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Tomorrow Will Be a Good Day: My Autobiography
Who is Captain Sir Tom Moore? You've seen him on the television walking the length of his garden. A frail elderly man, doing his bit at a time of crisis. But he wasn't always like this.
From a childhood in the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales, Tom Moore grew up in a loving family, which wasn't without its share of tragedy. It was a time of plenty and of want. When the storm clouds of the Second World War threatened, he raised his hand and, like many of his generation, joined up to fight.
His war would take him from a country he had never left to a place which would steal his heart, India, and the Far East, to which he would return many years later to view the sight he had missed first time around: the distant peak of Everest.
Captain Tom's story is our story. It is the story of our past hundred years here in Britain. It's a time which has seen so much change, yet when so much has stayed the same: the national spirit, the can-do attitude, the belief in doing your best for others.
From a childhood in the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales, Tom Moore grew up in a loving family, which wasn't without its share of tragedy. It was a time of plenty and of want. When the storm clouds of the Second World War threatened, he raised his hand and, like many of his generation, joined up to fight.
His war would take him from a country he had never left to a place which would steal his heart, India, and the Far East, to which he would return many years later to view the sight he had missed first time around: the distant peak of Everest.
Captain Tom's story is our story. It is the story of our past hundred years here in Britain. It's a time which has seen so much change, yet when so much has stayed the same: the national spirit, the can-do attitude, the belief in doing your best for others.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2020
201 people are currently reading
1170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
January 7, 2022
During the darkest days of 2020, a 100-year-old man appeared on my TV pushing his walker. As he recovered from a broken hip, he set out to walk laps of his garden in an attempt to raise money for the NHS. I’ve never received healthcare from the NHS. I didn’t need to in order to be inspired by the remarkable efforts of Captain Tom. He filled me with hope and inspiration during a challenging time. The tears started flowing just 3 pages into this.
Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day is as much a time capsule and snapshot of the 20th century as it is autobiography of a special man. Each chapter starts with a picture of a specific person, or historic event taking place at the same time. It was interesting following Captain Tom’s life alongside various decades and historic changes; right up until the current pandemic.
This book is quintessentially English. Wendy Holden did a fantastic job capturing both Tom’s spirit and voice. It made me feel like I was sitting down with him while he told me about his life over a cup of tea. It took me back to listening intently to my grandparents’ stories – something I miss.
I found unexpected things in common with Captain Tom, such as his deaf father, or sharing a love for Terry’s Chocolate Oranges. I really enjoyed reading about his Yorkshire upbringing. At times the vibe reminded me of Roald Dahl or Enid Blyton. There’s an incredible amount of detail at times, which helped paint a vivid picture of pre-war life. There is perhaps too much mention of mechanics, motorcycles, cars and tanks – but these are some of Tom’s biggest passions, so he can talk about them however much he wants!
I learned a lot from this book – and not just about Tom’s life. I particularly gained a greater understanding of the Burma campaign during WWII. I got chills reading how he was given a cyanide tablet in case he was captured by Japanese. The Britishness was never far away in the war chapters either, such as Tom’s interaction with a commanding officer:
“And I say, you chaps, if you get yourselves killed, I shall be very displeased with you.”
One thing clearly evident in this book is just how fortunate Tom was. While he had ups and downs like everyone else, he also had a large amount of luck – maybe it was due to his late Granny Fanny? When I picked up this book, I didn’t expect to end up reading about Captain Tom’s unconsummated marriage, or how his first wife left him for her psychiatrist!
Thankfully, that optimistic spirit which helped so many during the pandemic is here in abundance too. His ability to look on the bright side of life is endearing and inspiring.
“The secret to tackling any challenge is to treat it just like my walk. Start off with the first step, which might be a bit hard, but then take another one and another until you think, well, I can do more now, and that’s how you keep going. Never give up.”
A good sense of humour seems to be essential to living a good life too (or at least handling the eccentricities and mental health challenges of his wives):
“By gum, I certainly knew how to pick them…”
One of the most touching sections involved Tom’s every day care for his wife Pamela, as she succumbed to dementia. It made me think of my own grandmother, and I felt emotional reading of Tom’s devotion to his wife. His love for his dogs was also particularly touching.
“Dogs become such dear and close companions and the creatures that get you through the darkest of days. I’ve probably cried more over the loss of my pets than I have over people.”
Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day made me want to visit Keighley and various places he mentioned. It gave me renewed hope for the continued pandemic too, despite Tom sadly succumbing to Covid himself:
“When you’ve lived to 100 you come to appreciate that nothing is new. As a race, we’ve gone through these kinds of scares before and lived through them all, and I’ve always believed that we’ll get through this too.”
Captain Tom’s autobiography made me more open to new experiences, wanting to give more to others, give my dog a cuddle, make the most of each day, and look forward to a better tomorrow. Sir Captain Tom Moore enjoyed a life well-lived and reading this has motivated me to live my own best life.
“We all go through bad patches but we do get through them. I couldn’t have got through my life if I didn’t think things would get better, and they did.”
Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day is as much a time capsule and snapshot of the 20th century as it is autobiography of a special man. Each chapter starts with a picture of a specific person, or historic event taking place at the same time. It was interesting following Captain Tom’s life alongside various decades and historic changes; right up until the current pandemic.
This book is quintessentially English. Wendy Holden did a fantastic job capturing both Tom’s spirit and voice. It made me feel like I was sitting down with him while he told me about his life over a cup of tea. It took me back to listening intently to my grandparents’ stories – something I miss.
I found unexpected things in common with Captain Tom, such as his deaf father, or sharing a love for Terry’s Chocolate Oranges. I really enjoyed reading about his Yorkshire upbringing. At times the vibe reminded me of Roald Dahl or Enid Blyton. There’s an incredible amount of detail at times, which helped paint a vivid picture of pre-war life. There is perhaps too much mention of mechanics, motorcycles, cars and tanks – but these are some of Tom’s biggest passions, so he can talk about them however much he wants!
I learned a lot from this book – and not just about Tom’s life. I particularly gained a greater understanding of the Burma campaign during WWII. I got chills reading how he was given a cyanide tablet in case he was captured by Japanese. The Britishness was never far away in the war chapters either, such as Tom’s interaction with a commanding officer:
“And I say, you chaps, if you get yourselves killed, I shall be very displeased with you.”
One thing clearly evident in this book is just how fortunate Tom was. While he had ups and downs like everyone else, he also had a large amount of luck – maybe it was due to his late Granny Fanny? When I picked up this book, I didn’t expect to end up reading about Captain Tom’s unconsummated marriage, or how his first wife left him for her psychiatrist!
Thankfully, that optimistic spirit which helped so many during the pandemic is here in abundance too. His ability to look on the bright side of life is endearing and inspiring.
“The secret to tackling any challenge is to treat it just like my walk. Start off with the first step, which might be a bit hard, but then take another one and another until you think, well, I can do more now, and that’s how you keep going. Never give up.”
A good sense of humour seems to be essential to living a good life too (or at least handling the eccentricities and mental health challenges of his wives):
“By gum, I certainly knew how to pick them…”
One of the most touching sections involved Tom’s every day care for his wife Pamela, as she succumbed to dementia. It made me think of my own grandmother, and I felt emotional reading of Tom’s devotion to his wife. His love for his dogs was also particularly touching.
“Dogs become such dear and close companions and the creatures that get you through the darkest of days. I’ve probably cried more over the loss of my pets than I have over people.”
Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day made me want to visit Keighley and various places he mentioned. It gave me renewed hope for the continued pandemic too, despite Tom sadly succumbing to Covid himself:
“When you’ve lived to 100 you come to appreciate that nothing is new. As a race, we’ve gone through these kinds of scares before and lived through them all, and I’ve always believed that we’ll get through this too.”
Captain Tom’s autobiography made me more open to new experiences, wanting to give more to others, give my dog a cuddle, make the most of each day, and look forward to a better tomorrow. Sir Captain Tom Moore enjoyed a life well-lived and reading this has motivated me to live my own best life.
“We all go through bad patches but we do get through them. I couldn’t have got through my life if I didn’t think things would get better, and they did.”
September 22, 2020
The extraordinary, heartwarming autobiography of Captain Tom Moore, the man who captured the nation's heart in lockdown. Captain Tom Moore is an inspiration. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in early April, this 99-year-old Second World War veteran came up with a big idea: he'd walk laps of his garden to raise money for the NHS. Despite using a walking frame as well as having had recent treatment for cancer and a broken hip, he was determined to hit £1,000 by his 100th birthday on 30th April. By the time the telegram from the queen arrived, he'd raised more than 30 million pounds. In this, his official autobiography, published in support of the creation of the Captain Tom Foundation, he tells us of his long and dramatic life. How his spirit was forged on the battlefields of Burma where victory was snatched from the jaws of defeat. How he fearlessly raced motorbikes competitively. How, in his 90s, he took off for the Himalayas and Everest, simply because he'd never been. And, finally, how this old soldier came to do his bit for the NHS, becoming the nation's hero in our darkest hour.
A modest, decent, charming man with a can-do attitude and a twinkle in his eye, Captain Tom's story is that of a man whose insatiable curiosity and appetite for life have led him around so many unexpected corners - finding both adventure and joy.
He only wanted to help other people - and yet he has inspired a nation to believe anything is possible by reminding us all it is never, ever too late. If you think you know Captain Tom, then think again. There is so much more to this incredible hero than initially meets the eye. This is an inspirational, heart-warming and well written autobiography which tells us so much more about his life than the column inches and media appearances have done. I read it in awe of his bravery in World War II and his fascinating life since then. Not only is this an emotional read but because Captain Tom still has all his faculties we are treated to some of his cheeky quips within these pages which had me frequently laughing. A superb read and one I highly recommend.
A modest, decent, charming man with a can-do attitude and a twinkle in his eye, Captain Tom's story is that of a man whose insatiable curiosity and appetite for life have led him around so many unexpected corners - finding both adventure and joy.
He only wanted to help other people - and yet he has inspired a nation to believe anything is possible by reminding us all it is never, ever too late. If you think you know Captain Tom, then think again. There is so much more to this incredible hero than initially meets the eye. This is an inspirational, heart-warming and well written autobiography which tells us so much more about his life than the column inches and media appearances have done. I read it in awe of his bravery in World War II and his fascinating life since then. Not only is this an emotional read but because Captain Tom still has all his faculties we are treated to some of his cheeky quips within these pages which had me frequently laughing. A superb read and one I highly recommend.
January 23, 2021
I loved it. What an amazing person and a fantastic read.
September 14, 2021
Captain Tom, a name that I am sure everyone worldwide know his story, well the last year.
But he led a full life, a busy life. This is a door that opens to his life.
The story of his childhood, love of bikes, motorbikes, fast cars, love of his uncles, the tragedies, the love, the family heart breaking health problems.
We see people every day not knowing they remarkable life stories, we all have them.
From fighting in Burma, India, to his very tough marriages to his love of his two daughter.
But the story comes alive when he talks about his determination to get back his fitness after a fall in his kitchen breaking his hip, fracturing his ribs, punctured lungs, skin cancer all at the age of 99 years old.
A worldwide chaos with Covid and a man arriving at his 100th birthday that gave hope to millions of people hope, that tomorrow would be a good day.
News reports and stories that changed the news to a man walking in his garden, becoming a pop star, and raising millions for the NHS.
Heart warming, touching and a story that shows how through a life we all have the NHS to thank after the last two years especially and Covid.
In 2010 NHS saved my last at Jersey Hospital, so I am full of admiration for Captain Tom, sadly now the late Captain Tom who's last year of life must have left him filled with joy and happiness.
The only one thing I ask is does an 100 years old remember so much including the full names of so many friends from 75 years ago?
But he led a full life, a busy life. This is a door that opens to his life.
The story of his childhood, love of bikes, motorbikes, fast cars, love of his uncles, the tragedies, the love, the family heart breaking health problems.
We see people every day not knowing they remarkable life stories, we all have them.
From fighting in Burma, India, to his very tough marriages to his love of his two daughter.
But the story comes alive when he talks about his determination to get back his fitness after a fall in his kitchen breaking his hip, fracturing his ribs, punctured lungs, skin cancer all at the age of 99 years old.
A worldwide chaos with Covid and a man arriving at his 100th birthday that gave hope to millions of people hope, that tomorrow would be a good day.
News reports and stories that changed the news to a man walking in his garden, becoming a pop star, and raising millions for the NHS.
Heart warming, touching and a story that shows how through a life we all have the NHS to thank after the last two years especially and Covid.
In 2010 NHS saved my last at Jersey Hospital, so I am full of admiration for Captain Tom, sadly now the late Captain Tom who's last year of life must have left him filled with joy and happiness.
The only one thing I ask is does an 100 years old remember so much including the full names of so many friends from 75 years ago?
December 11, 2020
An insightful and interesting read. Being honest, I’m not a fan of autobiographies/biographies, simply because anyone and everyone’s lives hold their own tale. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the history of this book. To read about someone who has lived for 100 years and yet still doing so much for his country is inspirational.
I would say that the beginning and the end of the book was where my interest was captured most - this was where personal relationships were expressed in detail and also where there was a stark contrast in British culture from when he was young to when he was older and seeing how much Britain has developed through the past century.
The mechanical parts were of little interest to me; I’m not one for mechanics but I read on for the smaller details in the war and his time as a soldier.
I would also say that the historical timeline of the book linked very well with the historical timeline in watching The Crown, which engaged me further as I could make links to Captain Tom’s life and place it within the time of Britain.
Overall, I would say that there was a sentimental value in reading this as it only brought me back to my own grandfather who, unfortunately, didn’t make 100 but lived a wonderful 92 years.
I would say that the beginning and the end of the book was where my interest was captured most - this was where personal relationships were expressed in detail and also where there was a stark contrast in British culture from when he was young to when he was older and seeing how much Britain has developed through the past century.
The mechanical parts were of little interest to me; I’m not one for mechanics but I read on for the smaller details in the war and his time as a soldier.
I would also say that the historical timeline of the book linked very well with the historical timeline in watching The Crown, which engaged me further as I could make links to Captain Tom’s life and place it within the time of Britain.
Overall, I would say that there was a sentimental value in reading this as it only brought me back to my own grandfather who, unfortunately, didn’t make 100 but lived a wonderful 92 years.
March 7, 2021
enjoyed this autobiography of a man who decided at 99 years old to walk 100 laps before his 100th birthday and raised so much money for the NHS charities but this book you got to know the man behind it all from his origins in Keighley , fighting in ww2 Burma and his life afterwards
January 2, 2021
The wonderful Captain Tom who brought the nation together in the first lockdown when we needed uplifting the most, has lived a wonderful 100 years and it was very interesting and inspiring to read all about his life, his adventures and of course his service in the war. A true hero.
April 19, 2021
I’m not crying you’re crying 😭😭😭😭
December 6, 2020
There's something quite special about starting a book about a man who is 100 years old; a man who has lived through war, advances in technology, loss and even a modern pandemic.
Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day is the story of Covid Hero Tom Moore, starting with his young life in Yorkshire, where he lived with his mum, dad and sister. I found this section of the novel really interesting, learning about his time spent walking on the moors with his dog and learning a lot about motorbikes from his uncle.
We then join Tom in the far east during World War 2. It was fascinating reading about his experiences in World War 2, especially as we often hear about life in the trenches in Europe and the front line, forgetting that the war was also going on in other countries. I did long for a little more human interaction though, and less talk of machinery because sadly, tanks, motorbikes and cars don't really hold interest for me.
The last few chapters are also very strong, talking about his marriages, his family and then of course the phenomenal amount of money he raised for the NHS. He gave a lovely insight not only into how one small comment exploded into a cultural event, but how the money raised was spent.
Thank you to Penguin UK Books and Michael Joseph Books who provide copies for my book Novel Ideas in exchange for a honest review.
Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day is the story of Covid Hero Tom Moore, starting with his young life in Yorkshire, where he lived with his mum, dad and sister. I found this section of the novel really interesting, learning about his time spent walking on the moors with his dog and learning a lot about motorbikes from his uncle.
We then join Tom in the far east during World War 2. It was fascinating reading about his experiences in World War 2, especially as we often hear about life in the trenches in Europe and the front line, forgetting that the war was also going on in other countries. I did long for a little more human interaction though, and less talk of machinery because sadly, tanks, motorbikes and cars don't really hold interest for me.
The last few chapters are also very strong, talking about his marriages, his family and then of course the phenomenal amount of money he raised for the NHS. He gave a lovely insight not only into how one small comment exploded into a cultural event, but how the money raised was spent.
Thank you to Penguin UK Books and Michael Joseph Books who provide copies for my book Novel Ideas in exchange for a honest review.
January 3, 2021
What a wonderful book, about a very special and inspirational man. Great!!!!!!!
December 1, 2020
This was a free copy for an honest review as part of #novelideas book club. This is not a book I would normally pick up, not being a huge fan of autobiographies, but I was pleasantly surprised. This man has led an interesting life over many decades of change. Some parts were a little dull for me such as listing achievements in his career, but I did like the heart and humanity of his relationships and, of course, his passion for the NHS. A truly remarkable gentleman and an inspiration for anyone who says “oh, I’m too old for that.”
December 11, 2020
I received a free publisher copy through my book club, Novel Ideas.
There's no doubt that what Captain Tom has done for the NHS has been remarkable, and it was great to read his story.
It was really interesting to hear more about the war efforts in India, as it's not something you hear a lot about, so I really welcomed reading those parts.
I would have liked to hear a lot more about the people he met and interacted with, but I appreciate after such a long and varied life, he would be pushed for time and space in his book!
There's no doubt that what Captain Tom has done for the NHS has been remarkable, and it was great to read his story.
It was really interesting to hear more about the war efforts in India, as it's not something you hear a lot about, so I really welcomed reading those parts.
I would have liked to hear a lot more about the people he met and interacted with, but I appreciate after such a long and varied life, he would be pushed for time and space in his book!
January 31, 2024
Before Covid 19, very few people had heard of Captain Tom Moore. From 2020 until his passing in 2021 at 100 years of age, Capt Tom became known around the world because, in his words, I decided to go for a short walk. That walk saw him raise the spirits of millions of people, but also over £38,000,000 ($AUD76,000,00) for the NHS in Great Britain.
His story is amazing. (I listened to the audiobook read by Derek Jacobi, which was brilliantly narrated.)
From his birth to a kind, loving family, his time in the Army in WW2, his subsequent marriages, the birth of his two daughters, and then grandchildren make for a charming story. His courage through tribulation is a trait we could all learn from.
A modern-day superhero.
His story is amazing. (I listened to the audiobook read by Derek Jacobi, which was brilliantly narrated.)
From his birth to a kind, loving family, his time in the Army in WW2, his subsequent marriages, the birth of his two daughters, and then grandchildren make for a charming story. His courage through tribulation is a trait we could all learn from.
A modern-day superhero.
February 16, 2021
There is a warm hearted genuine feel to this book, laying a life bare for all others to read, allot of honesty as been put into this novel. Certain parts are more interesting than others, and this will depend on what elements of life interest you. A fine, very readable book, about a man, who in the latters period of his life inspired many people in the UK to get through the dreadful virus pandemic period. Well worth reading, happy i read it. Well written, nice chapter size, very nice book cover, will Tom Moore become a UK Icon, probably in time. He was a symbol of hope in very dark times for the world. ENjoyed reading it.
October 6, 2020
A delightful and well-written book which largely avoids the pomposity of celebrity status. Impressive ghost-writing.
The early historical chapters are particularly engaging, as is the refreshing down-to-earth honesty. My attention was maintained throughout the book. I was interested in the pragmatism of a man who has chosen not one but two wives who clearly were experiencing mental health difficulties, of which he was not aware when the marriages took place. His stalwart loyalty in both cases provides a strong role model.
The account of the finale, a time which many of us know so well, conveys genuine amazement at the nation's incredible response to Captain Tom's simple walk. Having shared his life with him through the book, his success in raising so much money for charities makes sense. It was not achieved by chance.
The final chapter summarises Captain Tom's reflection: 'If I have learnt one thing from all that has happened it's that it's never too late to start something new and to make a difference, especially if it brings life and light to people around the world.'
The companion children's version of the story is equally delightful.
The early historical chapters are particularly engaging, as is the refreshing down-to-earth honesty. My attention was maintained throughout the book. I was interested in the pragmatism of a man who has chosen not one but two wives who clearly were experiencing mental health difficulties, of which he was not aware when the marriages took place. His stalwart loyalty in both cases provides a strong role model.
The account of the finale, a time which many of us know so well, conveys genuine amazement at the nation's incredible response to Captain Tom's simple walk. Having shared his life with him through the book, his success in raising so much money for charities makes sense. It was not achieved by chance.
The final chapter summarises Captain Tom's reflection: 'If I have learnt one thing from all that has happened it's that it's never too late to start something new and to make a difference, especially if it brings life and light to people around the world.'
The companion children's version of the story is equally delightful.
December 5, 2020
An inspirational account of Sir Tom and what a great motto tomorrow will be a good day. Saying that I thoroughly enjoyed the personal aspects of his childhood there was too much on the war and career years and felt a little matter of fact at times. Really enjoyed his inspiration to support the NHS a true gentleman with a good heart.
January 6, 2021
This book is so heartfelt and passionate. I went through a roller coaster of emotions when reading and i loved learning more about the Pandemic hero Captain Sir Tom Moore.
January 19, 2022
How couldn't you love this story from such a humble man. Seen so many incredible changes and developments through his 100 years which is interesting enough aside from the fund raising brought on by Covid.
May 11, 2021
I received this book as a Christmas present and reading it was a surprise. Captain Tom's life was wondrous, tragic, heartbreaking, terrifying, joyful, beautiful; all of these things and more. The WWII sections were described with incredible Hemingwayesque storytelling which left me gripped. You really don't think about how fascinating a person's life can be until you pick up a book like this.
July 18, 2022
Inspirational beyond words
August 8, 2021
It was the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when countries were just beginning to realize the deadly epidemic that was sweeping the world and Great Britain started the restrictive lockdown for public health reasons. Captain Tom Moore, a 99-year-old former British Army officer, was recovering from hip replacement surgery and decided to try going outside as part of his therapy. Having spent his childhood walking the Moors of Yorkshire, he figured walking would do him good. So with the encouragement of his family, he walked to the end of the driveway and after catching his breath, walked back. One lap. For every lap he walked, his family would give him a £. £100 for a 100 laps by his hundredth birthday in the next few weeks.
He was game and figured he could give the money to charity, eventually deciding on the NHS Charities Together which supports the National Health Service, staff, volunteers and patients as thanks for being there when medically needed. His family figured maybe they could get a few friends and neighbors involved as well to add to the total and so it started.
But it went viral and everyone was curious about Tom Moore and this was his tale - from his parents meeting, to his sister and his own childhood, his love of motorcycles and the time trails even his uncle participated in, his time in the British Army as an instructor of armed warfare in Burma and India, his various jobs as a salesman, a manager in the building industries, his two marriages, 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. All told in a folksy, distinctive British style and tone.
The fundraiser started on April 6 with £1 and by the end of the day on Tom's birthday - April 30th, 2020 - donations had topped £32.7 million with another £6 million under the Gift Act. Of course, his birthday was celebrated with flyovers and thousands of cards and honor guard from his old regiment. All from a distance.
Additional accolades were bestowed - he was acknowledged as a 'Point of Light' by Prime Minister Johnson as well as knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. The Captain Tom Foundation was created to continue his good work even to today.
It's a touching tale and provides insight into a man who had no intention of becoming a fundraising icon. He was just looking to strengthen his hip and say thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses on the front line during the pandemic and doing their work every day.
2021-163
He was game and figured he could give the money to charity, eventually deciding on the NHS Charities Together which supports the National Health Service, staff, volunteers and patients as thanks for being there when medically needed. His family figured maybe they could get a few friends and neighbors involved as well to add to the total and so it started.
But it went viral and everyone was curious about Tom Moore and this was his tale - from his parents meeting, to his sister and his own childhood, his love of motorcycles and the time trails even his uncle participated in, his time in the British Army as an instructor of armed warfare in Burma and India, his various jobs as a salesman, a manager in the building industries, his two marriages, 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. All told in a folksy, distinctive British style and tone.
The fundraiser started on April 6 with £1 and by the end of the day on Tom's birthday - April 30th, 2020 - donations had topped £32.7 million with another £6 million under the Gift Act. Of course, his birthday was celebrated with flyovers and thousands of cards and honor guard from his old regiment. All from a distance.
Additional accolades were bestowed - he was acknowledged as a 'Point of Light' by Prime Minister Johnson as well as knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. The Captain Tom Foundation was created to continue his good work even to today.
It's a touching tale and provides insight into a man who had no intention of becoming a fundraising icon. He was just looking to strengthen his hip and say thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses on the front line during the pandemic and doing their work every day.
2021-163
January 6, 2022
Not an easy-to-read book (for me at least).
Captain Tom inspired the nation, and indeed the World,
in 2020, when he suggested he would walk 100 laps of
his drive for £1 per lap in the run-up to his 100th
birthday. After raising a whopping £32.79M for the
NHS, he received messages of support from the NHS,
his favourite celebrities and the Prime Minister,
followed by a knighthood from the Queen!
This book details his life story, from growing up in
Keighley, through his time with the army, and then back
to civilian life, ending with his stories of his fundraising.
While there is no doubt that Captain Tom was an
inspiration and a hero, the book itself was hard-going
at first, and I'm sorry to say that his stories from the
war were the most difficult because of the technical
details, with his mention of all the different regiment
names as well as the different tank and motorbike
models. There were also quite a few spelling/ grammar
mistakes which was off-putting.
I found that it became easier to read once he had
returned to his civilian life however, and enjoyed
reading about his marriages, jobs, and various house
moves.
I did take a break in the reading of this because I was
struggling to get through it, but I am glad I came back
to it. I definitely learnt some historical facts from him,
and overall found his strength and positive attitude
inspirational.
Would recommend.
Captain Tom inspired the nation, and indeed the World,
in 2020, when he suggested he would walk 100 laps of
his drive for £1 per lap in the run-up to his 100th
birthday. After raising a whopping £32.79M for the
NHS, he received messages of support from the NHS,
his favourite celebrities and the Prime Minister,
followed by a knighthood from the Queen!
This book details his life story, from growing up in
Keighley, through his time with the army, and then back
to civilian life, ending with his stories of his fundraising.
While there is no doubt that Captain Tom was an
inspiration and a hero, the book itself was hard-going
at first, and I'm sorry to say that his stories from the
war were the most difficult because of the technical
details, with his mention of all the different regiment
names as well as the different tank and motorbike
models. There were also quite a few spelling/ grammar
mistakes which was off-putting.
I found that it became easier to read once he had
returned to his civilian life however, and enjoyed
reading about his marriages, jobs, and various house
moves.
I did take a break in the reading of this because I was
struggling to get through it, but I am glad I came back
to it. I definitely learnt some historical facts from him,
and overall found his strength and positive attitude
inspirational.
Would recommend.
December 31, 2020
Captain Tom rose to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic when he decided to raise money for the NHS to walk a 100 laps of his garden to celebrate his forthcoming 100th birthday. An amazing man who touched the nation with his grit and determination but also his positive outlook on life despite the pandemic, particularly at this time when things were looking really bleak. This is his story, his life and what an amazing life he has had. In many respects an ordinary man but who faced extraordinary challenges with his positive attitude. I really enjoyed reading his story.
December 11, 2020
What a book! Best autobiography I have ever read. Extremely well written. Very interesting as an account of social history of last 100 years, including one man's experience of WW2, but the ending with the account of his fund-raising was just so incredibly inspirational! Wow! Impossible not to be moved be it.
October 5, 2020
What a lovely man, and what a wonderful life he's had.
Loved this book...it made me laugh and cry.
Loved this book...it made me laugh and cry.
November 13, 2020
A moving, encouraging, brilliant story of an amazing man
March 19, 2021
A very varied book about the war, relationships, mental health, covid and everything in between. Hard to give captain tom anything less than 5 stars
August 1, 2021
Captain Tom is best known for the wonderful campaign to raise funds for the NHS during the COVID pandemic but there is, of course, much more to the man's life than just that. With a warm friendly tone the book tells us about a man born a century ago bringing to life the past as only someone who lived it can. Tom Moore lived through some of the darkest days of the twentieth century serving his country during the second world war. A war hero, a record raising fund raiser but still there’s much more to the man than that. This is a man that lived his life trying to be the best he could be and do the right thing always. It becomes apparent from the very beginning that he is an honest hard working person that wasn’t afraid to grab hold of life and see what it had to offer. Something we should all aspire to do, I think. I read this book over quite a long period, dipping in and out, and each time I came back to learn more it was like returning to an old friend. An inspirational and modest man that gave his country something to be excited about during a difficult time. A highly recommended read even if you know nothing of ‘Captain Tom’ beforehand.
January 9, 2021
The praise goes to the man, not just the book. Captain Tom a man who lived a 100 year tells his life story from 1920 to 2020. A man who has seen a lot and had a very interesting life. He fought in WWII against the Japanese in Burma and has seen the horror of war with his own eyes. He married twice and both of his marriages were weird! both wives had extreme mental issues!
When a man lives 100 years he tends to philosophize about life to make sense of it. And that's what I liked about the book, lots of life lessons. A lot of people marveled about the secret of his health until this late age and when he was once asked: What's the secret? He answered: You need to choose your parents and your grandparents. It was a bit of light-hearted nonsense because you obviously can’t, and yet I did feel I’d been very fortunate with mine. Eventually, I said it was all about grounding in childhood and maybe inheriting good genes. ‘If I knew the secret,’ I added, ‘I could make a lot of money!’
However, one can draw some conclusions about the SECRET that he did not know based on the events he experienced and his style of living. So here is my analysis:
As a young, he did not have the habit of eating a lot or dinking a lot as he mentioned in the book which usually leads to better health. In a non-material sense, he was very caring when it came to his mother and father. His father was almost deaf and Tom was always with him helping him and translating words so his father can understand. He cared for his parents a lot and this possibly one secret. The other was treating people equally regardless of their color or religion; he said about it that this is how I was raised. Another reason is his sense of duty toward society and his community always participating in charities to help others. Also, He spent 60 years of his life organizing a yearly gathering for his regiment in WWII, booking flights and hotels, making sure that he meets with his comrades every year as if they are a family. He only stopped when everybody who fought with him in Burma died and he was the only one left. Also, one big factor is his absolute optimism. There were events in his life that no one can see good in them, but he always took the matter lightly with very bright thinking which made them small matters in his eyes. Finally, perhaps there are some genetically related reasons as well that contributed to his late age.
In my view, these are the reasons for the secret of him having a long life that many people wondered about. If you search in our Islamic culture, a lot of what I mentioned above is declared in many Islamic scripts as reasons for having a prolonged and prosperous life. So no wonder he lived 100 year.
You cannot regret reading the words of a 100-year man, You are defiantly going to learn something. By the way, I bought with the actual book the audiobook from the audible app so I can read and listen and the narrator was extremely good. So, if you are into audiobooks I highly recommend listening to the book
When a man lives 100 years he tends to philosophize about life to make sense of it. And that's what I liked about the book, lots of life lessons. A lot of people marveled about the secret of his health until this late age and when he was once asked: What's the secret? He answered: You need to choose your parents and your grandparents. It was a bit of light-hearted nonsense because you obviously can’t, and yet I did feel I’d been very fortunate with mine. Eventually, I said it was all about grounding in childhood and maybe inheriting good genes. ‘If I knew the secret,’ I added, ‘I could make a lot of money!’
However, one can draw some conclusions about the SECRET that he did not know based on the events he experienced and his style of living. So here is my analysis:
As a young, he did not have the habit of eating a lot or dinking a lot as he mentioned in the book which usually leads to better health. In a non-material sense, he was very caring when it came to his mother and father. His father was almost deaf and Tom was always with him helping him and translating words so his father can understand. He cared for his parents a lot and this possibly one secret. The other was treating people equally regardless of their color or religion; he said about it that this is how I was raised. Another reason is his sense of duty toward society and his community always participating in charities to help others. Also, He spent 60 years of his life organizing a yearly gathering for his regiment in WWII, booking flights and hotels, making sure that he meets with his comrades every year as if they are a family. He only stopped when everybody who fought with him in Burma died and he was the only one left. Also, one big factor is his absolute optimism. There were events in his life that no one can see good in them, but he always took the matter lightly with very bright thinking which made them small matters in his eyes. Finally, perhaps there are some genetically related reasons as well that contributed to his late age.
In my view, these are the reasons for the secret of him having a long life that many people wondered about. If you search in our Islamic culture, a lot of what I mentioned above is declared in many Islamic scripts as reasons for having a prolonged and prosperous life. So no wonder he lived 100 year.
You cannot regret reading the words of a 100-year man, You are defiantly going to learn something. By the way, I bought with the actual book the audiobook from the audible app so I can read and listen and the narrator was extremely good. So, if you are into audiobooks I highly recommend listening to the book
March 15, 2021
A beautiful book by a wonderful man - Sir Tom Moore continues to inspire throughout his autobiography. It is still really funny, and perhaps more poignant due to his death this year, but I just loved this book. Heartfelt and wonderfully written, I couldn't recommend it more. Derek Jacobi is perfect as the narrator for this book and I am excited to pick it back up again - one of my yearly reads.
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