A Mind of My Own

'Irrepressibly funny' - Sunday Times

By: Kathy Burke

Narrated by: Kathy Burke

THE INSTANT BESTSELLER

'Vivid, bright and beautiful' – Guardian

'Wonderful. I wish I'd written it – I couldn't put it down' Miriam Margolyes

Kathy Burke is one of Britain's most distinctive voices. Even as a fearless kid in Islington, she did things her own way; roaming the estate that raised her to find her own path. A place at the Anna Scher Theatre in her teens changed the course of her life, and she found unimaginable success as an actress and writer – and national fame. But the rare gift that has always set her apart, beyond the stage or screen, is her ability to see the truth and tell it like it is.

This spellbinding memoir is not just Kathy's story, but the story of her class, her gender and her time.

A Mind of My Own is funny, profound and deeply entertaining.

'This is a book about being raised as a feral, motherless child; starting work at 17; immortalising several of this country’s most endearing catchphrases; triumphing at Cannes; being told you’re a genius by Peter Cook; and, at one party, accidentally taking some of Shaun Ryder’s crack, then attempting to set fire to a woman’s arse' – Caitlin Moran, Times Magazine

'Glorious, very funny and no-nonsense, just like Kathy Burke' – Jo Brand

Critic reviews

'One of the misconceptions about working-class life is that it is all grey skies and kitchen-sink misery. Burke’s memoir has its painful moments, but the joy radiating from it is palpable and invigorating'

'Remarkable'

‘A delight’

'Glorious, very funny and no-nonsense, just like Kathy Burke' (Jo Brand)

"I went into the book expecting to like Kathy Burke and came out with a great deal of affection for this generous, unpretentious and shrewd person. Above all, what I really enjoyed about A Mind of My Own was Burke’s fiery spirit, which shines through in every chapter, including the one detailing her interactions with frontman of The Pogues Shane MacGowan. The singer only ever greeted her by saying, “Alright, stupid?” She was not cowed, though, answering, “Yes, thanks for asking, prick.” A mind and mouth of her own." (The Independent)

'Funny, heartbreaking, passionate and triumphant. This is a disarming testimony by one of Britain's greatest working class heroes and artists' (Steve McQueen)

'A cracker' (Dawn French)

'Beautiful, heartbreaking and whipsmart. An absolute belter' (Roisin Conaty)

'Brilliant stories . . . Peter Cook once called her a genius and it's hard to dispute by the end of the book'

Kathy Burke is Fabulous

A great lady and a inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing such a great life with is all.

Enlightening Life

Her story is enthralling, marvelously human, and frequently sparkles with her humor. Long time fan, learning her story adds to my admiration and respect for this multi faceted artist. I’ll be listening again for sure…

Great to hear Kathy read her own words

I liked this book a lot, but I feel she held a lot back too. And why not. It’s her story, her life. But I really enjoyed what she talked about. I’m a huge fan.

Cathy reading

Started off fab, I think there’s a lot more there untold. The interesting part is her youth, struggles etc. it would have been amazing to stay there but alas it became a series of short stories and chronicling of her films / etc. it sounded like she became / personified everything she fought against in her youth. There was so much more discover about her brothers and her dad and her relationship relationships but last we moved on. It’s her story so she can tell her how she wishes.

Honest and open

I could listen to Kathy for months, what an interesting, fascinating person she is. A very emotional and open look into her life. This is my first audio book and I have loved every minute