One Flew Into The Cuckoo’s Nest: The Adventures of a Movie Extra

Michael Kelly, Big Ideas Publications, £7.99

Fife author Michael Kelly shares snippets from his career in this autobiography about his success – and occasional failure – working as a movie extra. This fly-on-the-wall book looks at some of the more scandalous and humorous stories from his travels and the sets he worked on.

Full of readable anecdotes – from writing small poems in the local paper to sharing a set alongside some of the greats, such as Billy Connolly – Michael digs deep to come up with some of his more unusual and memorable adventures to entertain the reader.

His witty narrative makes even the worst situation seem comical and his personality shines through on each page. Kelly does not hold back and allows an intimate perspective of his experiences, including his short stay in the suicide cell of a psychiatric hospital.

Kelly shares a few pictures along the way of him and stars of the movie world and the familiar language is reminiscent of someone recounting his tales in a pub. The author has struggled with dyslexia all his life and his book proves that a good story-telling voice will win over adversity.

This is a great, feel-good read. Proceeds from 100 special editions of the book, available from the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre in Glenrothes, will raise funds in memory of former Fife Council employee Steve Donnelly, who passed away in 2015. Further copies are on sale at Leslie Mini Market.

For more information visit www. dyslexiascotland.org.uk