Between the Stops

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

By: Sandi Toksvig

Narrated by: 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 40 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 (P)2019 Hachette Audio UK

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.