What do you think?
Rate this book
Funny Peculiar
In 2001 Will Young shot to fame as the first winner of Pop Idol. It was clear from the start that he would never be a typical pop star - and more than ten years later he has become one of our best-loved and most intriguing artists.
From his dramatic experiences on Pop Idol; to coming out in the glare of the media spotlight; to his valiant struggles against depression; to the crazy reality of being famous, Will is open about both the highs and lows of his life. He also provides sound and practical advice on dealing with the DVLA helpline - something that has been woefully neglected by all other celebrity memoirs.
If you have ever wondered what it's like to attend a fashion show (and find yourself accidentally waving at Anna Wintour); how it feels to sing in front of thousands while fighting a catastrophic bout of low self-esteem; or be subjected to the terror that is a This Morning 'makeover', then Funny Peculiar reveals all. It also reveals what not to say if you ever meet David Beckham.
Moving, witty and scrupulously honest, Funny Peculiar is a refreshingly different and fascinating autobiography by a true original.
From his dramatic experiences on Pop Idol; to coming out in the glare of the media spotlight; to his valiant struggles against depression; to the crazy reality of being famous, Will is open about both the highs and lows of his life. He also provides sound and practical advice on dealing with the DVLA helpline - something that has been woefully neglected by all other celebrity memoirs.
If you have ever wondered what it's like to attend a fashion show (and find yourself accidentally waving at Anna Wintour); how it feels to sing in front of thousands while fighting a catastrophic bout of low self-esteem; or be subjected to the terror that is a This Morning 'makeover', then Funny Peculiar reveals all. It also reveals what not to say if you ever meet David Beckham.
Moving, witty and scrupulously honest, Funny Peculiar is a refreshingly different and fascinating autobiography by a true original.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
8 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Will Young
23 books17 followersWill Young is an English singer-songwriter and actor who came to prominence after winning the 2002 inaugural series of the British music contest Pop Idol, making him the first winner of the worldwide Idol franchise.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 5, 2013
I must admit I don't know that much about Will Young except that he won Pop Idol ten years ago, he famously came out afterwards and still maintained a hugely successful career, and I like some of his songs.
This is a charmingly self-deprecating book, and it's turned me into a proper fan. Young exaggerates to make himself look far worse than he is, but also uses humour to soften it and act as deflection at the same time. Somehow this makes him more open to you than you think it would.
But what really got me were the struggles he related with depression. He perfectly encapsulated how debilitating it can be, no matter what your circumstances, and I applaud him for being so candid about this ongoing war he has with himself.
This is a charmingly self-deprecating book, and it's turned me into a proper fan. Young exaggerates to make himself look far worse than he is, but also uses humour to soften it and act as deflection at the same time. Somehow this makes him more open to you than you think it would.
But what really got me were the struggles he related with depression. He perfectly encapsulated how debilitating it can be, no matter what your circumstances, and I applaud him for being so candid about this ongoing war he has with himself.
October 31, 2021
Was interesting from a fan point of view... but it's almost 10 years old now, this book covers Pop Idol up to Caberet...
December 5, 2014
So, anyway, I've had this on my shelf for 10 months, signed by Will Young when my manager Jacqui went off to London with an armful of books last year, and even though she kept on badgering me about whether I had read it or not, I kept on putting it off until the other day. Half the title says it all, the first half that is, as it is not really an autobiography, well certainly not in the traditional sense.
Will explains how he suffers from depression, and how this affects his everyday life, although managing to hide it mostly when he is performing. He mentions the awful things that happened at school, his initial problems over his sexuality, his challenging of Simon Cowell during Pop Idol, faux pas with David Beckham and Julia Roberts, even his problems with changing details on his driving license! In fact there are many problems in Will's life which he reveals candidly to his reading public, but, and this is a big but, what might seem a bit like self indulgent complaining, is actually written in such a funny way that I was laughing along with every chapter. The British are never happier than when they are complaining, so this is almost a critique of the British psyche... well it's not that deep really. Along with the delightful drawings which accompany the text, drawn by Will, which more than make up for the unusual lack of a photo section, this was a really enjoyable read, if you can laugh at things going wrong.
On the plus side, he is of course very successful, talented and funny, so it's not all bad.
Will explains how he suffers from depression, and how this affects his everyday life, although managing to hide it mostly when he is performing. He mentions the awful things that happened at school, his initial problems over his sexuality, his challenging of Simon Cowell during Pop Idol, faux pas with David Beckham and Julia Roberts, even his problems with changing details on his driving license! In fact there are many problems in Will's life which he reveals candidly to his reading public, but, and this is a big but, what might seem a bit like self indulgent complaining, is actually written in such a funny way that I was laughing along with every chapter. The British are never happier than when they are complaining, so this is almost a critique of the British psyche... well it's not that deep really. Along with the delightful drawings which accompany the text, drawn by Will, which more than make up for the unusual lack of a photo section, this was a really enjoyable read, if you can laugh at things going wrong.
On the plus side, he is of course very successful, talented and funny, so it's not all bad.
January 24, 2021
As a lifelong Will Young fan (and as someone who’s been long inspired by his work and particularly his openness about his sexuality) this was a true delight to read. It was humorous, candid and light-hearted - whilst also being a direct insight into the life of Will after his winning Pop Idol in 2001.
More than anything, though, this is a story of Will Young’s battle with depression whilst also having the good fortune of life as a celebrity. The acknowledgement of his privilege is incredibly humble, and he does so with - no pun intended - grace. Beginning from his days at secondary school, to university, to an increasingly rapid outline of the Pop Idol experience and life since then, it shows Will Young in a wonderfully positive light (whilst at the same time discussing the lower, and at times more regrettable aspects of his journey). At times, it feels as if there is too much emphasis placed on the incorrect parts - for instance, I’d have loved to read more about his interview experiences instead of three pages on a boy diving at his school — but overall, the autobiography is well-presented, thought-provoking, and, whether a reader knows little about Will Young or is his biggest fan (some of whom he talks about in a very serious manner), they will be sure to enjoy reading a short, open and exciting autobiography all about this wonderful and respected pop star of the 2000s.
More than anything, though, this is a story of Will Young’s battle with depression whilst also having the good fortune of life as a celebrity. The acknowledgement of his privilege is incredibly humble, and he does so with - no pun intended - grace. Beginning from his days at secondary school, to university, to an increasingly rapid outline of the Pop Idol experience and life since then, it shows Will Young in a wonderfully positive light (whilst at the same time discussing the lower, and at times more regrettable aspects of his journey). At times, it feels as if there is too much emphasis placed on the incorrect parts - for instance, I’d have loved to read more about his interview experiences instead of three pages on a boy diving at his school — but overall, the autobiography is well-presented, thought-provoking, and, whether a reader knows little about Will Young or is his biggest fan (some of whom he talks about in a very serious manner), they will be sure to enjoy reading a short, open and exciting autobiography all about this wonderful and respected pop star of the 2000s.
December 23, 2020
This was a really well produced audio book with a some audio effects to enhance the telling of the story which I thought worked really well.
It is a sad, funny and enlightening look into Will Youngs experiences at school , pop idol and the ten years that followed.
It is again proof that you really don’t know what goes on in other people’s lives. Will gives a candid insight into his mental health issues with true honesty.
If you like him you will like this.
It is a sad, funny and enlightening look into Will Youngs experiences at school , pop idol and the ten years that followed.
It is again proof that you really don’t know what goes on in other people’s lives. Will gives a candid insight into his mental health issues with true honesty.
If you like him you will like this.
May 6, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book told with honest humour and sincerity. A celebrity who isn't afraid to talk about his Hope's and Fears (excuse the blatant nod to one of Will Young's songs!). Found myself laughing out loud at some of the stories told, highly recommended book.
May 7, 2025
This was such a pleasant & easy book to read. Will Young is quite humorous and you get to see behind the scenes of singing competitions. He explains how ne manages his depression and the highs & lows of his life. A good book to read especially if you're a musician.
September 2, 2017
Honest and funny. I'm a big Will Young fan. Pre-dates the Strictly days sadly :D
January 2, 2020
An interesting life and a fair amount of detail and insight, but didn't go as far as he could have done.
Read
February 7, 2020(Book source: public library loan)
March 12, 2021
This had a lot of good anecdotes of celeb life but am looking forward to reading his newer memoir as that deals more with his mental health
April 13, 2021
Really like Will Young and his music but really disappointed with the book. I wish I hadn’t read it although I understand the issues he has with depression as I suffer with this myself.
March 27, 2022
Not gonna win awards, but it’s great and laugh out loud funny.
July 9, 2023
Loved the candid nature of his writing! Interesting to hear his mental health struggles and applaud him for being open about this.
February 17, 2024
Very humorous - I was laughing out loud.😆
But heartbreaking to read Will's reminiscences about Rupert and Darius who have both died since the book was published 😢
But heartbreaking to read Will's reminiscences about Rupert and Darius who have both died since the book was published 😢
May 19, 2024
Visit JetBlackDragonfly (The Man Who Read Too Much) at www.edenthompson.ca/blog
For those who don't know who Will Young is, this book isn't for you.
He is a singer and actor who won Britain's first Pop Idol competition in 2001, which turned into American Idol for the US. After that, he wrote a book about the experience called Anything Is Possible.
He has had five number one albums, with almost all his singles hitting number one, and sold millions of records. His debut single alone was the fastest selling in UK history and the best selling debut of the decade.
In Funny Peculiar, Will talks about his horrible school days, and going to an arts college before auditioning for and winning Idol. At 22, he was suddenly being offered West-End musicals and touring with a number one record. Stories after that include cutting records and doing publicity, dealing with fame and coming out. Ten years ago he came out as a gay man when it wasn't accepted or cool to do so. Bonus points for that. With cartoon illustrations throughout, it's extremely light reading - there is not a lot there (and I am a fan). I was in England when he won, and found stories about fellow singers Darius and Gareth Gates interesting - even Lee Ryan (whose self titled cd is one of my top ten all time favourites, he should have made it big). Over the 15 years since, Will has been nominated for 12 BRIT awards and acted in movies and on the stage (nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in Cabaret, 2013). The book does peter out into stories about holiday travel and going to parties at the Beckham's, so this is not a keeper, but he is a well-rounded and talented performer.
Of little interest if you are not a fan - it was too light for me and I am 'the market' for this book. Still, I admire his career, and I continue to buy his cd's, and this did little to change that one way or the other.
Side note: I bought this in hardcover - on Amazon for .78cents. It was shipped from a company located in Sweden through international mail for $3.99 - who is making any money?
For those who don't know who Will Young is, this book isn't for you.
He is a singer and actor who won Britain's first Pop Idol competition in 2001, which turned into American Idol for the US. After that, he wrote a book about the experience called Anything Is Possible.
He has had five number one albums, with almost all his singles hitting number one, and sold millions of records. His debut single alone was the fastest selling in UK history and the best selling debut of the decade.
In Funny Peculiar, Will talks about his horrible school days, and going to an arts college before auditioning for and winning Idol. At 22, he was suddenly being offered West-End musicals and touring with a number one record. Stories after that include cutting records and doing publicity, dealing with fame and coming out. Ten years ago he came out as a gay man when it wasn't accepted or cool to do so. Bonus points for that. With cartoon illustrations throughout, it's extremely light reading - there is not a lot there (and I am a fan). I was in England when he won, and found stories about fellow singers Darius and Gareth Gates interesting - even Lee Ryan (whose self titled cd is one of my top ten all time favourites, he should have made it big). Over the 15 years since, Will has been nominated for 12 BRIT awards and acted in movies and on the stage (nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in Cabaret, 2013). The book does peter out into stories about holiday travel and going to parties at the Beckham's, so this is not a keeper, but he is a well-rounded and talented performer.
Of little interest if you are not a fan - it was too light for me and I am 'the market' for this book. Still, I admire his career, and I continue to buy his cd's, and this did little to change that one way or the other.
Side note: I bought this in hardcover - on Amazon for .78cents. It was shipped from a company located in Sweden through international mail for $3.99 - who is making any money?
January 12, 2013
I really enjoyed this, but on the other hand it was quite insubstantial. Drawings, double line spacing & large font all padded it out. He does cover the important stuff, albeit with quite broad strokes, his public school, Pop Idol, career. It's written in quite a chatty humorous style which I liked, and does go a bit more into detail when dealing with his depression but it's quite frustrating in that nothing else is really covered in any depth. He says his schooling was horrific but never gives any examples, he gives us the songs & clothes he wore in Pop Idol, but glosses over the Simon Cowell 'feud' that led to him moving record company. I wasn't expecting a 'warts & all' expose but there wasn't much here that hasn't been covered in interviews when he has a new record out. When he had his heart broken and wandered the world for a year trying to get over it, something about the situation would have been welcome here. He's quite open about his career and depression but his private life seemed to be off limits, admirable, but not when taking money for writing a book about yourself . . .
February 4, 2013
Hmm, bit disappointed with this one. I'm not a *huge* Will Young fan however I have followed him throughout his career. I wanted Gareth Gates to win but I was only 11 or 12 at the time so you can forgive me! However I was intrigued by Will and found him interesting as a person and phenomenal as a singer.
This book however doesn't really read like an autobiography, not in a chronological way at least. It just jumps all over the place and is more a collection of stories, and vague ones at that. I love a bit of gossip but there isn't any to be had here and not really anything said that you couldn't find in the public domain or that you haven't read in the newspapers before now. Some bits are interesting don't get me wrong but overall it's just a bit of a let down.
Not only that but the pages have hardly any writing on, the pages have double line spacing and there was random doodles throughout the book which further pad the book out but it just means there isn't much to read. I'm sure die hard Will fans will love this book but for anyone looking for a bit of gossip or an autobiography which takes you from birth to the present day won't find it here.
This book however doesn't really read like an autobiography, not in a chronological way at least. It just jumps all over the place and is more a collection of stories, and vague ones at that. I love a bit of gossip but there isn't any to be had here and not really anything said that you couldn't find in the public domain or that you haven't read in the newspapers before now. Some bits are interesting don't get me wrong but overall it's just a bit of a let down.
Not only that but the pages have hardly any writing on, the pages have double line spacing and there was random doodles throughout the book which further pad the book out but it just means there isn't much to read. I'm sure die hard Will fans will love this book but for anyone looking for a bit of gossip or an autobiography which takes you from birth to the present day won't find it here.
November 30, 2013
umm only read bios as relaxing stuff but found this a bit confusing the way it jumped a bout I like it when so called stars tell people about suffering from depression as shows can effect all sorts of people so many people think problems will disappear if famous e not it was relatively interesting to read about pop idol more or less forgoten about with x factor also other pointers made me think pop idol itv so maybe will never make it as a bbc man I don't mind swearing in books but think will young just doing it for show he does not need it and believe me I do swear but only when absolutely swearing mad
February 23, 2017
This is a great autobiography, one of those that you can hear his voice reading it aloud. I learned quite a lot about Will in his youth which I previously knew nothing about. His style of writing about what he was thinking (and what he would have liked to have said) and then what he actually said in different situations is very funny. He talks about his battle with depression, but from an almost comical viewpoint. Very funny and very readable.
July 14, 2014
I really enjoyed it! I didn't really know what to expect from it, but it was a birthday present and, hey, when procrastination calls, I obey.
The thing about this book is the stark honesty. He is an open book to whomever may care to read his book; he is entirely upfront about depression and issues of the like, and that's really what made it for me. That, and a combination of humour made this book really great to read. :)
The thing about this book is the stark honesty. He is an open book to whomever may care to read his book; he is entirely upfront about depression and issues of the like, and that's really what made it for me. That, and a combination of humour made this book really great to read. :)
February 12, 2013
I loved this honest and candid account of Will Young's life so far. It's kind of refreshing to hear someone write so openly about depression and all of the associated stuff. I felt a lot of the things he wrote I could really understand and relate to.
Also surprisingly hilarious! Made me laugh out loud one too many times on the bus. Great stuff, Will.
Also surprisingly hilarious! Made me laugh out loud one too many times on the bus. Great stuff, Will.
March 4, 2013
I do like a book that can make me laugh out loud and this managed is on a couple of occasions.
It's not written how one would expect an autobiography to be written, there's no chronological order and some (in my opinion) key parts of his career are missed out, but it was a good read and one i look forward to re-visiting in time to come.
It's not written how one would expect an autobiography to be written, there's no chronological order and some (in my opinion) key parts of his career are missed out, but it was a good read and one i look forward to re-visiting in time to come.
October 4, 2013
I actually bought this book from Pound Land for (surprisingly) a pound, so I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be laugh out loud funny. More than Will Young's life story, this is a collection of humorous stories from Will Young. I'd massively recommend this book to people who are looking for a cheeky laugh.
September 10, 2015
Loved reading this autobiography of Will Young's. I'm a fan already of his music and acting , but I think this autobiography lets you see the real Wil in gloriously true detail .
The more I got to know him over the pages , the more I liked him for his faults ( that he sees ) , his internal sarcasm that he thinks and his humour.
The more I got to know him over the pages , the more I liked him for his faults ( that he sees ) , his internal sarcasm that he thinks and his humour.
September 4, 2017
Will Young's Autobiography is one of the most honest music autobiographies I have ever read.
Incredible book.
Honestly written.
Not like other music biographies .
There's a lot of humour and Will Young's voice in this book reminds me of the work of playwright Alan Bennett.
Very unique book.
Incredible book.
Honestly written.
Not like other music biographies .
There's a lot of humour and Will Young's voice in this book reminds me of the work of playwright Alan Bennett.
Very unique book.
August 2, 2013
I have always liked Will and was looking forward to reading this. It is really just a collection of stories however Will is very candid about his battle with depression. Even though some stories were funny I was left feeling a little sad. Still love Will though!
October 23, 2012
I adore Will and eagerly anticipated this book as his humour in his live shows and appearances is hilarious...yet this book left me feeling sad
October 29, 2012
Unexpected, yet un-put-down-able!
March 9, 2013
This book surprised me as Will tackles depression in his autobiography with honesty and writes about quirky episodes in his life. I ended up being totally charmed by Will.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews