book i used to say my mother was shirley bassey

i used to say my mother was shirley bassey book by stephen k. amos

stephen k. amos, a beloved british comedian, invites readers into his vibrant world with his candid and humorous memoir, i used to say my mother was shirley bassey. this book offers an intimate look into the comedians formative years, filled with laughter, love, and the unique challenges of growing up in a large nigerian family in south london. its a journey through a childhood that was anything but ordinary, painted with the colourful backdrop of the late seventies and early eighties.

through witty anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, amos captures the essence of his upbringing, from navigating school as the only black child to the imaginative tales he spun to fit in. the book is a testament to the power of humour as a coping mechanism and a way to connect with others, even in the most unexpected circumstances. readers will find themselves chuckling along as they delve into the rich tapestry of amoss family life, full of eccentric relatives and joyous occasions.

i used to say my mother was shirley bassey summary

in i used to say my mother was shirley bassey, stephen k. amos recounts his childhood with a blend of poignant honesty and infectious humour. born into a large nigerian family in south london, his early years were shaped by a close-knit community of parents, aunts, and uncles who provided a constant source of support and entertainment. amos candidly shares his experiences of being one of the few black children in his school, a situation that led him to playfully claim that his mother was the legendary singer shirley bassey as a way to stand out and break the ice. this imaginative fib became a symbol of his early attempts to navigate his identity and connect with his peers.

the narrative vividly portrays the carnival-like atmosphere of his upbringing during the late 1970s and early 1980s, a period filled with vibrant family gatherings and a constant quest for attention as a middle child. amoss journey is one of self-discovery, where he learned the art of performance and storytelling from a young age, honing his comedic timing through family parties and everyday interactions. the book delves into the complexities of family dynamics, cultural heritage, and the universal struggle to find ones place in the world, all told with amoss signature warmth and observational wit.

beyond the personal anecdotes, the memoir touches upon themes of identity, belonging, and the resilience of the human spirit. amos uses his experiences to highlight the importance of embracing ones background while forging a unique path. the book is more than just a collection of childhood memories; its an exploration of how humour can be a powerful tool for overcoming adversity and celebrating lifes rich tapestry. his storytelling prowess, honed over years of stand-up comedy, shines through, making i used to say my mother was shirley bassey an engaging and uplifting read.

1. full book name : i used to say my mother was shirley bassey
2. author name : stephen k. amos
3. genre : nonfiction, memoir, comedy
4. page : 320 pages (hardback)
5. isbn : 1780338570
6. asin : n/a
7. edition language : english
8. date of publication : 2012-09-20

about the author stephen k. amos

stephen k. amos is a critically acclaimed british comedian, actor, and television personality known for his effortless charm and sharp wit. born in london to nigerian immigrant parents, amos developed a unique comedic voice rooted in his personal experiences and observations on culture, race, and identity. he began his career in the late 1990s as a compere in south london clubs and quickly rose to prominence on the international comedy circuit.

amos is a regular fixture on television, having appeared on numerous popular panel shows and presented his own programmes. his stand-up tours have sold out across the uk and internationally, earning him a reputation as one of the most beloved comedians of his generation. i used to say my mother was shirley bassey is one of his notable published works, drawing directly from his own life experiences.

i used to say my mother was shirley bassey faq

1. is i used to say my mother was shirley bassey a fictional story?

   no, i used to say my mother was shirley bassey is a memoir, meaning it is a non-fictional account of stephen k. amoss own childhood and upbringing.

2. what is the main theme of the book?

   the main themes revolve around childhood, identity, family, race, and the use of humour to navigate lifes challenges. it explores amoss experiences growing up as a black child in london and finding his voice.

3. who is shirley bassey in the context of the book?

   shirley bassey is a famous welsh singer. in the book, stephen k. amos playfully claimed his mother was shirley bassey as a way to make friends and fit in during his early school days.

4. when was the book published?

   the book i used to say my mother was shirley bassey was published on september 20, 2012.

5. what is stephen k. amos known for besides this book?

   stephen k. amos is primarily known as a successful british stand-up comedian, actor, and television personality, famous for his charismatic stage presence and insightful humour.