When, in 2021, I self-published my memoir, I Know This Looks Bad, part of me dreamed lightening might strike and a massive hit was in the offing. I reckon this afflicts all first time authors - “Sorry, I can’t do The Today Show on the 17th. I’m meant to be on Good Morning Britain that day”. The New York Times Book Review would be sniffy, but mostly positive; The London Review of Books would eviscerate the thing, but sales soared. There’d even be a short piece in People magazine. My fame was to be short-lived, but it was fame nonetheless. None of that happened of course. In reality, sales were small but mighty and a sturdy following ensued. Images of stardom have faded, with one exception.
© 2024 John Oliver
Substack is the home for great culture