A steady stream of people are coming in to request Paul Henry's eagerly anticipated autobiography What was I thinking (although it would be fair to say that some of these people are probably only anticipating it on the basis that it will provide more fodder for their disapproval of the gentleman in question).Judging by the growing list of holds, it is unlikely I will be able to get my hands on it any time soon to be able to review it. But I can still read other people's reviews (there are plenty to be had)
Our catalogue summary of the book reads From the man whose outrageous comments on TV divided the country, and almost caused an international incident, comes this very funny memoir. Packed with stories from his eventful childhood and his long and adventurous career in journalism, this is a gripping, often hilarious and always entertaining read. It gives a fascinating insight into the complex character of Paul Henry. *He's surprising - he doesn't subscribe to any expected set of beliefs, he's an individual with contradictory opinions. *He's bold - he set himself up as an international news correspondent working out of his Masterton lounge, watching CNN and jetting off to the latest hotspot. He's talked himself into getting interviews with people as diverse as Peter Ustinov and the Prime Minister of Malaysia; he was there for the funerals of Diana and Mother Theresa; he's been thrown into jail in Iraq. *He's versatile -starting with drama school, then broadcasting at the BBC, head of Radio NZ, standing for parliament against Georgina Beyer, international correspondent - as well as protesting at Mururoa and running an antique shop and his own radio station. *He's entertaining - a natural-born story teller who spins a great yarn, and who says, 'I'll apologise for hurting people's feelings but I'll never apologise for being outrageous.'
Personally, I'm not sure what I think of Paul Henry. On the one hand I admire him for his very clear view of the world and strength of character. On the other hand, sometimes he makes me cringe. But then I could probably say the same thing about a lot of people I know. I will eventually read this book because I am interested in what makes him tick.
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