Peter Kay’s Diary: The Monthly Memoir of a Boy from Bolton: The Monthly Memoir of a Boy from Bolton

by Peter Kay

Peter Kay returns with his most entertaining autobiography yet!

The Collector’s The first hardback print run will feature an exclusive foiled board design. Order now to avoid missing out!

‘Think of this autobiography as a twelve-month subscription to my memories and meanderings across the calendar year. With each month reflecting a different phase of my life, complete with dodgy decisions, bizarre plot twists and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments.’

Peter Kay is back – and funnier than ever – with his most heartfelt and hilarious autobiography yet. Take a whistlestop journey through his life, in a year. From hitting the gym in January, falling in love in February and a nostalgic trip to Ireland at Easter, to buying his first house in May. Then it’s summer holidays at Butlins, a September wedding and, before you know it, he’s packing away the Halloween decorations and sipping a glass of Bailey’s in front of the Christmas telly.

With his trademark warmth and wit, Peter offers a unique take on the calendar year – in a way only he can – cementing his place as one of Britain’s best-loved comedians and a true national treasure.

Genres: Nonfiction, Comedy, Audiobook, Memoir, Biography, Humor

Audible Audio

Published October 9, 2025

Reviews

[Pete Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book, I could listen to Peter Kay tell stories for hours on end. However, unfortunately, I didn't realise how many of the stories in this book have been repeated previously in his other books and stand up shows, so a lot of this has already been done, bit of a cheek charging £20 for that.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Kay’s back with another hilarious autobiography that combines tales from past and present in the form of a dairy! His narration is hilarious and I couldn’t literally listen to him read the phone book. I recently saw Peter live on tour and I really enjoyed it, I really hope there’s more books from him to come!

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into Peter Kay’s diary book with fairly positive expectations, mainly because I enjoy his comedy style. Overall, though, it landed at about a 3 out of 5 for me.

I listened to it as an audiobook, which I think is the best way to experience this book. Hearing Peter Kay narrate his own stories adds authenticity, and his delivery and emphasis enhance the material. Some moments work better when spoken aloud, and his voice makes the diary format feel more personal and relaxed.

However, I struggled to fully connect with much of the content. A large portion of the stories focus on growing up in 1980s Britain, and while these anecdotes are clearly meaningful, they didn’t always resonate with me. The humour often relies on shared cultural references and nostalgia, and without that frame of reference, some stories felt more observational than genuinely funny.

There are still occasional amusing moments, and the affection for everyday life comes through clearly. That said, the diary-style structure can feel repetitive, and without a stronger sense of progression or narrative, my interest sometimes drifted.

I don’t think this is a bad book, but I don’t think I was the perfect audience for it. If you grew up in the same era or enjoy nostalgia-driven humour, you’ll likely get more out of it. For me, it was a mildly enjoyable listen rather than a standout.

[Dan Chadwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable as always! Several recycled stories we have heard from Peter before, but enough new ones to keep you entertained - the audiobook version would be preferable as hearing Kay himself regale us with these tales will never lose it's charm.

[Sams_Fireside · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A good cuppa tea can solve most problems, and if it can't, you've probably got bigger issues than a biscuit can fix".

Peter Kay is one of the UK's top comedians 🎤 and he's absolutely hilarious. In my opinion, he's one of the best at observational comedy 😂 in the business. I was lucky enough to see him on tour earlier this year, which was fantastic, and because I adore his Yorkshire accent 😍, I wanted to listen to his new autobiography so I could linger in those dulcet tones.

In this one, each chapter focuses on a month of the year 📅 — from January through to December. Peter picks a memory or two for each month and captivates the listener as he shares his humorous take on whatever he's talking about, whether it's summer holidays ☀️, Valentine's Day ❤️, or Christmas 🎄. In his own inimitable way, Peter draws you into his world and makes you feel as though you were right there with him.

Never do I laugh so hard as when I'm watching Peter Kay on tour, on TV, or listening to one of his books 🤣 — and this was no exception. I could listen over and over again 🔁, no matter how many times I've heard the stories.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this one and honestly just obsessed with the way he pronounces birthday

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much anticipated book from the Bolton comedian who & probably only in my mind, dipped his toes into an Agatha Christie style mystery vanishing that has never been discussed. A brilliant diarised year in his chaotic brain that I’m sure would miss so much in the printed word. I found myself chuckling along to random memories of childhood shenanigans but wondering if the missing time might be touched upon.
My very slight disappointment that this doesn’t happen was countered by lots of shared stories about growing up in the north and being of similar age, discovering those similarities in music, t.v. Shows and the easy “freedom” of growing up in the seventies and eighties. I had the privilege of seeing Peter in the stage production of The Producers and hearing his pride of being allowed to be himself within the role was heartwarming.
I’m guessing each book may be varying stages of a career in comedy without following the typical timeline and for that it proposes a joyous few hours with a fantastic mind. It’s also a very clever way of dipping in and out of parts of his life without getting too personally involved or learning too much about him. Humour is the best defence and attack and Peter Kay has learnt his trade beautifully.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me and had been added to my wish list ahead of realise. I love Peter Kay’s relavent and tongue in cheek humour!!

It didn’t make me laugh as much as his stand up but there were points where I was laughing out loud and still tittering away several moments later 🤣 it has that classic Peter Kay humour and witty to incidents most of us will have experienced at one time or another! Since Peter grew up in the same era as myself it was very relatable when he went back to childhood.

I was keen on the church parts as for me they dragged, I’m not a church person so find it boring. October, November and December were my favourite chapters and the funniest parts of the book for me! Would absolutely recommend if you want a light hearted tongue in cheek story to lift you up and give you a giggle!

[Lauren pavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s no denying Peter Kay is funny, I can’t even count the number of times I’ve watched he’d phoenix nights and car-share and this book had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and that familiar voice fans will instantly recognise.
Told month by month, it’s packed with everyday observations, nostalgia and classic Kay humour in a really easy to read package.

That said, as a long-time fan, it did feel quite repetitive at times, with some jokes and anecdotes that felt very familiar. The narrative goes off on lots of tangents making it feel a little disjointed in places, rather than flowing as a full narrative.

Still, it’s an easy, comforting read and perfect for dipping in and out when you want something light and amusing.

A solid 4 stars.

[Malcolm Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Kay is one of my favourite comedians and I was given this book as a present.

There are lots of amusing stories and anecdotes that kept me smiling but personally, I feel it's "the way he tells them" that really make me laugh.

So, a good read, (there wasn't a "Book" available to choose, hence the Kindle category), but not as good as the real thing!

[Callum Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this an audiobook which is the perfect way to consume it, due to Peters brilliant comedic ability. Structuring the book as a diary where he tells some of his favourite memories from each month of the year, it’s a nice bit of lighthearted fun.

[Ann Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh out loud stories from his life told in the months of a year. It's not a chronological memoir in relation to age but instead stories from his life relating to different periods of the year. Good laugh and would recommend to fans of Peter Kay.

[Rachel N · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Peter Kay's comedy and his books but I have to say this one felt very much as though it was just going through the motions. Obviously he's a hugely funny man so there are laughs in it, but it doesn't feel like there's much new. Not his best.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a huge fan of Peter Kay for years so when I saw that there was a now book from him to enjoy, I jumped at the opportunity as I love his tongue and cheek humour

There were lots of moments in this where I was laughing out loud while commuting to and from work! It has that classic Peter Kay humour and witty to incidents most of us will have experienced at one time or another!

Would absolutely recommend if you want a light hearted tongue in cheek story to lift you up and give you a giggle!

[Rick Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved listening to Peter read this as an audiobook. As others have said, there were some recycled stories but his narration ensured that they were still as funny as ever. An easy, funny and quick listen.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book, who wouldn't when it's Peter Kay. Some very funny stories, but I did see him at the O2 in June this year, and lots of the stories are from the stand-up show. However, it's Peter Kay narrating, and I could listen to him every day.

[Angela Richmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've tried to go neutral with my star rating because I love Peter Kay.
The content is good, but if you've read / listened to his other books, you will be familiar with a good 60%. It feels like a money grab.
If you haven't- 5 stars.

[Kexx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing: yes, can’t argue it was a biography but certainly not hilarious (as advertised) but mundane. Even he reading it couldn’t lift it beyond 3*s. Have to be a real fan, I guess.

[Izzy Prangley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Peter Kay! Again you have to listen to the audiobook, it takes the humour to a whole new level. I was in stitches listening to this. A must read in my opinion.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad to give this 3 stars, but at least 75% of the book is made up of stories repeated from his shows and other books.

[Hil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always entertaining. Listened to it on Spotify!

[Jenny Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, certainly not hilarious

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the last Peter Kay one I listened to but an easy and enjoyable listen

[Roy Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Peter Kay and very funny. What did you expect?

[Shane Boyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed it as an easy listen

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fun audiobook as I pottered about in the car!

[Hilary Cockshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny book that I read in two days!

[Jacqueline Welton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, so funny

[Sammy Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice easy going ramble through a year with Peter kay