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Utterly Brilliant!: My Life's Journey
'A vivid, beautifully written and often moving book, skilfully dovetailing memoir, history, art and a cycling pilgrimage across Europe into a unique and uplifting whole. If you think you know who Timmy Mallett is, you're in for a rewarding surprise!' Proffesor Brain Cox
'A must read. This is a journey brimming with love and laughter that's also deeply moving. Timmy's glass isn't just half full, it's positively overflowing!' Lorraine Kelly
Timmy Mallett, host of Wacaday' has cheered millions of lives with his fantastic specs, vivacious personality and 'Utterly brilliant!' catchphrase.
In 2018 he certainly needed every bit of his natural exuberance: to honour his brother Martin, he cycled the El Camino de Santiago just as the 'Beast from the East' hit northern Europe.
Utterly Brilliant!: My Life's Journey is a moving autobiography of courage and determination in the face of heartache. With humour and honesty Timmy tells of his pilgrimage along a route travelled by so many over the centuries, weaving together history and personal stories in a hugely entertaining manner.
This is an autobiography that will be loved by Timmy's fans and enjoyed by those interested in discovering the human face behind a celebrity name, and those considering going on pilgrimage themselves. Full of heart and Timmy's characteristic charm, Utterly Brilliant will leave you uplifted and poignantly aware of how important it is to live every moment of every day.
'A must read. This is a journey brimming with love and laughter that's also deeply moving. Timmy's glass isn't just half full, it's positively overflowing!' Lorraine Kelly
Timmy Mallett, host of Wacaday' has cheered millions of lives with his fantastic specs, vivacious personality and 'Utterly brilliant!' catchphrase.
In 2018 he certainly needed every bit of his natural exuberance: to honour his brother Martin, he cycled the El Camino de Santiago just as the 'Beast from the East' hit northern Europe.
Utterly Brilliant!: My Life's Journey is a moving autobiography of courage and determination in the face of heartache. With humour and honesty Timmy tells of his pilgrimage along a route travelled by so many over the centuries, weaving together history and personal stories in a hugely entertaining manner.
This is an autobiography that will be loved by Timmy's fans and enjoyed by those interested in discovering the human face behind a celebrity name, and those considering going on pilgrimage themselves. Full of heart and Timmy's characteristic charm, Utterly Brilliant will leave you uplifted and poignantly aware of how important it is to live every moment of every day.
336 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2021
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49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 18, 2022
Bonkers like you'd expect, a bit all over the place!
A very interesting life, and journey.
A very interesting life, and journey.
November 20, 2020
This was such an uplifting, positive and life-enhancing read - totally unexpected but a real delight.
As with so many other 80s kids, I grew up with Timmy Mallett on the telly, watching his madcap antics on Wacaday and wishing I could go on the show and compete in the crazy Mallett's Mallet word association game. When I recently learned that he'd written an autobiography, I thought it might be fun to see if there was an Audible version available narrated by the man himself - and I was not disappointed. I was prepared for a manic, hyperactive chronology of his life, and that would have been plenty of fun if it had been simply that; what I was wholly unprepared for was the touching, poignant celebration of life that the book is really about.
After his brother, Martin, passed away in 2018, Timmy decided to cycle the Camino de Santiago ("Way of St. James") all the way from his home in England, down to Spain and back again. This epic journey was not something done for TV or to make any big showbiz song and dance about; it was a private journey of self-reflection, a personal challenge Timmy took on in order to "reach my potential", a mantra he repeats throughout the book. It is this life-affirming concept that underpins the entire book, which skilfully weaves stories from his own life into the narrative of his pilgrimage. There are historic tales, family anecdotes, charming encounters and a series of amazing adventures that bring out the good, the positive and the bright side of life. At all times, no matter what befalls him, Timmy promotes a spirit of optimism and good humour. He never lets anything get him down for long, and you can't help but be swept along by his breezy, good-natured badinage. That is not to say the book is without its sorrows: Timmy's personal tragedies, including the passing of his brother, are genuinely sad and your heart cannot help but go out to him. Yet, in the midst of those sorrows, Timmy always finds a reason to smile, and it is that glass-half-full nature that cannot fail to win you over - and make you wish you could be "more Timmy" yourself.
This heady mix of life stories, historical tangents, travelogues and trivia is very special. I was captivated by it and I cannot recommend it enough, especially if you're feeling a bit down and out of sorts. As a book it is quite marvellous, but with Timmy as the narrator? Well, it's utterly brilliant.
As with so many other 80s kids, I grew up with Timmy Mallett on the telly, watching his madcap antics on Wacaday and wishing I could go on the show and compete in the crazy Mallett's Mallet word association game. When I recently learned that he'd written an autobiography, I thought it might be fun to see if there was an Audible version available narrated by the man himself - and I was not disappointed. I was prepared for a manic, hyperactive chronology of his life, and that would have been plenty of fun if it had been simply that; what I was wholly unprepared for was the touching, poignant celebration of life that the book is really about.
After his brother, Martin, passed away in 2018, Timmy decided to cycle the Camino de Santiago ("Way of St. James") all the way from his home in England, down to Spain and back again. This epic journey was not something done for TV or to make any big showbiz song and dance about; it was a private journey of self-reflection, a personal challenge Timmy took on in order to "reach my potential", a mantra he repeats throughout the book. It is this life-affirming concept that underpins the entire book, which skilfully weaves stories from his own life into the narrative of his pilgrimage. There are historic tales, family anecdotes, charming encounters and a series of amazing adventures that bring out the good, the positive and the bright side of life. At all times, no matter what befalls him, Timmy promotes a spirit of optimism and good humour. He never lets anything get him down for long, and you can't help but be swept along by his breezy, good-natured badinage. That is not to say the book is without its sorrows: Timmy's personal tragedies, including the passing of his brother, are genuinely sad and your heart cannot help but go out to him. Yet, in the midst of those sorrows, Timmy always finds a reason to smile, and it is that glass-half-full nature that cannot fail to win you over - and make you wish you could be "more Timmy" yourself.
This heady mix of life stories, historical tangents, travelogues and trivia is very special. I was captivated by it and I cannot recommend it enough, especially if you're feeling a bit down and out of sorts. As a book it is quite marvellous, but with Timmy as the narrator? Well, it's utterly brilliant.
June 22, 2021
Utterly Brilliant My Life’s Journey by Timmy Mallett is an utterly brilliant book about Timmy Mallett’s pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago in memory of his brother Martin.
This book is a powerful read as we learn not only about the sights along the way but also life lessons. The Camino de Santiago is a physical, cultural, historical and spiritual journey undertaken by many pilgrims each year, with some making repeat journeys.
Timmy Mallett makes his journey by e-bike, leaving markers in tribute to his brother Martin along the way. Using the map at the front of the book and the app Three Little Words, the markers are available for all to find.
Martin was born with Down’s Syndrome and not expected to make it far into adulthood. He actually made it the sixty four years and seven months. Timmy Mallett speaks fondly of his brother who loved life and lived loved. “Martin… had love in abundance… We sometimes wondered if that extra chromosome… is an extra chromosome of love.”
Each journey starts with the first step. As we journey through life, we need to pause and enjoy it along the way. “Seize every moment… because life only comes round once.” Take breaks. Look around. It is people who matter most. “Every day counts; every day you can make a difference.” Noticing others may be a small thing to you but it makes a big difference to them.
Along the Camino de Santiago Timmy Mallett met many different people as their journeys intersected for a moment in time.
We hear some of the back stories to Timmy’s life. I remember him from Wacaday and Timmy’s Mallett in my children’s childhood. And who can forget the classic hit, Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini?
Timmy Mallett comes across as a thoroughly nice, fun-loving guy with a huge capacity to love. What I did not know is that he is also an incredibly talented artist who painted his journey too. There are photos of his paintings included in the book. He has also illustrated the book with pen and ink drawings.
I thoroughly enjoyed Utterly Brilliant and can highly recommend it to all ages.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“For faith to work, we just need to believe.”
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
This book is a powerful read as we learn not only about the sights along the way but also life lessons. The Camino de Santiago is a physical, cultural, historical and spiritual journey undertaken by many pilgrims each year, with some making repeat journeys.
Timmy Mallett makes his journey by e-bike, leaving markers in tribute to his brother Martin along the way. Using the map at the front of the book and the app Three Little Words, the markers are available for all to find.
Martin was born with Down’s Syndrome and not expected to make it far into adulthood. He actually made it the sixty four years and seven months. Timmy Mallett speaks fondly of his brother who loved life and lived loved. “Martin… had love in abundance… We sometimes wondered if that extra chromosome… is an extra chromosome of love.”
Each journey starts with the first step. As we journey through life, we need to pause and enjoy it along the way. “Seize every moment… because life only comes round once.” Take breaks. Look around. It is people who matter most. “Every day counts; every day you can make a difference.” Noticing others may be a small thing to you but it makes a big difference to them.
Along the Camino de Santiago Timmy Mallett met many different people as their journeys intersected for a moment in time.
We hear some of the back stories to Timmy’s life. I remember him from Wacaday and Timmy’s Mallett in my children’s childhood. And who can forget the classic hit, Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini?
Timmy Mallett comes across as a thoroughly nice, fun-loving guy with a huge capacity to love. What I did not know is that he is also an incredibly talented artist who painted his journey too. There are photos of his paintings included in the book. He has also illustrated the book with pen and ink drawings.
I thoroughly enjoyed Utterly Brilliant and can highly recommend it to all ages.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“For faith to work, we just need to believe.”
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2022
What can I say apart from the title says it all? I am off an age where Timmy was regularly on TV when I was a kid. I remember Mallet's Mallet and Wacaday and to be honest I am beginning nostalgic of those times.
I hadn't realised just how long a career Timmy has had though and all the other things he has done. This biography is written in a very unique style covering both his pilgrimage ride and lots of information about his career and family. It is a great blend and works really well. It is amazing to find out just who he had had the pleasure of working with over the years. TV in the 80's really was golden, they wouldn't pay for all the travel now that Timmy enjoyed back then. The start in local radio was a revelation and although it must have been a lot of hard work it does show how it can open doors (the book also mentions Chris Evans a fair bit as they had the same start).
The main part of the book is all about Timmy's brother Martin and the love and respect Timmy clearly had for him. The main mantra all the way through "reach your potential" really is valid for everybody but especially for Martin.
In short this is a must read book, especially if like me you have had the privilege of seeing Timmy on the telly! Life affirming and heart warming, this book really delivers.
Thank you Timmy.
I hadn't realised just how long a career Timmy has had though and all the other things he has done. This biography is written in a very unique style covering both his pilgrimage ride and lots of information about his career and family. It is a great blend and works really well. It is amazing to find out just who he had had the pleasure of working with over the years. TV in the 80's really was golden, they wouldn't pay for all the travel now that Timmy enjoyed back then. The start in local radio was a revelation and although it must have been a lot of hard work it does show how it can open doors (the book also mentions Chris Evans a fair bit as they had the same start).
The main part of the book is all about Timmy's brother Martin and the love and respect Timmy clearly had for him. The main mantra all the way through "reach your potential" really is valid for everybody but especially for Martin.
In short this is a must read book, especially if like me you have had the privilege of seeing Timmy on the telly! Life affirming and heart warming, this book really delivers.
Thank you Timmy.
May 16, 2020
What a joy this book is in these uncertain times. Timmy tells the inspiring tale of his Camino in his unmistakable own words.
The book is a wonderful combination of Camino diary, memoir and history. Some of the gear changes may be a little clunky, and some of the name drops a little tenuous - but anyone that remembers Timmy’s radio and TV programmes would expect nothing less!!
I had to 5* it - not only for the delightful story - but for the warmth that came through every page, and the inspiring love between brothers.
I was lucky enough to be given a “Martin Mallett nametag.” I’m looking forward to being on a special enough journey to hide it somewhere myself.
This review is 100% true...I made it up myself.
The book is a wonderful combination of Camino diary, memoir and history. Some of the gear changes may be a little clunky, and some of the name drops a little tenuous - but anyone that remembers Timmy’s radio and TV programmes would expect nothing less!!
I had to 5* it - not only for the delightful story - but for the warmth that came through every page, and the inspiring love between brothers.
I was lucky enough to be given a “Martin Mallett nametag.” I’m looking forward to being on a special enough journey to hide it somewhere myself.
This review is 100% true...I made it up myself.
May 9, 2020
Simply utterly brilliant
A well worth read of the legendary Timmy Mallet on his pilgrimage bike trip from southern England to Northern Spain in honour of his passing of his Brother. The book is a mixture of his trip, his life story, and his days as a children's presenters on the tv show Wac a Day.
I throughly enjoy reading it and I hope and pray that he gets his bike back soon, which was sadly stolen after he completed his cycling trip.
Thanks and may your continued to be a massive bestseller. Thanks. Sean
A well worth read of the legendary Timmy Mallet on his pilgrimage bike trip from southern England to Northern Spain in honour of his passing of his Brother. The book is a mixture of his trip, his life story, and his days as a children's presenters on the tv show Wac a Day.
I throughly enjoy reading it and I hope and pray that he gets his bike back soon, which was sadly stolen after he completed his cycling trip.
Thanks and may your continued to be a massive bestseller. Thanks. Sean
August 18, 2024
I was a "Wideawaker" and have fond memories of watching Mallett's Mallet. Although as a child it never occurred to me that Mallet is his real surname or that he was from Stockport. So I had to read this. Part memoir to learn more about him and that he has a brother with Downs Syndrome. Also the story is his experience cycling with an e-bike on a pilgrimage through France and Spain. Interesting to know pilgrimages like this are so popular these days. Timmy feeling inspired by his brother to reach his own full potential was a theme.
December 28, 2022
I will admit that I had previously thought Mr. Mallett to be an irritant of epic proportions. I hang my head in shame. The story of his bike ride on the pilgrim trail to Santiago de Compostela in memory of his late brother is heart warming, funny and uplifting. What a lovely, positive read. Timmy painted his journey all the way and there are lots of gorgeous colour pictures. An utterly brilliant read.
May 8, 2020
I love this book and reading at a time of Covid-19, it transported me along the Camino with Timmy Mallet. The fantastic colourful narrative of his personal journey and the illustrations which accompany meant that I was accompanying him along the route. It was made more real as the journey was undertaken at the same time of year. I hope to one day complete my own pilgrimage.
June 5, 2021
I absolutely loved Timmy Mallett as a kid I even had my photo appear on Wacaday one time, so I couldn’t wait to read this. It was such a wonderful uplifting book, part travel story, part memoir, all heart!
January 25, 2022
I way a fan of Timmy Mallet and his morning show in tne 90s. This is a lovely book about his cycle from his home in the UK to Santiago di Compostelo in honour of his brother Martin. It's a travelogue with lots of personal and career history. l enjoyed the book and would recommend.
October 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, so much so I read it in a little over 36 hours it seems. Yes it goes off on tangents, yes it's a little bit random at times, but I don't think you'd expect anything else from Timmy Mallet. A worthy read. Hopefully a book about his UK cycle will follow.
February 12, 2020
Inspirational and very moving
March 12, 2020
"Utterly brilliant" - yes, it is!
I plan to walk the Camino de Santiago after Easter, I've now decided on a detour and an extra 50 miles after reading this. Thank-you.
I plan to walk the Camino de Santiago after Easter, I've now decided on a detour and an extra 50 miles after reading this. Thank-you.
January 4, 2021
A beautifully , poignant description of cycling "pilgrimage" on the Camino to Santiago de Compostela
Part travelogue, part autobiography
Delightful
Part travelogue, part autobiography
Delightful
November 22, 2021
What a great book, I really enjoyed reading this.
July 28, 2022
Wactastic
Wow! What a wonderful book/story - inspirational, entertaining and informative. Beautiful written and a joy to read. Reach your potential.
Wow! What a wonderful book/story - inspirational, entertaining and informative. Beautiful written and a joy to read. Reach your potential.
March 3, 2024
I quite enjoyed it.
It won't win any awards or go down in history as one of the greatest books of our generation, but I found it uplifting, entertaining, and generally a pleasure to read.
It won't win any awards or go down in history as one of the greatest books of our generation, but I found it uplifting, entertaining, and generally a pleasure to read.
November 7, 2024
A lovely story, well written. Felt like you were down the pub having a chat. Absolutely love Martin, sounds like an amazing chap and helps you get a different perspective on life. Highly recommended.
October 20, 2025
Well written. An interesting character twisting a great journey around a lifetimes experiences.
March 4, 2024
Perfect book to reminisce on tv I grew up with Timmy on. Wack a day being my favourite.
But the passion of the Camino trip in tribute to Tommy’s brother is awe inspiring. Thanks Timmy for sharing… truly amazing story
But the passion of the Camino trip in tribute to Tommy’s brother is awe inspiring. Thanks Timmy for sharing… truly amazing story
January 27, 2023
After following Timmy's recent cycling odyssey around the British coast, I was keen to read about his previous trip cycling the Camino de Santiago, and learn more about someone I've been a fan of since the days of Wacaday. What struck me most about this book was Mallett's relentlessly positive outlook on life. He sees the good in absolutely everything and everyone - from taciturn tourists and youths hurling abuse at him, to the wind and rain that blights sections of his journey. I'll be honest that I found this constant cheer a little grating at first (I wanted to know how Timmy really feels!), but the more I read, the more I came to the conclusion that it is absolutely genuine. Mallett's wacky specs must be permanently rose-tinted! However, the result is a warm, uplifting and poignant biographical travelogue.
February 4, 2023
Timmy Mallett cycling across Europe on a pilgrimage to the Camino de Santiago in memory of his recently passed brother, Martin. Doesn’t immediately sound like a fun and uplifting read but it really is. This is part memoir and part travel book with very little religion except that which quietly pushes Mallett onwards. He successfully weaves in stories of Brother Martin, his early day on the radio and Mallet’s Malleting Margaret Thatcher. Lots of celeb friends appear in these stories as well as new less prominent friends he makes along the way. As a confirmed wide-awaker and lifelong Mallet fan (he lives not far from my granny) I found this utterly utterly utterly utterly brilliant and recommend it to all the Wackaday kids and parents. If you, like me, love a Christmas autobiography- grab this one and say “Blergh!”
March 21, 2023
Bought for me as a bit of a joke It's a long story). However it was really interesting to read something behind the jokey exterior of this man, who has a surprising spirituality & a deep love for a sibling with additional needs.
October 22, 2023
Fun! I will listen to this again.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews