Not Everybody Makes It

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Category:	Biography
Author:	Dave Thomas
Publisher:	Grosvenor House
Price:	£9.99
ISBN:	9781906210526
Pages:	428
Reviewed in issue:	10

This is the memoir of a performer in a variety of media who never becomes a star.

The opening chapter is a slightly off-putting mish-mash of seemingly all Thomas’ memories of early life, included whether they are relevant or not, and some of his anecdotes are perhaps of the “you-had-to-be-there” variety.

However, as Thomas begins to describe his first steps into performing, the writing becomes more focussed, and there are moments of real tension, particularly as he takes the reader through his early talent show appearances. This memoir has an easy to read, conversational tone, and generally this flows well as Thomas recalls his various successes and disappointments, although his frequent use of the phrase “I must say” does become grating – and some may be put off by the author’s often old-fashioned style and opinions.

The book is generally well-presented and professional looking, although there are some typing and spelling errors, as well as many confusing single inverted commas that are never closed. The black and white photos in the centre of the book help the reader to visualise Thomas more clearly as they read his life story, and the cover is eye-catching and show-businessy, letting the reader know exactly what they will be getting from this book.

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