Misfits: A Personal Manifesto – by the creator of 'I May Destroy You'

A manifesto written by Michaela Cole, best known for her television work with Chewing Gum and I May Destroy You. This was a speech she delivered in 2018 when she was invited to give the MacTaggart Lecture at the prestigious Edinburgh Television Festival. The main body of the speech is book ended by an introduction and conclusion here, to give context.This is wonderful. Coel talks about her time growing up, at school and her experiences in writing for and making television to celebrate her otherness, the Misfit badge she proudly discovered and shared with a group of friends at school and which has gone on to shape and define her for better or worse.This is a delicately balanced speech. There is anger here, and a really serious message about celebrating who we are and not giving up what makes us unique as soon as we feel we have been accepted into the mainstream. It is also a rebuke to those of us who feel that we can abuse our power and bully or shame the people we brand as misfits. The whole thing is lifted by humour and the humility of Coel to admit the mistakes that she has made and the learning she has had to do on her journey.Funny, angry, dark and passionate, this is a wonderful manifesto. It's slim size belies the huge messages it conveys.

Incredible read it in one sitting. Important to remember that this is a lecture. Not a book per say or a “collection of essays” according to one bad review. It reads beautifully, even more so when you remember the purpose of it. It is witty, challenging at times and rare in its vulnerability. Very special indeed.It’s important to note that it’s a short read.

The speech is terrific, if I had known it was the speech from her award acceptance in book form I wouldn't have bought it. Nevertheless, I read it again, and the content is challenging and beautiful, a great message and an easy read.

love Michaela cole but book was not what I expected, as didn't go into depth. I thought it was going to be a autobiography

I had barely any expectations for this book, I simply thought it’d be something I skim every now and again but once I began I couldn’t stop. As an aspiring writer, Michaela has a way of speaking through written words where it not only inspires, but encourages. Her story, her beliefs, her conspiracies, her humour, love. The book is also very tiny (which I didn’t expect) lol. But it’s perfect to slip into your bag so… thumbs up from me.

Coel’s has been funny and full of tragedy. It is life changing. A philosophy embracing nuance and diversity. This book touches at that but as it’s really a lecture with an intro and an outro it really has no time to develop the themes. This leaves it feeling more self centred than either of the two television series I have seen that she has written. I would recommend listening to her interview with Louis Theroux where I think he coaxed more interesting things out of her. Her idea that we should reach out more for the very many different views of and experiences of life is extremely compelling. But I believe was better expressed in her programs.

Witty, powerful and moving, this is such a powerful piece of work, I’d encourage everyone to read it

In 2018, Michaela Coel was asked to speak in front of a crowd of 4,000 people at a TV Festival in Edinburgh.Her speech for The MacTaggart Lecture is presented here, with some minor changes to suit the print edition.What I did was play the video of her speaking on YouTube and read along at the same time, and it was a most enjoyable way to enjoy it. I know it's on Audiobook too, but it was lovely to be able to see her as well as hear her speak (I have to confess, I did speed her up a bit, I'm sorry Michaela).The speech itself is inspiring, raw, honest, very emotional to listen to in parts (CW for sexual assault and mention of suicide), with Michaela speaking about her life, her progression from young drama student to actress/creator/producer, but also racism, abuse, misogyny, and the concept of Misfits in general.The book is so short, and there's very little in it apart from the lecture, but it's still always nice to spend some time with Michaela. Recommended for fans and newbies alike!Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley.

I thought this was an expansion on the James McTaggart lecture. All I got instead was the written version, with no 'building on it' as the review suggests -misleading! I'm very disappointed! Wish I could return this purchase, unfortunately it's too late :(