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!