The Panther In My Kitchen: My Wild Life With Animals Audio CD – Unabridged, 2 Nov. 2017

This is the first review I have ever felt compelled to write about a book, and will try to cover the good and bad bits (in my view!) I don't usually buy these autobiographical type books as I'm just not interested in how whats-his-name from the telly grew up, but ever since I saw Stephen Fry on QI mention that Brian has over 1000 animals living with him I was eager to know more.(plus I have always liked the shy and retiring Brian Blessed!) Brian writes the book as if he's in the room speaking to you and I loved this approach,(even better if you read it in Brian's voice) Most of the time whilst reading I had a wry smile on my face (I'm not the type to laugh out loud,!) But there are parts of the book I openly wept (glad I was alone apart from the cats sleeping on me and my 19 rescue dogs filling all the furniture and floor space!) A lot of his animal escapades I could relate to, eg Sabre and my own memories would come flooding back! During reading the book I had to stop and look up on the web some of the animals he describes (he told me to!) And it was very rewarding. I also stopped to look up the meaning of some of the fancy words he used (like cacophonous,) so it educated me too. Must say I loved this book 100%GOOD BITS....The entire book couldn't put it down.BAD BITS..... Getting halfway through the book you realise that soon you will be on the last page and that saddened me. I just did not want this book to end but at the same time couldn't stop myself from turning the pages.Now I have finished it what will I do with my days?Well done Brian keep up the good work!

My goodness, Brian Blessed has gone and done it again writing a really entertaining, informative and educational book.The Panther In My Kitchen: My Wild Life With Animals is a fabulous read pure and simple.Now Brian Blessed is one of those forces of nature. Larger than life, but better looking, bombastic, brilliant yet humble, a Bully basher but never an unkind a man born out of his time- he is Edwardian and Victorian at the height of the Empire yet born on a council estate.A great actor, speaker, writer, boxer and an animal lover to boot.The sort of guy that would smash his way into the hideout- beat the bandits to a pulp, rescue the girl drop her to the floor in a puddle to go and climb a tree to rescue a pussy cat.(Do you get the idea I am a fan?)Just like his excellent books the Dynamite Kid, the brilliant Absolute Pandemonium you have to image that Brian is sat in a comfy armchair opposite you and regale you with his stories. Absolute Pandemonium: My Louder Than Life Story Dynamite Kid They may jump around in time, go back and forward but my God they are entertaining and Brian writes just like he is sat opposite you which is fine by me and a blooming good treat for the reader.Brian talks a lot of sense.He says that one of the best things you can instill in kids is a love of animals.As a Primary Teacher of many years standing I can tell you the kids- the bad'uns to watch out for were the ones cruel to animals.(I think it would have been best to have put those kids down in their youth rather than let them grow up and start to be cruel to humans as well)Brian loves animals and it has to be said animals love him. This book is a slice of life from Brian (which is a joy) tilted towards his love of animals.And my goodness Brian loves the little things in spades.Living next door to him would be like living next door to a zoo and circus combined.You would never be troubled by deer in your garden and burglars would run a mile.A totally, read in one go, 'unputdownable' merry romp with the brilliant Brian Blessed.

I brought this book to read for myself but, upon arrival, my elderly Father took it off me and started reading it!! (cheeky!) It must be good, he's still reading it 3 days laters which is a very rare occurrence as he doesn't usually read books!

One book I know has had my wife in fits of laughter and certainly reciting bits of it for me to listen to is this book.Whilst Brian Blessed is already a larger than life character, his exploits are doubly so.Whist I have not read this, my wife's reactions and recommendations to friends are enough to tell people it's a good book and well worth reading.

Literally, almost, a laugh on every page. Written as if Blessed is having a conversation with you. 'So let's crack on my dear readers'...... A joy to read about his early life and how it all started.

Fantastic read from a truly fantastic character.

I really enjoyed listening to this wonderful man tell his animal stories. Thank You!

THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK I HAVE READ BY BRIAN BLESSED ITS ONE OF THE FEW BOOKS I HAVE THOUGHLY ENJOYED AND SOME PASSAGES MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYBODY