We Need to Weaken the Mixture

by Guy Martin

'I’m wearing everything out... Why? I don’t have an answer. Other than I want to break myself. Then what? I believe the body is a fantastic thing and it will repair itself and I’ll go again.'

This year Guy Martin is restoring and racing a 1983 Williams F1 car; he's attempting the land speed record in Bolivia; he's going for the fastest ever Channel crossing; he's customizing his Ford Transit for record-breaking circuits around Nurburgring, and he's building a Typhoon.

That's exciting - it has to be, otherwise he wouldn't do it. But it's TV stuff. It's not real graft.

Real graft is his 70-hour week mending trucks for a local haulage firm. And between 'proper' jobs, over the summer, he was taytie farming on his new John Deere tractor, working in the fields from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. He was thinking of diversifying into muck-spreading, then the truck-fitting job came up.

Oh yes - and besides the day job and the TV, he's bought his local pub, and the most terrifying he's ever done is sing on stage (out of tune) in front of the Kirmington crowd on New Year's Eve.

Only Guy lives a life like this, and only his stories, in his own words, can do it justice.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2018

About the author

Guy Martin is publicly known primarily as an English motorcycle racer, who also works as a lorry mechanic and TV presenter. He has mainly competed in road racing events such as the Isle of Man TT, Ulster Grand Prix and North West 200. Since 2011, Martin has also found success as the front man of several television programmes focusing on his passions of engineering, motor vehicles and speed.

Reviews

[Patrick Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an "immediate" book as Guy is clear he effectively kept notes through the years covered by this book and that makes it a little sporadic, however what you do get is an unfiltered insight into Guy's approach to life. This book feels much less edited than his first autobiography, a bit like his publisher has recognised that what makes him readable and "interesting" is not polishing the writing. Guy Martin is probably a bit "marmite' but he'd likely be happy with that description. I was interested in how he had to consciously work out that honesty can be rude and that his chimp is called Brian! I think his "charm" on TV and in the books is that he really isn't interested in fame, sees it as a nice earner worth a bit of investment in time but would be equally (if not more?) happy grafting on trucks, playing in his shed/s and appreciating his family.

[Pete Barden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guy in fine form and excellent as always. Well worth a read as it tells you about guy’s life as well as the racing.

Got ‘worms to catch’ for Christmas, so that’s next. 👍

[Glen Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Guy.... It's really interesting reading about the whole HRC debacle and stories from the Our Guy in Russia, especially pre the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Brilliant read/listen as always

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

A book club book. I am the only male in the club, can’t imagine what the ladies will make of it.

The author points out that there are essentially diary notes and are rough and ready. Showing for that I thought it was a bit repetitive and some filler.

I have seen him on TV and I think he suits that medium a lot better. Style of writing seems to be “chatting in the pub”.

You get the feeling that he gets involved in too many projects, resulting in things being skimmed over. Didn’t feel that I learnt anything worthwhile.

If you are a motorcyclist then it maybe pure gold, but I’m not.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as good as his others I dont think; probably a 3.5. Still an entertaining read with Guy's no filter portrayals and Guy-isms.

[CarWag · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Guy Martin's TV work, you will love this book. It is written as you hear him when he talks to camera - the came self criticism, honesty, and one line humour. This book had me laughing out loud. I look forward to reading other books that Guy Martin has written, especially if this one is anything to go buy, and you don't need to be a bike enthusiast to understand what he is writing about.

[John Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Guy Martin a lot and his various exploits are always interesting, but for me this latest instalment of his life has a bit too much filler. There are some good stories, but this time he goes off on one more regularly than previously! I will though still check out his next book because you never know what he’s going to do next!!

[Ian Hallam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Guy giving behind the scenes coverage of some of his TV exploits plus his down to earth views along the way.
Thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for his next one to come out.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably Guy Martin's best book to date, covering a range of topics including what is likely to be his final TT, racing vintage F1 cars with Jenson Button, visiting Russia and Chernobyl and plenty more besides. With less rambling than previous books, I thought this was a "reet good read".

[Andreas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Martin's fourth memoir continues in much the same vein of his first three. His new adventures include a trip to Russia and the Ukraine, restoring an old F1 car, and driving his tractor during the potato harvest.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great love him

If u love guy,as I do,then buy it ffs he’s a national treasure !!! The best seriously the mans a legend

[Eddie Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great insight into the life of guy. Another brilliant masterpiece great read

[Graham Shilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another cracker from our man Guy. Never afraid to speak his mind. Started this book this morning and finished it this evening. The content keeps you engrossed. Next one please matey.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Written in the same honest way Guy speaks. Some funny anecdotes. You really get an insight in to what makes him tick. Great read.

[Lois Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

As ever Guy doesn't disappoint with his no-nonsense accounts of his various exploits!

[Ian McIntyre Ian McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual Guy is on top form, excellent read and put together very well.

[Kate Daysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not his best but a good book nonetheless. It gives a good insight into how his life and priorities are changing.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

This perhaps doesn't work brilliantly as a standalone book but in conjunction with his last few books in a similar style brings you right up to date with Guys recent escapades.

[Simon Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guy Martin at his best

[Damian Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting read

[elaine guestevans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guy

Read all of his books not particularly into bikes but just love his way of us
King about life And his perception on iy

[Michelle Knight-McQuillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Guy. Typical straight talking, nothing hidden, down to earth and revealing his life, his thoughts and his unique personality. Looking forward to hearing more in the future.

[Glenn]

Enjoyable

Guy is so enthusiastic about everything. Quite inspiring really, when a lot of the news around the world is so glum

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyable read, Guy Martin really comes across as WYSIWYG

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t get enough of Guy Martin’s books and work. Fascinating guy who is into so many different things and is always busy. What I love most about his books is that he is always so ‘blunt’ and matter-of-fact in the way he relays anything, so you get a real sense for the situation and also a wonderful insight into the guy himself. This book was a good, honest read, and given this is Guy Martin, it is as varied as ever. Guy takes us through everything, from more stories of his road racing to discussion of Chernobyl and the reactor disaster, it’s all there, and once again, makes for a truly brilliant read!

[Barry Avis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guy Martin has a very straightforward brain to pen with no filter style of writing. His diary like book is interesting to see the other side of his well known television appearances intermixed with aspects of his personal life.
An interesting book for Guy Martin fans but probably of little interest to anyone else.

[Richard A Borrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on Audible. Would have enjoyed it even more if it had been read by the author.

[scott taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read as always

This is yet again a fantastic look into the fascinating life of Guy Martin writen in the the way that he sees the world and himself

[Jackie Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book which had me laughing alongside Guy. Really enjoyed this and found it so interesting!

[Lee Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from Guy.