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Lofty: My Life in Short: A Memoir
A memoir of standing tall against the odds Australian voice-over artist Lofty Fulton knows what it's like to have the odds stacked against Born with achondroplasia, which is a form of dwarfism, his grandmother thought he should be locked away from the world. At school, he suffered years of relentless bullying, believing the lie he would never be loved or good enough.
At 15, Lofty's voice broke, giving him a unique gift that paved the way for his future.
MY LIFE IN SHORT is a deeply personal memoir - of vulnerability and courage and humour as Lofty unpacks the events of his traumatic childhood, public bigotry; a failed marriage, the highs and lows of a successful radio career and his struggles with crippling general anxiety disorder, clinical depression and a serious gambling addiction.
Lofty's story is a collusion of light and shade; a reflection on what it means to be human, to search for meaning and purpose. From brokenness to breakthrough, Lofty has slayed many of his inner demons, rising to become one of Australia's most sought after and recognisable voices.
At 15, Lofty's voice broke, giving him a unique gift that paved the way for his future.
MY LIFE IN SHORT is a deeply personal memoir - of vulnerability and courage and humour as Lofty unpacks the events of his traumatic childhood, public bigotry; a failed marriage, the highs and lows of a successful radio career and his struggles with crippling general anxiety disorder, clinical depression and a serious gambling addiction.
Lofty's story is a collusion of light and shade; a reflection on what it means to be human, to search for meaning and purpose. From brokenness to breakthrough, Lofty has slayed many of his inner demons, rising to become one of Australia's most sought after and recognisable voices.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 16, 2019
I’m struggling to review this book because it’s isn’t a bad book, but the topic is very difficult for me to write about. Yes, I have experienced bullying at school as well as the workplace. Lucky for me, I had far less self-doubt which made it much easier to cope and resolve my own situations. To anyone who have suffered anxiety, depression and bullying, this is the book for you. It’s not a depressing book, it’s even funny in certain parts but if you think you’ve had it bad then wait until you read this.
Born with Dwarfism, this makes Ian a target for school bullies (in particular 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s) as children can be cruel. He does have some very loyal friends but it’s the bullying that resulted in him developing self-doubt. The self doubt lead to self abuse in the form of alcohol and gambling. This eventually lead to depression and nervous breakdown.
He coped with everything well and he is extremely lucky to have the support of his partner, family and friends. I’m going to stop here because I feel this review is sounding a bit depressing. I will have to come back later and write a more balanced review.
Born with Dwarfism, this makes Ian a target for school bullies (in particular 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s) as children can be cruel. He does have some very loyal friends but it’s the bullying that resulted in him developing self-doubt. The self doubt lead to self abuse in the form of alcohol and gambling. This eventually lead to depression and nervous breakdown.
He coped with everything well and he is extremely lucky to have the support of his partner, family and friends. I’m going to stop here because I feel this review is sounding a bit depressing. I will have to come back later and write a more balanced review.
June 12, 2019
Summary
Lofty: My Life in Short is a memoir by Ian 'Lofty' Fulton about courage and determination.
Lofty is a famous Australian voiceover artist who happens to have achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. You might recognise him as the voiceover artist for MasterChef Australia.
In his memoir, Lofty details the fundamental moments in his life. He recounts his childhood in Tasmania, specifically the troubles with his alcoholic father, and the relentless bullying he faced at school for being different to everyone else. He also talks about the highlights and challenges of his radio career, workplace bullying, a toxic marriage, and his ongoing battles with anxiety and depression.
Lofty also explores the different relationships in his life and how they helped shape who he is today, with the most important relationship being the one he has with himself.
A compelling account of Lofty's courage and determination in difficult times written with a touch of humour.
Review
A powerful memoir about Lofty's vulnerability and growth.
Due to the heavy subject matter, I liked how Lofty broke up the seriousness with touches of humour.
It was eye-opening seeing how different times were back then in terms of acceptance of difference. It was also quite sad seeing the relentless bullying Lofty went through and how it was deemed acceptable. The world has come a long way, but it still has a long way to go.
It took a while for me to read the book as I needed time to process the tough subject matter. I particularly found the anxiety aspect and many of the challenges Lofty faced for being short very relatable. I loved being able to see a bit of myself on the page and the sense of being understood, and I loved reading Lofty's encouragement.
It was interesting learning about how Lofty got a career in radio, the behind the scenes information, and the challenges he faced trying to maintain his dream job in an ever-changing industry.
I admire Lofty's vulnerability and his courage and determination.
I recommend this book for anyone who's 16 years and older. It's an inspirational story for short statured and non-short statured people alike.
Content warning: bullying, gambling, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
Lofty: My Life in Short is a memoir by Ian 'Lofty' Fulton about courage and determination.
Lofty is a famous Australian voiceover artist who happens to have achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. You might recognise him as the voiceover artist for MasterChef Australia.
In his memoir, Lofty details the fundamental moments in his life. He recounts his childhood in Tasmania, specifically the troubles with his alcoholic father, and the relentless bullying he faced at school for being different to everyone else. He also talks about the highlights and challenges of his radio career, workplace bullying, a toxic marriage, and his ongoing battles with anxiety and depression.
Lofty also explores the different relationships in his life and how they helped shape who he is today, with the most important relationship being the one he has with himself.
A compelling account of Lofty's courage and determination in difficult times written with a touch of humour.
Review
A powerful memoir about Lofty's vulnerability and growth.
Due to the heavy subject matter, I liked how Lofty broke up the seriousness with touches of humour.
It was eye-opening seeing how different times were back then in terms of acceptance of difference. It was also quite sad seeing the relentless bullying Lofty went through and how it was deemed acceptable. The world has come a long way, but it still has a long way to go.
It took a while for me to read the book as I needed time to process the tough subject matter. I particularly found the anxiety aspect and many of the challenges Lofty faced for being short very relatable. I loved being able to see a bit of myself on the page and the sense of being understood, and I loved reading Lofty's encouragement.
It was interesting learning about how Lofty got a career in radio, the behind the scenes information, and the challenges he faced trying to maintain his dream job in an ever-changing industry.
I admire Lofty's vulnerability and his courage and determination.
I recommend this book for anyone who's 16 years and older. It's an inspirational story for short statured and non-short statured people alike.
Content warning: bullying, gambling, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
March 29, 2020
I have just finished reading “Lofty - My Life In Short A Memoir” by Ian (Lofty) Fulton and Nicole Partridge.
“Lofty - My Life In Short” is a great read. Ian Fulton’s life story is one that all of Australia needs to read. I believe that many Australians will be able to relate to this book.
Many Australians, myself included, are probably not aware of how familiar Ian Fulton’s voice is. Ian Fulton is known to have one of the best voices in radio and TV. He has built an incredible career in radio and most recently as a voice over artist.
Ian Fulton’s has an incredible story to tell. I story that is packed with so much courage, grit and determination to succeed despite so many obstacles, including the negativity of his own inner voice.
“I chose this title, “Lofty: My Life In Short”, for this book because every short story is a thread woven together in this tapestry that has now become the Lofty Fulton story.
It’s my hope that in sharing some of my experiences, you, the reader, might resonate with the challenges I’ve faced and even find some comfort in these words: you’re not alone. You see, I’d convinced myself that nobody would really understand what I was going through. I was wrong, and when I sought help, that’s when the healing began. Please . . . don’t suffer in silence” - Ian (Lofty) Fulton
www.loftymylifeinshort.com
“Lofty - My Life In Short” is a great read. Ian Fulton’s life story is one that all of Australia needs to read. I believe that many Australians will be able to relate to this book.
Many Australians, myself included, are probably not aware of how familiar Ian Fulton’s voice is. Ian Fulton is known to have one of the best voices in radio and TV. He has built an incredible career in radio and most recently as a voice over artist.
Ian Fulton’s has an incredible story to tell. I story that is packed with so much courage, grit and determination to succeed despite so many obstacles, including the negativity of his own inner voice.
“I chose this title, “Lofty: My Life In Short”, for this book because every short story is a thread woven together in this tapestry that has now become the Lofty Fulton story.
It’s my hope that in sharing some of my experiences, you, the reader, might resonate with the challenges I’ve faced and even find some comfort in these words: you’re not alone. You see, I’d convinced myself that nobody would really understand what I was going through. I was wrong, and when I sought help, that’s when the healing began. Please . . . don’t suffer in silence” - Ian (Lofty) Fulton
www.loftymylifeinshort.com
December 23, 2022
I listened to the audiobook, which is probably cheating! Lofty is a voiceover artist so the liquid chocolate of his voice just rolls you through the 10 hours or so with ease, and holds your attention.
A great story of a hard upbringing and adulthood that included coming to grips with achondroplasia, anxiety, and personal demons. Very forthright and honest book and great that in a tale without sugar coating that deep love and support has come into the third act of Lofty’s life.
A great story of a hard upbringing and adulthood that included coming to grips with achondroplasia, anxiety, and personal demons. Very forthright and honest book and great that in a tale without sugar coating that deep love and support has come into the third act of Lofty’s life.
August 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It is the story of a man who has had to struggle for much of his life against his own physical difficulties, bullies, family dramas and mental demons. But while he might not have been born a big man, he was born with a big voice, a big heart, a mountain of courage and in the end an indomitable spirit and love of life.
January 19, 2020
Best book I've read in in a year. And I don't mean this year so far, I mean the ENTIRE year, I loved it that much. Everyone should read this book!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews