And Away...

On the eve of a national tour in 2015 Bob Mortimer (one half of National Treasure comedy double act Vic and Bob) was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and underwent a triple bypass. This acted as a sort of reset for Bob and his outlook on life changed. The first half of his autobiography uses his diagnosis and recovery as a framing device into which he weaves the story of his childhood in Middlesbrough, his friendships and family. It's a warm hearted book, with Bob's voice shining through the prose.

The rest of the book relates his time as a solicitor in London, his meeting with Vic Reeves and their eventual ascension to comedy legend status. A combination of chancing his arm, talent, a productive friendship with Vic and sheer blind luck turned a shy, awkward young man into the beloved entertainer he is today. It turns out the secret to comedy gold is simply making each other (he and Vic) laugh.

The last part of the book talks about the TV series that he's most enjoyed being a part of, right up to the unlikely success of a programme about two old men trying to catch fish.

What comes through most is that Bob is a thoroughly decent bloke, a genuinely nice person and one of the funniest men alive. A warm hug of a book.

Go on, give it a read.