anecdotes. It was still quite entertaining and great as an audiobook. Perfect for the tedious drive to work.
This isn’t really for those expecting anything cerebral, lots of bar brawls, drinking and blokes jokes but good fun nevertheless.
A strange mix of oilfield stories, his father;s stories and a strange little foray into Afghanistan. The first book was a bit more coherent and linear. This had much more of a feel of a collection of “I must write these stories down” anecdotes. It was still quite entertaining and great as an audiobook. Perfect for the tedious drive to work.
This isn’t really for those expecting anything cerebral, lots of bar brawls, drinking and blokes jokes but good fun nevertheless.
October 10, 2015
Significantly less enjoyable than his first book Don't Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs, She Thinks I'm A Piano Player In A Whorehouse. The first story hints at more mayhem, excitement and insanity such as the stories he shared in "Piano Player In A Whorehouse", but after that it becomes a dull, droning autobiography with few of the hallmarks which made his breakout book a hit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews