The Chump is a Champ

An excellent story and performance from James McNicholas. His self-deprecating humor along with his intimate retelling of both his own and his grandfather’s life makes for a wonderful listen. As someone who has been a big fan (and staunch Twitter defender) of McNicholas from his comedy to his journalism, this one is a knockout.

1 person found this helpful

Amazing Book

I am a big Arsecast listener and was excited to finally listen to James’s book. Wow! I knew it would be good, but even as not a huge audiobook fan, I found it an absolute treat. So incredibly witty and moving and filled with such love. It was wonderful.

Proud

What a supremely entertaining and satisfying book this turned out to be. James is a skilled storyteller who recounts the trials and tribulations of his own life with the same aplomb and wit as the recount of his world champion boxer grandfather, all the time deftly using insight and humor to make the reader’s experience immensely pleasurable. There is one thing I would like to offer James, after reading his gratifying tale and gaining an iota of insight into his colossus of a grandfather: I have no doubt that Terry, who, as recounted by James, paid the same level of respect to every person he met regardless of so called status, would have nothing but the highest respect and admiration for his grandson, especially given the challenges he’s faced and the manner in which he’s faced them. Thank you for this enjoyable book, Mr. Arsecast Extra.

Humor and the Human Spirit

This story is cleverly and lovingly told by its talented author who understands the importance of sharing neuroscience with an audience. Thankfully, he has seen his way through rough waters and is enjoying better health.

It’s a journey

James McNicholas is brilliant
It’s a geographic and historic journey , an invitation to personal experience without intrusion
You will feel like a champ and a chump
Thanks James

Lovely Book

I’m told this will help James reach a wider variety of people looking to buy his book and I loved the audio version and so will you. K bye!

Fabulous book from start to finish.

What a story; what a delivery; what a book. This was such a joy to listen to. Thank you, James, for sharing this with us. Catch you on the Arsecast!

A great recounting of a unique and moving story

You don’t need to be a fan of boxing or comedy to enjoy this narration. An extraordinary journey through illness and (partial) recovery, interwoven with James’s personal account of the incredible life of his beloved grandfather, a world boxing champion and archetypal cockney, this story is interesting, moving and occasionally hilarious. Told in the authors dulcet tones and self-deprecatory style, it’s definitely worth a listen-you won’t regret it.

An Honest Look into Mental Health and Legacy

Like most, I came to find this James’ work through the Arseblog podcast. I got this book in audio format because listening to James talk arsenal for an hour and a half a week wasn’t cutting it. As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed his narration.

James’ ability to be brutally honest with himself and the reader when examining his family legacy and how it relates to his mental health is a refreshing approach. I get the feeling that writing it must have been an incredibly cathartic experience and has opened me up to re-examining my past in a new light.

I decided not to mention specific details about the book because the stories are too good to give away. If you know James from other content you’ll know what I mean. Read it, nerd.

Terrific book which is both funny and interesting

Great book, wonderfully and hilariously narrated by the Chump, James McNicholas. I really loved how James was able to tell the story of his Grandfather, the world champ boxer, while drawing the parallels (and differences) with his own life.

As a listener of James's podcasts, I knew that the Audiobook was the way to go. James tells the story in a way that made me laugh out loud many times, and also gave me great insight into his "unusual" grandfather's road to success, his larger than life personality, as well as the battle that James has faced against his own challenges in life.