The Quizmaster

by Jay Flynn, Garry Jenkins

THE HEART-WARMING, REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF THE QUIZMASTER JAY FLYNN, WHOSE VIRTUAL PUB QUIZ BECAME AN ONLINE SENSATION DURING COVID.

Jay Flynn was down on his luck when the Covid pandemic struck. He had just lost the tenancy of the pub he ran in Lancashire - and with it the loyal community of locals who loved his quirky weekly quiz.

As the world closed down, he sensed the quiz could now be a lifeline both for him and the locals - so he sent them invites to an online version. But he had forgotten to mark the event 'private', and on the night, a disbelieving Jay played quizmaster to half a million teams, from Kenya to Canada, New Zealand to the Ukraine. This was to be the start of a global online quiz sensation, earning more than £1 million for charity and Jay an MBE, as well as his own slot on Zoe Ball's BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

It was all the more incredible because, as a lost and troubled young man, Jay had spent two years homeless, sleeping on a bench on the Embankment in London, almost taking his own life. Rescued by a homeless charity, he'd learnt how a simple community can save lives. It proved a priceless lesson.

Now, in his inspiring memoir, Jay shows how, sometimes, you can find the answers you're seeking in the most unexpected places.

Genres: Audiobook

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2024

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
For other authors of this name, see:

Jay Flynn - Chicago

Jay M. Flynn - Thrillers, WWII Fiction, Western Fiction

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fairly random book choice helped as I live not too far away, and there was local promotion, but a good one.

The Quizmaster has had an amazing roller coaster of a life. Having a difficult relationship at home in London and leaving. Giving a different perspective on homelessness as a choice and remaining independent by scavenging not begging. London being a place where that is more possible. The help from charities was priceless bringing him to recovery.

Then moving to Lancashire for his lady friend. Life as a car salesman and in a pub. Then his experience in pubs and running quizzes coming to the rescue during the pandemic. But not without stress and a fear of succumbing to old failures by running away from stress.

This is an easy to read book finishing it in a couple of weeks, pretty good for me. I found it quite uplifting and generating more understanding of homelessness. Good luck to the Quizmaster and his two lady friends.

[MoMo Book Diary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story evokes a full range of emotions, making the listener (or reader) laugh at times and cry at others. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Jay’s journey and am so thankful he was able to keep moving forward to become the man he is today. The narrative is awesome, yet harrowing at times. It’s difficult to imagine how he persevered during those challenging months, but it’s an amazing story that offers hope for the future.

I learnt of Jay's story from listening to Zoe Ball’s breakfast radio show on BBC Radio 2 and had been enjoying joining in with the quiz each Thursday morning. It was only when they were discussing this book that I even thought any more about the man behind the quiz. Well done Jay on all your achievements and I hope to hear of more awards coming your way in the future!

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of this book really appealed to me. Jay Flynn rose to fame during the lockdown by starting an online quiz that drew huge numbers. It was fascinating to read about its inception and how it all worked. Reflecting on the onset of the lockdown, and its impact on him and his family, evoked many memories of my own time during that period. I can remember taking part in YouTube quizzes during those lockdown evenings, which provided a glimmer of joy in those darker times (although I didn't participate in Jay's, and to be honest, I don't even recall him!).

The narrative also weaves in Jay's past experiences with homelessness. I found these segments interesting and they offered a very humbling perspective. However, my personal preference leaned towards the entertaining aspects of the quizzes, and I wished there had been more focus on that. Nonetheless, the book was still an enjoyable and heartwarming read.

[Falling back in love with reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

January:
This guy got my family through Co Vid. We played all the quizzes even the record breaking attempts.
He was literally became a member of the family... the dog even used to bark when they heard his voice on the screen.
So I started my challenge with a very personal book. Initially I struggled but that could be equally as much me as the book.
However, although this book is never going to be what I would class as 'gripping' read. What I got was a story I didn't expect and could mentally relate to. This guy is a normal guy with real family and personal problems so gave my a real sense of comfort. I have so much respect for this story

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Jay for giving us structure to the Covid lockdown. We have been doing the quiz since the first week. What you have been through in your life, highs and lows, are incredible. You are clearly a strong, resilient, charitable person and reading your story was a tear jerker but uplifting and hopeful at the same time. Thank you

[Jack Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, lots of high’s and low’s. Rooting for Jay.

[kay constantine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eyeopening

What an great read with ups and downs in his life but against the odds he survived and he has a lovely family now

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, heartwarming story.