Between the Stops

The View of My Life from the Top of the Number 12 Bus

De: Sandi Toksvig

Narrado por: Sandi Toksvig

This long-awaited memoir from one of Britain's best-loved celebrities - a writer, broadcaster, activist, comic on stage, screen and radio for nearly forty years, presenter of QI and Great British Bake Off star - is an autobiography with a difference: as only Sandi Toksvig can tell it.


'Between the Stops is a sort of a memoir, my sort. It's about a bus trip really, because it's my view from the Number 12 bus (mostly top deck, the seat at the front on the right), a double-decker that plies its way from Dulwich, in South East London, where I was living, to where I sometimes work - at the BBC, in the heart of the capital. It's not a sensible way to write a memoir at all, probably, but it's the way things pop into your head as you travel, so it's my way'.


From London facts including where to find the blue plaque for Una Marson, 'The first black woman programme maker at the BBC', to discovering the best Spanish coffee under Southwark's railway arches; from a brief history of lady gangsters at Elephant and Castle to memories of climbing Mount Sinai and, at the request of a fellow traveller, reading aloud the Ten Commandments; from the story behind Pissarro's painting of Dulwich Station to performing in Footlights with Emma Thompson; from painful memoires of being sent to Coventry while at a British boarding school to thinking about how Wombells Travelling Circus of 1864 haunts Peckham Rye;from anecdotes about meeting Prince Charles, Monica Lewinsky and Grayson Perry to Bake-Off antics; from stories of a real and lasting friendship with John McCarthy to the importance of family and the daunting navigation of the Zambezi River in her father's canoe, this Sandi Toksvig-style memoir is, as one would expect and hope, packed full of surprises.

A funny and moving trip through memories, musings and the many delights on the Number 12 route, Between the Stops is also an inspiration to us all to get off our phones, look up and to talk to each other because as Sandi says: 'some of the greatest trips lie on our own doorstep'.©2019 Sandi Toksvig

Reseñas de la Crítica

Her writing style is as kooky and digestible as Bill Bryson's, her genius as a raconteur inherited from her Danish journalist father... Hop on this bus, grab a seat up top and prepare yourself for a fun-filled, fact-packed, memorable ride

Between the Stops is like browsing through a well-stocked museum of curiosities with a wise and kind guide; it's part celebration, part confession, part call to arms and wholly entertaining. Don't read it on the bus though - it will make you miss your stop

The comedian, broadcaster and activist uses the meandering route of the number 12 bus, winding its way from her home in Dulwich, south-east London, to the BBC headquarters at Broadcasting House, to share a series of wonderful vignettes about her life

There are fascinating gems of London history along the way, acute observations of fellow passengers, personal asides about her marriage to psychotherapist Debbie, and the odd anecdote from the world of television. It's full of wit and wisdom

Life-affirming and addictive (Charlotte Heathcote)

The comedian, TV presenter and political activist narrates the events of her life by way of her bus journey... En route, she takes in her fellow passengers, the history of the city and her own fascinating, multi-site heritage (Alex Clark)

A book of cosy accessibility. History and observation mix seamlessly as Toksvig looks at life from the top deck

Not actually an autobiography

This is NOT an autobiography! It is however a book that is interesting and entertaining. If you enjoyed her podcast you will enjoy this book with its inclusion of personal memories and stories but note, those are not the majority of the book subject. I enjoyed this thoroughly because I love Sandi’s humor and storytelling. If you want a biography keep looking. If you want an enjoyable listen with some education too this may be a book for you

Absolutely Delightful

This book is chock full of interesting facts, engaging anecdotes and heartfelt stories. The narration by the author is perfection and her perspective is insightful and much appreciated by this listener.

Terrific on all levels!

So enjoyable. Sandy's life story is fascinating. The concept she employs to share is unique and the narration is the best I've experienced. I've listened multiple times and learn something new each time. I respect and appreciate her abilities as a writer and entertainer.
Highly recommend!

Wonderful Read

I'll keep it simple, listen to this book. It's well worth a credit. Do it.

A book that will broaden your mind

I have driven for several hours on a trip, listening to this extraordinary autobiography. It is funny, thoughtful, insightful, kind, poignant and full of hope. I will listen to it again on the homeward bound leg.

This book should be read by everyone; it can only broaden minds. It is wonderful.