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Gotta Get Theroux This

My Life and Strange Times in Television

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Gotta Get Theroux This

By: Louis Theroux
Narrated by: Louis Theroux
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About this listen

From much-loved documentary maker Louis Theroux comes a funny, heartfelt and entertaining account of his life and weird times in TV.

The audio edition is read by the author and contains an exclusive additional chapter.


The Sunday Times Bestseller.

'Honest and soul-searching' - Sunday Express
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In 1994 fledgling journalist Louis Theroux was given a one-off gig on Michael Moore’s TV Nation, presenting a segment on apocalyptic religious sects. Gawky, socially awkward and totally unqualified, his first reaction to this exciting opportunity was panic. But he’d always been drawn to off-beat characters, so maybe his enthusiasm would carry the day. Or, you know, maybe it wouldn’t . . .

In Gotta Get Theroux This, Louis takes the reader on a joyous journey from his anxiety-prone childhood to his unexpectedly successful career. Nervously accepting the BBC’s offer of his own series, he went on to create an award-winning documentary style that has seen him immersed in the weird worlds of paranoid US militias and secretive pro-wrestlers, get under the skin of celebrities like Max Clifford and Chris Eubank and tackle gang culture in San Quentin prison, all the time wondering whether the same qualities that make him good at documentaries might also make him bad at life.

As Louis woos his beautiful wife Nancy and learns how to be a father, he also dares to take on the powerful Church of Scientology. Just as challenging is the revelation that one of his old subjects, Jimmy Savile, was a secret sexual predator, prompting him to question our understanding of how evil takes place. Filled with wry observation and self-deprecating humour, this is Louis at his most insightful and honest best.

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'Funny, engaging' - Sunday Times

'Gripping' - Daily Mail

'Absorbing and surprisingly candid' - Telegraph Magazine

Art & Literature Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Journalists, Editors & Publishers

Critic Reviews

An absorbing and surprisingly candid book . . .
Gripping
Engaging, funny
Throughout the audiobook, Theroux also discusses the personal challenges of navigating family life, which add vulnerability to his portrait of himself. His narration emphasizes his persona as a smart, appealing truth seeker.
If you are a fan of Louis Theroux's self-deprecating humour and relaxed broadcasting style, you will enjoy this honest and soul-searching account of his life so far.
All stars
Most relevant
Where to begin.
A thematic, emotional and somewhat carthartic work of art, Louis retrospectively explores the intricacies of the human condition by recalling his experiences in documentary film making. Whilst many contributors from these programs are mentioned, one in particular is prominent and has clearly had an impact on Louis: Jimmy Savile. Louis relationship with Jimmy touches on these psychological and social complexities through a truly honest yet compassionate retelling. What I love most however, is the honesty in which he looks back onto his life; the things he felt, thought and did in all those years of working. His anxiety, self-doubt and other psychological relatabilities are heartwarming and his openness about marriage, its highs and lows and the lessons learned as a result warrant nothing but respect. Whilst I wish the Westboro baptist church chapter wasnt omitted, I too hope to one day look at my past Theroux the same honest and self-compassionate lens that Louis has done here. In fact, I may as well start now

Louis Theroux: Everythings weird

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The narration by Louis is what really makes this book a 5 star-er.
The sense of personal voice, and amusing impersonations make the book an easy listen, as if you were being talked to directly. Louis manages to shed light on the process of making his documentaries, both physically and mentally, allowing the reader to enjoy each chapter regardless of their familiarity with his body of work.
The only 'misgivings' with this book is that the transition between chapters can occasionally feel jumpy and disconnected.
Overall, an amazing listen

Interesting

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loved loved loved!!!!!

yes a lot of JS but it's essential to see how it effected LT

amazing

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I have enjoyed Louis's documentaries for his calm manner regardless of the situation. He provides the "normal" persons perspective in abnormal situations. This book gives a unique insight into the mind of a professional observer of humanity.

funny and powerfully honest

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After years of following Louis Theroux’s documentaries I was very pleased to learn he’d written a book (realise now it’s actually his second). Gotta Get Theroux This is quite touching and vulnerable. I found the chapters where he spoke about his relationships and family to be my favourite and very relatable. Having Louis narrate the book was a bonus.

Genuine, interesting and funny

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