John Sergeant, Daily Mail

10 June 2011

Daily Mail

JOHN SERGEANT WHAT BOOK..?

...are you reading now?

The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley. His theme is that the doom merchants are wrong and we have a lot to be optimistic about.

It’s well-argued and convincing at most points, yet I can’t help but feel that in these uncertain times we are right to be worried. I like the idea, though, that we almost always get worked up about the wrong things.

...would you take to a desert island?

One of the sea stories by Patrick O’Brian. If you are desperate to be rescued, as I would be, what could be more comforting than the suggestion that just beyond the horizon is Captain Aubrey and the fearless men of HMS Surprise?

Mr O’Brian is a magician, brilliantly conjuring up the world of sailing ships and derring-do in the 18th century.

It was a time when the Royal Navy was a supreme fighting force. When the enemy were sighted, they knew the Jack Tars would engage — and if necessary fight to the death.

...gave you the reading bug?

The Story Of Dr Dolittle, and the others in the same series by Hugh Lofting. We did not have a television at home and these books gripped my visual imagination.

Not only did the Doctor talk to animals of all sorts, including the perfectly named Pushmi-pullyu, he had funny and thrilling adventures. If I had a cold, I knew that by the time the book was finished it would have gone.

...left you cold?

Recently, I have tried to get interested in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, but the characters, with names such as Mikael Blomkvist, and their involvement in business journalism fail to excite. Scandinavian gloom is one thing, but coupled with old newspaper stories, it has me reaching for a shot of aquavit. Maybe I should watch the film. At least it would be over quickly.

* John Sergeant will discuss his life in broadcasting in An Audience With John Sergeant at the Lichfield Garrick on July 5. For reservations, call 01543 412121