EVERYBODY DIED, SO I GOT A DOG: 'Will make you laugh, cry and stroke your dog (or any dog)' ―Sarah Millican

I read this book for my book club and spent the first half wondering when the story would start, and the second half wondering when it would end. Only one of eight women in the book club enjoyed the story - and that was because she already liked Emily Dean from the radio. From reading the reviews it does seem like the book is mainly "gap filling" for those people who have followed her life for a while. Without knowing anything about Emily, I found the story dull and the name dropping irritating. There was nothing for us to discuss at our book club, the story was forgettable. We were more intrigued by the stories she didn't tell (her grandma's life, dad's family, etc.) and whether her family ever paid back the reams of debt they accrued to send the kids to private school and buy food from Harrods (ffs).Perhaps you can buy one of the 8 copies of this book we'll be donating to charity shops in York :)

Beautifully written, engaging and human; I read this in one sitting. Dean is a truly talented writer. It’s not often I’ll cry reading a book but I went to pieces when I saw the pictures of lovely Raymond. Emotional and funny all at once. You will not regret buying this book.

This autobiography is riveting, not only for the author’s own story but also through insights into characters and attitudes of several celebrities who, as her friends, rallied round with help and support when hope and confidence were at their lowest. It was interesting to observe them from an unfamiliar angle.The extraordinarily haphazard way she was brought up, beset by grossly irregular life-lessons from her eccentric parents, not surprisingly produced an insecure child, who matured into a woman lacking self-belief, and perceiving herself as existing only as an adjunct to others.This story, while playing havoc with the reader’s emotions, is written with wit throughout, which raises a smile although it can become a little irritating at times. It is also a lesson in fighting the odds, and should give strength and guidance to those similarly suffering and struggling to attain some stability, when floundering after their lives have upended.

Loved loved loved this book. I listen to Frank Skinner’s radio show so when I listened to him interviewing her about this book and it moved me to tears, I decided to give it a go. I’m so glad I did. It’s been my favourite book of the year so far. Beautifully written, laugh out loud funny and also moved me to tears on several occasions. I too lost my elder sister and my beloved dad in the last few years and also got a dog who has turned my life upside down and given me the happiness I’ve always dreamed of. In short, I loved this book and want Emily to be my new best friend.

Bought as an audio book. WOW! I couldn’t stop listening. Excellently written, and spoken, of course. Such a sad loss in Emily’s life. I cried and I laughed out loud, everything i want in a good read.I do wish her the very best In the future. I have loved listening to Emily on the Frank Skinner radio show for a few years and feel as I know her all the more now. It’s very brave to bear all as she has in her book. Eventually coming to terms with understanding her unusual family, nothing she could change, but making her the person she is and finding comfort in accepting parents as they are, flaws and all.And the chapter about Raymond.......so delightful.... about time as well.....and included Mimi.....wonderful aunt too.