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Reasons to Be Cheerful
The memoirs of 25 years of political activism, albeit minor and mostly unsuccessful! Deciding to dedicated his life to eradicating injustice Mark Steel tried to persuade his mates to change their sexist attitudes - only to be called a poof; innocently wandered into the heat of battle during the Brixton riots in 1981 - to be wrongfully arrested for stealing shoes; hidden striking steel workers to defeat Thatcher's union laws; and in the GLA elections of May 2000 he received 1823 votes for the London Socialist Alliance.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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312 people want to read
About the author
Mark Steel
35 books53 followersMark Steel (born 4 July 1960) is a British socialist columnist, author and comedian. He was a member of the Socialist Workers Party from his late teens until 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 27, 2017
I used to enjoy watching Mark Steel doing stand up comedy in the late 1980s and early 1990s, though have not seen him live since that era. Those hazy memories were, in part, what inspired me to read this book, the other inspiration was a recommendation from the marvellous Francis Wheen (whose books I highly recommend).
Mark cheerfully admits that he probably couldn't have timed his lifelong commitment to socialism much worse. After enduring years of Thatcherism (and a few with John Major in power), he then had to put up with Blair and New Labour. Despite this he has remained an activist for c25 years (at the time the book was published) and those years are the basis for an amusing, engaging, and interesting memoir that provides a great history of British politics from the last 1970s to the early 2000s, and some fascinating social history.
Mark also manages to come up with an upbeat, inspirational ending that convincingly argues any act of protest is worth doing no matter how it might seem or feel at the time.
Mark cheerfully admits that he probably couldn't have timed his lifelong commitment to socialism much worse. After enduring years of Thatcherism (and a few with John Major in power), he then had to put up with Blair and New Labour. Despite this he has remained an activist for c25 years (at the time the book was published) and those years are the basis for an amusing, engaging, and interesting memoir that provides a great history of British politics from the last 1970s to the early 2000s, and some fascinating social history.
Mark also manages to come up with an upbeat, inspirational ending that convincingly argues any act of protest is worth doing no matter how it might seem or feel at the time.
April 10, 2013
"One day in 1975 I saw in the newsagents a copy of the Morning Star. "The paper of the Communist Party" it said on the top. Wow. Communist wasn't a thing you admitted to, it was a term of abuse. It was like seeing a newspaper with a heading "The paper of S h i t h e a d s."
"What keeps campaigners going is not a naive faith that one sugary day we can make the world a better place, but the knowledge that defying authority already makes the world a better place."
Wonderful book. I laughed out loud in several places.
"What keeps campaigners going is not a naive faith that one sugary day we can make the world a better place, but the knowledge that defying authority already makes the world a better place."
Wonderful book. I laughed out loud in several places.
November 24, 2012
You gotta love a Marxist memoir. Well, love might be too strong a word, I strongly supported for the Croydon Crusader's tales of opposition to Thatcher and falling out of love with New labour and the unions. At his best when speaking out against the wars in the middle east and Northern Ireland. Easy to digest socialism., worth going on strike for.
Might read something else he's written or make a point of listening to him on the radio, but that means listening to Radio 4 and that's not right.
Might read something else he's written or make a point of listening to him on the radio, but that means listening to Radio 4 and that's not right.
August 4, 2009
I've just finished the last chapter of Mark Steel's Reasons to be Cheerful through tears and laughter.
For the entirety of my life of 36 years, whenever someone has asked the question "What book has most changed your life?", I never had an answer because no book I'd ever read had changed my life. (Indeed, until I read Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, no book had even brought a tear to my eye.)
I think I may well have the answer to that question now.
For the entirety of my life of 36 years, whenever someone has asked the question "What book has most changed your life?", I never had an answer because no book I'd ever read had changed my life. (Indeed, until I read Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, no book had even brought a tear to my eye.)
I think I may well have the answer to that question now.
November 3, 2011
I think even Tories would like this book, it charts politics from the 70's through the whole Thatcher government into disillusionment at new Labour from a socialist perspective. I have to admit to being no fan of the Socialist Workers party but Mark Steel would almost have you handing in your application forms by the time you'd finished the book. It reminds me why I'm angry, it reminds me I should try and make a difference and it does so whilst making me laugh out loud. Really good read.
December 6, 2015
I'd not heard of Mark Steel before but this sounded like an entertaining read. Although the content was at times depressing, this was an enjoyable, easy read. I laughed out loud in several places in others read in open-mouthed amazement at the some of the things that go on in the name of politics. I'd be interested to read more of Steel's writing.
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July 7, 2008A friend suggested I read this when he saw my blank stare when talking about England in the 1980's....and I thought Regan was bad!
July 17, 2013
not actually perfect- but still an awesome/very very funny/informative/moving book- anyone who's ever organised an under-attended lefty meeting will love this book.
March 20, 2011
I read John O'Farrell's Things Can Only Get Better straight after finishing 'Reasons to Be Cheerful' and I was struck by the stark comparison. 'Things Can Only Get Better' was essentially a story from someone who eventually sold-out to the New Labour tyranny, rejecting all the important lessons accessible to all about the class battles of the past decades while finally setting up within a middle class niche in the contemporary.
By comparison 'Reasons to Be Cheerful' is a biography clearly about political defiance despite the heavy defeats, which are acknowledged time and time again. But you are mainly awed by is the humanity, which is laced with a very witty political narrative. The chapter on Bobby Sands and the history of the Miners was particularly touching.
What did disappoint me however was the way in which some of his polemics and observations were obviously one dimensional, especially with reference to socialism within Russia and how the National Front was finally defeated. It read like a party line in that respect. Otherwise it’s a gem in terms of humour, recent history and a socialist overview of post-war Britain.
By comparison 'Reasons to Be Cheerful' is a biography clearly about political defiance despite the heavy defeats, which are acknowledged time and time again. But you are mainly awed by is the humanity, which is laced with a very witty political narrative. The chapter on Bobby Sands and the history of the Miners was particularly touching.
What did disappoint me however was the way in which some of his polemics and observations were obviously one dimensional, especially with reference to socialism within Russia and how the National Front was finally defeated. It read like a party line in that respect. Otherwise it’s a gem in terms of humour, recent history and a socialist overview of post-war Britain.
May 14, 2007
Mark Steel is a well known left wing comedian in the UK. He appears on BBC Radio 4 (his lecture series is excellent) and is well known on the 'alternative' comedy circuit.
This book is a memoir of what its like growing up in the UK and reaching a politically aware age as a socialist when the whole country appears to turn its back on socialist ideals and to embrace Thatcherite monetarism.
Leaving school Mark works his way through a series of dead end jobs where he fails miserably to hold his tongue when people glibly comment on politics. He lives in a squat and various council flats while living through a rapidly changing world.
As an insider account of the various events which shaped the left wing it is by turns funny, touching and infuriating. The ability of the left to writhe and beat itself senseless rather than take on the right wing is the source for much of the humour. The tragic events that occured on some of the demos (such as the killing of Blair Peach) form the sad moments, and the rise of New Labour is the source of the fury.
A great book. I read the second half pretty much in one day as I travelled from Cambridge to Shrewsbury and back. A good way to pass the time...
This book is a memoir of what its like growing up in the UK and reaching a politically aware age as a socialist when the whole country appears to turn its back on socialist ideals and to embrace Thatcherite monetarism.
Leaving school Mark works his way through a series of dead end jobs where he fails miserably to hold his tongue when people glibly comment on politics. He lives in a squat and various council flats while living through a rapidly changing world.
As an insider account of the various events which shaped the left wing it is by turns funny, touching and infuriating. The ability of the left to writhe and beat itself senseless rather than take on the right wing is the source for much of the humour. The tragic events that occured on some of the demos (such as the killing of Blair Peach) form the sad moments, and the rise of New Labour is the source of the fury.
A great book. I read the second half pretty much in one day as I travelled from Cambridge to Shrewsbury and back. A good way to pass the time...
August 1, 2012
As a rather 'political' yoof, I remember quite vividly all the strikes, the 'Morning Star' being delivered through our door, the intense hatred of Margaret Thatcher and 'red wedge' bookshop/cafe in town. I was at several poll tax protests in London. Over the years I wasn't sure if I imagined people being beaten up and being charged at by the police for protesting about the poll tax....reading this I realise I did see people being beaten up and being charged at by the police for protesting about the poll tax for no other reason other than they were carrying a socialist worker party banner...probably.
All in all, a great read; funny, wry, somewhat sad and at times heartbreaking when you realise what went on and how the ruling elite smashed the workers in more ways than one and how this all leads to the farce today of the apparently different political parties all in various positions of right (yes, even you 'new' Labour). Anyway, I'd better get down off my soapbox, brush off my righteous ideals, and pin my CND, ANL and SWP badges back onto my lapel...
All in all, a great read; funny, wry, somewhat sad and at times heartbreaking when you realise what went on and how the ruling elite smashed the workers in more ways than one and how this all leads to the farce today of the apparently different political parties all in various positions of right (yes, even you 'new' Labour). Anyway, I'd better get down off my soapbox, brush off my righteous ideals, and pin my CND, ANL and SWP badges back onto my lapel...
August 31, 2007
I bought it because I've always loved Mark Steel's rants in The Independent and his TV lectures, not to mention the stand-up. These are effectively Steel's memoirs about the rise of socialism but there is something in each story to strike a chord with everyone. There are the tales of trouble at school; living in drug-addled squats; putting up miners on your parents floor in Swanley... all delivered with Steel's satirical metaphors. Some of my favourite moments include being ditched by The Guardian for being too bolshy and the disappointment on finally meeting Arthur Scargill. If you really wanted to know what went on behind the scenes during this terrible period of history when Thatcher declared war on all but the rich it has to be read. If you do read it in public be warned that you might terrify other people by spontaneously bursting into fits of laughter.
July 31, 2011
I have always found Mark Steel very funny as a stand up comedian – I have had the pleasure of seeing him live too – and this book also contains some moments that made me laugh out loud. Although I share Steel’s left wing politics I do not necessarily agree with all of the causes he protested about. For instance – even though I was only ten at the time – I was in favour of the Falkland’s campaign but did abhor the jingoism the followed; especially the Sun’s ‘Gotcha’ headline following the sinking of General Belgrano. This book follows his life as an activist from the late seventies right through to the late nineties. Recommended reading for anybody that has ever shouted, “Maggie! Maggie! Maggie! Out! Out! Out!” on a protest march and believes that if the old witch is going to get a state funeral then we should not have to wait until she dies to hold it!
October 6, 2015
A delight even at fourteen years old. I've lived through all of this, been on a few of the marches, (shamefully not as many as I ought to have been), seen the bands and shared his opinion of the odious Blair from the moment the glossy faced shit turned up on the Labour front-bench. Here is a triumph of going from defeat to defeat with no loss of enthusiasm or resolve or principles. To all of those who say what is the use of principles without power I say it's a darned sight better than power without principles.
"Many people at some point have felt a similar rush of inspired adrenaline, maybe after a speech by a Liverpool docker, or a Sandanista, or after reading about Tom Paine, Che Guevara or Trotsky. Whereas no one will ever say "the person who really inspires me is Jack Straw."
It's also the book that has made me laugh more than any other I've read this year.
"Many people at some point have felt a similar rush of inspired adrenaline, maybe after a speech by a Liverpool docker, or a Sandanista, or after reading about Tom Paine, Che Guevara or Trotsky. Whereas no one will ever say "the person who really inspires me is Jack Straw."
It's also the book that has made me laugh more than any other I've read this year.
July 8, 2013
Mr. Steele is a stand up comedian and BBC broadcaster as well as an equally funny writer.
This is one of those rare books that is truly 'hilarious'.
It retells the young author's formative years growing up as a frustrated socialist while Magaret Thatcher's government went about dismantling the NHS and Britain's manufacturung industry while also throwing thousands of miners on the street without so much as a chance of seeking an alternative future.
He does battle with his mum's innocent belief's that anyone arrested must have being doing something wrong and if it didn't appear on the TV news then it didn't happen.
All this Mr. Steele carries off with good grace and writes about with unfailing charm and an acute talent for comedy. I wish I was able to be this funny.
This is one of those rare books that is truly 'hilarious'.
It retells the young author's formative years growing up as a frustrated socialist while Magaret Thatcher's government went about dismantling the NHS and Britain's manufacturung industry while also throwing thousands of miners on the street without so much as a chance of seeking an alternative future.
He does battle with his mum's innocent belief's that anyone arrested must have being doing something wrong and if it didn't appear on the TV news then it didn't happen.
All this Mr. Steele carries off with good grace and writes about with unfailing charm and an acute talent for comedy. I wish I was able to be this funny.
March 7, 2013
I have always enjoyed Mark Steel's appearances on the radio and his newspaper columns so was not surprised to find I enjoyed this immensely. It is autobiographical and recalls his political adventures from the winter of discontent up to the rule of new labour.
I remember well growing up during the 80's; miner's, privatisations, SWP members selling socialist worker in the town centre every Saturday. The book recalls those times vividly and with the wonderful humour you would expect form Mark Steel. A most enjoyable read.
I remember well growing up during the 80's; miner's, privatisations, SWP members selling socialist worker in the town centre every Saturday. The book recalls those times vividly and with the wonderful humour you would expect form Mark Steel. A most enjoyable read.
September 15, 2007
Excellent account of both the merits and madness of the political left during the Thatcher years and up to 'New' "Labour". Perfectly balances a deep feeling of inequality and the need for social change with an acute awareness of the shortcomings of some on the left and comes through refreshing the feeling that not only should we still fight for social change, but that we can actually achieve it if we do so. Reminds us that it's not human nature to be blindly selfish. Thoroughly recommended!
May 27, 2008
Brings back "fond" memories of my student days in London 1979-1988. Thatcher, the miner's strike, "gotcha", the NF, punk, rock against racism, billy bragg, and the fundamentally positive message that change is possible, and that the attempt to change things is in itself valuable.
December 12, 2010
I would need to read this again to give a fair assessment, as my politics have changed quite radically since 2002. However, I am sure it would still be an entertaining read as Mark Steel is an exceptionally funny writer regardless of his politics.
April 9, 2015
A hilarious, entertaining and insightful account of the author's life as a social and political activist, as well as a good political history of the period. Full of wonderful stories which any campaigner, young or old, can relate to. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 4, 2011
Mark Steel is a very left wing comedian from the UK. He's also very funny. Even if you disagree with his political stance, his way of communicating it is well worth the read.
June 23, 2013
I have a number of serious political differences with steel. having said that, it was very very funny.
December 28, 2016
A superb memoir from one of the funniest and most genuine comedians in Britain.
January 3, 2019
If you're an activist/campaigner, or looking to find the motivation be one, I highly recommend this book.
December 3, 2025
It’s good to read about the life behind the acerbic and cynical voice heard on any number of Radio 4 panel shows. It is certainly rare to hear of someone who has doggedly stuck to his political principles throughout his life, swimming against the tide of mainstream views. As a reader older than the author I can recall many of the events in our country’s recent history that he describes but it is refreshing and interesting to see those events portrayed from a perspective that many may not be aware of. This book is also a rallying cry to those who oppose injustice in its many forms, to not just stand by but to speak up. A very topical piece of advice in 2025
February 19, 2023
Laugh out loud funny, especially the bits about being "the only socialist in the village". Much needed dose of humour amid these testing times...
May 1, 2023
Fairly enjoyable book but its heavier on politics than laughs! Not quite what I was expecting.
May 14, 2024
A lot of laughing and learning.
Getting to know the other side of British politics and history was worth it.
Getting to know the other side of British politics and history was worth it.
October 27, 2021
Mark Steele is a witty and intelligent comic whose rants on Radio 4's Mews Quiz mever fail to entertain and provoke. This book is a more serious autobiographical work which details Mark's life in the late 70's through to the 90's. He experiences the utter boredom of youth in a satellite town of London with no facilities and no prospects. Music helps get him through and also starts him thinking about his life and what is going on around him. He falls into, almost by accident, left wing politics and agitation. From this develops involvement in various campaigns, supporting workers on strike, anti racist activity and other actions, all presented in adown to earth and realistic way. The sheer pathos of much of the political work is presented honestly and with acute observation. Forget starry eyed optimism of how society can be changed if only more workers would buy the bloody paper!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews