Alanatomy: the Inside Story

by Alan Carr

If you loved Alan's first memoir - Look Who It Is! - then this follow-up, Alanatomy, will take you further into the hilarious and bizarre world of the country's favourite chatty man.

For anyone who has taken the time to see my stand-up performances or watched my chat show, 'Chattyman', knows that my body has hardly been kind to me - in fact there've been times when we've actually stopped talking to each other. Balding, myopic, often flaky with psoriasis, back fat that hangs suspended like a cape, a voice that could strip varnish, an increasingly dodgy hip and even dodgier teeth. Why would you draw attention to it? you must ask. Couldn't you just call the book something else? Do you think the Great British Public is ready to pore over your body?

Well, as I turn forty and take stock of my showbiz life over the last ten years or so, I have learnt to embrace my flaws and face my shortcomings. In fact, strange as it might seem, the things I hate about myself have become my trademark and I am slowly, begrudgingly learning to, if not love them, to at least live with them. I am ready now to take a long hard look at myself and that's what Alanatomy is. It's the story of my rise to fame: the joys, the traumas, the parties, the disappointments. Hopefully you will find it witty, fun, heartwarming, but more importantly honest, and that it will keep you entertained every time you pick it up.

Alanatomy is the chance for you to get beneath my skin and see the real me because, and to continue the anatomical theme if I may, this showbiz existence can sometimes feel like an autopsy - picked at, probed and scrutinized with every inch of your body held up for analysis, but unlike an actual autopsy, you are very much alive.

So I give you Alanatomy: The Inside Story. I am laying myself out on the slab for your entertainment; naked, stripped bare. Grab your scalpel, peel back the skin and go deep, have a good old probe around at my life so far. Yes, you are going to find guts, a fair bit of cheek, maybe even a little bit of gristle, but hopefully, you'll find a whole lot of heart.'

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

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2016

About the author

Alan Graham Carr is an English comedian and television personality.

Reviews

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read Alan Carr's first book (yet) but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of this one which picks up where the last finished. This was a funny, enjoyable read. I'm really only familiar with his show Chatty Man, but the stories about his others shows and gigs were still entertaining. I had a good time reading it and it has made me want to check out his other book and his stand up work.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this series of anecdotes / stories from the life of Alan Carr - especially as I listened via audio and Alan actually spoke to me!
He was like my real life friend for a little while - I would think oh no I need to do some ironing and then, not to worry coz I'll take Alan with me!
A great read (if you share Alan's sense of humour) but it's not a complete story or in any way serious - just good fun.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hysterical. my boyfriend kept coming upstairs because i was laughing so much.

[Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't watch much in the way of light entertainment television, but have enjoyed interviews with Alan Carr in the past, so bought this when it came up as a daily deal on Audible. Self depreciating and funny, informative without betraying any confidences or creating any spats, it turned out to be an enjoyable, light hearted listen.

[Daniel Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alanatomy is the second autobiography from British comedian and chat show legend Alan Carr! This book focuses on his ‘celebrity years’ whereas his first book Look Who It Is focuses on his childhood and rise to fame.

I really enjoyed both books, but for me I much preferred Alanatomy! I really enjoyed the insights into Alan’s celebrity lifestyle and the behind the scenes information on celebrities we all know and love that have appeared on Alan’s chat show Chatty Man. Full of stories and gossip about celebrities, my favourite anecdotes being meeting Grace Jones, and Alan and Bradley Walsh knocking on Lady Gaga’s dressing room door!

Of course like all autobiographies, it isn’t all sunshine and sparkles! Whilst Alan hasn’t really had any negative press or any scandals, this book does delve into his partner’s alcoholism and about the struggles it had on their relationship. Other than that, the rest of the book is an upbeat giggle-fest and I highly recommend reading it!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable 2nd volume of autobiography from the British comedian Alan Carr. Carr writes very much as he speaks and it is very easy to imagine you are just having a cosy chat with him. While there are 'famous people anecdotes' contained within the pages, he manages to come across as a very normal person who leads a pretty normal life for a celebrity.

There are darker shades to some of his tales; his battles with his own lack of self confidence, trying to help with his then-partners alcohol dependency and then having to act as a carer after said partner suffered a rather unpleasant mishap, all while working hard on his rapidly burgeoning career. He makes no pretense at his dislike of taking on a carer role but he did do it and there is no indication he regretted doing so. With all this, though, the book is very funny and I often found myself having to put the book down until I could breath again.

A funny, likeable book from someone who appears to be a funny, likeable man

[Sarah Williamson]

It’s hard for me to rate this book as I needed something I didn’t need to think about and could pick up and put down. I’d got this thinking it was a newer one but quickly realised it was 2016 and it was a little weird reading it for example knowing he is no longer with Paul but an enjoyable read and funny as you would expect!

[Mrs Anne Halliwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about Alan Carr's life from 2011 to 2016 and his rise to fame. very funny and rude in places! 🤣. maybe slightly outdated now as lots has happened since the book was published and would be good to read a sequel

[Cheryl Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Alan Carr and this book was great. I read it in his voice and it was like he was next to me telling me different stories. Out of everything he's done ,his stand-up is what I'm less familiar with.
He's a great presenter and just fun to watch. What you see is what you get. Very down to earth.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I LOVE Alan Carr and I loved this book.
I was reading a serious, literary book at the same time and I looked forward to picking this up more!
Does not take himself seriousely and is immensely grateful for his life. A breath of fresh air!

[Samuel Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A balance must be made in any autobiography between irreverent fun and something meaty that actually makes you think. Depending on the person the weight can be one way or the other. I would expect a politician to have a serious memoir that is peppered with some amusing anecdotes, whilst a comedian would produce the opposite; a funny book that has a few serious bits. Alan Carr is perhaps, on the surface one, of the most irreverent comedians out there; his interview technique seems to be mostly about comradery and not asking questions of state. However, even he would need to strike some sort of balance if he wants ‘Alanatomy’ to be a must read.

This is Carr’s second autobiography and it starts off where the first one ended, namely his big break into TV. Immediately you are in the realms of seriousness as since appearing regularly on TV with Justin Lee Collins, one star has risen, whilst Collins’ has fallen. At this point the reader is introduced quickly to Carr’s style and that is one of refreshing truthfulness, but also a lightness of touch. Carr knew Collins before any scandal hit and as a good friend and man. Carr touches upon what happened, but sticks to what he actually knows, rather than throwing out conjectures.

The book continues in this vein as Carr explores his life as a successful comedian, but not the biggest star. The book is very funny and many of the best laughs are on Carr himself as he gets in some daft situations. The book is also great for lovers of celebrity gossip. Carr is happy to tell a little bit about what happens behind the scenes and divulges who is nice and who is not. It is actually refreshing to read a book by a current star willing to call out others, rather than fret about their relationships in the vapid world of celebrity.

‘Alanatomy’ rattles along at a pleasant and enjoyable pace, throwing a laugh in here and some gossip there, but even fans of celebrities will start to feel that the book is lightweight. However, just as you start to think the book is nothing more than chatty gossip, Carr opens up. The final section is far more revealing that you would expect and explores his relationship and health issues. The hard-hitting end of the book almost acts as a reward for people who make it to the end. Something that was seemingly throwaway suddenly becomes effecting. ‘Alanatomy’ feels like a genuine book that was written from the heart and you can hear the author’s voice on every page.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Alan Carr and his TV shows then you'll like this book. Often reviews and promotional quotes will say a book is "laugh out loud" and "hilarious" but this book actually is. From beginning to end I found myself laughing, Alan has a way with words that makes you feel like you are having a chat with a friend.

The book focuses on Alan's career, if you want to read about his life before he became a household name then I recommend reading his first book which is just as good as this one. Alanatomy is filled with anecdotes from Alan's life, mainly focusing on his career but also with some insights in to his personal life. Alan is naturally funny and it makes this book a really easy, interesting read. Highly recommended!

[P · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find this as entertaining as his previous autobiography. It didn't feel as structured (more of a ramble than anything else) and I felt like there were interesting stories/moments in his life that he only devoted a page or two to taking about, whereas there were huge chunks of 'less-than-interesting' stories.

Overall 2.5 stars I think, as it was still amusing and entertaining in parts, but could have been saved by a better edit and perhaps planning.

[christina davies · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love Alan Carr but I was disappointed with this book. Loved his first autobiography laughed so much, this one didn't compare.

[Cris West · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great stories, terrible concept.

[Lainy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time taken to read - 3 days (in and out)

Pages - 332

Publisher - Penguin

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

If you loved Alan's first memoir - Look Who It Is! - then this follow-up, Alanatomy, will take you further into the hilarious and bizarre world of the country's favourite chatty man. Alanatomy is the chance for you to get beneath my skin and see the real me because, and to continue the anatomical theme if I may, this showbiz existence can sometimes feel like an autopsy - picked at, probed and scrutinized with every inch of your body held up for analysis, but unlike an actual autopsy, you are very much alive.


My review

This is Alan's second book, the first covered his childhood and breaking into showbiz. This book picks up where the other leaves off, Alan is headed into his 40s, he has had a step into celebrity and this catalogs his career from there onwards. As well as following his career he discloses all that comes with celebrity, the good, the bad, the ugly. Things going on in his own life, behind the scenes and some celebrity gossip.

If you love celeb gossip you will love this one. There is also a lot of raw truth in this, lifts a bit of the shine off the old celebrity lifestyle. It is actually quite shocking some of what he went through, just shows that "the show must go on" is very true and you never quite know what people are going through. I think folk often forget how that people in the public eye are just that, people having to put a smile on and portraying life is all glam and fab but dealing with personal challenges.

I never seen any of his shows but I think after reading the books I need to check them out, I did chuckle at a few parts of the book. I said it with the last one I read it hearing his voice so things that maybe wouldn't be funny if coming from his wee voice. If he writes another I would buy it, he doesn't seem to be on Twitter (his account is he isn't active) and I wonder if a lot of it is due to the things mentioned in the book. 3/5 for me this time, if you enjoyed his first book and like a wee nosey into celeb life(s) you will enjoy this.

[Amy W · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second of Alan's autobiographies, this basically covers his life since hitting the big time. As others have said, and Alan himself acknowledges here, that means this is more of a collection of anecdotes rather than a linear life story as the first book was. There is a vague outline that meanders through his time on The Friday Night Project through to Chatty Man and beyond, but it's mostly various celebrity encounters and notable events from the past decade.

I didn't really mind this, but if you're averse to name dropping and constant digressions then do beware. Read Look Who It Is!: My Story if you want to know about Alan's childhood and beginnings on the comedy scene and just sit back and enjoy him regaling you with amusing stories in this book. I certainly did. I adore Alan's turn of phrase and find him so natural and quick as both interviewer and interviewee. He never seems to be trying too hard for laughs, he just inherently is a funny character. I shamelessly laughed out loud multiple times. That said, there were a few weightier topics included than just celeb gossip, which showed a more serious side to Alan and balanced out the lols a little.

A fun book, but not really a classic 'life story' memoir. It has made me want to read the first book again now...

[Michael Rumney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite like reading memoirs and biographies from comedians and this was bang average, nothing spectacular stood out but it wasn't dreadful either.
In a world of celebrity which this focuses on there is nothing truly memorable and the only surprising thing to me was Alan Carr once lived it Stretford and I kept asking was this anywhere near where my dad was brought up?
Carr's voice certainly came through in the text and it was easy to imagine the comedian was actually saying those words as you read them.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another funny book about Alan's life. I really enjoyed his first book. This one covered his rise to fame. I was a fan of The Friday night project from the start. Who knew The coat of cash was a health and safety nightmare? It looked funny watching it from my sofa but Alan said that running through the audience was quite scary. Alan's career in c4 has been well deserved as he is very entertaining.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I part read Alan's first book on holiday once. I didn't get to finish it as it was from the holiday park's own bookcase. I'd love to finish it sometime. I think Alan is brilliant and so funny. This second book was ok, but for me, not as interesting as the first. Not very big on celebrity gossip and name dropping stuff, so preferred first book, which was hilarious. I kept on with this one and did enjoy his funny stories and the way he describes things etc.. All in all worth a go.

[Kate Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Def recommend as an audio book. Alan Carr's narration is truly hilarious. Definitely preferred his first book as (in agreement with other reviews I've read) this book just feels a bit all over the place structurally. Just a list of stories instead of linear structure autobiography. Really enjoyable though and definitely good for long car or train journeys!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is everything I expect from an autobiography.. funny, intimate and self assured with a dash of honesty. I loved how care free Alan Carr was, he named and shamed some celebrities which takes some "balls" and the fact the book embodies his campiness. A very good read.

(Rating is technically a 3.5 stars)

[Steve Vear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book. It was funny, thought provoking and sad all at the same time.

I loved Alan Carrs first book and so I’m delighted this did not disappoint. The fact I was listening to the audio book and it was read by the author just made the experience even better. At times on the way to work I was crying with laughter so much I had to stop.

A great read.

[Binky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed so much when reading this book. The audible experience is even better because Alan Carr reads it.
I was on the bus, on the way to work, when I couldn't help but laugh myself silly over a situation being described. It was a crowded bus and no one seemed keen to sit next to me, so win win!
Alan writes as he speaks, so the writing feels warm and genuine. Would definitely revisit again.

[Jessica Taylor-Steward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed it. Narrated by Alan Carr himself.

Alan Carr is just one of them comedians that you know has many a funny story up his sleeve and this audiobook is one of them. Made all the more funny by him narrating it himself.

Whether you're a fan of him or love comedy in general, I would highly recommend anyone to have a read/listen.

[Naomi Rooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this. I was giggling the whole way through. Listened via audible and Alan just has the gift of the gab. The way he delivers his jokes is just so dry and hilarious. I felt this book was very true and authentic to him. I love him to bits. 💜

[Spicybooksandmystery · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way Alan tells you about his life is both funny and delightful. It just makes me happy listning to him, a normal person that don't do drama or hurt others with his book. This is truly a goodfeel read.

[Mark Winchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good book and it’s very enthusiastically read by Alan Carr himself. It’s not hilarious it is funny in places and there’s certainly some interesting insights into his time as a media celebrity. If you like him, I’d recommend giving it a try as you’ll probably enjoy it greatly.

[Scottey · Rating 5 out of 5]

good insight

They’re very good insight if you’ve read his first autobiography then this second one is a very good follow on it talks about most of his Friday night project era but amazing insight to see the rise to stardom

[Lisa Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, really interesting, and much better than his first book. Definitely worth a read