I found myself laughing out loud at many of the passages, although I sometimes felt he was going too much for the gag at the expense of the narrative.

His down-to-earth approach is refreshing and serves to remind us that not all leftwing celebrities have become champagne socialists.


Proving the Left has a Sense of Humour   May 5, 2003
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I read John O'Farrells 'Things Can Only Get Better' straight after finishing 'Reasons to Be Cheerful' and I was struck by the comparison. 'Things Can Only Get Better' was essentially a story from someone who eventually sold-out to the New Labour tyranny, rejecting all the important lessons learned from the class battles of the past decades while finally setting up within a middle class niche in the contemporary. Yet 'Reasons to Be Cheerful' is clearly a political defiance despite the heavy defeats which are acknowledged. But you are mainly awed by humanity, which is laced with a very witty political narrative. The chapter on Bobby Sands and the history of the Miners was particularly touching.

What did disappoint me however was the way in which some of his polemics and observations were obviously one dimensional, especially with reference to socialism within Russia and how the National Front was finally defeated. Otherwise it’s a gem in terms of humour, recent history and a socialist overview.


Hilarious, reminiscent, sad   April 11, 2003
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Yes! I have been to many of the same meetings as Mark Steele. Unfortunately I ended them stacking up the unused chairs sooner than he did because I ran out of steam with lefty politics much quicker than he did... it is such a funny, laugh-out-loud book for those of us who have been earnest and anarchic in empty meeting halls... and so reminiscent of the seventies - I had forgotten about those copy machines you arm wrestled with, turning the handle for 150 smudged copies of illegible purple ink ... also sad for me and probably many other people who ended up voting the present government in with hopes which were so thoroughly dashed... Read it, laugh and cry.


Reaffirms Faith in People Power   January 30, 2003
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

This is a wonderfully written, funny, poignant and inspiring book. It also evoked memories of Labour Club meetings at University and trying to be inspired by deadly dull people. The conclusion drawn by Mark Steel that successful politics is acheived by real people trying to make a difference to their lives through direct action, is one which escaped those people in love with composite motions and power games. Some of those I came across during my student days are now part of the current Government and they should read this book and hang their heads in shame. I don't agree with all of Mark Steels views but admire his idealism, though I would suggest that supporting a United Ireland should not mean supporting people who actively intimidate those with opposing views with bullets, and fund themselves through drug running, and gangster tactics. That aside this book is a must buy for anyone who cares about making a change for the better in society, who believes in the right of ordinary people to decent jobs, health, education and homes. So Mr Steel has helped repoliticise this 40 something female from the shires and I'll be sending money to the refugee council, marching against the war in Iraq and challenging the next person I go fishing with who comes out with a ridiculously bigotted and racist statement. And Yes Mr Steel I liked the Clash too. Keep up the good work.