Check out this review of Paul Flynn's How To Be an MP in the South Wales Argus (click on the image to enlarge). They say:
'If you want to know the secrets of the Palace of Westminster Newport West MP Paul Flynn's book is a great place to start'.
'There are also places where the knowing writing made me laugh out'.
Now we love official book reviews, really we do. But it's so nice when a reader enjoys a book so much that they feel compelled to contact the author to tell them just that. Paul receieved this email from a third-year politics student:
'The reason I am emailing, is because I recently read your book How To Be An MP, and I just wanted to let you know how amazing I thought the book was! As someone who has worked within the parliamentary bubble (even for just a small amount of time), so much of your book resonated with my experience of the institution, including many of the brilliant little nuggets and stories you had!
Without meaning to sound sycophantic, I really wish to express just how funny your book was as well. It's a rarity to find a book that will literally make you laugh out loud. But more than that, there are so many excellent ideas on how to improve and strengthen the legislature and improve the roles of MPs - especially backbenchers.
As someone who has a deep interest in legislatures (my degree was British Politics and Legislative Studies), it is always a pleasure to find literature written by legislators that is easily digestible and thought-provoking (without complicated political lingo that puts many readers off or simply confuses them). But as I say, it was not only informative, it was also very funny, whilst at the same time posed some very serious questions about how MPs might improve on their roles.
I was particularly interested in the points you made about the public perception of MPs, which I find to be a real shame, though your book offers real solutions and advice that I think many could benefit from. MPs on 'junkets' and holidays was also of interest.
I just felt the need to email you and tell you, simply, that your book was wonderful! And I sincerely hope you will continue to write/update of this subject.'
It just goes to show that the book isn't just for wannabe MPs, or those who've already made their way to the hallowed halls of parliament. It's a funny, interesting, thought-provoking book, for students and politicos alike.