Ray: Stories of My Life - The Autobiography

by Ray Martin

Ray Martin needs no introduction. As the face of the 'The Midday Show', 'A Current Affair', '60 Minutes' and 'Carols by Candlelight', he is instantly recognisable. Indeed, after more than forty years on our television screens many people feel that they have come to know him.

But not many people know the real story behind Ray's rise to stardom. His was an impoverished childhood; his world as far away from Hollywood and movie stars and the bright lights as is possible to imagine.

Before he had even got to high school, Ray had lived in thirteen different places, in three Australian states, mostly in the bush. His father was a violent, drinking man who would lash out at his wife and children, ultimately forcing Ray's mother to uproot the family across to the other side of Australia to escape him.

Far from being crushed by his difficult childhood, though, Ray drew strength from his remarkable mother and sisters, and developed an irrepressible sense of humour.

Here, now, in his own words, is the long-awaited, warts-and-all autobiography of Ray Martin: his exceptional career, his happy marriage to Dianne and his lasting love affair with the people of Australia.

Funny, thought-provoking and inspiring, this is the most compelling autobiography you will read this year. The man who has interviewed everyone - from Lauren Bacall to Jennifer Lopez; from Paul Newman to Elton John; from train robber Ronnie Biggs to British royalty, and even cricketing royalty Don Bradman - is finally telling his own story.

Genres: Biography, Autobiography, Memoir, Nonfiction

460 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Diane in Australia · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I don't watch TV (or even own one), I'm probably not in the target audience for this book. I did enjoy his reminiscing about his childhood, and his experiences as ABC's (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) New York City correspondent. When he started hosting the daily variety show Midday (where one feature was "Lithe young women in bikinis wrestled in a bath of baked beans." pg 235) I began to seriously lose interest.

If you're a Ray Martin fan, you'd probably enjoy this book. If not, well, you may not get much out of it.

3 Stars = Okay. It was worth reading.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray Martin’s eventful life, I’m sure, inspired him to write his autobiography.

I’ve always admired our Aussie journo and tv presenter, RAY MARTIN. Such a gorgeous man inside and out.

This must be one of the most interesting books written by a journalist and tv presenter ever!

Four hundred and fifty pages of incredible reading.

This book is extremely compelling and in my opinion a must read, every chapter will leave you wide-eyed and smiling.

*Book #8 of the 2019 Aussie male author challenge

*Book #20/72 of my coffee table to-read pile challenge

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a book I would have pounced on ..... But my Mother In Law was keen for me to try it..... So, I read it.
I don't think there'd be a person in Australia who doesn't know who Ray Martin is........ But that is just the point...... Do we really know who Ray Martin is?
And, the answer is no - especially the early years.
As with most memoirs / autobiographies, the childhood years are the most intriguing and interesting - in my eyes anyway. (You'll be surprised)
The rest is fine.... A little disjointed sometimes when Ray tries to use themed chapters. Loads of names you will know and lots of news stories you'll be reminded of....
But my overall impression is that even with the use of hindsight, Ray is either very naive.....or suffers from Rose (Ray's) Coloured Glasses Syndrome.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a big Ray Martin fan so I guess I was a little biased in not enjoying it as much as others may. He doesn't reveal much of himself in this book and talks more about experiences he has had. These almost turn into a bit of a bragging session as he globetrots the world. The part about the most 'beautiful' women he has met was a little nauseating as well. In my opinion he was trying hard to make sure he was liked instead of showing us a human warts and all description of himself. I still enjoyed parts of it though and had forgotten some of the events that he had covered in the past.

[Peter Langston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written, interesting book, spiced with a background to events of the past fifty with honesty and humour. Martin wears his heart on his sleeve, happy to expose his passions and strongly held beliefs. His story is a remarkable one of literally, rags to riches. As happens with many autobiographies, it peters out when the subject gets close to the modern day: perhaps the more distant memories, retold often, have therefore more colour and character than more recent ones.

[Petersong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fondly remember watching Midday with Ray Martin as host when I was on school holidays or home during my days at university. Ray is a nice, credible Aussie bloke. This book did not disappoint me. I enjoyed the reminiscing it prompted about Midday, eg. the Ron Casey and Normie Rowe punch-up. The Packers sound like rude pigs.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did'nt want to put it down ,I could hear Ray's voice as he told his stories. Such a rich life ,and unpredictable a real rags to riches fairy tale ,(no offence Ray,but you seemed pretty hard done by as a kid at times)but your positive attitude made it all possible not to mention brains and confidence.

[Vania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. I've always admired Ray Martin. It was interesting reading about his troubled childhood with an alcoholic father and the behind the scenes of a current affairs show. Highly recommended

[Karen Donnellan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in a style just like you'd expect, like he was having a 'yarn' on TV. He had a tough childhood. He certainly wasn't happy with channel 9 management and ACA and the decline in TV and journalistic standards in recent years...

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good point of his narration is that he tells his stories in different catagories. I can pick the aspect I am interested in to read. His life as a reporter is colorful and what he recalls gives me a vivid picture as if I were in the scence.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this memoir, couldn't put it down,and it left me wanting more. It was a joy to read.

[John Finkelde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read. A bit bland in parts but not the worst bio I've read.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insight into one of Australia's most loved journalists.

[Annie Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read.

[Imogen Crest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent right the way through! Very interesting and valuable reading, thank you!