Making It

How Love, Kindness and Community Helped Me Repair My Life

By: Jay Blades

Narrated by: Damian Lynch

Making It is a memoir about beating the odds and turning things around even when it all seems hopeless, by Jay Blades, known from the hit BBC One show The Repair Shop.

We had our hardships, and there were times that we didn’t have a lot of food and didn’t have a lot of money. But that didn’t stop me having the time of my life.

In his book, Jay shares the details of his life, from his childhood growing up sheltered and innocent on a council estate in Hackney, to his adolescence when he was introduced to violent racism at secondary school, to being brutalized by police as a teen, to finally becoming the presenter of the hit primetime show The Repair Shop.

Critic reviews

Lynch dramatically conveys the diverse cultures, personalities, and accents of Blades's world, and recounts how he coped with dyslexia and learned to "upcycle"—repair items from a dump for resale—then taught homeless kids this marketable skill. Most memorable is Lynch's delivery of Blades's honesty, self-deprecating humor, and can-do motto: "If something's broken (including life), you can always find a way to put it together."

Moving and beguiling

Wow!

This is an amazing human being who had an amazing life. So glad he shared it with the world. Narrator is fantastic (although I wish Jay could have narrated).

Great story! Great man!

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Jay’s life. He faced a lot of struggles, and came out swinging (both literally and figuratively). I was drawn to Jay as a person long before I knew his full story. I have even more respect for him now after hearing what he has overcome to get where he is today, and all of the things he has done to help others that are facing similar challenges in their life. He is a truly amazing person, and he is making a difference. Much love and respect to Jay.

The performance was great, and really helped immerse the listener in the story.

Amazing story!

Riveting story! Jay Blades is a remarkable multi-talented individual. He has led an amazing life so far!

Striking similarities

Very well orientated and very well put together story of Jay Blades, I was amazed by the similarities in lifestyles between blacks in England and America share and I have personally experienced many of the setbacks that the author has been through, I was deeply touched by his upbringing because I grew up the same way. Great story!

love it

really love this and it make me thing that I can do something in my life more as I am dyslexic too and I didn't say anything thought out my child hood. u think that u are the only one going thought this. I think this book is amazing to read and see what u went thought thank u jay and keep up the good work though out your life x