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Dave Gorman Vs. The Rest Of The World: Whatever The Game — Dave Takes On All Comers! (2011)

by Dave Gorman(Favorite Author)

3.63 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0091928478 (ISBN13: 9780091928476)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Ebury Press

review 1: As a fan of Dave Gorman’s work, including his stage shows, tv shows and the radio show he hosted on Absolute Radio, I am no stranger to Gorman’s style. I enjoy his witty observations and sarcastic humour, and I envy his lyrical prose style. This is the second of Gorman’s books I have read within a year having previously feasted on ‘American Unchained’, an experimental adventure and a comment on commercialism, testing whether it is possible to travel a set route across America solely using independently operated services. In ‘Dave Gorman vs. the Rest of the World’ Gorman sets out on mini adventure across England with the aim of filling his free time by playing games with complete strangers. The concept started with a Tweet Gorman put out asking followers to su... morebmit their offers of a game, whether it be a board game, card game, pub game, any kind of game really, and Gorman would take up these offers as a way to fill some downtime inbetween projects. But whilst the “project” starts out as a haphazard way of passing the time, as is usual with Gorman’s work the ventures become a shapely narrative of exploring new places and meeting new people. Now I know what you’re thinking; how can a book about a man going and playing games with people and then writing about it be interesting? But that’s the beauty of Gorman’s narrative style. His effortless use of humour, cultural references and chatty prose draw the reader in, making them laugh, groan and at one point even reel in shock, (this part comes towards the end and provoked a sharp intake of breath whilst sitting on a crowded rush-hour train). Every time I had to put the book down because I had reached my station or my lunch break was over, I did so reluctantly and was always eager for the next time I could open those pages to find myself within the next adventure on Gorman’s journey. What I liked most about the narrative was the way it started to unselfconsciously take shape in Gorman’s mind. He admits that initially he’d never intended to turn his forays into a book, whether this is really true or not I don’t know, but I’m glad he did as the narrative grows into a variety of comedic tales. I would say that in the first half of the book it’s as if Gorman is re-exploring the game culture and assessing society’s notion of ‘playing a game’. There are some nostalgic moments as Gorman comes across games from his childhood, and some discovery moments where he is introduced to games he’s never heard of before. The second half of the novel then becomes more of a justification of the act, particularly as Gorman starts to question whether it is reasonable to travel such distances from his home in London to far flung parts of the British Isles to play a simple board game. It is then that Gorman, by his own admission, starts to treat the trips as mini holidays or getaways, exploring new places in a way that he wouldn’t normally do by meeting the people who live there. For me ‘Dave Gorman Vs. the Rest of the World’ was a thoroughly enjoyable read that well lived up to its expectations. It was light, humorous, easy to read and very involving. The narrative, peppered with cultural references and empathic imagery meant that I was there, within the narrative, the whole time. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an amusing read, anyone who I know is a big fan of board games, or anyone who is looking for a light-hearted true-life story. Whilst this could easily be enjoyed by a variety of people, when it comes to the age bracket there are a couple of limiting factors. There are a few “adult moments” and “adult words” used, but there is also, I feel, a generational element to it. Although there is an age gap between Gorman and myself, I was still able to nod in agreement at some of the shared memories or smile at the mention of certain products. So whilst I would say that this isn’t a book for everyone, those who select this novel knowing what to expect certainly won’t be disappointed.
review 2: Dave Gorman is a master of this genre (whatever it is) and Vs the Rest of the World was thoroughly enjoyable. The card-carrying cardigan wearer finding himself with a temporary spot of free time without the company of his fiancé appeals to the Twitterati to offer him games - not computer games 'real' games, old and new. So he pootles round Britain meeting interesting and not-so-interesting-but-he-makes-them-interesting people and playing traditional board games, new board games, card games, quirky traditions such as Toad in the Hole, throwing games.Some of the pleasure for me is in recognition - but that's not just about me recognising places but about the power of Gorman's description that makes you think "Yes!" Although there are some unnerving situations - the gamer who never gives out her real address, being shut in an attic to keep a secret and the more deeply disturbing than the sweet Gorman thinks he is (and Gorman is upset by him) Steve, it is a life-affirming read, full of compassionate self-knowledge and gentle fun and connection. less

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