This Time Next Year: The inspiring new memoir for 2024 from Only Fools and Horses star and national treasure

by David Jason

Told with characteristic warmth and humour, David Jason reveals the hard-won wisdom of a life doggedly led getting through one day, looking to the next, and always chasing what's new on the horizon.


Throughout his remarkable career, David's north star for navigating life's challenges has been his positive outlook and his resilience. Sometimes, art has seemed to imitate life. 'This time next year, we'll be millionaires' was what his iconic Only Fools character Derek Trotter once said. Such a dream was almost unimaginable for David growing up in a working class family in North Finchley in the rubble of the Blitz. But David’s never-say-never spirit could not be dimmed.

From a trainee electrician to national treasure, David’s bumpy journey to success has overcome obstacle after obstacle. Candidly revealing the ups, the downs, and the roundabout turns, David’s book will uplift, entertain and inspire readers, offering an essential, unvarnished primer to leading a good life.

Genres: Biography, Audiobook

294 pages, Hardcover

Published October 10, 2024

Reviews

[Molly Stocks]

Read in one sitting recommend listening to the audiobook as David jason talking is Wonderful to listen to.

[Thomas Cave]

This is the first book I have read which is written by Sir David Jason.
I have always admired him as an actor and all his work so I was intrigued to read a bit about him.
Now I understand how many other books he has written, I will undoubtedly be reading more.
Being born in 1990, I am no familiar with a lot of other actors, actresses, play or films that he refers to, but nonetheless, Sir David Jason is a brilliant writer with a clear wealth of knowledge. Overall, an interesting read.

[Trudie]

A fantastic autobiography from David, I could imagine him reading this

[Colin Hayes]

This is now the 5th volume of memoirs from David Jason and as I've said before it could be argued that another volume isn't really needed but then he's just so entertaining and a great read, so as long as he keeps writing them I'll keep reading them, I just love reading his thoughts.

The style in conversational and often witty and yes, he does repeat some stories that he's told before along with some new insights. He speaks about life in lockdown, finding out he had a grown up daughter he previously knew nothing about. He still wants to keep acting despite being into his 80s he has no intention of stopping, so he speaks about how he's constantly looking for new projects and his sadness that he wasn't able to bring Still Open All Hours to a conclusion as the planned final series was scrapped after  being held up by lockdown. (In truth it wasn't his best work but there was an audience for that type of gentle comedy as the viewing figures did show). He's also not given up on wanting to get a decent film role one of his big regrets is that he's never achieved a role in a successful film.

Of course he talks about how Derrick Trotter his most well known role from Only Fools and Horses still follows him round and he has a sprinkling of stories from his time on the show. Altogether he is a little frustrated that to some people he will always be Del Boy he also knows that Only Fools remains popular and it sells, hence the books title (one of Del Boy's catchphrases) and the fact that he still has quite a lot to say about that show.

So nothing groundbreaking. But if you like David Jason (and if you don't then you're just wrong), then you're going to be entertained. One of our best actors and always entertaining to read.

[Naomi]

Having grown up with David Jason in Open All Hours, Only Fools and Horses, Porridge, and Dangermouse, I expected this book to be my next favourite biography (although I'll admit I've not read so many).

With the title and blurb particularly I expected it to walk a similar line to Richard E Grants Pocketful of Happiness which was one of my favourite reads of 2023 and holds its post at the top of my celebrity biography stack.

Overall it's a sturdy 3 stars for me; the writing is truly in David's voice which as a long time appreciator is so welcoming and enjoyable on its own, the information for the most part won't wow you but it's his classic storytelling style.
I would have liked more on the positive thinking mentioned on the cover but I can't fault it otherwise.

Recommend for long term fans who perhaps haven't read any of his other books.

Not that anyone asked but in my biography table it sits below Richard E Grant but above Alan Rickman.

[Karen Hutchinson]

I won this book and it was an interesting into the national treasure that is David Jason .
I am a huge only fools and horses fan but as a result I can only see David Jason as Del Boy ( despite huge success in other projects)
Interesting account of finding out he had a 50 year old daughter and how his family embraced her .

[JWT_BookAdventures]

Really enjoyed reading this book and finding out more about Sir David Jason. I thought this book was really interesting to read and I am glad I have gave this a book a read. I definitely recommend this book for others to read. I won't spoil the book for anyone but you are in for a treat with this one.

[Heather C Gibbs]

3 stars ⭐️ Listened to on Audible 🎧
Picked this one to listen to on a whim, quite enjoyable with stuff I never realised (like a long lost daughter!). However it also felt like Sir David was rambling a bit, but still he is a bit of a TV treasure so we’ll let him off 😄

[Simon Harvey]

Sometimes whimsical (written in a very engaging chatty tone).
Sometimes enlightening (particularly the battles to establish an acting career, including several near misses and what ifs).
Always entertaining.

[Rachel]

Sir David Jason's books are always to comforting to read. He creates a scene like you are actually sitting with him listening to his stories. Loved the discovery of his daughter and how that bond is developing. I've read all 5 of his books and I hope he writes more.

[Jennie Sarah Lynn]

Lovely book, full of nostalgia and laughs along the way! Learnt a lot more about David and interesting to find out so much about what he’s done other than Only Fools, and the different people he has worked with.

[Mat Greener]

Easy listening & enjoyable listen of a television national treasure reminiscing on his career together with a few insights into his life. Although stories were all interesting none of them did I laugh out loud or feel impelled to tell someone else about

[Rebecca]

What a brilliant book to read. Changed to audiobook half way and hearing him read it in his own voice was even better!!! Definitely recommend. Hes such a great writer with eloquence and such detail that it kept me gripped.

[Catherine Ryan]

a good audible listen read by sir David himself, one of my favourite actors

[Olly]

Another fantastic book from Sir David, insights to his career and personal situations he’s found himself in over the years

[Mark Gee]

Most of the names of people or programmes he talks about I don’t know about as I’m too young.
On occasions David rambles on a bit, but in-conclusion it was a good read

[Ruth Ellis]

Did read it all but not the best book of 2024 for me

[Rachel Louise Mutton]

It was a a interesting book

[Roxanne Martin]

A well written and often humorous memoir. A must for the fans.

[Steven Alexander]

A pleasant amble through David Jason's memories.

[Janette Charman]

Warmly written with good humour and a down to earth understanding of life.

[Karen Wickham]

Excellent and very readable. The author doesn't take himself too seriously.

[Jonathan Elwood]

Lovely jubbly

[Helen]

Another amusing memoir from David Jason.

[Laura Fletcher]

Funny memoir, loved hearing about his life experiences (audiobook) as well as all his funny little jokes.

[Minou Jolie]

A fun read with lots of stories.

[Shaun Feeney]

Great read. Well written and easy to follow. Wonderful insight into the life and stories of a very funny and accomplished actor.