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Between the Stops

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

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Between the Stops

Written by: Sandi Toksvig
Narrated by: Sandi Toksvig
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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 Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment & Celebrities Women Celebrity Memoir England Funny Comedy
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What the critics say

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
All stars
Most Relevant
Very different to what I was imagining but it was a great listen! So many interesting anecdotes, she's led an amazing life, highly recommended!

Unique!

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Very enjoyable read . Interesting mix of getting to know London with historical tidbits and getting to know Sandi.

Much like many lunch chats with someone you get to quite like.

Unique mix of history and autobiography

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Between the Stops is more than just a memoir; it’s a celebration of life’s everyday adventures, the unexpected moments that shape us, and the importance of slowing down to appreciate the journey. Sandi has crafted a book that’s as charming as it is thought-provoking.

I don't know how she does it ALL... but I'm so glad she does. Thank you, Sandi, for being you.

Between the Stops is an absolute gem!

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I loved this book. Sandi Toksvig has ingenious way of looking at life. I loved the idea, first of all, of telling a life story while on a bus route. As a non driver, I could imagine myself sitting beside Sandi as talked about her life, the bus route and its history. I would be fully engaged with her narrative while getting upset at certain places, cheering her on herself as well as just going,”wow!” At various places. Ms. Toksvig is a great teacher and historian. She also is a great companion of equality. I wish there were more Sandi Toksvigs in the world. Thank you for writing this book. I feel like you broaden the boundaries of my mind.

What a wonderful book

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Loved every minute of her storytelling. I couldn't listen at night because I didn't want to stop listening.

Sandi is a delight

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