MAYBE I’M AMAZED: JOHN HARRIS in conversation

In this extraordinary memoir, a father tells the story of how music opened up the world to his son, one song at a time.

‘When James and I listen to songs, or play them, we meet in the intersection between us, defined by the ineffable and magical, and what music ultimately is: a soundtrack to life, and all its joy, sadness, tragedy and wonder’

Long before he was a parent, John Harris obsessively went to gigs, started a band, and pursued a career in music writing. He had no idea he was actually preparing himself for the greatest challenge of his life. But so it transpired. When his son James was born, and three years later diagnosed with autism, music became their main form of communication, a hugely shared passion and - it is no exaggeration to say - the sound that saved them.

Maybe I’m Amazed describes how The Beatles, Kraftwerk, Funkadelic, The Velvet Underground, Amy Winehouse and more were soon woven into the fabric of James’s life, becoming an essential part of who he is. It takes us through the struggles of raising an autistic child in a prejudiced world, and uncovers a hidden history of neurodivergence and creativity that casts new light on why notes, chords and lyrics speak so powerfully to the human mind.

Anyone who has fallen in love with a band or heard their life reflected back at them by a song will recognise themselves in Maybe I’m Amazed. Combining the personal and the universal, it has lessons in listening and living for us all.

We have two ticket options available: * Event Only and *Event with Discounted Book Combo deal - books will be available for collection at the Festival.

Our event will be followed by a dedicated signing event with John. RRP books will also be available for purchase on the day.

About the Author:

John Harris is a multiple award-winning writer, journalist, podcaster and presenter. He has written professionally about music since he was 19, and is also known for his pioneering political and social writing, centred on his weekly column in The Guardian and his BAFTA- nominated Anywhere but Westminster films with John Domokos.

He is the author of the acclaimed pop-cultural history of the 1990s The Last Party (which is currently being developed for television) and the definitive work on Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of The Moon.

In 2021, he turned 60 hours of recorded conversations into the authorised book that accompanied Peter Jackson's Beatles documentary series Get Back.

He writes regularly for Mojo and has been awarded the Orwell Prize for Political Journalism (2021) and the UK Award for Political Commentator of the year (2018).

Praise for the Book:

'One of the most honest, joyful stories I've ever read. This book contains magic.'

Caitlin Moran

‘Every page breaks your heart then repairs it with love, compassion and the magical power of music. A stunning reminder that the alchemy of music and words can overcome, heal and connect like no other art form.’ Nicky Wire

‘This book taught me so much and delighted and moved me even more. Entrancing, heartbreaking, uplifting – a complete inspiration and education.’

Marina Hyde, Guardian

‘All of us who love music know it has a power beyond just the sound it makes. In this moving account of life with a neurodivergent child, we get to witness that power first hand.’

Billy Bragg

‘John Harris’s wonderful book provides a touching and personal window into the relationship between a father and his autistic son and is an immensely valuable contribution to our understanding of the special connection between autistic people and music.’

Professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen

‘A beautiful story of music and autism, and how one intersects with the other to bring hope, understanding and connection. It is also one of the most affecting accounts of parental devotion I’ve read.’ Nick Duerden