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I really enjoyed reading this book, and for those who are familiar with Chris Needs, his personality shines quite clearly from the pages as you read. The conversational and almost informal style of the book invites the reader in on a level of intimacy not always seen in autobiographies. But then Chris has a lot to say about his life so far. It is all here -- his love of Wales and the Welsh language, his skills as an entertainer and his multi-lingual talents. His family background and roots, the places he has lived in and visited, and perhaps the key to it all, the people who are so special to him, and who in return, acknowledge him, not only as one of Waless premier entertainers, but as a person of great warmth and generosity of spirit. Neatly sub-headed throughout, in manageable, clearly compartmentalised sections, this is a book where you feel you are having a conversation with the writer. Each chapter covers the various aspects of Chriss life, and the episodic and anecdotal material compliments this to perfection. Of course it was not all success and good times, and there are chapters given over to some quite awful experiences early on in his life. And I feel that he shows great courage and honesty in addressing some of those experiences (such as family rifts, abuse and bullying). We learn of his early artistic inclinations, such as performing at eisteddfodau, his music lessons (leading to a successful career as a pianist/organist, performing in many countries). And we read about how he eventually came to work in radio, winning a few awards on the way, and obtaining a degree, a doctorate and an MBE. The Garden came about as a name for his, as yet unformed, fan club. As he says in his book, suddenly he had lots of members who wanted to join up. The Garden has a wide appeal to those in Wales who saw that the fan club was, Recreating a community that no longer existed, based on old fashioned ideas of value and friendship. Today it is like one big extended family living all over Wales, and thanks to the internet, across the world. Members became friends with each other, and they now also number some famous names, such as Bonnie Tyler, David Emanuel and Katherine Jenkins. This is the biography of someone who has never pretended to be anyone other than himself, and who has never strayed far from his roots. It is written in an honest and accessible style that will appeal to all who read this book. And of course, this is definitely one for his many fans. Ken Jones It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council

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