Think of a Number was one of those books that shaped me irrevocably, and although I didn't grow up with his shows (but appreciate his Numberphile cameos), I'm sure Johnny Ball has singlehandedly driven so many people to become scientists or mathematicians. His autobiography reads very conversationally, like hearing a grandparent reminisce, and you don't have to have read his first to quickly pick up on it. It's mostly a series of anecdotes, not unlike Feynman's Surely You're Joking, Mr Feynman, all of which go by snappily and fast. The book starts in the 70s and walks you through to the current day. I would also note that this book contains his views on climate change. Nonetheless, it's really fascinating what a rich life this guy has lived.

Thanks to clever, inventive and very watchable shows like Think of a Number, Johnny Ball was a leading figure in children's TV in the 1980s. Always entertaining as well as educational, he is today also known as the father of the popular TV and radio personality, Zoe Ball.
This second volume of his autobiography takes us through his career from the late 1970s onwards.
Ball has strong opinions. The book includes his controversial views on climate change.

3.5 ⭐

I have a great fondness for Johnny Ball, I think of him and Brian Cant as entertaining me throughout my childhood.
Yet reading this book, I'm not sure I remember a single one of these shows as he describes them!
I was mildly surprised to find this is a second part of the autobiography, but reassured within seconds, I did not need to read the first to crack on.
Its full of enjoyable tales,to make you smile. Dad jokes, family life and a hugely hard working Ball.
I had no idea he had done so much.
Glad to say I got to the end feeling the same warmth for his as when I started.
What an star he is!

Having grown up catching Johnny Ball on television, I approached this memoir with warm expectations. It delivers a relaxed wander through his career, packed with anecdotes from children’s TV, touring, and unexpected sidelines. His conversational tone makes it feel like a chat over tea rather than a formal autobiography. Some opinions may divide readers, particularly around climate change, yet they’re presented candidly. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes glimpses and the sense of constant curiosity driving him forward. It’s not polished literature, but it’s engaging, humorous, and sincere. Fans will appreciate the nostalgia, while newcomers can dip in and discover a personality.

Having read the previous book:- Johnny Ball - My Previous Life in Comedy, I was looking forward to reading this also. I was not disappointed. The style of his writing is very easy to engage with and his life is extremely interesting. I would certainly recommend both books.

My thanks to The Book Guild and NetGalley for a copy of “Johnny Ball - Stories That Must Be Told “ for an honest review.

I hadn’t read the previous book to this but this works perfectly as a standalone.Johnny Ball was a very familiar face from my childhood , and he definitely helped to make maths less boring to me.
I liked his informal style of writing , and he’s definitely kept himself very busy over the years .The positives being said , I’m sad to say that , to me, he comes across a bit arrogant and preachy, and I’m not on board with his climate change views.
Im glad I read the book , but it has altered my opinion of him.I will be trying out his exercises though !

I am a Johnny Ball fan having grown up with his various tv appearances, from his first on PlaySchool onwards.. This book reminds us of many of those, with lots of interesting background information as to how they came about and the behind the scenes machinations. You certainly don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy what is on offer here. We also learn about his various side-lines since - who knew what a great drummer he is! And we also learn a lot about his opinions on the current thoughts on climate change - he thinks we have been lied to and statistics manipulated. Whilst it is not the best written memoir I have ever read, it perfectly reflects the personality of the writer and there is plenty to amuse and inform.

More fascinating and hilarious episodes in the busy and colourful life of one of Britain's best loved TV presenters