To Be Someone

Ian Stone's book "Save All Your Grandma's Kisses for My Love Sweet Jesus" is a funny, fascinating, absorbing, surprising, and readable book with Phill Jupituss delicious cartoons. It tells the story of Ian Stone's growing up in a Jewish, working-class house in north London in the mid-1970s, where adults were behaving badly and the music was all "Save All Your Grandma's Kisses for My Love Sweet Jesus". The Jam appeared and helped Ian and thousands like him to grow up, to be someone.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 10 June 2021
\n Publisher: Unbound
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Ian Stone is a comic genius with one of the sharpest minds in the country. I would read anything he has written on any topic, as his writing is always insightful and entertaining. This book not only made me start listening to The Jam, but it also gave me a newfound appreciation for London, youth, and life itself.

Romesh Ranganathan praised the book for its wit, cheek, and energy, stating that it is not just for fans of The Jam but for fans of London, youth, and life in general. Rory Bremner also commended the book, describing it as funny, fascinating, absorbing, surprising, and readable, with the added bonus of Phill Jupitus' delicious cartoons. Jo Brand expressed her enjoyment of the book, stating that she had forgotten how bad it was in the seventies. Paul Weller, who grew up in the same era as Ian Stone, also shared his thoughts on the book, stating that he had forgotten how shit it was in the seventies.

Ian Stone grew up in a Jewish, working-class house in north London in the mid-1970s. The surrounding environment was characterized by adults behaving badly, including his parents' relationship in freefall, industrial unrest, football violence, racism, and police brutality. The music of the time, such as Save All Your Grandma's Kisses for My Love Sweet Jesus, made him feel physically sick. However, the appearance of The Jam changed everything.

This is Ian's story of that time, encompassing his experiences of weekend jobs to attend gigs, bunking into the Hammersmith Odeon and ending up on the roof, going to see The Jam in Paris and being interviewed for Melody Maker, navigating skinheads, and trying to figure out how to talk to girls. The book also delves into the devastation felt when Paul Weller announced in 1982 that the band was splitting up. For those who went on that journey with The Jam, the love ran deep, and it continues to this day. They helped Ian and thousands like him to grow up and become someone.

In conclusion, Ian Stone's book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates wit, cheek, and energy, as well as for fans of London, youth, and life itself. It provides a glimpse into the mid-1970s and the impact that The Jam had on Ian's life. The book is filled with humor, insight, and memorable moments, making it a truly enjoyable and unforgettable read.

\n Weight: 296g\n
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 36 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781800180840\n \n