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Best Foot Forward
Adam Hills was a quiet primary school kid with a prosthetic foot, who did all his homework and only spoke when spoken to. His dad sparked in him a love of comedy and together they'd spend hours watching and listening to the greats like Peter Sellers and Mel Brooks, so, when it was Adam's turn to speak, he made sure he was funny. Once he hit high school, comedy was Adam's obsession (along with a deep love for the South Sydney Rabbitohs). While his mates were listening to Iron Maiden and AC/DC, he was listening to Kenny Everett and Billy Connolly. And when a report card came home with a comment praising his sense of humour, he was far prouder of that than his grades (his mum not so much). Adam's shyness and his missing foot never held him back, though wearing thongs was tricky. While other teens snuck off to meet girls and drink cheap booze, Adam snuck off to see a young Jim Carrey perform. After that, a steady diet of Rodney Rude, Vince Sorrenti and Robin Williams led this sheltered, virginal university student from The Shire to his first stand-up open mic night on his 19th birthday. In Best Foot Forward , Adam describes his early years on the Australian comedy scene sharing gigs with Steady Eddy and Jimeoin, how he coped the first time he died on stage, his early-morning apprenticeship in radio, touring the world's comedy festivals, the magic of Spicks and Specks and his hosting gig for the 2008 Paralympics that led to his ongoing hit UK TV show The Last Leg . Whoopi Goldberg, Barry Humphries, Billy Connolly, Kermit the Frog - Adam's learned from the best. This charming, witty memoir is a lesson in following your heart, being positive and discovering that what makes you different also makes you unique.
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2018
72 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Adam Hills
6 books21 followersAdam Hills is an Australian comedian and television presenter. Known in Australia for hosting the music and quiz show Spicks and Specks and the talk show Adam Hills Tonight, he became known for his combination of positive uplifting comedy and spontaneity - seeing him receive a number of awards and glowing reviews along the way. In 2012, he hosted a one-off series for Channel 4 airing over 2012 London Paralympics called The Last Leg. Now in its 12th series, the show is one of the most popular shows in the UK. He lives in London with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
September 14, 2023
Are you an Adam Hills fan? Would you like to read about the adventure of his lifetime first-hand from one of the nicest comedians on the planet? If so, you could be looking at the newest addition to your want to read list.
What does this book contain?
The book consists of short stories that occurred during his life, pure and simple. While there isn’t a true overarching story to follow, these stories are mostly set in a chronological order and follow Adam throughout various stages in his life and his career. Most stories are pretty much stand alone but there are also stories that get built upon later. What is wonderful about this book is that you can see that the experience he gains throughout his life and during these tales has truly influenced him and changed him to the man he is today. You truly get the feel of him growing as both a comedian and a person as we go from start to finish in a book that tries to summarize a lifetime of adventures you would love to have been a part of.
What is there to like about the stories?
Every person has at least a couple of things that happened during the course of their life that is worth telling people about, stories that either make you laugh out loud, shed a tear or get the gears in your brain going full speed. As a comedian, let’s just say Adam has quite a lot of those stories lined up and he didn’t mind sharing some absolute gems in this book. Considering he’s a comedian, you might think these are all funny stories, one after another. I wouldn’t say that is the case. Don’t be afraid, there are some absolute comedy pearls in this book that could make even the most serious person in your life with the worst sense of humor chuckle from laughter. But there is more to his life than just the funny side we know him from and I love that he’s so open to freely tell us about all that has happened during his career, the good and the bad. There are also moments that will make you think about life and moments that could make your eyes water. That is what makes this book so special and gives us such an incredible window through time and space into his life, which could serve as an inspiration to us all. Life is the sum of all the adventures we experience and in many ways, so is this book.
How are the stories written?
Adam is not a professional writer but I doubt anyone who didn’t know that would notice it while reading this book. Adam Hills is a master storyteller as any fan of his will probably already know and as he would phrase it aloud, so it was written. That in my opinion is one of the best things about this book. Adam does what he does best in this book and that is telling stories. Stories that hook you from the get go and leave you hanging on his lips as the words just leap from the pages into your ears as you truly get to feel the sensation of him going at it - as if he were giving it his all on stage - only now we get to experience it in writing.
What could have been better?
The namedropping. A lot of names are being dropped left and right throughout this book, a lot of which I’ve never even heard of to be honest. Luckily Adam does provide us with a little context every step of the way. Incidentally, this is something he also picked up along the way as he started his career in television and is addressed in the book. Which is another reason why it is so fun to read this book, as you can literally go back and see how much he’s learned during his career and how he’s still putting the lessons he's learned into action to this day.
While a bit of context is given to all the people introduced during the stories, in his early days I would have loved to read a little bit more about them every once in a while. Even if it is just how he perceives them or even just a quick glance at who they are as a person, especially if he’s talking about someone we don’t know. He does do this occasionally throughout the book though and every time he does, it is absolutely worth it. When he mentions Billy Connolly for example, you can truly feel the way he feels about him and how clearly Billy influenced his life and played a part in Adam becoming the man he is today. This is just nitpicking though and does not take anything away from the enjoyment you can get out of this book.
Would I dare to recommend this book to anyone?
Would you be interested in reading about the life and struggles of one of the nicest guys to ever hit the stand-up stage? If so, there is only one word I can reply to the question above: absolutely.
What does this book contain?
The book consists of short stories that occurred during his life, pure and simple. While there isn’t a true overarching story to follow, these stories are mostly set in a chronological order and follow Adam throughout various stages in his life and his career. Most stories are pretty much stand alone but there are also stories that get built upon later. What is wonderful about this book is that you can see that the experience he gains throughout his life and during these tales has truly influenced him and changed him to the man he is today. You truly get the feel of him growing as both a comedian and a person as we go from start to finish in a book that tries to summarize a lifetime of adventures you would love to have been a part of.
What is there to like about the stories?
Every person has at least a couple of things that happened during the course of their life that is worth telling people about, stories that either make you laugh out loud, shed a tear or get the gears in your brain going full speed. As a comedian, let’s just say Adam has quite a lot of those stories lined up and he didn’t mind sharing some absolute gems in this book. Considering he’s a comedian, you might think these are all funny stories, one after another. I wouldn’t say that is the case. Don’t be afraid, there are some absolute comedy pearls in this book that could make even the most serious person in your life with the worst sense of humor chuckle from laughter. But there is more to his life than just the funny side we know him from and I love that he’s so open to freely tell us about all that has happened during his career, the good and the bad. There are also moments that will make you think about life and moments that could make your eyes water. That is what makes this book so special and gives us such an incredible window through time and space into his life, which could serve as an inspiration to us all. Life is the sum of all the adventures we experience and in many ways, so is this book.
How are the stories written?
Adam is not a professional writer but I doubt anyone who didn’t know that would notice it while reading this book. Adam Hills is a master storyteller as any fan of his will probably already know and as he would phrase it aloud, so it was written. That in my opinion is one of the best things about this book. Adam does what he does best in this book and that is telling stories. Stories that hook you from the get go and leave you hanging on his lips as the words just leap from the pages into your ears as you truly get to feel the sensation of him going at it - as if he were giving it his all on stage - only now we get to experience it in writing.
What could have been better?
The namedropping. A lot of names are being dropped left and right throughout this book, a lot of which I’ve never even heard of to be honest. Luckily Adam does provide us with a little context every step of the way. Incidentally, this is something he also picked up along the way as he started his career in television and is addressed in the book. Which is another reason why it is so fun to read this book, as you can literally go back and see how much he’s learned during his career and how he’s still putting the lessons he's learned into action to this day.
While a bit of context is given to all the people introduced during the stories, in his early days I would have loved to read a little bit more about them every once in a while. Even if it is just how he perceives them or even just a quick glance at who they are as a person, especially if he’s talking about someone we don’t know. He does do this occasionally throughout the book though and every time he does, it is absolutely worth it. When he mentions Billy Connolly for example, you can truly feel the way he feels about him and how clearly Billy influenced his life and played a part in Adam becoming the man he is today. This is just nitpicking though and does not take anything away from the enjoyment you can get out of this book.
Would I dare to recommend this book to anyone?
Would you be interested in reading about the life and struggles of one of the nicest guys to ever hit the stand-up stage? If so, there is only one word I can reply to the question above: absolutely.
January 10, 2019
An absolute gem! Could not stop listening to this audiobook (read by Hills with added 'director's comments & accents of fellow comedians) and I know if I was reading the physical book I would not have wanted to put it down.
I have been a fan of comedy & stand up comedians for just about as long as I can remember & have always loved Adam Hills. Only on devouring this reeling of his ups & downs & inspirations in the world of comedy have I come to realise just what makes him so appealing. Not only can he write a good joke, he is genuine, kind and had a positive attitude that pervades throughout all of his work. Listening to this book was like having him leaning on the kitchen bench chatting about life & telling tales of his adventures meeting comedy idols, jet lag, or getting stranded in country South Australia on the way to a gig. His passion for his work shines through in every story.
Along the way, their insight into the light & dark sides of the entertainment industry as well as the inner workings of radio & TV shows. And yes, his right foot gets it's share of air time. While it certainly doesn't dominate the narrative, there are some very poignant moments relating to disability and how it is viewed by society and whether this is beginning to change.
Time for me to stop raving & simply say "Go read/listen for yourself".
I have been a fan of comedy & stand up comedians for just about as long as I can remember & have always loved Adam Hills. Only on devouring this reeling of his ups & downs & inspirations in the world of comedy have I come to realise just what makes him so appealing. Not only can he write a good joke, he is genuine, kind and had a positive attitude that pervades throughout all of his work. Listening to this book was like having him leaning on the kitchen bench chatting about life & telling tales of his adventures meeting comedy idols, jet lag, or getting stranded in country South Australia on the way to a gig. His passion for his work shines through in every story.
Along the way, their insight into the light & dark sides of the entertainment industry as well as the inner workings of radio & TV shows. And yes, his right foot gets it's share of air time. While it certainly doesn't dominate the narrative, there are some very poignant moments relating to disability and how it is viewed by society and whether this is beginning to change.
Time for me to stop raving & simply say "Go read/listen for yourself".
August 28, 2018
Adam Hills... this book is so good! Absolutely recommend the audio book too, read by Adam it adds to it. I loved hearing stories about Spicks and Specks ,The Last Leg and travels with other comedians. Certainly gave me a laugh.
August 31, 2018
Adam Hills is the nicest guy in comedy. Thanks to his memoir, Best Foot Forward, he can also claim to be a “top bloke” in the world of publishing. In this book he reflects on both his personal life and his career, offering up lots of funny anecdotes and inspirational stories. As with his stand-up, it’s hard not to feel joy and be buoyed by reading Best Foot Forward.
Hillsy has been working in comedy for almost 30 years. In Best Foot Forward he reflects on his first ever attempt at stand-up at his 19th birthday party. He’d brought along a group of mates and while he did well enough, the MC was critical about his set. Hills was studying journalism at the time and living with his parents in the Shire in Sydney. But, his star would only climb from there and his career would see him living in various cities all over the world.
In this book, Hillsy name-drops quite a few celebrities. One of the most famous and frequently recurring characters is Billy Connolly, a comedian who Hills admires. When Hills was working in radio in Adelaide he got to meet the famous Scotsman. Hills told Connolly about his dreams of being a stand-up, and the latter was like a “hairy godmother.” He told the youngster to “Just do it!” He encouraged Hillsy to quit radio and pursue comedy full-time, because he felt it was the best job in the world. Years later when the two reconnected, Connolly showed his support yet again by yelling, “We did it!” What charming men.
Amongst other stories, Hillsy also describes a funny road trip with Ross Noble, a friendship with Whoopi Goldberg, playing a tricky gig at a buck’s party, and meeting the Queen. The television shows that Hills would host – music trivia show, Spicks & Specks in Australia and chat show, The Last Leg in the UK – are also covered here. This book is untimely like a bright and warm rainbow delivered by a natural storyteller, it’s colourful in parts and will make you laugh, smile and cry.
The book is made up of short, sharp chapters and features lots of jokes and puns. Not to mention lots of amusing anecdotes where Hillsy describes his artificial right leg, and his encounters backstage at comedy clubs and with various celebrities. We also get to find out more about his inspirations and motivations. It is interesting, for example, that both Kermit the Frog and the Dalai Lama would prove so influential on Hillsy’s work, with the comedian realising that he wanted to not only make people laugh, but also to raise their souls and spirits. It’s fair to say that he has succeeded with this at many points during his career, not just in this book.
Best Foot Forward is an enjoyable read and one that should be consumed by any self-respecting comedy fan. Hillsy comes across as an utter gentleman, someone you’d love to sit down, have a beer with, and find out more. This intimate and conversational story really shines a light on Adam’s world and is leaps and bounds above your stock-standard celebrity biography.
Hillsy has been working in comedy for almost 30 years. In Best Foot Forward he reflects on his first ever attempt at stand-up at his 19th birthday party. He’d brought along a group of mates and while he did well enough, the MC was critical about his set. Hills was studying journalism at the time and living with his parents in the Shire in Sydney. But, his star would only climb from there and his career would see him living in various cities all over the world.
In this book, Hillsy name-drops quite a few celebrities. One of the most famous and frequently recurring characters is Billy Connolly, a comedian who Hills admires. When Hills was working in radio in Adelaide he got to meet the famous Scotsman. Hills told Connolly about his dreams of being a stand-up, and the latter was like a “hairy godmother.” He told the youngster to “Just do it!” He encouraged Hillsy to quit radio and pursue comedy full-time, because he felt it was the best job in the world. Years later when the two reconnected, Connolly showed his support yet again by yelling, “We did it!” What charming men.
Amongst other stories, Hillsy also describes a funny road trip with Ross Noble, a friendship with Whoopi Goldberg, playing a tricky gig at a buck’s party, and meeting the Queen. The television shows that Hills would host – music trivia show, Spicks & Specks in Australia and chat show, The Last Leg in the UK – are also covered here. This book is untimely like a bright and warm rainbow delivered by a natural storyteller, it’s colourful in parts and will make you laugh, smile and cry.
The book is made up of short, sharp chapters and features lots of jokes and puns. Not to mention lots of amusing anecdotes where Hillsy describes his artificial right leg, and his encounters backstage at comedy clubs and with various celebrities. We also get to find out more about his inspirations and motivations. It is interesting, for example, that both Kermit the Frog and the Dalai Lama would prove so influential on Hillsy’s work, with the comedian realising that he wanted to not only make people laugh, but also to raise their souls and spirits. It’s fair to say that he has succeeded with this at many points during his career, not just in this book.
Best Foot Forward is an enjoyable read and one that should be consumed by any self-respecting comedy fan. Hillsy comes across as an utter gentleman, someone you’d love to sit down, have a beer with, and find out more. This intimate and conversational story really shines a light on Adam’s world and is leaps and bounds above your stock-standard celebrity biography.
October 18, 2021
I am a huge fan of “The Last Leg”, co-hosted by Adam Hills, and was very keen to read his biography. Before seeing him on TV, I had only two memorable experiences of Australian comedians. The first was at a live show in Sydney in 1984, where I heard the most sickenly racist ‘joke’ of my life – I walked out. The second was also in Sydney when my husband and I were at the Sydney Olympics – my sister was living there at the time, and had got us the tickets. After a wonderful day/evening of sport, we would come back to my sister’s flat, and watch Roy and HG on TV summarising the day’s events in their own inimical style, interviews with competing sports people, alternative explanations of various sports (such as Greco-Roman wrestling and gymnastics) and names for the Olympic mascots – as well as inventing their own: Fatso, the fat a***ed wombat. We still refer to platypuses as “Dickhead”, and look for the “battered sav” every time we watch men’s gymnastics. So when “The Last Leg” was announced for the 2012 London Paralympics, we were really looking forward to more of the same, and have been hooked ever since.
I was pleased to hear a brief mention of Roy and HG early on in the book, but most of the other Aussie comedians mentioned went over my head. The British comedians, Ross Noble and Billy Connolly, who played bigger parts in the book, I had heard of, and I enjoyed those episodes. Much of the rest of the earlier part of the book I found interesting, but not excessively so. And then it got onto “The Last Leg” – how it started, how it developed, a nod to Roy and HG – and I was rapt.
For those who don’t know, “The Last Leg” began as Channel 4 TV late night commentary on the Paralympics, with comedians Adam Hills and Josh Widdecombe, and Alex Brooker – with 4 legs between them. It showcased Paralympians as elite, professional sports people, and made a number of them household names. After the Paralympics it morphed into a weekly current affairs comedy program. Disability concerns and differently-abled people still play a big part, alongside the rights of LGBTQ+, Black Lives Matter etc, as well as serious politics (exhortations to vote) and a light-hearted trawl of internet memes and so much more. During lockdown, the program continued via zoom – with Adam Hills sometimes joining from his garage in Melbourne. For us it is essential weekly viewing.
Channel 4 and “The Last Leg” have done so much for bringing disability to the forefront of British consciousness. Because of them, I think some Paralympians such as Jonny Peacock, Hannah Cockcroft, Ellie Robinson and Ellie Simmonds have higher profiles than able-bodied Olympians. And because of them, we now see more people with disabilities in TV dramas, on “Strictly Come Dancing” (= “Dancing with the Stars”), and performing stand up comedy. I am in a wheelchair due to MS, and really appreciate seeing people who are not able-bodied feted on screen – for their abilities, not their disabilities. I get to indulge in wheelchair envy, see people do amazing things in wheelchairs, that I would love to do, but don’t dare, and see so many people who are not limited by their bodies not being perfect. When Adam Hills does stand up comedy nowadays, he always has a sign language interpreter on stage with him.
So, thanks, Adam Hills. I have enjoyed your biography and may you long continue to be a comedian and beacon for disability everywhere.
I was pleased to hear a brief mention of Roy and HG early on in the book, but most of the other Aussie comedians mentioned went over my head. The British comedians, Ross Noble and Billy Connolly, who played bigger parts in the book, I had heard of, and I enjoyed those episodes. Much of the rest of the earlier part of the book I found interesting, but not excessively so. And then it got onto “The Last Leg” – how it started, how it developed, a nod to Roy and HG – and I was rapt.
For those who don’t know, “The Last Leg” began as Channel 4 TV late night commentary on the Paralympics, with comedians Adam Hills and Josh Widdecombe, and Alex Brooker – with 4 legs between them. It showcased Paralympians as elite, professional sports people, and made a number of them household names. After the Paralympics it morphed into a weekly current affairs comedy program. Disability concerns and differently-abled people still play a big part, alongside the rights of LGBTQ+, Black Lives Matter etc, as well as serious politics (exhortations to vote) and a light-hearted trawl of internet memes and so much more. During lockdown, the program continued via zoom – with Adam Hills sometimes joining from his garage in Melbourne. For us it is essential weekly viewing.
Channel 4 and “The Last Leg” have done so much for bringing disability to the forefront of British consciousness. Because of them, I think some Paralympians such as Jonny Peacock, Hannah Cockcroft, Ellie Robinson and Ellie Simmonds have higher profiles than able-bodied Olympians. And because of them, we now see more people with disabilities in TV dramas, on “Strictly Come Dancing” (= “Dancing with the Stars”), and performing stand up comedy. I am in a wheelchair due to MS, and really appreciate seeing people who are not able-bodied feted on screen – for their abilities, not their disabilities. I get to indulge in wheelchair envy, see people do amazing things in wheelchairs, that I would love to do, but don’t dare, and see so many people who are not limited by their bodies not being perfect. When Adam Hills does stand up comedy nowadays, he always has a sign language interpreter on stage with him.
So, thanks, Adam Hills. I have enjoyed your biography and may you long continue to be a comedian and beacon for disability everywhere.
August 20, 2018
Adam Hills is such a familiar face on Australian TV that I don't think I'd ever considered just how successful his career has been. In Best Foot Forward, Adam Hills takes the reader through his career as a radio presenter, stand-up comedian, TV host and more in a natural and amusing writing style. Turns out his success extends far further than our own shores, performing for and even meeting Her Majesty the Queen.
What shone through the brightest to me though, was Adam's desire to 'make it' and his sheer determination and hard work to do so in an industry that can be tough and unforgiving at times.
Adam's work on The Last Leg, the UK show covering the 2012 London Paralympics was informative and inspiring. Adam openly shares what it was like growing up with a prosthetic foot and how he never let it hold him back.
I enjoyed the inclusion of other comedians as he worked alongside them and sometimes in awe of them, including: Billy Connolly and Whoopi Goldberg and my personal favourites, Daniel Kitson, Ross Noble and David O'Doherty. He recounts many unusual and funny situations, memorable shows and at least one laugh out loud moment involving scaring the shell from a turtle's back. I'm off to read it again (page 89).
Best Foot Forward by Adam Hills is a memoir about his accomplished career and the many anecdotes and funny stories made for great reading.
* Copy courtesy of Hachette Australia *
What shone through the brightest to me though, was Adam's desire to 'make it' and his sheer determination and hard work to do so in an industry that can be tough and unforgiving at times.
Adam's work on The Last Leg, the UK show covering the 2012 London Paralympics was informative and inspiring. Adam openly shares what it was like growing up with a prosthetic foot and how he never let it hold him back.
I enjoyed the inclusion of other comedians as he worked alongside them and sometimes in awe of them, including: Billy Connolly and Whoopi Goldberg and my personal favourites, Daniel Kitson, Ross Noble and David O'Doherty. He recounts many unusual and funny situations, memorable shows and at least one laugh out loud moment involving scaring the shell from a turtle's back. I'm off to read it again (page 89).
Best Foot Forward by Adam Hills is a memoir about his accomplished career and the many anecdotes and funny stories made for great reading.
* Copy courtesy of Hachette Australia *
September 13, 2018
I n c r e d i b l e! Probably the best book I have read in months. Hills is just brilliant, funny and engaging, without that nastiness you sometimes get when people are trying to be funny. The bloke is a legend and his story is a celebration of hard work, luck, late nights, and awesome encounters. Read it.
August 17, 2018
I've been a huge fan of Adam Hills since his Spicks and Specks days, so was excited to read this. As it turned out, this was also the first audiobook I bought from Audible and I was so pleased with Adam's narration! He did accents and impersonations, he dropped in little extra tidbits that weren't in the book - but most importantly, you could hear the smile on his face as he relived these stories. Narrating an audiobook cannot possibly be a fun job, but Adam really made it sound like he was having a good time with it.
The book itself was also great and I don't think you'd necessarily need to know anything about Adam to enjoy it. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good memoir, with some seriously laugh out loud moments!
The book itself was also great and I don't think you'd necessarily need to know anything about Adam to enjoy it. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good memoir, with some seriously laugh out loud moments!
January 16, 2019
As a massive fan of Adam Hills and the music quiz show 'Spicks and Specks' I was really looking forward to this read. It should be noted that I don't usually gravitate towards these memoir biography books unless the author is someone I truly admire and desire to know more about. Anh Do and Tanya Hennessy are also in this same caliber for me.
I deeply resonated with Adam's attitude to not need to change the world, just his little corner of it. This is exactly how I feel. As the book continued I could hear Adam commentate for me (creepy I know but I still watch the 'Spicks and Specks' reruns on the TV from time to time so it comes as no surprise. I found myself laughing out loud during the various anecdotes and sinking in to the rhythm of the story, gaining a greater understanding of the life of a comedian.
Was I savored the most though was the chapter on 'Spicks and Specks'. I drank up all the juicy details including the guest star stories as well as the professional tips Adam shared.
I think what was most humbling about his book was how down to earth he is and how incredibly genuine and full of life Adam is, despite being a household name here and in the mother land. I truly wonderful read!
I deeply resonated with Adam's attitude to not need to change the world, just his little corner of it. This is exactly how I feel. As the book continued I could hear Adam commentate for me (creepy I know but I still watch the 'Spicks and Specks' reruns on the TV from time to time so it comes as no surprise. I found myself laughing out loud during the various anecdotes and sinking in to the rhythm of the story, gaining a greater understanding of the life of a comedian.
Was I savored the most though was the chapter on 'Spicks and Specks'. I drank up all the juicy details including the guest star stories as well as the professional tips Adam shared.
I think what was most humbling about his book was how down to earth he is and how incredibly genuine and full of life Adam is, despite being a household name here and in the mother land. I truly wonderful read!
January 9, 2019
I love music, I love trivia and I love comedy.
So when Spicks and Specks first came across my TV naturally Adam Hills was going to be a hit with me!
I tend not to read a lot of non-fiction and when I do it is mainly business oriented. Hillsy's book gave me an opportunity to expand my reading horizons without it feeling like a chore (Like when I force my self to read a classic.. well just because everyone says I should read it before I die!)
Best Foot Forward did not disappoint. It was "quietly amusing" as opposed to one of his more PMSL comedic sets or the antics from Spicks and Specks, but gave a wonderful insight into who Adam Hills is and how he got there.
From his first, not so great, attempt at stand-up through his career around the world, in radio and television, it's obvious that Hillsy has a great passion for what his does - it's not simply a career, it is every fibre of his being. He is honest, open and genuine. The book feels more like you are sitting down having a beer with a mate and Hillsy strikes you as the type of person who would do just that if you gave him an invite.
Best Foot Forward is an immensely enjoyable read and should be a must for any comedy fan or in fact anyone Aussie interested in knowing more about our top talent!
So when Spicks and Specks first came across my TV naturally Adam Hills was going to be a hit with me!
I tend not to read a lot of non-fiction and when I do it is mainly business oriented. Hillsy's book gave me an opportunity to expand my reading horizons without it feeling like a chore (Like when I force my self to read a classic.. well just because everyone says I should read it before I die!)
Best Foot Forward did not disappoint. It was "quietly amusing" as opposed to one of his more PMSL comedic sets or the antics from Spicks and Specks, but gave a wonderful insight into who Adam Hills is and how he got there.
From his first, not so great, attempt at stand-up through his career around the world, in radio and television, it's obvious that Hillsy has a great passion for what his does - it's not simply a career, it is every fibre of his being. He is honest, open and genuine. The book feels more like you are sitting down having a beer with a mate and Hillsy strikes you as the type of person who would do just that if you gave him an invite.
Best Foot Forward is an immensely enjoyable read and should be a must for any comedy fan or in fact anyone Aussie interested in knowing more about our top talent!
January 12, 2019
I enjoyed the first half of this book immensely, which dealt with the half of Adam Hills career with which I wasn't familiar. Once we hit Spicks and Specks, the material was more familiar and less interesting.
I like that Adam had tried to use his career to inject positivity in the world, and that joy is what I like about this stand up. I have to say, I find his manner on the Last Leg disappointing and against his own philosophy. He is much more focused on calling out the stupid or offensive things in the world and being negative about them in what feel like staged rants.
The book is definitely with reading though.
I like that Adam had tried to use his career to inject positivity in the world, and that joy is what I like about this stand up. I have to say, I find his manner on the Last Leg disappointing and against his own philosophy. He is much more focused on calling out the stupid or offensive things in the world and being negative about them in what feel like staged rants.
The book is definitely with reading though.
January 12, 2019
Adam Hills gives every impression of being the nicest guy in the business, and yet not so insipidly, calculatedly nice that it leaves you with a saccharine aftertaste. His memoir only reinforces this impression.
Best Foot Forward only gave me more admiration for his relentless positivity after he has been given every opportunity to become cynical and refused to take it.
Reading Adam's book is like a slow-release version of his shows. It's friendly, charming, extremely funny and leaves you feeling a bit better about the world. I don't know how he does it.
Best Foot Forward only gave me more admiration for his relentless positivity after he has been given every opportunity to become cynical and refused to take it.
Reading Adam's book is like a slow-release version of his shows. It's friendly, charming, extremely funny and leaves you feeling a bit better about the world. I don't know how he does it.
didnotfinish
November 6, 2018On hiatus @ 18%
I'm not DNF-ing this for real, I'm just putting it on pause and taking it off my current reads until I'm ready to read more. So far it's an amazing memoir that gives some fascinating (and hilarious) insight into Adam's life and career.
I'm not DNF-ing this for real, I'm just putting it on pause and taking it off my current reads until I'm ready to read more. So far it's an amazing memoir that gives some fascinating (and hilarious) insight into Adam's life and career.
December 18, 2020
I enjoy Adam Hills humour. His is a gentle humorous book with a bit of name dropping along the way. It was not a difficult childhood so don’t expect terrible secrets unveiled. It is a pleasant listen and Adam tries for uplifting in humour and in this book.
January 23, 2019
Seriously amazing!! I love Adam Hills and watching him on Spicks and Specks and The Last Leg. It was like he was talking to me, telling the story. I found it funny, interesting and entertaining. Thanks Adam for writing your story!!!
June 17, 2020
I just love Adam Hills. He's funny, talented, clever, and above all he seems like a lovely guy. Turns out he can write a good book, too!
May 21, 2021
I listened to the audiobook and it was just wonderful. Joyous, funny, interesting and insightful.
September 24, 2018
Love Adam Hills, and this biography is a great story of his cheery rise in comedy.
December 26, 2018
Best Foot Forward
Really enjoyed this. I could hear his voice throughout. Very interesting to see his first steps in comedy and how he got to where he is today.
Really enjoyed this. I could hear his voice throughout. Very interesting to see his first steps in comedy and how he got to where he is today.
February 9, 2020
Surely Adam Hills is the sweetest, most genuine and sincere Aussie comedian. His memoir is just that - a gently told series of recollections with his trademark bashfulness.
And while Hills does provide a fine background into the realities of comedy, I did find the linear timeline of his memoir to be somewhat staid. Plus I wanted more angst, more rage, more insight, more everything. I expect this is just Adam Hills though. Lovably sweet.
And while Hills does provide a fine background into the realities of comedy, I did find the linear timeline of his memoir to be somewhat staid. Plus I wanted more angst, more rage, more insight, more everything. I expect this is just Adam Hills though. Lovably sweet.
March 13, 2022
An interesting read, and confirmation that he's a nice fellow. An insight into the hard graft that goes into success in a very fickle occupation.
August 15, 2018
Adam appears to be one of the genuine nice guys in the comedy and TV biz, and this story of bits and pieces from his life so far is a fun and entertaining read from start to finish.
Years of writing his own material (and material for others) have certainly crafted him into one good storyteller !
Years of writing his own material (and material for others) have certainly crafted him into one good storyteller !
December 13, 2020
A really enjoyable and wholesome read.
July 28, 2018
When I found out Adam Hills was writing a book it immediately went onto my instabuy list. I've seen all of his DVDs, been to see a recording of The Last Leg and went to see his last tour Clown Heart twice. I had high expectations for this book. Luckily, for me, it did not disappoint.
At the beginning of the book, Adam explains that this is a compilation of stories. They're told in chronological order but don't all necessarily link. The purpose of this is so you can pick the book up at any time and read a "wee" chapter. I personally loved this, especially as some stories then linked back later in the book.
As I went through the book, I turned over pages of parts that I enjoyed or made me laugh out loud. There are quite a few turned over. The book isn't a laugh a minute but it's not meant to be. There humerous stories, anecdotes and the occasional joke. Some of my favourite chapters included The Hardest Job in the World about a comic with a hard on for most of the set, Stumped about being asked if he has ever used his foot during sex, the whole section about Leeds and Reading festival and crowd surfing, and pretty much the whole section about the Paralympics.
One thing that some people may dislike is the listing of names. I took this as a if you haven't heard of these people, look them up! I now have a nice list of comedians to look into (cheers). I also enjoyed playing my own little game of "seen them!" as I read through the names. I also found it really interesting to find out that he lived with Dara O'Briain for a while and was Ross Noble's best man at his wedding. I adored reading about his friendship with Whoopi Goldberg and his meetings with Billy Connolly. I guess the world of comedy is like other industries where everyone knows everyone.
What I loved most about this book was that it gave me the same feeling that I get after watching his stand ups. It made me happy.
This review, and others like it, at: https://tumblingintowonderlandbooks.w...
At the beginning of the book, Adam explains that this is a compilation of stories. They're told in chronological order but don't all necessarily link. The purpose of this is so you can pick the book up at any time and read a "wee" chapter. I personally loved this, especially as some stories then linked back later in the book.
As I went through the book, I turned over pages of parts that I enjoyed or made me laugh out loud. There are quite a few turned over. The book isn't a laugh a minute but it's not meant to be. There humerous stories, anecdotes and the occasional joke. Some of my favourite chapters included The Hardest Job in the World about a comic with a hard on for most of the set, Stumped about being asked if he has ever used his foot during sex, the whole section about Leeds and Reading festival and crowd surfing, and pretty much the whole section about the Paralympics.
One thing that some people may dislike is the listing of names. I took this as a if you haven't heard of these people, look them up! I now have a nice list of comedians to look into (cheers). I also enjoyed playing my own little game of "seen them!" as I read through the names. I also found it really interesting to find out that he lived with Dara O'Briain for a while and was Ross Noble's best man at his wedding. I adored reading about his friendship with Whoopi Goldberg and his meetings with Billy Connolly. I guess the world of comedy is like other industries where everyone knows everyone.
What I loved most about this book was that it gave me the same feeling that I get after watching his stand ups. It made me happy.
This review, and others like it, at: https://tumblingintowonderlandbooks.w...
July 23, 2022
A bit more of a collection of stories than a memoir. The stories are a bit hit or miss, though probably more hits than misses. Some I quite enjoyed, particularly surrounding disability visability and activism while some I felt fell a bit short. There were a few too many "once I met this famous person and they were lovely" or "once I saw this comedian perform a set of great jokes I can't repeat or replicate here".
I listened to the audiobook rather than read it since it was narrated by Adam Hills himself and that definitely added to the enjoyment. Good listen but I don't think I'd ever revisit it.
I listened to the audiobook rather than read it since it was narrated by Adam Hills himself and that definitely added to the enjoyment. Good listen but I don't think I'd ever revisit it.
November 8, 2019
A nice gentle book with (as you can well imagine) some funny bits. I listened to the audio version which was narrated by the author and there some funny accents used which worked very well. In the introduction, the author did say that he originally wrote it so that it could be picked up and read on the odd occasion and perhaps that is why it lacked a bit of, well, I’m not quite sure how to describe it, but I am going to say continuity. Still, it’s a nice quick read so able to recommend to the normal crew.
November 24, 2018
Light hearted, fun and a joy to read, like sitting down to a chat with a new friend, this book is full of stories that made me smile (and a couple that made me shed a tear). Just genuinely fun.
August 1, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the author, I'd wondered about his background. There are some parts of his life in which he doesn't really tell a great deal about, like his childhood. I couldn't help but think he must have had more challenging times than those that are mentioned but then I could well be wrong.
I liked that, for the most part, it was a genuinely quite inspirational read. He's certainly done well for himself, travelled a lot, met loads of people and there are numerous interesting and often amusing celebrity encounters and the like - if you don't like name dropping then this book won't be for you, its safe to say. I feel like I have a better understanding of him having read his book. At times I found myself thinking that he must be one of the luckiest people around in certain ways, ignoring his amputated foot of course (who doesn't know about that? ignoring the book title) but while I was surprised and a bit disappointed by one or two things about him starting out as a comedian etc., by the end of the book I felt that it had confirmed to me that he is basically a pretty good guy, with a strong set of morals and so on.
I was especially keen to read about his Australian TV career, having heard about it but not really knowing anything about it. I imagine its frustrating for his Australian fans, seeing/knowing how long he's out of the country for - it seems that not only has he made a home for himself here in the UK but also in Canada and elsewhere.
The book itself is a relatively easy read with relatively few long, blocky paragraphs and the chapters while not being especially short, aren't very long either. For reference, the book is split into 5 parts and over 20 chapters in total. Even the chapter names have puns in them, so there are laughs within the book section titles alone!.
I did feel this was a perfectly good read but I feel that, for me, it just misses the 5 star mark because it felt to me like it concentrated a bit too much on the entertainment business and perhaps not quite enough, for my liking, on his personal family life, as a child and nowadays perhaps (but then maybe he, understandably, wants to keep his privacy). I couldn't help but feel that he surely skipped over some things but there again, if his disability didn't cause issues then I suppose thats something to be celebrated in one regard. Of course he mentions his prosthetic leg but not on each and every page, some may be relieved to hear. I wouldn't say its a pure sympathy 'woe-is-me' type read at all.
I very much enjoyed the read for the most part and I found the celebrity encounters quite amusing but I still feel like the book missed out on something, his adolescence perhaps? growing up with an amputated foot can't have been especially easy. Its hard to explain or word quite what - its just a general feeling I had but overall and regardless, I'd still happily recommend this as a good read, especially if your looking for a laugh. I also appreciated that Adam pointed out how bad (misogyny wise) things were for female comics when he was first starting out.
Reading his reaction to the first Paralympic games he observed, it made me appreciate his support and love of the cause even more than I did beforehand. This is a good read for any fan of Adam Hills or for those interested in the comedy industry, as he tells of some advice he was given by a number of people he came across in the comedy, and more generally the entertainment, industry.
I liked that, for the most part, it was a genuinely quite inspirational read. He's certainly done well for himself, travelled a lot, met loads of people and there are numerous interesting and often amusing celebrity encounters and the like - if you don't like name dropping then this book won't be for you, its safe to say. I feel like I have a better understanding of him having read his book. At times I found myself thinking that he must be one of the luckiest people around in certain ways, ignoring his amputated foot of course (who doesn't know about that? ignoring the book title) but while I was surprised and a bit disappointed by one or two things about him starting out as a comedian etc., by the end of the book I felt that it had confirmed to me that he is basically a pretty good guy, with a strong set of morals and so on.
I was especially keen to read about his Australian TV career, having heard about it but not really knowing anything about it. I imagine its frustrating for his Australian fans, seeing/knowing how long he's out of the country for - it seems that not only has he made a home for himself here in the UK but also in Canada and elsewhere.
The book itself is a relatively easy read with relatively few long, blocky paragraphs and the chapters while not being especially short, aren't very long either. For reference, the book is split into 5 parts and over 20 chapters in total. Even the chapter names have puns in them, so there are laughs within the book section titles alone!.
I did feel this was a perfectly good read but I feel that, for me, it just misses the 5 star mark because it felt to me like it concentrated a bit too much on the entertainment business and perhaps not quite enough, for my liking, on his personal family life, as a child and nowadays perhaps (but then maybe he, understandably, wants to keep his privacy). I couldn't help but feel that he surely skipped over some things but there again, if his disability didn't cause issues then I suppose thats something to be celebrated in one regard. Of course he mentions his prosthetic leg but not on each and every page, some may be relieved to hear. I wouldn't say its a pure sympathy 'woe-is-me' type read at all.
I very much enjoyed the read for the most part and I found the celebrity encounters quite amusing but I still feel like the book missed out on something, his adolescence perhaps? growing up with an amputated foot can't have been especially easy. Its hard to explain or word quite what - its just a general feeling I had but overall and regardless, I'd still happily recommend this as a good read, especially if your looking for a laugh. I also appreciated that Adam pointed out how bad (misogyny wise) things were for female comics when he was first starting out.
Reading his reaction to the first Paralympic games he observed, it made me appreciate his support and love of the cause even more than I did beforehand. This is a good read for any fan of Adam Hills or for those interested in the comedy industry, as he tells of some advice he was given by a number of people he came across in the comedy, and more generally the entertainment, industry.
September 8, 2018
I get sent lots of books to read and review, and some I get to choose. Best Foot Forward is one of those books. Adam Hills has this knack for bridging the Australian and English sense of humour, bringing them together and creating witty, observational and topical comedy.
Aussie readers may recognise Hills from Spicks and Specks whilst us pommies recognise him from The Last Leg with his bloody funny co-hosts Josh Widdecombe and Alex Brooker. Best Foot Forward charts Hills career from uni student through to full-blown proper comedian on TV and everything!
Hills story starts with his childhood without much chat about the fact he has a prosthetic foot because he really didn't think about it that much and it didn't stop him doing what other kids did. He shares his fathers love for comedy and his school antics playing the part of 'the funny kid'. Best Foot Forward then takes a natural course through Hills adult life as most good autobiographies do. A student whose parents reluctantly let him try stand up on term breaks, to his entry into his time on radio, which will take you back through the 90's with some real earworms; Macarena anyone? I particularly enjoyed these chapters as Hills reflects on what was appropriate on the radio then, which wouldn't fly today and how it can be tempting to cross an ethical line to get ratings, recognition and fame.
There are chances taken, lost and won which Hills shares with a genuine tone, that makes you root for the guy, even though you know where he ends up! Woven into Hills career history are some personal anecdotes and a smattering of surprise celebrity appearances and friendships and it's within these chapters Hills opens up more about his disability.
There is plenty to keep the reader interested and I loved the story of how The Last Leg became the program it is today and I gained a real insight in how those with a disability live and want to be seen. I'm looking forward to seeing how HIlls next chapter playing in the Physical Disability Rugby League plays out and I hope that the league gains the traction and fans it deserves.
If you like to laugh and enjoy an autobiography, this is one for you. The perfect balance of comedy, personal accounts and celebrity name drops!
Follow all my book reviews www.duffythewriterblog.com
Aussie readers may recognise Hills from Spicks and Specks whilst us pommies recognise him from The Last Leg with his bloody funny co-hosts Josh Widdecombe and Alex Brooker. Best Foot Forward charts Hills career from uni student through to full-blown proper comedian on TV and everything!
Hills story starts with his childhood without much chat about the fact he has a prosthetic foot because he really didn't think about it that much and it didn't stop him doing what other kids did. He shares his fathers love for comedy and his school antics playing the part of 'the funny kid'. Best Foot Forward then takes a natural course through Hills adult life as most good autobiographies do. A student whose parents reluctantly let him try stand up on term breaks, to his entry into his time on radio, which will take you back through the 90's with some real earworms; Macarena anyone? I particularly enjoyed these chapters as Hills reflects on what was appropriate on the radio then, which wouldn't fly today and how it can be tempting to cross an ethical line to get ratings, recognition and fame.
There are chances taken, lost and won which Hills shares with a genuine tone, that makes you root for the guy, even though you know where he ends up! Woven into Hills career history are some personal anecdotes and a smattering of surprise celebrity appearances and friendships and it's within these chapters Hills opens up more about his disability.
There is plenty to keep the reader interested and I loved the story of how The Last Leg became the program it is today and I gained a real insight in how those with a disability live and want to be seen. I'm looking forward to seeing how HIlls next chapter playing in the Physical Disability Rugby League plays out and I hope that the league gains the traction and fans it deserves.
If you like to laugh and enjoy an autobiography, this is one for you. The perfect balance of comedy, personal accounts and celebrity name drops!
Follow all my book reviews www.duffythewriterblog.com
May 21, 2024
Adam Hills seems like a really nice guy and that shines through in every chapter of this book but I didn’t feel like I really got to know him by the end. It is an enjoyable, surface-level read but it’s primarily and almost solely a look into his career across the years which was interesting but I prefer something a bit deeper from an autobiography. I don’t expect people to always go into their deep innermost feelings and emotions if they don’t wish to but in an autobiography I do like to read their reflections on how situations made them feel and lots of anecdotes beyond their professional career and this for me is where this book lacks. However, this is more a reflection of my personal preferences than anything too critical of the book.
Fans of Adam will find lots of interesting detail about his career across the years, again this is possibly where fault lies with myself as I wasn’t familiar with Adam’s career before reading and was only aware of The Last Leg. There are a lot of Australian people and TV shows mentioned within the book that I also wasn’t familiar with, Adam does briefly explain the background to each show but I feel the material will hit better with those who have pre-existing knowledge of them. As others have noted there is a lot of name-dropping, sometimes acceptably so, other times almost cringingly so particularly in the case of Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Connelly.
The sections on the paralympic games were some of my favourites, they were insightful and I feel that I learnt a lot from reading them, particularly in the sections about how the perception of the paralympic games has changed over recent years. The creation of The Last Leg was also interesting, at the time of creation it was a ground-breaking format introduction to television and I enjoyed reading about how the programme was shaped by Adam and the team.
It's a really easy read which I enjoyed reading and Adam writes in an accessible, conversational manner, it feels as though you could just be having a chat in a coffee shop with a friend. There isn’t anything too taxing and you can easily pick the book up and put it down, I saw another reviewer saying that Adam had written it as a pick up/put down book and I can definitely see the truth in that statement but I generally feel that those types of books are coffee table books and I don’t expect that to be the case with an autobiography.
I don’t want to be too critical because Adam seems a really nice guy and despite not really knowing him before I read the book (or afterwards) I really liked him, I just wanted to know him more, it is very surface-level and mainly speaks only of the good times, I wanted to hear the things that have made him angry, things that have upset him and his reflections of situations both personally and professionally. That said I’d still recommend this book to any fans of Adam.
Fans of Adam will find lots of interesting detail about his career across the years, again this is possibly where fault lies with myself as I wasn’t familiar with Adam’s career before reading and was only aware of The Last Leg. There are a lot of Australian people and TV shows mentioned within the book that I also wasn’t familiar with, Adam does briefly explain the background to each show but I feel the material will hit better with those who have pre-existing knowledge of them. As others have noted there is a lot of name-dropping, sometimes acceptably so, other times almost cringingly so particularly in the case of Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Connelly.
The sections on the paralympic games were some of my favourites, they were insightful and I feel that I learnt a lot from reading them, particularly in the sections about how the perception of the paralympic games has changed over recent years. The creation of The Last Leg was also interesting, at the time of creation it was a ground-breaking format introduction to television and I enjoyed reading about how the programme was shaped by Adam and the team.
It's a really easy read which I enjoyed reading and Adam writes in an accessible, conversational manner, it feels as though you could just be having a chat in a coffee shop with a friend. There isn’t anything too taxing and you can easily pick the book up and put it down, I saw another reviewer saying that Adam had written it as a pick up/put down book and I can definitely see the truth in that statement but I generally feel that those types of books are coffee table books and I don’t expect that to be the case with an autobiography.
I don’t want to be too critical because Adam seems a really nice guy and despite not really knowing him before I read the book (or afterwards) I really liked him, I just wanted to know him more, it is very surface-level and mainly speaks only of the good times, I wanted to hear the things that have made him angry, things that have upset him and his reflections of situations both personally and professionally. That said I’d still recommend this book to any fans of Adam.
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