My Life: Under the Microscope

by Dave Spikey, Spikey

Under the Microscope is the life story of one of the nation's favourite funny men, Dave Spikey. In this book, fans will be given an insight into the man behind the comedy. Centred around his personal experiences growing up and living in Lancashire, this funny memoir is filled with touching and laugh-out-loud anecdotes and family stories, from his childhood and adolescence, through his school days, to his first job and his medical career at Bolton General Hospital, as well as his early days in the crazy world of professional comedy. Self-deprecating, revelatory and told with real heart, this is an unmissable book not only for Dave's legions of fans, but also for aficionados of comedy and the North of England alike.

Genres: Autobiography, Nonfiction, Humor, Biography, Comedy

306 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2010

Reviews

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dave Spikey is one of my favourite comedians, not only because he's a local lad (he's from the same town as me) but because his observations on life quite regularly make me laugh, a lot. This book was no exception. Whilst not all of it is geared towards comedy, it's obviously scattered throughout and the first few chapters in particular had me struggling to stop myself from laughing out loud whilst reading in bed when the rest of the house was asleep.

The book shows just how funny Dave is and I learned a lot about him that I didn't know before, much of which is probably public knowledge but I just hadn't come across it. What I loved about it is how it showed him to be just your regular down-to-earth bloke who is actually very intelligent (his role before becoming a comedian went as far as Chief Biochemical Scientist) and happened to get the right breaks in life. He's very honest about his role in the break-up of his first marriage and is honest in general throughout the whole book. It's very clear that he cares a lot about his family, friends and animals (he's actively involved with a number of charities) and he's generally an all-round great guy. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes observational comedy.

[John Naylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit I was a fan of Dave Spikey before reading this. I also need space on my bookshelves so it is good to read a hardback book to free that space.

This is a heartfelt and hilarious autobiography. The humour shines where the tragedies in his life hurt. He took an unusual route into comedy. Being a top biomedical scientist in haematology is not the way most comedians start.

It profiles his life, his family, his work and lots of animals in a way that you have to read on in enjoyment. He admits to some mistakes and admits how lucky he his been in life despite quite a few setbacks. It is definitely an honest read.

The most interesting thing for me is how little coverage there is of what made him truly famous. He concentrates on what got him to that point which was refreshing. I only occasionally read autobiographies (and biographies) but more people should tell their story. The author here did a good job of that.

[Alan Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into the life of Dave Spikey - and I was gifted with a signed copy of the book!

[Mark Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read.Made me laugh out load at times.A real genuine bloke and good clean comedy.

[David Highton · Rating 3 out of 5]

amusing and enjoyable - comes across as a very genuine guy

[Matthew Purvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely heartwarming read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book - an honest, interest guy who's success both in haematology and comedy is well earned.