Too Much: the hilarious, heartfelt memoir

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One of the most valuable aspects of No Shame is its admission that self-doubt can linger even after coming out. “It doesn’t go away overnight,” he says. “While it’s wonderful that we have made great steps in terms of law and visibility, it can be difficult to catch up with that positivity if you carry internalised negativity after all those years.” Take that Pride slogan, Love Is Love. “It’s wonderful, and so true. But I, for one, have never been in love and so I feel, ‘Oh, that’s something else I can’t join in with.’ Because I’ve found it impossible to have a meaningful long-term relationship.” Although Allen has finally found a comfortable place in that mainstream, presenting shows such as The Apprentice: You’re Fired and Bake Off’s Extra Slice, readers of his 2020 memoir, No Shame, will know that it took him a long time to feel at ease with himself. You feel that when watching him deliver his playful swipes at the Bake Off contestants and audience – “that kind of teasing and banter, it’s how we make people feel included in this country, isn’t it. We know we’re real friends when we’re safe enough to say mean things to each other. It’s a shield against all the actual cruelty in the world. It feels like an unspoken communion. That’s where I feel most real.” Once again published by Hachette imprint Hodder Studio, Too Much will see the former Bake Off: The Professionals host reflect on becoming a reluctant adult, after finally leaving home in his thirties, finding a boyfriend and facing up to the grief of losing his beloved father.

The comedian published No Shame in 2020 about growing up in 1990s suburbia, coming to terms with his sexuality and feeling like an outsider. Too Much by Tom Allen is the wonderfully funny and moving new book for 2022 by one of Britain's most charming comedians. The author's voice comes through very clearly and there are some wonderful phrases that I can imagine as part of a stand up act. My problem with the book is that the anecdotes are not developed enough. I finished the book knowing about some things that had happened but not enough about his feelings and emotions.He rallies. “And also: ’Why do you talk about being gay all the time?’ Well, it’s because people wouldn’t let me talk about it for the first half of my life! They say: ‘You’ve got gay marriage now so everything’s OK, isn’t it?’ But it’s not like there’s a switch that’s been flipped in me. You can still carry that sense of shame. That internalised homophobia.” Ultimately, this is eulogy, but one that is honest and forthright. Allen reflects on his father's attitudes and behaviours have shaped him, how the parent and child relationship evolves (while in some ways remains the same) and how life goes on....while keeping the memory of loved ones alive.

I know queer authors only got more publishing choices recently so I think the younger queer folks could appreciate this book more than I did. Oftentimes, I thought Allen was just talking and talking and it got us to no where. I specially liked the last chapter and the epilogue and I think they kind of have a message that I did appreciate! Clearly the book was a cathartic process for the author and having the opportunity to write a book looking at his relationship with his Dad is a lovely thing to do. However, don't be put off by thinking that Too Much is a book to be avoided because of its subject matter. Yes, it's a book about the aftermath of a bereavement, but it's so much more about life; Tom's father emerges as a loving, devoted dad who in turn is loved by his devoted sons, Tom and James.Tom Allen’s Dad is correct: You can never have TOO MUCH love. This book is a humorous and loving reflection on grief. after newsletter promotion The funniest and most memorable chapter recalls Allen’s first trip to a gay sauna