This is the F#$%ing News: My Story

by Paddy Gower

Genres: Memoir, Audiobook

272 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Ness VDH · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Is the F**ing News* surprised me—in a good way. Paddy Gower’s writing is bold and unfiltered, offering a gritty look into political journalism and the chaos behind the scenes. I came away with a much better understanding of how political arguments are shaped and how hard-earned his career really is.

Early on, I couldn’t help thinking, Paddy, you’ve got a drinking problem here. So I appreciated when that reality was acknowledged later in the book. That honesty added to the raw, personal feel of his journey.

The book really grabbed me from Chapter 17 onwards, when it dove into more recent events like Pike River and the Christchurch mosque attacks. Because I lived through those stories as a New Zealander, they hit harder and felt more immediate.

But the main reason I picked up this book was personal—my grandfather, Sir Bob, is mentioned in Chapter 19. It was powerful to read about him through Paddy’s eyes. The book was published in 2024, four years after Sir Bob passed away in 2020, and it meant a lot to see he had left such a strong impression. That chapter alone made the book deeply significant to me.

I don’t know if it was just me being on night shift, reading page 218 a bit sleep-deprived—but when I read the line “we won’t be telling Betsy because she won’t let me do it,” it brought absolute tears to my eyes. It was such a Bob thing to say, and such a Bebe thing to do. That moment felt so true to who they were, and it made the whole chapter even more special.

So thank you, Paddy Gower (PG), for an excellent read.

[Carla Boniolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting memoir by an interesting character - I loved reading about all of the major NZ news stories that Paddy Gower broke. It was like going back in time each chapter. A very genuine storyteller who was self-deprecating and critical. A good read for anyone who likes NZ politics or news. Still can’t believe that I managed to get him to visit my classroom and talk to my Y13s last year just by sending off a random email - a true man of the people.

[Rob Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant PG, sooo honest, integrity plus!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating: ★★★★★

Medium: Paperback

Why I read this: I ran into Paddy last year and was lucky enough to see his live show — not only is it important to support fellow Kiwis, but if anyone has a story worth telling, it’s PG.

Highlight: Hearing Paddy’s firsthand accounts from the frontlines of national tragedies like March 15 and Pike River. His storytelling doesn’t just capture the weight of these moments — it made me genuinely proud to be a Kiwi.

Lowlight: This isn’t really a ‘lowlight,’ but I would have loved more insight into Paddy’s experiences with Jacinda Ardern. His time as a national correspondent likely overlapped with her leadership, but he leaves these intriguing little breadcrumbs about their encounters and I kept hoping for a few more pages on that thread.

You should read this if: You’re from New Zealand. That’s it. Read the book.

[Stacey Lattin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't really follow the fucking news (not on purpose anyway) but I think we all know who PG is and this went on my reading list as soon as I knew of its existence. I listened to the audio for this in a day and enjoyed it. Good yarns

[Christopher Wilde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Very insightful into the manic world of political journalism and the man who became an internet legend. I genuinely laughed out loud at moments and felt a deep sympathy at others, all the while feeling somewhat in awe of the man. An easy and highly recommended read.

[Kate Meder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this raw telling of an iconic Kiwi’s life.

Started reading it as a physical book at the cutest cafe on Stewart Island and finished it as an audiobook at home!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kathryn Fathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that was an interesting read

[Hayley D'Auriol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Fast paced, to the point but telling the great story that is Paddy Gower 🙌

[Bron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this because I related to and remembered most of the news stories referred to in the book. Was a fast read that packed a punchy pace

[Nick Benton]

Great read, classic kiwi humour. Good ol Paddy

[Hannah .in. colour · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it! I listened to the audiobook and really rate it in terms of story and narration.

[Natasha Caitlin Clothier · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[Anna KW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this, honest and forthright. Paddy has had a pretty neat career thus far and I love how he pivoted to find his calling.

[Emily Burt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bog standard memoir but loved learning more about being political journalist

[sage !!]

I feel weird rating this as I do with all non-fiction tbh - as I said I only read this bc my Mum wanted to know what happened 😭 But it was a fun little detour.

[Ruby Major · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a memoir and this was a great one! It was so interesting to go back in time with Paddy and experience the NZ events again as well as hear about the behind the scenes. He was so honest about his mental health and addiction struggles also which was refreshing to read. Definitely recommend.

[Kate Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. I totally get the disinclination to write about personal relationships but would have liked to know more about how Paddy's alcoholism impacted those closest to him and the part they might have played in him giving it up.

[Hayley d'Auriol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Fast paced, to the point but telling the great story that is Paddy Gower