A Class Act: Life as a working-class man in a middle-class world

I am still reading this book and enjoyable up to now.

Downloaded the Kindle book because it was on offer for 99p and I'm a sucker for a bargain. To be honest I wasn't expecting much from it as I've never been massively keen on Rob Beckett, I usually only watch programs that he's in because someone else I like is in it (Romesh Ranganathan, Mock The Week, things like that), mostly because I've always found his voice a bit irritating and thought he was a bit of an uneducated idiot. But hey, the Kindle edition was only 99p, so even if I hated it, it wasn't a big deal.Safe to say, I didn't hate it, I really enjoyed it. It opened my eyes and made m think about things a bit differently, such as when he comes across as a bit of an idiot, I'm now thinking that it's not because he's uneducated, but rather because some idiot of a teacher basically destroyed his self-confidence at a young age, and he thought he could never make anything of himself in academia. It's also a lack of exposure to other ways of life (such as middle or upper class living), and no-one can be blamed for that. The only reason I know so much (head full of useless trivia and facts) is because I read so widely, but I'm often surprised at how little my mum and sister know about certain things, but it's purely because I love reading and they don't.The thing that really comes through in this book is Rob's passion and drive for comedy, although it did end up having an unfortunate consequence. It's also nice to see that just because someone is a successful, popular comedian, it doesn't mean all of their insecurities and self-doubt disappear, which gives me hope for my son in the future. He's 12 and so riddled with anxiety, so hyper self-critical, so filled with doubt that it makes me worry for his future, but he is very driven and determined like Rob, so that has made me feel so much better about my son's future.I love that Rob has been so honest about the ups and downs that have come his way, and how things haven't always gone right for him- it's always good to know that even the best people had problems along the way, as it gives you hope for your own future.So from now on, I will be watching things with Rob in, not just because he's on with someone else I like, but for him. Although I'll probably have to have the TV on mute and the subtitles on because I can't cope with the voice. If you're reading this Rob, I'm so sorry! But I absolutely love your book and have recommended it to several people, hope that makes up for the 'not liking his voice' thing xx

Loved this book, a perfect mix of everything

Really enjoyed this read. You think you know someone because you see them regularly on the TV, but there is no knowing what goes on in people's mind. Great insight into how Rob started out in comedy - and kept going! Great job, well done.

Funny guyGood read although I have heard some of the stories before …told by other comedians

In A Class Act, Rob Beckett discusses the class divide in Britain - in particular the huge difference between the working and middle class experiences.As a young working class man starting out in a predominantly middle class world he frequently felt like a fish out of water. He illustrates his imposter syndrome with no end of funny, self-deprecating anecdotes, such as his first experience of the Edinburgh Festival, or going to an A-lister party round at Jimmy Carr's.Now he's married and has kids who are living a far more privileged life than he had growing up - as he likewise did than his parents. And this is causing him to question his identity - is he middle class now? His young family certainly is, but does that mean he's abandoned his roots?This is an interesting and intelligent look at class from someone successfully straddling two quite different worlds. By looking at the pros and cons of both, Rob Beckett proves he is as thoughtful, entertaining and witty on the page as he is on the TV or in a live show.

Not sure Rkbs as working class as he thinks he is. His family enjoyed foreign holidays and had a favourite restaurant.We went camping a couple of times, did not even own passports, and a treag was a trip to the chippies

Enjoyed this, very funny and one of those bios where you could hear his voice. Some great stories, plus some serious bits, but overall very funny. Did start to become a bit repetitive towards the end.