Book reviews

 A selection of reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Brutally honest and entertaining

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 October 2022

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This is a frank account of one man's life that was witty and captivating. John holds nothing back as he takes you on a journey down memory lane, from his days reading law at Oxford to the drug fuelled carnal debauchery that ensued. Be prepared for some shocking truths and some well.

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Fasten your seatbelts .... this isn't a gentle ride!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 October 2022

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This is an autobiographical account...not my favorite genre normally...of a life worthy of a rip-roaring novel..sort of Angela's Ashes meets Fifty Shades of Grey meets Bonfire of the Vanities peppered with Trainspotting! Throughout, John's humour illustrates some very funny anecdotes that demonstrate his character and resilience. Having said that, it doesn't read as a catharsis. There is no apologetic or regretful soul searching, just an account of extraordinary circumstances and opportunities. John somehow manages to survive the roller coaster with insight and intelligence that can be interpreted as cautionary or as the power of self-belief and optimism. 

5.0 out of 5 stars A rollercoaster of emotion - compelling.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 September 2022

A very real and raw memoir. The book describes, with honesty and humour, the life journey of a highly intelligent lawyer whose life’s trajectory takes an unexpected and harrowing detour into the world of drug addiction.

This a compelling if at times uncomfortable read and despite the subject is very entertaining. A thought provoking book full of emotion, drama and hope.

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating, funny and fascinating

Reviewed in the United States on 5 September 2022

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This book completely exceeded my expectations. It is so well written, so funny, searingly honest and real. It made me gasp, laugh and shed a few tears.

Highly recommended. 

5.0 out of 5 stars A very special memoir

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 September 2022

John McGlashan has written a compelling memoir, made exceptionally so because of a remarkable writing style that manages to expose the reader to a rich and intense variety of experiences that are profoundly sad and joyous, morally disturbing but also edifying - without the distraction of needless melodrama, or maudlin self-indulgence.

What is so interesting to me is the how -John’s life takes him from the extremes of poverty in an environment that would only amplify the brutality of that experience for most people - the dank, dark North of England - to the seeming delights of the high bourgeois rollercoaster. We soon learn, however, that what appears to be simply a more or less conventional rags-to-riches story, becomes one full of moral ambivalence and, eventually, drug-addled madness - an almost biblical elegy of a singular fall from grace that ultimately leads to some form of real redemption and a life informed by humility and love.

Book Chats with Salome Gooding

 In his memoir, Next Time, Bring a Bigger Knife, John F. McGlashan recounts how a young boy who grew up in a poor inner-city neighbourhood and was bullied by the Jesuits where he started his school years, eventually qualified and excelled as a highly successful solicitor in family law. In a candid, gutsy and humorous manner, McGlashan shares the ups and downs of his life, including poverty, bullies, interaction with Jesuits, his years at Oxford, the law, a mistress, drug addiction, rehab, prison and, finally, redemption. 

The author’s unique sense of humour is sprinkled throughout the book, and several hilarious anecdotes unveil his character, resilience and buoyant nature even in the face of catastrophe. McGlashan’s reminiscences further reveal that he survived the various tribulations of his life through introspection, unshakable self-confidence, valuable connections, and a healthy dose of good fortune. 

Next Time, Bring a Bigger Knife also gives readers a rare close-up glimpse into the lives of Oxford students and the many enriching and privileged experiences afforded to Oxonians – many of which served to prepare him for much more than just a career in law. His time spent in family law made for equally interesting reading, describing the variety of extraordinary and sometimes jaw-dropping cases that crossed his desk over the years. 

I enjoyed McGlashan’s unadorned, matter-of-fact style of writing as he unsparingly relates various experiences and encounters – some hysterical, some shocking, and some scandalous and borderline disturbing, but all recounted in a refreshingly honest and unapologetic manner.  

Perhaps some deeper emotional delving and self-discovery could have enhanced this entertaining memoir, but, on the other hand, perhaps that might have detracted from this wild rags-to-riches-to-rags ride. It is filled with truthful revelations about the darker side of life, addiction to drugs and sex, losing it all, and finally redemption and humility. Next Time, Bring a Bigger Knife is many things; boring isn’t one of them.