Take or leave it. (Turning Thirty - Mike Gayle)

Member Name: stickywicket

Product:	Turning Thirty - Mike Gayle
Date:	30/06/01 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: First chapter is good

Disadvantages: Goes downhill from page 4

After my addiction to Helen Fieldings Bridget diaries I thought this book would fill the gap. Having just finished it I guess it would have been better filling the gap under a wonky table!

Matt Beckford, 29, returning home to live with his parents after the split with his American girlfriend,Elaine, rejoining his old school friends and reminising about the old times. The story follows the ups and downs, thoughts and emotions he goes through as he reaquaints himself with his old home town, best friend, Gershwin and ex- girlfriend Ginny. Throughout the experience he stays in touch with Elaine sometimes asking advice and needing support from her.

However Matt seems to be consumed with the idea of turning thirty and what that should bring, or what he thought that should bring.
Looks to me like more insecurity than a 20 year old!

I can't honestly tell you why I perservered with this book, bit like a film you watch, lose interest, but decide to watch it because there is nothing else on the telly.

The author Mike Gayle writes simply and without fuss, but it seems a little childish. He describes Matts antics as a teenager as though they were real rebels, snowball fights and trying to stay up all night ...hmmm...seen more activity in the library on a Saturday night me thinks.

There is a touch of will he/won't he with Ginny and Elaine, but that is the height of the excitement.

The final chapter left me nonplussed, Matt didn't seem any happier or satisfied than he had been on page one, but maybe that's what the author wanted - I certainly didn't.

Sorry Mike I'd rather read a recipe book!

Summary: