Alan Johnson (10) (1950–)

I very much enjoyed the first part of Alan Johnson's memoirs - 'This Boy'. 'Please Mister Postman' takes over from where the first book leaves off, and details his long career in the Post Office, first as a postman, and latterly as an increasingly politicised union official. Perhaps that was the problem for me. On the whole, the book was about Johnson's developing career. He touched on the lives of his sister and family, and on his own home life, but barely. He may have written the book he wanted to, but it wasn't necessarily the book I wanted to read. A book I read willingly enough, as it was well-written and quite absorbing, but not the winner that his first volume was for me.… (mere)

This book covers much of the same ground as Johnson's previous autobiographies, though from a slightly diffrent angle - music. Despite his hugely disadvantaged childhood, Alan Johnson was clearly a gifted musician, and almost obsessively interested in poular music. If only his instruments hadn't been stolen, more than once, there was a chance he might have made it into the burgeoning 60s music scene big-time.

He and I are much the same age, and were raised about 5 miles apart: and my mother taught at the school his sister attended. Hence the book's interest for me, and the reason why I enjoyed it. I have to admit that without this personal involvement, I would have found this only averagely involving. A light and entertaining read.… (mere)

Johnson served as Secretary of State, Home Secretary, and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer in the British government’s Labour Party and showed a talent for writing with four volumes of memoirs that became best-sellers. Now with the same flair he has taken to writing mystery novels. As Russian gangs try to gain power in London, a young Ukrainian woman becomes a target. She is given some protection by an innocent admirer that draws him into the maelstrom too. A fast-moving, exciting thriller that holds the reader’s attention. I’m looking forward to more by Johnson. Highly recommended.… (mere)