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Killing Time: Short Stories from the Long Road Home
From the rock legend turned master storyteller, this collection of non-fiction short stories is vintage Jimmy. Stories of adventure, misadventure, love and loss from the #1 bestselling author of the critically acclaimed memoirs Working Class Boy and Working Class Man.
Outrageous, witty, warm and wise, Killing Time shares more than 40 yarns from an epic life - a dazzling collection of tall tales, out-takes and B-sides from one of Australia's finest storytellers.
Outrageous, witty, warm and wise, Killing Time shares more than 40 yarns from an epic life - a dazzling collection of tall tales, out-takes and B-sides from one of Australia's finest storytellers.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2020
72 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 19, 2021
Killing Time by Jimmy Barnes was a lot more fun than I expected. Sure, I’ve always enjoyed his music, particularly when he was front man for Cold Chisel. But this is the first book I’ve listened to by him and it was really enjoyable. It was always interesting, often funny, sometimes confronting and even sad.
For those of my GR friends who don’t know Jimmy Barnes, he’s one of Australia’s greatest rock/soul singers. The band that took him (or he took) to prominence was Cold Chisel, they were big when I was a young bloke finding my way around this thing called ‘the world’.
For those of you who haven’t seen them or him, these are two of my favourite Cold Chisel songs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inKlN...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUGlW...
Sorry for that little piece of self-indulgence. But I reckon he is magic, particularly after listening to this excellent audiobook, which is essentially a collection of short essays of moments in his life – pieces like this certainly give you a greater understanding of the man. My favourite story was the heart-breaking and heart-warming story of his two Schnauzer Dogs (the boys), this was a real insight into Jimmy – who is, essentially a big softy. Not sure if I would call him that standing next to him though.
If you like Jimmy, or “The Chisel” – go for it. I borrowed this from my local library and will be looking out now for his autobiography. Boy he had a rough childhood, and he hit the drugs and grog plenty in his younger days. Barnes was raised in working class Elizabeth in South Australia, a place I am very, very familiar with, as I was raised in a nearby working-class suburb called Para Hills. We used to play football and hang out in Elizabeth often – so for me there was a lot to identify with in this offering.
I just can’t sing like him – damn!!!!
4 Stars
For those of my GR friends who don’t know Jimmy Barnes, he’s one of Australia’s greatest rock/soul singers. The band that took him (or he took) to prominence was Cold Chisel, they were big when I was a young bloke finding my way around this thing called ‘the world’.
For those of you who haven’t seen them or him, these are two of my favourite Cold Chisel songs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inKlN...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUGlW...
Sorry for that little piece of self-indulgence. But I reckon he is magic, particularly after listening to this excellent audiobook, which is essentially a collection of short essays of moments in his life – pieces like this certainly give you a greater understanding of the man. My favourite story was the heart-breaking and heart-warming story of his two Schnauzer Dogs (the boys), this was a real insight into Jimmy – who is, essentially a big softy. Not sure if I would call him that standing next to him though.
If you like Jimmy, or “The Chisel” – go for it. I borrowed this from my local library and will be looking out now for his autobiography. Boy he had a rough childhood, and he hit the drugs and grog plenty in his younger days. Barnes was raised in working class Elizabeth in South Australia, a place I am very, very familiar with, as I was raised in a nearby working-class suburb called Para Hills. We used to play football and hang out in Elizabeth often – so for me there was a lot to identify with in this offering.
I just can’t sing like him – damn!!!!
4 Stars
October 18, 2020
One of the best books I have read in a long time. Be warned the Chapter where Jimmy tells of having to put is beautiful furbabies to sleep is so difficult and heartbreaking to read. Reduced me to a blubbering mess and took numerous attempts to finish that short story.
October 12, 2020
Killing Time - Jimmy Barnes
👩❤️👨👨👩👧👦🧳🐶🐶🥢⛷🎫✈️🚞
Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy. What can I say? 3 books & every single one you’ve smashed it out of the park.
Killing Time is short stories from the long road home, & it’s so nice to see Jimmy content with his family & learning to live with his demons.
I laughed, I cried & I smiled through many stories from all throughout Jimmy’s life.
👩❤️👨👨👩👧👦🧳🐶🐶🥢⛷🎫✈️🚞
Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy. What can I say? 3 books & every single one you’ve smashed it out of the park.
Killing Time is short stories from the long road home, & it’s so nice to see Jimmy content with his family & learning to live with his demons.
I laughed, I cried & I smiled through many stories from all throughout Jimmy’s life.
September 22, 2021
As I've said before, I'm not a fan of Jimmy Barnes or Cold Chisel's music, but I'm so glad I made the effort to read/listen to his books.
This recent book, Killing Time, a collection of short stories taken from his life, is exceptional reading. He takes you through so many emotions, including him crying while telling the story of his two beloved dogs, Snoop Dog and Oliver Twist.
These stories will stay with anyone long after finishing the book.
This recent book, Killing Time, a collection of short stories taken from his life, is exceptional reading. He takes you through so many emotions, including him crying while telling the story of his two beloved dogs, Snoop Dog and Oliver Twist.
These stories will stay with anyone long after finishing the book.
January 1, 2021
Very enjoyable series of vignettes about Jimmy's life, work, family and pets. Some very funny and some very poignant parts.
October 26, 2020
I found this a bit hit and miss.
I really liked Working Class Boy and Working Class Man but Killing Time doesn't quite grab you in the same way - I think it could have done with some tighter editing.
I ended up crying as I read the chapter about Snoop and Oliver and when I read the chapter about his daughter's cabaret show I could almost see his heartbeat through the pages.
I've seen Jimmy Barnes quoted a few times as saying people have called him Australia's Bruce Springsteen and he says it again in this book and it is really irritating.
He is Jimmy Barnes! He's an Australian icon and I really wish someone would point that out to him and make him realise he doesn't need to be compared to anyone else.
I really liked Working Class Boy and Working Class Man but Killing Time doesn't quite grab you in the same way - I think it could have done with some tighter editing.
I ended up crying as I read the chapter about Snoop and Oliver and when I read the chapter about his daughter's cabaret show I could almost see his heartbeat through the pages.
I've seen Jimmy Barnes quoted a few times as saying people have called him Australia's Bruce Springsteen and he says it again in this book and it is really irritating.
He is Jimmy Barnes! He's an Australian icon and I really wish someone would point that out to him and make him realise he doesn't need to be compared to anyone else.
October 18, 2020
Killing Time made me awe made me laugh it shocked me for various parts of this book but this could definitely be my book of the year. I loved it & Mr Jimmy Barnes has smashed the book community for the 3rd time 😊
10/10
10/10
November 24, 2020
I consumed too much Jimmy in the lead up to reading this one. So already knew a lot of detail of many of the early stories from his podcast, interviews, etc which detracted from my enjoyment of reading them. But overall this is a great read with his schnauzer story worth the price of admission alone. Also loved his story of Elly May’s cabaret show and the final story of travelling through the time of Covid.
November 18, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent listening to Jimmy weave his yarns of moments throughout his life in this audiobook. It's been a while since I finished listening to it and I haven't found anything else to listen to that has been so engrossing.
I could listen to Jimmy talk all day. Entertaining and enjoyable. Like time spent with a good friend.
I could listen to Jimmy talk all day. Entertaining and enjoyable. Like time spent with a good friend.
March 5, 2022
Listened to on BorrowBox.
This was not for me.
I don’t know how it made it to the Dymocks 101. Clearly Jimmy fanatics just wanted to hear more stories.
They were so random, stories about swans and skiing and holidays to Thailand and Japan.
The story about having his dogs put down was really sad.
This was not for me.
I don’t know how it made it to the Dymocks 101. Clearly Jimmy fanatics just wanted to hear more stories.
They were so random, stories about swans and skiing and holidays to Thailand and Japan.
The story about having his dogs put down was really sad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2020
This is a wonderful end to the trilogy, of as Barnsey says ‘third time lucky’ book.
Reading the first two books, I found them to be like a purge, a cleansing of his soul and trying to come to terms with his demons.
Killing Time is much lighter, full of good memories & some sad, events that resonate with his life. A coming together and a peace being found in his life.
I loved the rawness, he doesn’t hide his behaviour, he doesn’t shy away from it, he owns it.
The underlying message in this book is, home is where the heart is. For all his travels & turbulent times explored in not just this book but all 3 books, Killing Time finds the peace in his life. His true north, the road home to steal from the book title.
I enjoyed this book, I felt like I was reading about the man off stage, the father, the husband, the Da .. a snap shot of life not on stage, not the persona, the real Jimmy Barnes.
Reading the first two books, I found them to be like a purge, a cleansing of his soul and trying to come to terms with his demons.
Killing Time is much lighter, full of good memories & some sad, events that resonate with his life. A coming together and a peace being found in his life.
I loved the rawness, he doesn’t hide his behaviour, he doesn’t shy away from it, he owns it.
The underlying message in this book is, home is where the heart is. For all his travels & turbulent times explored in not just this book but all 3 books, Killing Time finds the peace in his life. His true north, the road home to steal from the book title.
I enjoyed this book, I felt like I was reading about the man off stage, the father, the husband, the Da .. a snap shot of life not on stage, not the persona, the real Jimmy Barnes.
October 30, 2020
For the real fans.
October 20, 2020
When I was 18 years old I had this opinion of Jimmy Barnes being too rough and violent. Watching his music videos and seeing him on the Countdown Awards where he was off his face and smashing guitars. Since then, I've read all three of his books, seen 2 of his stage shows of talks about his life with songs and watched Cold Chisel reform for the Blood Moon Tour at Bankwest Stadium January 2020. How's that for someone who wasn't a fan!
Killing time was a perfect end to a trilogy of getting your life back on track. This book came from someone who is in a much happier place today. He's had an extraordinary life up to date and in this book, there are so many varied stories that will touch you deep, make you laugh out loud and want to carry on reading until you reach the last pages (as I did last night until 2.30am).
There are so many chapters within this book that stood out "You can Leave your Hat on" and "Money for Bones" these two especially because one is hilarious and the other devastating. He tells his stories and you can actually hear his voice, understand his sense of humour, feel the love he has for his wife and family.
I misjudged the man once, well, maybe that one who appeared in front of our screens before he let go of all his demons. Loved this book and cannot wait to see him live on the stage once again.
Killing time was a perfect end to a trilogy of getting your life back on track. This book came from someone who is in a much happier place today. He's had an extraordinary life up to date and in this book, there are so many varied stories that will touch you deep, make you laugh out loud and want to carry on reading until you reach the last pages (as I did last night until 2.30am).
There are so many chapters within this book that stood out "You can Leave your Hat on" and "Money for Bones" these two especially because one is hilarious and the other devastating. He tells his stories and you can actually hear his voice, understand his sense of humour, feel the love he has for his wife and family.
I misjudged the man once, well, maybe that one who appeared in front of our screens before he let go of all his demons. Loved this book and cannot wait to see him live on the stage once again.
November 2, 2020
Jimmy 'Hemingway' Barnes does it again
It doesn't so much feel like reading as it does to feel that Jimmy is regaling tales to you over a single malt in front of an open fire. A book full of love, heartache, longing, joy, contentment, big laughs, raw honesty and hilarious tales.
All told by a man with the biggest heart in rock n roll. In all of his 3 books, Jimmy completely avoids all of the over hyped and self mythologised cliched BS. He just lays it all out in its truth, openness and honesty. An absolute joy to read. Some heroes don't wear capes!
It doesn't so much feel like reading as it does to feel that Jimmy is regaling tales to you over a single malt in front of an open fire. A book full of love, heartache, longing, joy, contentment, big laughs, raw honesty and hilarious tales.
All told by a man with the biggest heart in rock n roll. In all of his 3 books, Jimmy completely avoids all of the over hyped and self mythologised cliched BS. He just lays it all out in its truth, openness and honesty. An absolute joy to read. Some heroes don't wear capes!
January 11, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as the two earlier parts of Jimmy’s memoirs which he wrote about his traumatic childhood and wild rock ‘n roll years.
It’s a series of short stories about what happened when he was ‘killing time’ in-between gigs, recording, travelling or spending time with family and friends.
I don’t mind short-stories but some of these seemed like ‘off-cuts’ that never made it into the previous books. The stories I liked were those that extended his life story into new territory, offered new insights and were more than brief anecdotes.
Despite some years of financial difficulty, Jimmy has worked hard ‘at the top of his game’ for decades. It’s unsurprising that he and his family have the wealth to live a pretty luxurious life. (His wife’s Thai family are wealthy too). His stories of adventurous holidays and exotic restaurants didn’t interest me that much, but the story about the life and death of his beloved dogs (the Schnauzer Brothers), and the story of observing his daughter Elly-May’s cabaret gig were two standouts. For all his Glasgow toughness, Jimmy is a true softie at heart. I also enjoyed the story of him becoming an Internet meme as ‘the screaming cowboy’ after helping a young Aussie muso with his track “Big Enough”. Typical ‘generous’ Jimmy. ‘Switched-on’’ Jane capitalised by getting Jimmy to agree to a range of merchandise (eg: alarm clocks featuring Jimmy’s iconic scream). It sounds like crass commercialism, but l can see the funny and ‘fun’ side to it. (Plus, after their struggles with debt in the 90’s, why shouldn’t they capitalise on such a golden opportunity?!)
During the COVID lockdown, Jane and Jimmy performed and uploaded over 100 songs together. These intimate home performances kept them ‘positive’ but also kept their fan base happy. They’re a clever and talented couple! As well as both honing their instrumental skills during lockdown, Jimmy finished writing this book. He admits that the enforced time spent at home with Jane and family members gave him a newfound contentment and gratitude for ‘where he is’ in life. I think some of that positivity seeps into this book which is a lot less harrowing to read than his earlier memoirs.
The short stories all have that unique ‘Jimmy Barnes’ voice. I read the print version of this book but listened to the previous two books with his audio narration. I think it’s fair to say that the audiobooks offer something extra, as Jimmy’s Scottish accent and vocal inflections enhance the emotional impact of his tales.
As far as I know, Jimmy didn’t use a ghost-writer, and his writing is terrific. It’s very introspective, honest and funny despite its sometimes sad and dark subject matter. He admits to writing his life story to exorcise personal demons and I’m glad he’s now in a place of recovery and self-acceptance. This third volume in his trilogy has a slightly lighter tone, recalling fond memories of mostly happy times. It’s still tinged with regret when he talks about his chronic drug use but his love of Jane, his family and music shine through. The photographs are an added bonus!
It’s a series of short stories about what happened when he was ‘killing time’ in-between gigs, recording, travelling or spending time with family and friends.
I don’t mind short-stories but some of these seemed like ‘off-cuts’ that never made it into the previous books. The stories I liked were those that extended his life story into new territory, offered new insights and were more than brief anecdotes.
Despite some years of financial difficulty, Jimmy has worked hard ‘at the top of his game’ for decades. It’s unsurprising that he and his family have the wealth to live a pretty luxurious life. (His wife’s Thai family are wealthy too). His stories of adventurous holidays and exotic restaurants didn’t interest me that much, but the story about the life and death of his beloved dogs (the Schnauzer Brothers), and the story of observing his daughter Elly-May’s cabaret gig were two standouts. For all his Glasgow toughness, Jimmy is a true softie at heart. I also enjoyed the story of him becoming an Internet meme as ‘the screaming cowboy’ after helping a young Aussie muso with his track “Big Enough”. Typical ‘generous’ Jimmy. ‘Switched-on’’ Jane capitalised by getting Jimmy to agree to a range of merchandise (eg: alarm clocks featuring Jimmy’s iconic scream). It sounds like crass commercialism, but l can see the funny and ‘fun’ side to it. (Plus, after their struggles with debt in the 90’s, why shouldn’t they capitalise on such a golden opportunity?!)
During the COVID lockdown, Jane and Jimmy performed and uploaded over 100 songs together. These intimate home performances kept them ‘positive’ but also kept their fan base happy. They’re a clever and talented couple! As well as both honing their instrumental skills during lockdown, Jimmy finished writing this book. He admits that the enforced time spent at home with Jane and family members gave him a newfound contentment and gratitude for ‘where he is’ in life. I think some of that positivity seeps into this book which is a lot less harrowing to read than his earlier memoirs.
The short stories all have that unique ‘Jimmy Barnes’ voice. I read the print version of this book but listened to the previous two books with his audio narration. I think it’s fair to say that the audiobooks offer something extra, as Jimmy’s Scottish accent and vocal inflections enhance the emotional impact of his tales.
As far as I know, Jimmy didn’t use a ghost-writer, and his writing is terrific. It’s very introspective, honest and funny despite its sometimes sad and dark subject matter. He admits to writing his life story to exorcise personal demons and I’m glad he’s now in a place of recovery and self-acceptance. This third volume in his trilogy has a slightly lighter tone, recalling fond memories of mostly happy times. It’s still tinged with regret when he talks about his chronic drug use but his love of Jane, his family and music shine through. The photographs are an added bonus!
November 1, 2021
I grew up listening to Jimmy Barnes, he's 10 years older than me and his solo music and Cold Chisel songs always instantly take me back to a youth where there was no internet, no CD's and life seemed much simpler but often filled hopping from one smoke filled pub to another listening to live music.
Wind forward a couple of decades and the start of a pandemic and somehow I start following Jimmy and his awesomely talented wife Jane and family who fill my Facebook on a regular basis with joyful songs and cheer.
So when I saw this audiobook at my local library I was intrigued and wow I think that would have to be an understatement. This is one of the most authentic autobiographical books I have listened to in a very long time. I am an avid reader, so I'm being genuine here.
Narrated by Barnes himself, the short stories expressed with a Scottish brogue that fill this book will have you laughing out loud in some spots and sharing heart wrenching tears alongside Barnes as he struggles in parts.
Barnes doesn't shy away from the fact that he didn't always take the best part of himself into situations and owns his demons of the past and the realisation at the end of how we can all be a little more human to others and grateful of our lives is extremely persuasive.
Jimmy thank you for entertaining me in my youth, thank you to you and your family for continuing to bring joy into the COVID-19 world and most of all thank you for this brilliant inspirational way for looking back on your life and making it ok to have slayed your demons of the past and survived as a better version of you.
Thank you for also highlighting the importance of genuinely embracing your family for all that they are. But most of all thanks for this brilliant read interspersed with your frank and fearless approach to storytelling. You have quite a talent.
My family who also listened to parts of this audiobook that I gave the occasional lift somewhere were also extremely intrigued by this book.
PS if you are easily influenced, you may have to think a little longer before you speak up for yourself at work or with others after reading / listening to this book as the occasional swear word may just appear.
Wind forward a couple of decades and the start of a pandemic and somehow I start following Jimmy and his awesomely talented wife Jane and family who fill my Facebook on a regular basis with joyful songs and cheer.
So when I saw this audiobook at my local library I was intrigued and wow I think that would have to be an understatement. This is one of the most authentic autobiographical books I have listened to in a very long time. I am an avid reader, so I'm being genuine here.
Narrated by Barnes himself, the short stories expressed with a Scottish brogue that fill this book will have you laughing out loud in some spots and sharing heart wrenching tears alongside Barnes as he struggles in parts.
Barnes doesn't shy away from the fact that he didn't always take the best part of himself into situations and owns his demons of the past and the realisation at the end of how we can all be a little more human to others and grateful of our lives is extremely persuasive.
Jimmy thank you for entertaining me in my youth, thank you to you and your family for continuing to bring joy into the COVID-19 world and most of all thank you for this brilliant inspirational way for looking back on your life and making it ok to have slayed your demons of the past and survived as a better version of you.
Thank you for also highlighting the importance of genuinely embracing your family for all that they are. But most of all thanks for this brilliant read interspersed with your frank and fearless approach to storytelling. You have quite a talent.
My family who also listened to parts of this audiobook that I gave the occasional lift somewhere were also extremely intrigued by this book.
PS if you are easily influenced, you may have to think a little longer before you speak up for yourself at work or with others after reading / listening to this book as the occasional swear word may just appear.
January 2, 2021
I haven't read the first two Barnesy's memoirs (even though I own them) but this one immediately appealed to me as I assumed it would talk a lot about life on the road in a band, both his and Cold Chisel. The time between gigs and such. However, most of the stories tend to be in down time between tours, holidays and various appearances Barnesy had to make as part of selling his music.
Barnesy has a very easy readable style of writing. It's immediately engaging. He doesn't pull any punches, what you see is what you get with Barnesy which is one of his tremendous characteristics. He also loves his family. Madly. Which is fabulous to read. Having witnessed this love in his daily Covid song videos with Jane and various other family members you see how tight knit a group (it's large) the Barnes clan are. It's wonderful to see.
The stories were a bit hit and miss for me. What fascinated me more was discovering more about the heart of the man and his passion for life, family and music. The one story that really resonated with me was one near the end about his youngest daughter, Elly-May and the first show she invited her dad to. This brought tears to my eyes as he recounted how talented she is in spite of many health and learning issues she's had to contend with over her short life.
If you love the man, you'll want to read this and if you've never heard of him you'll meet a man whose come to terms with his demons and is living the best life with a close knit family that are extremely talented and besotted with each other. And a man who would give the shirt off his back for one of his many mates.
Now I best start at the beginning with his first book.
Barnesy has a very easy readable style of writing. It's immediately engaging. He doesn't pull any punches, what you see is what you get with Barnesy which is one of his tremendous characteristics. He also loves his family. Madly. Which is fabulous to read. Having witnessed this love in his daily Covid song videos with Jane and various other family members you see how tight knit a group (it's large) the Barnes clan are. It's wonderful to see.
The stories were a bit hit and miss for me. What fascinated me more was discovering more about the heart of the man and his passion for life, family and music. The one story that really resonated with me was one near the end about his youngest daughter, Elly-May and the first show she invited her dad to. This brought tears to my eyes as he recounted how talented she is in spite of many health and learning issues she's had to contend with over her short life.
If you love the man, you'll want to read this and if you've never heard of him you'll meet a man whose come to terms with his demons and is living the best life with a close knit family that are extremely talented and besotted with each other. And a man who would give the shirt off his back for one of his many mates.
Now I best start at the beginning with his first book.
November 20, 2023
Just finished reading Jimmy Barnes' book, killing time. I am left with a smile and a positive feeling. I'm stuck for words...... wow! I've read his first two books in 2018. And since buying his 3rd book. I wanted to re-read the 1st two books again. As I said, I'm lost for words. His life journey and struggles will also be a part of my life, as life lessons and teachings. I, too, have not had great parental role models nor anyone to learn parenting skills from. I believe I am a great parent. Jimmy Barnes ensures me that our childhood can and will shape us into great people. And to not give up not matter how far to fall, and to somehow find something positive to hold on to. Anyways It's 1.05 at night, and I need to get some sleep. I usually put the books I have finished back on my bookshelf. However, I think I might keep his books by my bedside before I move on to read another book. I hope I come across Jimmy Barnes to say thank you, and I do promise I won't shake hands. I will do it in the Thai-way, which I find it very elegant.
Thank you
Thank you
July 27, 2021
Jimmy makes me laugh. His candid and self-deprecating humour cracks me up when at times I should be appalled at some of the outrageous and ridiculous behaviour of those who live in his world. This Scottish born rocker has adopted his home country’s peculiar Australian talent of being able to laugh at himself.
I read his first two bios about growing up and his life as a rocker. He says he finds writing a painful process but I’d say this book was less cathartic as it is more of a collection of little stories that kind of fill in what happened in between living and touring. It’s takes balls to admit to some of the stupid shit he’s done, but you be got to love him all the more for his honesty.
Favourite passages: the Jimmy Alarmclock. Leaving the baby capsule behind at the Autobahn truck stop, with the baby in it. And The COVID Crisis.
I read his first two bios about growing up and his life as a rocker. He says he finds writing a painful process but I’d say this book was less cathartic as it is more of a collection of little stories that kind of fill in what happened in between living and touring. It’s takes balls to admit to some of the stupid shit he’s done, but you be got to love him all the more for his honesty.
Favourite passages: the Jimmy Alarmclock. Leaving the baby capsule behind at the Autobahn truck stop, with the baby in it. And The COVID Crisis.
December 14, 2020
Australian rock legend, Jimmy Barnes, views himself as a work in progress, having had to overcome a pretty tough background and wild lifestyle. In this entertaining book of short stories, he gives us amusing, tender or personal insights into his life. Amongst many other anecdotes, he recounts the embarrassment of being roped into performing the Full Monty with other male celebrities, the nervousness of being in Thailand when COVID hit, and the pride of watching one of his daughters perform her first stage show. In the audiobook, Jimmy narrates and you can hear him laugh or cry as he relives the moments. Above all, you can hear the honesty of a man who wears his heart on his sleeve.
December 28, 2020
I’m always up for a Jimmy Barnes book and this one was just as fun to read as his others. I know that some of the content of his books can be dark and depressing but Barnesy has such an amazing sense of humour and wit that the laughs outweigh the lows. In my teens I saw Jimmy Barnes as a wild man with a rock’n’roll state of mind, but now I see him as a big soft-hearted teddy bear, who can still scream but has all the time in the world for his family, for songs and for his fans. In 2020 I’m sure he is the hardest working rocker in the world, with this new book, live shows, and the daily singalongs he posts online with his family. Rock on, Jimmy, you are a living legend!
December 13, 2020
I absolutely smashed through this, as I did his previous two books.
As a huge Jimmy Barnes fan, I couldn't resist reading along to this whilst also having the audiobook to hear the happiness, pain and sorrow as Jimmy re told these short stories.
I would listen on short walks, as each story would be between 30 minutes to an hour, and then keep reading once I got home!
I would highly recommend listening to this as an audiobook as you are able to hear the raw emotions Jimmy is experiencing, especially when retelling stories about his beautiful dogs, which brought me to tears.
As a huge Jimmy Barnes fan, I couldn't resist reading along to this whilst also having the audiobook to hear the happiness, pain and sorrow as Jimmy re told these short stories.
I would listen on short walks, as each story would be between 30 minutes to an hour, and then keep reading once I got home!
I would highly recommend listening to this as an audiobook as you are able to hear the raw emotions Jimmy is experiencing, especially when retelling stories about his beautiful dogs, which brought me to tears.
January 9, 2021
I have a confession... I love Jimmy Barnes. Growing up with a Dad that belted out Cold Chisel and Barnsey will do that! But I have revt come to appreciate him beyond the public persona through his books. This is the best one yet; he's a great storyteller and I bawled during the Snoop and Oliver chapter. I prefer to listen to him read the audiobook, questionable accents and all. Even if you can't stand the screams, give him a go.
April 20, 2021
I loved this book. I actually listened to it as an Audiobook and hearing Jimmy telling his own stories was really special. His other two books I read and I'm tempted to go back and get them on Audiobook. He shares his experiences and I am filled with admiration for how someone whose music has been part of the soundtrack of my life overcame so much to
become the unpretentious legend that he is and lives a life of honour, respect and true appreciation of his family.
become the unpretentious legend that he is and lives a life of honour, respect and true appreciation of his family.
January 4, 2022
Jimmy Barnes made me cry... but in a good way! What a storyteller! I laughed and cried. I wish I saw his tour where he told stories from his life and sang his songs. That would have been an incredible show to have seen. I hope Jimmy does another book because I want more.
This is a great book to read as well when you don't have a lot of time. Each chapter is a different story from Jimmy's life, whether it be from his career, family, travels, etc. Another great read.
This is a great book to read as well when you don't have a lot of time. Each chapter is a different story from Jimmy's life, whether it be from his career, family, travels, etc. Another great read.
November 25, 2020
I like hearing stories of people’s lives. We are have our struggles and the good times that define us. Jimmy has lived an interesting life and reading through his journeys has been a really good experience for me
A majority of the short stories in this collection made me laugh, while there were some that made me want to cry. Two in particular made me tear up.
Thank you, Jimmy, for writing this.
A majority of the short stories in this collection made me laugh, while there were some that made me want to cry. Two in particular made me tear up.
Thank you, Jimmy, for writing this.
February 28, 2021
Another great book by Jimmy Barnes. Not only is he a great singer/songwriter, but also a great storyteller as well. This volume is a collection of stories from his life which are extremely entertaining to read, and show how much he's mellowed over the years, and how he's finally found his place in the world as well.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
August 22, 2021
I have never really been into Jimmy Barnes's music (I tend to gravitate more towards Enya), but I love his books.
The stories in this book range from funny to deeply moving.
Jimmy is an amazing narrator, I love it how he mimics accents. The chapter Money for Bones, about his schnauzer dogs, was read with such emotion, it made me cry with him.
Thank you for sharing your stories, Jimmy!
The stories in this book range from funny to deeply moving.
Jimmy is an amazing narrator, I love it how he mimics accents. The chapter Money for Bones, about his schnauzer dogs, was read with such emotion, it made me cry with him.
Thank you for sharing your stories, Jimmy!
February 8, 2025
Started reading Jimmy's books with this audiobook. Jimmy is a great mimic and even his women's voices have a creative flair that help the reader picture and feel the scene of the crime/time. Many of the places Jimmy frequented were familiar at the same time Jimmy was living them. Smart guy with a Phar Lap heart beating beneath that tough exterior.
December 28, 2020
Great read, written with humour, honesty and sensitivity. I laughed and cried and laughed all over again. Loved the stories, love Jimmy’s writing style. Have just finished reading but would read again, except maybe for the chapter regarding his dogs ...so emotional, I was a mess.
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