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One of the Family: Why A Dog Called Maxwell Changed My Life
THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
'A remarkable autobiography'
Andrew Billen, The Times
'You're struck by his raw honesty in tackling big issues head-on'
Tom Bryant, Daily Mirror
'So full of heart'
Davina McCall
'I was riveted by it in a heartbreaking way . . . you will be gripped'
Ranvir Singh, Lorraine
'So moving . . . it's a beautiful book'
Zoe Ball
'Commendable honesty . . . a poignant book about the search for belonging'
Daily Express
'Remarkable . . . contains a lesson for all of us and delivers a resounding message of hope and of love'
James O'Brien
*************
The brave and moving memoir by Long Lost Family presenter and Radio 5 breakfast show host Nicky Campbell reveals how the simple unconditional love of Maxwell, his Labrador, turned his life around and helped him come to terms with his difficult journey as an adopted child.
Raw, honest and courageous in One of the Family , Nicky opens up about how being adopted has made him always feel like an outsider; the guilt he has carried towards his Mum and Dad for needing to trace his birth mother, and the crushing disappointment he felt when he finally met her. And for the first time, he writes about his emotional breakdown and how he has learned to live with a late diagnosis of bipolar.
Through it all his passion for dogs and animals has been a lifeline. It is Maxwell's magic, a lesson from a Labrador in simple unconditional friendship, that has allowed him to see all the good in his from the security and safety of his childhood home, the love of his wife and four daughters and above all, to better understand the decisions taken by his birth mother to give him up for adoption.
'A remarkable autobiography'
Andrew Billen, The Times
'You're struck by his raw honesty in tackling big issues head-on'
Tom Bryant, Daily Mirror
'So full of heart'
Davina McCall
'I was riveted by it in a heartbreaking way . . . you will be gripped'
Ranvir Singh, Lorraine
'So moving . . . it's a beautiful book'
Zoe Ball
'Commendable honesty . . . a poignant book about the search for belonging'
Daily Express
'Remarkable . . . contains a lesson for all of us and delivers a resounding message of hope and of love'
James O'Brien
*************
The brave and moving memoir by Long Lost Family presenter and Radio 5 breakfast show host Nicky Campbell reveals how the simple unconditional love of Maxwell, his Labrador, turned his life around and helped him come to terms with his difficult journey as an adopted child.
Raw, honest and courageous in One of the Family , Nicky opens up about how being adopted has made him always feel like an outsider; the guilt he has carried towards his Mum and Dad for needing to trace his birth mother, and the crushing disappointment he felt when he finally met her. And for the first time, he writes about his emotional breakdown and how he has learned to live with a late diagnosis of bipolar.
Through it all his passion for dogs and animals has been a lifeline. It is Maxwell's magic, a lesson from a Labrador in simple unconditional friendship, that has allowed him to see all the good in his from the security and safety of his childhood home, the love of his wife and four daughters and above all, to better understand the decisions taken by his birth mother to give him up for adoption.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published December 28, 2021
57 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 26, 2021
I really loved this book. I have to be honest; I am a big radio fan and lots of my mornings start with Nicky Campbell chatting away in the background so I almost feel that I know him. This was a really honest, comfortably written book. Starting from his first dog, Candy, his life growing up through til the current time. His adoption is central to that - the wonderful relationship he had with his adoptive, real, parents and the less that fairy tail meeting with his biological mother. The book is nicely bookended with dogs - Candy and Maxwell. The only thing I will say as a dog owner is that I almost feel as if I'm not good enough as a dog owner because I don't have that 'magical' relationship with my dog. I think we get on well with one another but it's not quite as magical as Candy and Nicky's.
February 3, 2022
Very dissapointing... I don't think it is a bad book but it is not what I was looking for /expecting. The tilte is: One of the family, why a dog... changed my life. Yo expect a book about a dog, etc... especially when it is recommended to you based on your searches and buys or other books related to dogs. But it is not. Dogs are mentiones here and there, including Maxwell, but the book is about a man and his struggles to feel part of a family becasue he is adopted. About meeting his real mom, etc... So, it is not bad but not what I was goint to read when I started the book. I was looking for a book abour the story of a dog and found a book about adoption.
March 31, 2021
A good book a bit on the slow side in parts by was interesting to read I’m glad I read it
April 28, 2021
Very insightful and honest into his adoption and eventually his diagnosis of bipolar. I thought this would be more on the mental health side of things as opposed to the story of his adoption. Whilst I appreciated that journey it was something of lesser interest to me.
April 6, 2021
This is a book that must not be judged by its cover. Dog Maxwell doesn't appear in the story until quite late and even then it is fleetingly here and there. Yes, he provides a bedrock and must be special because two other dogs in the household don't rate a mention, but I felt there could have been so much more about this relationship.
That said the Nicky Campbell story is none-the-less engaging and relatable. I'm not adopted but I think most adults struggle with growing up and never getting answers to some deep questions about love, belonging, their place in the world and their values. We are more than just DNA, relationships and an active mind full of doubts and vulnerabilities.
This was a galloping read, pacey and interesting and I agreed with the concept that a person who profoundly (and actively demonstrates) loves animals has an important inner core marking them out as distinctive. I shared Nicky's rage over cruelty to animals and litter - our small efforts to turn the tide seem so weak.
I was pleased Nicky finally added "and cats" when suggesting dogs can give we humans something rather special as mine listen without judgement, absorb negativity from the day and seem to "get me" in ways no one else seems to.
That said the Nicky Campbell story is none-the-less engaging and relatable. I'm not adopted but I think most adults struggle with growing up and never getting answers to some deep questions about love, belonging, their place in the world and their values. We are more than just DNA, relationships and an active mind full of doubts and vulnerabilities.
This was a galloping read, pacey and interesting and I agreed with the concept that a person who profoundly (and actively demonstrates) loves animals has an important inner core marking them out as distinctive. I shared Nicky's rage over cruelty to animals and litter - our small efforts to turn the tide seem so weak.
I was pleased Nicky finally added "and cats" when suggesting dogs can give we humans something rather special as mine listen without judgement, absorb negativity from the day and seem to "get me" in ways no one else seems to.
January 4, 2022
I picked up this book because me and Nicky Campbell have a few things in common, the main one being that we’re both adopted followed by our love for animals and mental health problems. I connected with Nicky Campbell through ITV’s Long Lost Family because of the fact that he was adopted and he understood how I felt.
When he released this book I knew I had to read it. I wanted to fully know how he felt towards his adoption now but also growing up. It was amazing someone explaining how I felt, because I’ve never been able to put it into words. Not every adopted child will feel the same but I was lucky enough to read Nicky’s book and for us to look at it all the same way.
This book was heartwarming but also sad at points but it was so raw and personal and I respect Nicky for letting the world know about him in this much depth. It must have taken a lot. Brilliant book, raw story but goodness me, what a brilliant man.
When he released this book I knew I had to read it. I wanted to fully know how he felt towards his adoption now but also growing up. It was amazing someone explaining how I felt, because I’ve never been able to put it into words. Not every adopted child will feel the same but I was lucky enough to read Nicky’s book and for us to look at it all the same way.
This book was heartwarming but also sad at points but it was so raw and personal and I respect Nicky for letting the world know about him in this much depth. It must have taken a lot. Brilliant book, raw story but goodness me, what a brilliant man.
August 3, 2023
Don't judge this book by its cover!
Less about dogs and more about adoption... Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course - but prospective readers should know what they're getting into, because the title and cover are somewhat misleading!
Less about dogs and more about adoption... Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course - but prospective readers should know what they're getting into, because the title and cover are somewhat misleading!
January 18, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. In fact, it was one of those where I now feel slightly bereft having finished it! ‘One of the family’ is an unusually honest, thought-provoking and moving autobiography about the life of a broadcast journalist whom I’ve always admired for his unusually intelligent and compassionate interview skills. I knew that Nicky was adopted and I had previously heard him talk openly about the fact that he had suffered poor mental health at times, but what I hadn’t necessarily expected was that I would learn so much from the book about what it *really* felt like to be an adopted child (and adult), and to get such a deep and intimate insight into how mental breakdown can occur. I loved the honesty of Nicky’s account, the way he articulates and explores his innermost thoughts, fears and emotions, and the wisdom he draws from the various relationships he describes. I’ve never owned a dog (our gorgeous elderly cats would be most unimpressed 😂) but now I totally understand the primal connection, which was very much brought to life. I feel that this is a gem of a book which treats the reader as a trusted confidante, and I’m very glad I read it.
May 15, 2022
I feel bad only giving this book 2 stars, I never like marking down a book about someone's life and feelings. This was interesting, but really did not endear me to Nicky and his understanding of his life. I'm not adopted, so cannot pretend to know or understand how it feels and the thoughts and reactions to circumstances. But, it just feel very "self-centred", no appreciation of other's feelings and predicaments. Even down to getting Maxwell and how the dog's love for him was so great and no feeling the children belonged to him too!
Maybe just me, but I found it frustrating to read and glad it's finished.
Maybe just me, but I found it frustrating to read and glad it's finished.
April 5, 2021
An emotional autobiography much better written than I expected, although, as a journalist of many years, I shouldn't really have been surprised. The central theme of Nicky's feelings of alienation because of his adoption and the recurrent feeling of being an imposter are beautifully described.
How much it helped him to meet other families with similar issues thru Long Lost Family is moving . I am confident his empathy helped them too. He lays his feelings of inadequacy bare throughout the book,which makes it raw and honest. An easy read, poignant and self effacing.
How much it helped him to meet other families with similar issues thru Long Lost Family is moving . I am confident his empathy helped them too. He lays his feelings of inadequacy bare throughout the book,which makes it raw and honest. An easy read, poignant and self effacing.
November 30, 2024
Just finished sobbing having finished this moving look at love in all it's various forms.
Having felt an outsider in his family, having learnt he was adopted, we follow Nicky as he looks to find his birth parents and finally feel like he belongs.
Brutally honest about the emotions associated with finding his birth mother (and ultimately his birth father), Nicky also shares his diagnosis of bipolar disorder and how love from his family (and lovely dog Maxwell) helps him to make peace with life.
Engaging, beautifully written and very frank, this is a touching insight into Nicky's life.
Having felt an outsider in his family, having learnt he was adopted, we follow Nicky as he looks to find his birth parents and finally feel like he belongs.
Brutally honest about the emotions associated with finding his birth mother (and ultimately his birth father), Nicky also shares his diagnosis of bipolar disorder and how love from his family (and lovely dog Maxwell) helps him to make peace with life.
Engaging, beautifully written and very frank, this is a touching insight into Nicky's life.
April 24, 2021
This does feature dogs - not just the cover dog but a also a dog called Candy that Nicky had as a child. Very touching descriptions of both that dog lovers will enjoy and empathise with.
However, this isn't the main focus of the book which is Nicky's experience of and coming to terms with adoption.
It's very honest and well written but if you are expecting most of the book to be about dogs you might be disappointed.
However, this isn't the main focus of the book which is Nicky's experience of and coming to terms with adoption.
It's very honest and well written but if you are expecting most of the book to be about dogs you might be disappointed.
November 27, 2021
A very touching read
I bought this book because I thought it was a book about a dog which it was ,but it was so much more than that .Reading it I thought Maxwell was much more than a dog with a wag,he saved Nicks sanity and maybe his life.I was so sad reading about the inner turmoil of Nick for his whole life on reflection this is the lot of most not all adopted children . I recommend reading this book it was a wonderful thought provoking read.
I bought this book because I thought it was a book about a dog which it was ,but it was so much more than that .Reading it I thought Maxwell was much more than a dog with a wag,he saved Nicks sanity and maybe his life.I was so sad reading about the inner turmoil of Nick for his whole life on reflection this is the lot of most not all adopted children . I recommend reading this book it was a wonderful thought provoking read.
February 19, 2023
I’m not usually a fan of autobiography as a genre but this book was so much more. Nicky Campbell has bared his soul, shared intimate details of his family life and personal history and made himself vulnerable in order to build others up.
It is so much more than the journey of Nicky Campbell’s mental health healing through his dog but in that fact is a heartwarming prompt for us all of the value of human and animal companionship.
It is so much more than the journey of Nicky Campbell’s mental health healing through his dog but in that fact is a heartwarming prompt for us all of the value of human and animal companionship.
October 23, 2022
Quite the story
Quirky bits here and there. Boy sniffs around !like a dog. OCD in avoiding people and subjects finally understands his birth mom. Sometimes takes the roundabout telling the story, but like a late British Bus eventually gets to the point. I suppose that makes it more real.
Quirky bits here and there. Boy sniffs around !like a dog. OCD in avoiding people and subjects finally understands his birth mom. Sometimes takes the roundabout telling the story, but like a late British Bus eventually gets to the point. I suppose that makes it more real.
April 7, 2021
Loved this book, felt all the emotions reading it! Nicky has a great way with words and the love he has for all of his family (including the 4-legged members) shines through so brightly.
Really heartwarming book that demonstrates beautifully what is truly important in life.
Really heartwarming book that demonstrates beautifully what is truly important in life.
April 10, 2021
Interesting but needed editing
Love stories about adoption, and love watching Nicky's compassionate way on Long Lost Family. This book needed editing, however; he went on too long about some of his searching for his mother.
Love stories about adoption, and love watching Nicky's compassionate way on Long Lost Family. This book needed editing, however; he went on too long about some of his searching for his mother.
February 18, 2021
A beautiful soul.
Beautifully written. A very truthful account of adoption and all the emotions involved. Highly recommended. What a great read. And yes !! Dogs are ace !
Beautifully written. A very truthful account of adoption and all the emotions involved. Highly recommended. What a great read. And yes !! Dogs are ace !
February 20, 2021
As an adoptive mum - wow, what a read. Thank you for the wonderful and extremely moving insight.
February 21, 2021
A must read for anyone involved in anyway in adoption
February 21, 2021
Touching
Such a heart rending read,felt all the emotions ,a fabulous story.Anyone who has been adopted has to read this marvellous story.
Such a heart rending read,felt all the emotions ,a fabulous story.Anyone who has been adopted has to read this marvellous story.
March 31, 2021
A must read
Very interesting book on the insight of the author life being adopted as a baby till the death of his mum
Very interesting book on the insight of the author life being adopted as a baby till the death of his mum
April 3, 2021
Very honest, moving account of all the different emotions an adopted person feels throughout their lives. As a dog owner I completely got the importance of having a dog in your life.
Read
April 18, 2021I loved this book,the ending was so sad,had me in tears
April 21, 2021
Took me a long time to read this book, it was very slow but interesting.
Read
June 7, 2021This book compares the complexity of dogs with the simplicity of humans
June 17, 2021
A really good follow up to ‘Blue Eyed Son’ and very moving at times.
September 19, 2021
I haven’t cried so much since I last watched Forest Gump.
April 24, 2022
Not enough about the dog! I had read his previous book "Blue Eyed Boy" and I think a lot of it is repeated here.
February 4, 2025
Really enjoyed this
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews