Richard Herring is exactly the same age as me, and like me he struggles with his weight, and we have both done filthy things to Julia Swahla , admittedly only one of has down this outside our imagination.That's really were our simiiaraties end. This book charts his early days in Cheddar ( they don't actually make cheese there you know ) The book deals with Richard stumbling towards 40, and then beyond, and realising that he has yet to grow up. This is done in a non linear way by using such things as marking various events in his life such as fights , masterbation and Emma Kennedy.

There are plenty of laughs and of course Mr Herrings self absorbed character makes a appearance, as well as the bitterness that he is not on the TV ( unlike His erstwhile partner Stewart Lee who is on actual Tv ) . I found the insight in to Richards apparent sadness touching and very similar to my own decent in to fun filled alcohol excess.

On the whole I enjoyed this book throughly, it was of course funny , but also strangely touching , and a excellent read , I guess that you would need to at least like Mr Herring , but maybe not. If you want to get inside the head of the messed up 40 something, then this maybe your way in ....or you could drop me a email ( I am sadly no longer Available Julia )