Martin Kemp (2) (1961–)

Dawww, I love these two! Martin and Shirlie, and Simon and Yasmin Le Bon, are like celebrity relationship goals. This is their story of how they met, the ways they've grown and changed over thirty years of marriage, the many highs and the lows, and the secret to their success (I like Shirlie's advice of 'get a dog', so that you have an excuse to take a breather after an argument!) I'm such a fan, I even bought an autographed copy!

I bought Martin's biography True - twenty years ago! - gave my copy away and then bought another, which I still have, so I was already familiar with Martin's life and career, but enjoyed learning about Shirlie too, and in her own words (mostly - I think they had a ghost writer). Martin's memories of surviving brain surgery after having two tumours removed - which he hated being defined by, understandably - seem deeper and more detailed after the passing of time, however.

Starting and finishing with memories of George Michael, their good friend who set up Martin and Shirlie's first date, It's A Love Story does exactly what it says on the cover. Delightful.… (meer)

David Suchet traces the footsteps of one of the most important figures in early Christianity, the man we know as St. Peter. Suchet travels from Peter's humble Galilean birthplace to Jerusalem, where a terrified Peter denies his beloved friend and teacher on the eve of the crucifixion. Encounter Peter's miraculous post-resurrection transformation, discover the role Peter played in keeping the early church from splintering, and explore the question, what happened to Peter after he mysteriously vanished from the biblical account? ca. 113 mins… (meer)

Originally bought in hardback when it first came out, had to repurchase in paperback this year - never give books away!

Martin Kemp is a pleasant, honest, genuine man, with just enough celebrity ('that guy in Spandau Ballet/that film about the Kray twins/EastEnders') to warrant an autobiography, but not enough to send him up his own backside. I found his story refreshing and endearing - as he tells it, he's 'not great at anything, but capable of everything'. Martin has been blessed in some ways - he joined his brother's band, and his celebrity connections have helped him get back on his feet - but he is also a hapless victim of circumstance (his worst 'rock 'n' roll drug 'trips' were both accidental!) He has a close bond with his family, and a soul connection with his strong and vibrant wife, Shirlie (her biography would be interesting, too), that has helped him overcome two brain tumours and make the transition, however successful, from pop stardom back to acting.

This biography is an open, anecdotal account of a life not yet fully lived, but always lived to the full - he has a vulnerable self-image, but his words are friendly and funny in the telling. Perhaps he overdoes the similes and metaphors, but then, he's not an author; primarily, he's a family man (this was written for his children originally) and a private person, which comes through. I wish him well.… (meer)