Sunday Afternoon Reads: Guest Post by Miss Corrine!

This Sunday Afternoon Read is brought to you by my good friend Miss Corrine. Check out her self-named site Miss Corrine and keep in the loop for updates on her upcoming web project "Frock & Roll"!
When a friend recently suggested that I run, and not walk, to obtain Russell Brand's autobiography My Booky Wook, I was instantly curious, but admittedly, it was only upon having the opening dedication thrusted under my nose that my interest truly piqued:

''For my Mum, the most important woman in my life, this book is dedicated to you. Now for God's sake, don't read it.''

It is these words that immediately set the tone for what is truly an achingly hilarious, shockingly sharp and remarkably charismatic novel. My Booky Wook chronicles the extraordinary life of Brand, capturing everything from his troubled youth and experimental adolescence, to his magical and somewhat awe-inspiring journey into the world of acting and comedy and ultimately, how he grew to become one of Britain's most popular entertainers. Throughout the novel, Brand is intelligent, witty, and refreshingly candid: even as he navigates his way through recounting his various addictions (self-harm, alcohol, drugs and sex), his brilliant sense of humour and flair for writing make even the most difficult of situations seem utterly hilarious, and him entirely likeable. Completing the novel almost feels like having an extended conversation with an intimate friend.

Aside from it's brilliant wit and impressive insight, what I loved most about My Booky Wook was it's surprisingly inspirational undertones: Brand's early relentless pursuit of greatness and quest for fame proves that with persistence, you can truly achieve anything that you desire:

''You can do whatever you want. Now if I want something - whether it's a job or a woman - I will determinedly, resolutely, remove anything that's in the way, until I possess the object of my desire. My dad's philosophy was (and I think still is) that life is a malevolent force, which seeks to destroy you, and you have to struggle with it. Only those who are hard enough will succeed. Most people get crushed, but if you fight, in the end life will go 'Fucking hell. This one's serious. Let him through.'

The verdict? Cancel-all-of-your-plans-and-stay-home-reading good.

4 out of 5 stars.