My book review of 'How Not to Be Wrong' by James O'Brien

by James O'Brien
How Not to Be Wrong
by James O'Brien

I don't listen to the radio station LBC, but stumbled across the author when he posted some of his conversations about Brexit with callers to the programme on Twitter. He seemed challenging but also compassionate as he tried to understand their perspective but also confront them with potential errors in their argument, and it resulted in some astonishing conversations.

This book encourages us all to explore what we think about some of today's challenging issues, why we think it, how we might be wrong, and what we should do about that as a result.

The author, radio presenter and journalist, James O'Brien begins by sharing something of his own background. It's moving and challenging. His seemingly privileged background wasn't without its difficulties and sadness.

He goes on to explore themes such as knife crime, tattoos, police stop-and-search policy, obesity, private schools. He tells us bluntly what he thought before he began to discuss the subject. He'll introduce listeners to his programme who might share his view, and then he'll present people with a different perspective or life experience.

He writes fluidly and honestly, and with some humour. And it makes you think. It's a powerful message for our times - being prepared to listen and to understand another point of view. And not to be afraid of accepting and acknowledging when we might be wrong. An interesting, engaging and valuable read.

Date of this review: November 2020
Book publication date: 22nd October 2020