Daniel O'Donnell: My Story

He's the golden boy of easy listening; the silver-tongued son of country-folk. Daniel O'Donnell's blend of laid back sing along has earned him legions of fans in Ireland and increasingly around the world. This autobiography, written in conjunction with Eddie Rowley (author of previous O'Donnell titles Follow Your Dream and Day By Day With Daniel) provides a further gentle amble into O'Donnell territory. Always ready with a smile and handshake for those fans he calls friends, O'Donnell takes this opportunity for an intimate chat with old acquaintances. My Story assumes a certain knowledge of its author. If you're here on the off chance, forget it. Those who know his hometown Kincasslagh, his open house tea invitations and much loved mammy, however, will be glad to catch up on old times. The book opens with O'Donnell himself admitting fandom--in his case of country legend Loretta Lynn. He strives throughout to be "one of the people" and, to be honest, the only thing that suggests otherwise is his need to reiterate the fact! O'Donnell tells us he lives a simple life in comparison to other celebrities. While this doesn't make for edge of the seat entertainment, it is engaging in places with moments of humour (both intentional ... and otherwise). There are rare allusions to out-of-image behaviour--where he sideswipes at the tabloids and council planning departments for example--but otherwise this is wholesome fare to be savoured like your granny's soup. Sandwiched in the middle of the volume are 16- pages of photos, some of which are exclusive, and the mandatory discography is included at the end. Fans should love it and if you can't make it round to Daniel's for a cuppa, relax, pull on your favourite old jumper, cut a slice of cake and settle down with the next best thing instead. --Helen Lamont

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