Give Me Ten Seconds

On reading it, I would have to admit that as autobiographies go, this one is a bit lacking - there's not really that much to say that about a political reporter that makes the book a page turner. However, I did still enjoy reading it as it provided an insight into the lifestyle that is a reporter who has to provide a summary of a huge news story in 10 seconds (hence the title) as well as how the BBC is organised and managed.

On the critical side, there's too much on the personal side in this book, notably about Sergeant's relationship with his parents. This detracts from a book which could easily have been "A day in the life of..." and would have been that much more appealing in my view.


A good read, but not brilliant   November 26, 2003
Dan Sumption (Sheffield, UK)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

I read this book, having devoured John Cole's autobiography, hoping to find a similar insight into 20th century politics and the world of the TV journalist. There was a little of that, but this book is much more personal than Cole's, and as a result reveals less of interest.

It is reasonably well written, easy to read, contains some amusing anecdotes, and is very informative on the unusual and varied life of J Sergeant and his family, and yet somehow I felt that it was missing something. By the time I reached the end of the book, I felt like I'd been reading a couple of hundred pages of filler, and for some reason the substance had been left out.


Lacking in genuine highlights   November 10, 2003
Gavin Wilson
3 out of 6 found this review helpful

I do like John Sergeant as a person, as a journalist and and as a quiz show guest. He's also a good reader, as here on the audio CD of his autobiography. But somehow it left me feeling dissatisfied, and I feel the problem is that he just hasn't led as important a life as most big-selling autobiographies demand.

As a humorist, I like his wry style, but there are plenty better than him. And as a journalist, there are plenty his equal, and plenty who have had far better scoops than merely blocking Margaret Thatcher's way when she emerged from the UK embassy in Paris to declare she would fight on in the Conservative leadership election.

But I'm always interested in how people's careers develop, and this CD provides an agreeable way to pass three hours. I'm not, however, tempted to seek out further detail by buying the book.


Bilge   October 29, 2003
C. Mcallister (glasgow)
2 out of 5 found this review helpful

I'm heartilly surprised that the average review of this nonsense is 4 stars. As a book about reporting in the modern era, it leaves a lot to be desired. Much better attempts have been made at this by John Simpson in his glorious series of books and, surprisingly, by Kate Adie.

I had assumed, due to her onscreen persona, that her book would be mediocre compared to Mr Sergeants but couldn't have been more wrong.

Everything on the sleeve of the book is wrong. Its not rip-roaring and its certainly not funny in the slightest.

Stick to the day job, boyo, as your writing stinks big time.


Cheap, cheerful and a breeze   August 27, 2003
Brimsley The Flabby Egg Instep (Spirit of Buckinghamshire)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I like the brevity and levity of the book. For real political animals I imagine there will be little new information here. But for the more casual observer there is enough on the movers and shakers to entertain and inform.

It moves along at a fair old pace and I was never left thinking "oh, get *on* with it".

It's also a good insight into the inner workings of the BBC news departments; again, not detailed but a vivid outline.

Highly recommended, especially at the price.