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Next Time, Bring a Bigger Knife
‘Next Time, Bring a Bigger Knife’ is an engaging, highly entertaining and often very funny memoir in which the writer takes us from his inner-city poverty in England to qualifying as a solicitor in the law before a chance encounter leads to his downfall involving sex and drugs.
Poverty, followed by boarding-school, propels John on adventures at Oxford in the 1970s followed by a career in family law. A chance encounter with a beautiful woman leads to a decade of adventurous and unusual sexual encounters fuelled by every drug available. Multiple sexual partners, bondage and sex toys accompany drug dealers with knives, baseball bats and guns before John spends time in rehab and prison. He then organises events throughout the world before retiring to South Africa, where adventure continues to find him.
Poverty, followed by boarding-school, propels John on adventures at Oxford in the 1970s followed by a career in family law. A chance encounter with a beautiful woman leads to a decade of adventurous and unusual sexual encounters fuelled by every drug available. Multiple sexual partners, bondage and sex toys accompany drug dealers with knives, baseball bats and guns before John spends time in rehab and prison. He then organises events throughout the world before retiring to South Africa, where adventure continues to find him.
Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 29, 2024
I usually prefer fiction rather than a biography, but the title had me curious - and I wasn't disappointed. Thank you, John, for sharing your life story with me. Lots of ups and downs indeed, but like a good fictional character, you showed growth in reality. Made mistakes, but always got back up. What I especially appreciated is that even in your narration of the darkest times in your life, there was still humour shining through. It was not a heavy-hearted book, although it could have been with what you went through.
December 20, 2022
John McGlashan is a former solicitor who for decades specialised in divorce law, many of his cases are highlighted in his debut memoir and are quite shocking and at once thrilling to read too.
‘Next Time, Bring a Bigger Knife’, describes his experiences in the law, property, and public relations, not to mention a steamy eight-year relationship with a mistress who introduced him to cocaine. He writes about work, drugs, prison, relationships, and rehab, from his years at the top and bottom of society.
I found the book to be an absolute page turner, with so much going on it was like being on a rollercoaster with John next to me pointing at different aspects of his tumultuous and colourful life.
The story, true to life, is a gutsy account of some of the highlights – and lowlights – of his life. It offers a sometimes-brutal account of the people he came across, the witty conversations he had and the outcomes of the extraordinarily scandalous situations he found himself in.
Some of the content will shock you, some of it will surprise you, but most of all you will want to keep turning the pages to see what will happen next. And every time, the next scene is bigger than before; sharper, harsher, more emotional.
There is pain and vulnerability in John’s words, there is love and passion, there is hope and optimism and most of all this is the story of a man who has said, ‘This is my life and I invite you to take the ride with me.’
You will be sure to enjoy the ride and may even shed a few tears. This is a story that will stay with you for a long time after you’ve closed the book.
‘Next Time, Bring a Bigger Knife’, describes his experiences in the law, property, and public relations, not to mention a steamy eight-year relationship with a mistress who introduced him to cocaine. He writes about work, drugs, prison, relationships, and rehab, from his years at the top and bottom of society.
I found the book to be an absolute page turner, with so much going on it was like being on a rollercoaster with John next to me pointing at different aspects of his tumultuous and colourful life.
The story, true to life, is a gutsy account of some of the highlights – and lowlights – of his life. It offers a sometimes-brutal account of the people he came across, the witty conversations he had and the outcomes of the extraordinarily scandalous situations he found himself in.
Some of the content will shock you, some of it will surprise you, but most of all you will want to keep turning the pages to see what will happen next. And every time, the next scene is bigger than before; sharper, harsher, more emotional.
There is pain and vulnerability in John’s words, there is love and passion, there is hope and optimism and most of all this is the story of a man who has said, ‘This is my life and I invite you to take the ride with me.’
You will be sure to enjoy the ride and may even shed a few tears. This is a story that will stay with you for a long time after you’ve closed the book.
October 9, 2022
Fasten your seatbelts ....this isn't a gentle ride!
This is an autobiographical account...not my favourite genre normally...of a life worthy of a rip roaring novel..sort of Angela's Ashes meets Fifty Shades of Grey meets Bonfire of the Vanities peppered with Trainspotting! Throughout, John's humour illustrates some very funny anecdotes that demonstrate his character and resilience. Having said that, it doesn't read as a catharsis. There is no apologetic or regretful soul searching, just an account of extraordinary circumstances and opportunities. John somehow manages to survive the roller coaster with insight and intelligence that can be interpreted as cautionary or as the power of self belief and optimism.
This is an autobiographical account...not my favourite genre normally...of a life worthy of a rip roaring novel..sort of Angela's Ashes meets Fifty Shades of Grey meets Bonfire of the Vanities peppered with Trainspotting! Throughout, John's humour illustrates some very funny anecdotes that demonstrate his character and resilience. Having said that, it doesn't read as a catharsis. There is no apologetic or regretful soul searching, just an account of extraordinary circumstances and opportunities. John somehow manages to survive the roller coaster with insight and intelligence that can be interpreted as cautionary or as the power of self belief and optimism.
June 9, 2023
I found this book when on a weekend away in Greyton - John was in the market, selling and signing his book. The title 'Next time, Bring a Bigger Knife' caught my attention and my curiosity got the better of me and I had to buy it.
My feedback is I LOVE IT! What a life story - got me laughing, crying, giggling and more. What a brave person to write about all the adventures he had while so many people are scared to even reveal things much less 'adventurous'.
A movie needs to be made for this one.
Buy it and enjoy it - really makes you feel like you could do more (or less) with your life :)
My feedback is I LOVE IT! What a life story - got me laughing, crying, giggling and more. What a brave person to write about all the adventures he had while so many people are scared to even reveal things much less 'adventurous'.
A movie needs to be made for this one.
Buy it and enjoy it - really makes you feel like you could do more (or less) with your life :)
June 27, 2025
Not what I expected from the title.
But nevertheless the book was good. I felt all the feeling that John went through.
I met him at the Greyton market where he was selling his book, so mine is a singed copy. And what a great guy. So great to see all his trials in life haven't brought him down
But nevertheless the book was good. I felt all the feeling that John went through.
I met him at the Greyton market where he was selling his book, so mine is a singed copy. And what a great guy. So great to see all his trials in life haven't brought him down
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews