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Driven to Distraction
Brace yourself, Clarkson’s back. And he’d like to tell you what he thinks about some of the most awe-inspiring, earth-shatteringly fast and jaw-droppingly gorgeous cars in the world (alongside a few irredeemable disasters ...). Or he would, if there weren’t so many things competing for his attention first. So much to get off his chest. The world according to Clarkson is a perplexing place, filled with thorny subjects like: the prospect of having Terry Wogan as president; why you’ll never see a woman driving a Lexus; the unforeseen consequences of inadequate birth control; and, why everyone should spend a weekend with a digger Fearless, independent, surprising and laugh-out-loud funny. \"Driven to Distraction" is full-throttle Clarkson at his best; a unique look at the joys, absurdities and frustrations of modern life. With wheels. Buckle up, get comfortable, and hold on tight. There’s no one who writes about cars like Jeremy...
412 pages, Hardcover
First published September 16, 2009
52 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Clarkson
69 books1,042 followersJeremy Charles Robert Clarkson (born April 11, 1960) is an English broadcaster and writer who specialises in motoring.
He writes weekly columns for The Sunday Times and The Sun, but is better known for his role on the BBC television programme Top Gear.
From a career as a local journalist in the north of England, he rose to public prominence as a presenter of the original format of Top Gear in 1988. Since the mid-1990s Clarkson has become a recognised public personality, regularly appearing on British television presenting his own shows and appearing as a guest on other shows. As well as motoring, Clarkson has produced programmes and books on subjects such as history and engineering. From 1998 to 2000 he also hosted his own chat show, Clarkson.
His opinionated but humorous tongue-in-cheek writing and presenting style has often generated much public reaction to his viewpoints. His actions both privately and as a Top Gear presenter have also sometimes resulted in criticism from the media, politicians, pressure groups and the public.
As well as the criticism levelled against him, Clarkson also generated a significant following in the public at large, being credited as a factor in the resurgence of Top Gear to the most popular show on BBC Two, and calls for him to be made Prime Minister. Clarkson himself was keen to downplay his perceived influence on the British public, stating he regularly contradicts himself, and would make a "rubbish" Prime Minister.
He writes weekly columns for The Sunday Times and The Sun, but is better known for his role on the BBC television programme Top Gear.
From a career as a local journalist in the north of England, he rose to public prominence as a presenter of the original format of Top Gear in 1988. Since the mid-1990s Clarkson has become a recognised public personality, regularly appearing on British television presenting his own shows and appearing as a guest on other shows. As well as motoring, Clarkson has produced programmes and books on subjects such as history and engineering. From 1998 to 2000 he also hosted his own chat show, Clarkson.
His opinionated but humorous tongue-in-cheek writing and presenting style has often generated much public reaction to his viewpoints. His actions both privately and as a Top Gear presenter have also sometimes resulted in criticism from the media, politicians, pressure groups and the public.
As well as the criticism levelled against him, Clarkson also generated a significant following in the public at large, being credited as a factor in the resurgence of Top Gear to the most popular show on BBC Two, and calls for him to be made Prime Minister. Clarkson himself was keen to downplay his perceived influence on the British public, stating he regularly contradicts himself, and would make a "rubbish" Prime Minister.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 21, 2015
I love how funny this book is.
When you see Clarkson on Top Gear, you think he's just some bloke who can talk about cars and be rude, but when you read his columns you realise why he is such a succesfull carjournalist. He's not that rude in his writing. But he is very funny. It's not a good idea to read this book in a place where you have to be silent...
Clarkson is also very good at making a switch from talking about something that is happening in for example politics on the moment of writing an a new car, soms even in one sentence. And it makes sense. He's a very good writer.
When you see Clarkson on Top Gear, you think he's just some bloke who can talk about cars and be rude, but when you read his columns you realise why he is such a succesfull carjournalist. He's not that rude in his writing. But he is very funny. It's not a good idea to read this book in a place where you have to be silent...
Clarkson is also very good at making a switch from talking about something that is happening in for example politics on the moment of writing an a new car, soms even in one sentence. And it makes sense. He's a very good writer.
December 11, 2010
Last year I was well enamoured with Clarkson's writings, this year I'm a bit bored with them. He's still enjoyable enough, but I'm afraid I'm just not that interested in cars which is what this book revolves around. How often can you write about hydraulic suspension or torque over-steer, or under-steer, and keep it remotely interesting? It doesn't help that I've been watching the occasional episode of Top Gear on Sky, which surprises me with its ability to get on my tits with its grinding, unending blokeishness. I find its humour too "Southern" as well, that determination to slag off each and every thing that somehow might threaten your sense of self. This book's a bit like that. Too laddish by half.
February 14, 2021
This is not a book you can read in one sitting. It’s chapter after chapter of car reviews. With a few travel reviews thrown in at the end. But it is hilarious! Clarkson delivers a punch in every review he writes in his usual sarcastic British humor way. You giggle at the offensiveness he provides and find yourself looking up the vehicles that aren’t sold here. You nod and smile when he says things you’ve often thought and trust him implicitly about which car you SHOULD buy. I’ll read anything and everything he ever writes.
June 1, 2025
More of Clarkson's weekly newspaper columns. He covers a wide range of subjects with the typical Clarkson witticisms. Good book to have laying around the house for odd moments as each article is only 3-5 pages long. Reading it straight through would probably be boring.
March 22, 2018
Jeremy Clarkson, host of what used to be Top Gear has written many book and also this tremendous book Driven to Distraction. This magnificent book takes on boring subjects and makes them very funny. If you like cars, there are a lot of great car reviews in this book from all the years he presented Top Gear but that’s not all.
It’s not only cars, the book contains memories and events from many years and he tells them in chronological order. So you also read about things that happened quite some time ago and it’s nice to be reminded of them. Especially the piece about the first iPhone was really funny, with quotes like this: “the new iPhone has a great camera except when there isn’t enough light, when there is too much light and everything in between”. I couldn’t agree more on this.
I also learned a lot from this book, he can make politics interesting and hilarious. That’s something I really appreciate. I’m not saying that this was an easy book to read but I certainly enjoyed it. Also something good is that he isn’t as hard to people when he writes as some of his statements on Top Gear, but that doesn’t mean that he’s not funny anymore.
Driven to Distraction, if you like cars and humor, I’m convinced that it’s just right for you. Great read for during holidays if you just want to relax and have a laugh. I truly recommend this book, laughed a lot, learned tons of things and it’s especially great if you’re a fan of Top Gear. So why don’t you just go ahead and buy it already?
It’s not only cars, the book contains memories and events from many years and he tells them in chronological order. So you also read about things that happened quite some time ago and it’s nice to be reminded of them. Especially the piece about the first iPhone was really funny, with quotes like this: “the new iPhone has a great camera except when there isn’t enough light, when there is too much light and everything in between”. I couldn’t agree more on this.
I also learned a lot from this book, he can make politics interesting and hilarious. That’s something I really appreciate. I’m not saying that this was an easy book to read but I certainly enjoyed it. Also something good is that he isn’t as hard to people when he writes as some of his statements on Top Gear, but that doesn’t mean that he’s not funny anymore.
Driven to Distraction, if you like cars and humor, I’m convinced that it’s just right for you. Great read for during holidays if you just want to relax and have a laugh. I truly recommend this book, laughed a lot, learned tons of things and it’s especially great if you’re a fan of Top Gear. So why don’t you just go ahead and buy it already?
September 8, 2023
Jeremy Clarkson’s ‘Driven to Distraction’ takes readers on a rollicking journey through the world of automobiles, and true to Clarkson’s style, it’s a journey filled with humor, wit, and plenty of memorable anecdotes.
Clarkson’s passion for cars shines through every page of this book. Whether he’s reviewing the latest supercar, recounting his automotive adventures, or sharing his candid opinions on various car-related matters, his enthusiasm is infectious. His writing style is engaging and peppered with the irreverent humor he’s known for.
One of the standout features of ‘Driven to Distraction’ is Clarkson’s ability to blend his love for cars with amusing and often absurd real-life stories. From quirky road trips to bizarre encounters with fellow motorists, the book is a collection of entertaining tales that any car enthusiast can appreciate.
However, I must mention that while the humor is a strong point, it might not appeal to everyone. Some readers might find Clarkson’s style to be politically incorrect or overly brash. It’s essential to approach this book with an appreciation for his unique and often polarizing brand of humor.
In summary, ‘Driven to Distraction’ is a delightful read for anyone who shares Jeremy Clarkson’s passion for cars and enjoys a healthy dose of humor with their automotive adventures. It’s a book that’s sure to entertain and leave you with a smile, but be prepared for Clarkson’s unapologetically bold style.
Clarkson’s passion for cars shines through every page of this book. Whether he’s reviewing the latest supercar, recounting his automotive adventures, or sharing his candid opinions on various car-related matters, his enthusiasm is infectious. His writing style is engaging and peppered with the irreverent humor he’s known for.
One of the standout features of ‘Driven to Distraction’ is Clarkson’s ability to blend his love for cars with amusing and often absurd real-life stories. From quirky road trips to bizarre encounters with fellow motorists, the book is a collection of entertaining tales that any car enthusiast can appreciate.
However, I must mention that while the humor is a strong point, it might not appeal to everyone. Some readers might find Clarkson’s style to be politically incorrect or overly brash. It’s essential to approach this book with an appreciation for his unique and often polarizing brand of humor.
In summary, ‘Driven to Distraction’ is a delightful read for anyone who shares Jeremy Clarkson’s passion for cars and enjoys a healthy dose of humor with their automotive adventures. It’s a book that’s sure to entertain and leave you with a smile, but be prepared for Clarkson’s unapologetically bold style.
August 17, 2020
As Clarkson said about BMW in the book (and I'm paraphrasing, but it was along these lines) - people might have reasons not to like BMW, but you can be sure that BMW knows how to drive. It's similar with Clarkson - you might not like him, might not agree with his opinions, might not be entertained by his antics - but damn can he drive and critique stuff naturally.
Yes, this book is merely bunch of articles taken from his publications, but they are fun, entertaining and to some extent educational (if you care for the cars he talks about). But his views on other things that happen in life and around him being tangled with reviews of the cars is really a worthwhile read.
I really had some good laughs and I enjoyed almost all of the articles in the book. Naturally some fall flat or are simply so uneventful and boring you trail off reading it. But for the most part Clarkson really hits the head of the nail with his observations and opinions. Just like in Top Gear.. and now Grand Tour.
My only regret is that I happened to stumble on this book so many years afters its release. I'm probably going to grab some of his other books and keep on laughing
Yes, this book is merely bunch of articles taken from his publications, but they are fun, entertaining and to some extent educational (if you care for the cars he talks about). But his views on other things that happen in life and around him being tangled with reviews of the cars is really a worthwhile read.
I really had some good laughs and I enjoyed almost all of the articles in the book. Naturally some fall flat or are simply so uneventful and boring you trail off reading it. But for the most part Clarkson really hits the head of the nail with his observations and opinions. Just like in Top Gear.. and now Grand Tour.
My only regret is that I happened to stumble on this book so many years afters its release. I'm probably going to grab some of his other books and keep on laughing
February 9, 2012
A very interesting read. It was basically a years worth of Jeremy's Sunday Post articles on cars. The fun begins when he starts off each 3 page article with about a page and a half of banter that has nothing to do with the car being reviewed. In this way it is a good read, and since each "review" is only about 3 pages long, it is easy to pick up and put down when you don't have much time to read.
The only two bad things I can say is that Jeremy is based in the UK, so sometimes I had no idea what the car being reviewed was (without looking up on my iPod) and the other thing is sometimes he would refer to items or slang or people/shows only in the UK. So at times as a US reader I was lost.
I would reccomend as a short time read, possibly a bathroom reader. I don't know if you could manage to sit and read it cover to cover, I like a bit more story for that.
~Rich
The only two bad things I can say is that Jeremy is based in the UK, so sometimes I had no idea what the car being reviewed was (without looking up on my iPod) and the other thing is sometimes he would refer to items or slang or people/shows only in the UK. So at times as a US reader I was lost.
I would reccomend as a short time read, possibly a bathroom reader. I don't know if you could manage to sit and read it cover to cover, I like a bit more story for that.
~Rich
April 8, 2010
More of the same really. I liked the extra bit at the end which wasn't his normal column.
He is as irrelevent as ever but still I seem to be agreeing with him more and more.
The health and safety police at all that stuff makes my blood boil, like his. Somehow he remains the same, doing what he loves and being honest about what a car is like.
I loved that one manufactor sent a second version of the car because he didn't think it was right and wrote about it. Needless to say whoever's car he was reviewing a few weeks later can't have been happy when he slagged their car off and used the last two lines to retract the only negative about their rival. he he :-)
He is as irrelevent as ever but still I seem to be agreeing with him more and more.
The health and safety police at all that stuff makes my blood boil, like his. Somehow he remains the same, doing what he loves and being honest about what a car is like.
I loved that one manufactor sent a second version of the car because he didn't think it was right and wrote about it. Needless to say whoever's car he was reviewing a few weeks later can't have been happy when he slagged their car off and used the last two lines to retract the only negative about their rival. he he :-)
May 10, 2011
If you don't recognize him, Jeremy Clarkson is the tallest of the trio that bring you the British car show, Top Gear. Although this book was primarily about automobiles, it was loaded with good...and awful...English humor. Having lived for the last two years in a place where the Queen's English was spoken, I found it to be a hoot.
August 27, 2012
This book is simply another compilation of Mr. Clarkson's blunt observations that you may have already read in his newspaper column writings. So, basically, Jeremy ends up being paid twice for the same piece of journalism if you chose to buy this book.
It is funny in places but, like him, quite predictable too!
It is funny in places but, like him, quite predictable too!
May 25, 2023
Recommended to me as a little self-assessment by my old editor at Indy Metal Vault.
Here's what I'll say; if you think you have ADHD even just a little, this is very informative. It dives deep into every type of the mental illness, and gives examples of each, and some things people did to overcome them. He's a therapist in this field that suffers from it himself, and this was very insightful.
Here's what I'll say; if you think you have ADHD even just a little, this is very informative. It dives deep into every type of the mental illness, and gives examples of each, and some things people did to overcome them. He's a therapist in this field that suffers from it himself, and this was very insightful.
September 18, 2024
Exactly what you would expect from JC, sarcastic and satyric point of view loaded with irony, complaints and insults.
Most of the book is made of brief car reviews. The last part contains a few travel stories.
Most of the book is made of brief car reviews. The last part contains a few travel stories.
October 7, 2024
Very much what I expected from a series of car reviews by jezza. The man knows how to string metaphors and hyperboles together that’s all I’ll say.
May 25, 2025
I don’t know anything about cars. I don’t want to know anything about cars. But I will happily read Jeremy Clarkson complain, ramble, and wax lyrical about them any day of the week.
This collection of columns is classic Clarkson: fast-paced, funny, grumpy in the most entertaining way, and full of completely baffling car references I barely understood but didn’t need to. It's all about the voice — and that voice is pure chaos, charm, and dry British humour.
If you like your non-fiction a little ridiculous, this one's a joy.
This collection of columns is classic Clarkson: fast-paced, funny, grumpy in the most entertaining way, and full of completely baffling car references I barely understood but didn’t need to. It's all about the voice — and that voice is pure chaos, charm, and dry British humour.
If you like your non-fiction a little ridiculous, this one's a joy.
February 7, 2018
It was inreresting learning about him
July 4, 2019
Jeremy is less funny and more of a d!ck than as seen on TV, but nonetheless there were quite a few quality moments.
March 22, 2020
Funny. Like the show Top Gear, inasmuch as I don’t know anything about cars, but enjoy it because of the general humor.
October 25, 2021
Nekorektní humor jak má být. Že se točí převážně kolem aut je kupodivu ne až tak podstatná okolnost.
November 8, 2021
Pure fun...not brains! Enjoyed it like a film magazine.
March 1, 2025
Always a good chuckle to poke through his various articles
April 11, 2025
Excellent.Come on Jezza more books like this please.
Great to read a book that's not full of the sensitivities of political correctness and tells it as it is with no fear.
Great to read a book that's not full of the sensitivities of political correctness and tells it as it is with no fear.
May 31, 2010
‘Buckle up, get comfortable and hold tight.’
Okay, so I confess to being a Top Gear fan. I’m not sure exactly when I moved from being a casual viewer to being a fan, but I suspect it has something to do with the indestructibility of the Toyota Hilux.
Anyway, this book really isn’t about Top Gear. Instead it’s a collection of articles written by Jeremy Clarkson which first appeared in the Sunday Times between January 2006 and December 2007. I’ve been reading it over the past couple of weeks, laughing out loud at some of Clarkson’s thoughts and assertions and enjoying his thoughts about some of the cars he has driven. Some of his musings will make much more sense to those in the UK, but we can all wonder about some of Clarkson’s other thorny issues. Except, Jeremy, I do know at least one woman who drives a Lexus. I’m wondering what that really means.
If you’ve never heard of Jeremy Clarkson, or Top Gear, and have no interest in cars then this may not be a book for you. On the other hand, if you are interested and didn’t get to read the articles when they were published in the Sunday Times, you might be tempted.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Okay, so I confess to being a Top Gear fan. I’m not sure exactly when I moved from being a casual viewer to being a fan, but I suspect it has something to do with the indestructibility of the Toyota Hilux.
Anyway, this book really isn’t about Top Gear. Instead it’s a collection of articles written by Jeremy Clarkson which first appeared in the Sunday Times between January 2006 and December 2007. I’ve been reading it over the past couple of weeks, laughing out loud at some of Clarkson’s thoughts and assertions and enjoying his thoughts about some of the cars he has driven. Some of his musings will make much more sense to those in the UK, but we can all wonder about some of Clarkson’s other thorny issues. Except, Jeremy, I do know at least one woman who drives a Lexus. I’m wondering what that really means.
If you’ve never heard of Jeremy Clarkson, or Top Gear, and have no interest in cars then this may not be a book for you. On the other hand, if you are interested and didn’t get to read the articles when they were published in the Sunday Times, you might be tempted.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
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March 20, 2016This book is very much like all of the other Jeremy Clarkson books, it is made up of snippets from his reports in Newspapers.
This book has its focus on cars but they have their own crazy and interesting Clarkson style reviews which make the book much more entertaining to read. Sure, there are many more in depth and generally better quality car reviews however. Clarkson's reviews are much more go to and easy to understand since he draws comparisons to familiar things.
Jeremy Clarkson's writing never fails to impress and it certainly hasn't failed to do so in this book, it can be recommended to anybody with an interest in reading because it is that easy to read that anybody could be entertained by it.
This book has its focus on cars but they have their own crazy and interesting Clarkson style reviews which make the book much more entertaining to read. Sure, there are many more in depth and generally better quality car reviews however. Clarkson's reviews are much more go to and easy to understand since he draws comparisons to familiar things.
Jeremy Clarkson's writing never fails to impress and it certainly hasn't failed to do so in this book, it can be recommended to anybody with an interest in reading because it is that easy to read that anybody could be entertained by it.
August 12, 2011
I love Clarkson, his way with words & his views are great. We do truly live in a world gone mad!
But we are here again with a book printed in 2009 containing previoulsy released newspaper articles from 2006-07 - feel a bit cheated that these are just re-prints but if you are like me and do not read that paper, then they are worth the money.
Maybe he could stop diggin in his archives and print current articles - would be nice to read about current cars new on the market
But we are here again with a book printed in 2009 containing previoulsy released newspaper articles from 2006-07 - feel a bit cheated that these are just re-prints but if you are like me and do not read that paper, then they are worth the money.
Maybe he could stop diggin in his archives and print current articles - would be nice to read about current cars new on the market
February 7, 2016
I was a bit confused by this book, really. I was expecting non stop humour and politically incorrect ramblings of one of my favourite tv presenters, which happily, I got.
But not in the format I was hoping.
What I found, rather to my displeasure was a series of what can be best described as newspaper cuttings from the various columns he does on car reviews.
Very lazy indeed. Good read. But lazy, very lazy.
But not in the format I was hoping.
What I found, rather to my displeasure was a series of what can be best described as newspaper cuttings from the various columns he does on car reviews.
Very lazy indeed. Good read. But lazy, very lazy.
October 23, 2014
Jeremy Clarkson schreibt ungefähr genauso wie er redet. Was schon sehr witzig ist, aber leider nicht im geringsten an ihn live heranreicht. Wenn er bei Top Gear allerlei Blödsinn anstellt und wieder einmal brüllend an ein Problem herangeht lache ich mich beinahe um den Verstand...was auch immer das jetzt über mich aussagt...
Die Ansammlung seiner Zeitungs Kolummne kann man so schon ganz gut lesen, immer wieder einmal zwischendurch oder als kurze Lektüre vorm Schlafen.
Die Ansammlung seiner Zeitungs Kolummne kann man so schon ganz gut lesen, immer wieder einmal zwischendurch oder als kurze Lektüre vorm Schlafen.
January 8, 2012
I loved this book, I'm a huge fan of Jeremy Clarkson's show, Top Gear. Driven to Distraction I would describe as fun and interesting, but I prefer "How Hard Can It Be?". This is a book orientated to driving and car fans. Give it a shot to the first chapters and see if you like it, if you do I recommend you to read "How Hard Can It Be?".
June 26, 2015
It's Jeremy Clarkson at his best. I would call it: life manual; It's a guide how to live and how to think! It's only Clarkson who has exactly the same opinions about cars as mine!
It's one of the truly great books and the only hesitation I have in giving it five stars is that, ideally, I'd like to give six
It's one of the truly great books and the only hesitation I have in giving it five stars is that, ideally, I'd like to give six
February 26, 2014
More of the same from Clarkson. Great for an easy read that's guaranteed to make you laugh. Be warned, if you're not a car fan, this Clarkson book isn't for you as its all car reviews.
The only criticism I have of this book is that the "part 2" could have been left out. It was just 40 or so pages that didn't add to the book.
The only criticism I have of this book is that the "part 2" could have been left out. It was just 40 or so pages that didn't add to the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews