Interesting, informative, entertaining

This book became more interesting as it went along. The early part about childhood and schooling could have been the reminiscences of almost anyone growing up in reasonable comfort in England in the 50s and 60s, difficult home life notwithstanding. But Paxman escapes the confines of home and school, pulls out all stops to get to Cambridge, and thereafter does interesting jobs in interesting places and, along the way, collects a lot of stories well worth re-telling. He is an astute observer and a gifted writer, always to the point and uncompromising, whether recounting an anecdote or expressing an opinion. We are treated to interesting glimpses into life behind the scenes at the BBC and University Challenge, as well as reports of his brushes with high-fliers and the various controversies his no-nonsense interviewing style has provoked. The questions referenced in the title are questions he has asked himself as he has progressed through life and career, and questions sent to him by viewers. His answers are always thoughtful, sometimes surprising, and sometimes amusing. The narration is pure Paxman: like the man himself, it is intelligent, elegant and straight-forward. No other narrator could have done it justice. Yes, Mr Paxman, it’s been very useful. I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you.

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