Every Sunday we are taking a look at the world of books. I read a lot and always want to share my opinions on what I read, so I thought it would be fun to write reviews. Today we are looking at the book about Top Gear.

And On That Bombshell (2015)

Richard Porter

Synopsis

I was Top Gear’s script editor for 13 years and all 22 series. I basically used to check spelling and think of stupid gags about The Stig. I also got to hang around with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. It didn’t feel like something you should get paid for.

From the disastrous pilot show of 2002 to the sudden and unexpected ending in 2015, working on Top Gear was quite a rollercoaster ride. We crossed continents, we made space ships, we bobbed across the world’s busiest shipping lane in a pick-up truck. We also got chased by an angry mob, repeatedly sparked fury in newspapers, and almost killed one of our presenters.

I realised that I had quite a few stories to tell from behind the scenes on the show. I remembered whose daft idea it was to get a dog. I recalled the willfully stupid way in which we decorated our horrible office. I had a sudden flashback to the time a Bolivian drug lord threatened to kill us. I decided I should write down some of these stories. So I have. I hope you like them.

– from Waterstones

Positive Points

If you were a fan of the show Top Gear when presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May were presenting then this will be a book that you will really enjoy. This book goes behind the scenes and gives you an in-depth look at what it takes to make the biggest car show on the planet. The book is through the eyes of the script editor so there is a lot of stories that you will not of heard before about the team and what goes on to make the show every week. Each chapter is reasonably short which means that you can come back to the book whenever is suitable for you. It looks at everything from the adventures they used to have, the cars and even the end.

Negative Points

If you are not a fan of Top Gear or Jeremy Clarkson then this is not the book for you.

Overall Review

Personally, I really enjoyed this book as I used to really enjoy the old Top Gear show as I was a fan of the adventures that they used to go on. I would say that if you have an interest in what happens behind the scenes of a television show, you will enjoy it as well.

Rating : **** 4 Stars