Book Review
Title: Dear Mr Kershaw: A Pensioner Writes
Author: Derek Philpott
Category: Humour/Music
My Rating: 5 Star
My Review:
I spotted this book on Gary’s Fiction is Food blog where the author, Derek Philpott was a guest on the Author Spotlight feature. You can read Gary’s post HERE.
Immediately, I was drawn in by Derek’s story and the unfolding hilarity which eventually became the book, Dear Mr Kershaw. In short, Derek and his friend Wilfred took it upon themselves to write a letter to a large number of pop stars pointing out the errors in their song lyrics.
It sounds like a magazine editor’s nightmare, however, in a fantastic twist of fate the pop stars began writing back! Eventually, Derek was being contacted by agents and managers wanting to know why their act hadn’t received a letter.
Dear Mr Kershaw is a compilation of the letters Derek and Wilfred sent out with the often hilarious replies they received.
Dear Level 42,
Re: Lessons In Love
My neighbour Wilf Turnbull and I heard your tuneful jingle on Bournemouth’s Wave FM yesterday and felt compelled to congratulate you on the novel medium, that of the pop charts, through which you have chosen to promote your new enterprise. If we have one criticism, Level 42, it is that we feel that your advertising slogan, ‘Could Be Better, Should Be Better,’ highlighting as it does the shortfalls of The Academy, is perhaps not such a good idea.
Hello Derek and Wilf,
In reply to your insightful letter to us, I have to hold my hands up and say you are quite right. The Academy is rubbish, sorry.
If we could be better we undoubtedly would, but there it is…!
From The Steve Miller Band, Iron Maiden, and The Human League right through to Right Said Fred and Yazz, no pop or rock star has been left untouched. The letters written by Derek are pure genius on their own, but the responses are fantastic.
This is the kind of book you can keep on hand and dip in and out of when you need a giggle. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down but I’m also pretty sure I’ll be dipping back in on occasion when I need cheering up.
Highly recommended if you are looking for something a bit different and a lot of fun.
BUY your copy of Dear Mr Kershaw from Amazon UK or Amazon US.
Blurb:
Bought to the printed page on the back of the cult internet sensation and an immensely successful Crowdfunding campaign contributed to by many of the artists involved, ‘’Dear Mr. Kershaw’’ is the result of 7 years’ surreal and quite bonkers work.
‘’Derek’’, with help from his friend ‘’Wilf’’, is a retired gent who back in 2008 set out on a bizarre crusade, writing good old-fashioned letters to pop and rock stars regarding lyrical inaccuracies and ambiguities in their most famous songs and often hilariously getting the wrong end of the stick. The letters are eminently publishable in their own right, mixing sharp wit, confusion and biscuits with trips to the shops and unarguable logic in relation to questioning the offending chart hits under scrutiny. What makes this book an essential purchase however is that, with the missives online for all to see on what was becoming a hugely popular website, the artists quite unexpectedly started to reply.
‘’Dear Mr. Kershaw’’ features over 65 of the best and funniest letters and responses from famous and legendary names spanning every reach of the pop, rock, metal, prog and punk spectrum, all relishing their involvement ‘’in character’’ and revealing their own in many cases hitherto unknown humorous sides. Amongst those to be saluted for their great sportsmanship are Noddy Holder, Billy Bragg, Was Not Was, The Stereo MCs, Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics, Saxon, Tom Robinson, Stiff Little Fingers, Rick Wakeman, Paul Heaton, Squeeze, Toyah, Howard Jones, The Divine Comedy, Kim Wilde, and of course the gentleman himself Mr Nik Kershaw Also includes 100 ‘’mini-letters’’ and Polymer Animal Popstars Highly recommended to anyone who likes music and laughing.
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I have this on my Kindle waiting to be read too after Gary’s recommendation! Sounds really funny!
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It’s great fun, Ritu. You’ll love it!
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Looking forward to it!
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Oh, I love the sound of this book… one for Husband , I think, Shelley
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It’s a great choice x
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A massive thank you. You have captured our journey and ”left field” approach towards pop music perfectly!!
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My pleasure, Derek. I loved your book and was glad I found you via Gary’s blog.
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Just downloaded on Kindle Unlimited, Shelley – thank you, looks right up my rue!
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I did think about you when I was reading it ha ha, I think you’ll enjoy it!
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Sounds like a lot of fun. Will definitely get a copy.
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I hope you enjoy it, Mary x
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog and commented:
Check out this review of the book, Dear Mr. Kershaw, by Derek Philpott, from the Shelley Wilson Author blog.
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Thanks for the reblog, Don x
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You’re welcome
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Glad you liked the spotlight Shelley and awesome of you to review it too. I’ve know Derek since before the book idea was, well…an idea. Son Dave is now carrying the torch and the new book is launching very soon; in fact I have a preview in readiness to help promote that when the time comes 🙂
Thanks so much for the link to my blog too x
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No problem, Gary. Thanks for bringing Derek into my world lol 😊
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My pleasure Shelley and I think you will find Dave is now the front man as Derek is putting the retired feet up. Obviously this reminds me I need some info from you too. Might be a good time to use Oathbreaker for your spotlight yes? I have a window of opportunity as my other one is now scheduled for later in July as the author is on vacation and we decided it would be better launched when she can follow the shares and Tweets on the FB group; especially as she is a member!!!
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Soo… That’s interesting. 😀 What a great concept. Fab review. This is definitely going on my TBR list. Perhaps a few for gifts, too.
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That’s a great idea! It’s such a fun book plus, I believe another book is on the horizon! Watch this space lol 😊
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Love the sound of this book, Shelley. A few years ago I had an idea to write a book of imaginary letters to and from various characters in pop songs. For example, you know the bit in ‘Take Good Care Of My Baby’ that goes something like ‘If you should discover that you don’t really love her, send my baby back home to me’? Well, I thought ‘baby’ could respond to to her ex, telling him a few home truths. 🙂
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I love the sound of that, Wendy. You should write it! X
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Thanks, Shelley. It’s on the to-do list!
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Oh! Another to be read now. Tsk… when temptation comes in print I just have to give in to the addiction. Great post as ususual we can rely on Shelly to keep us occupied.
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Haha, thanks for that, Ellen x
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