Turning Thirty (Flame) [Paperback]

Mike Gayle's previous novels My Legendary Girlfriend and Mr Commitment have already wittily chronicled living and loving among the twentysomethings at the end of the 20th century. As time marches on, Gayle's latest novel Turning Thirty deals with what happens when his characters reach that most dreaded of moments--the big three-o. Matt Beckford is reaching that time of life. At the age of 29 he thinks he has answered those two crucial questions you ask yourself as a teenager: "What am I going to do with my life?" and "Will I ever get a girlfriend?" Living as a computer expert in New York with the lovely Elaine, Matt thinks he's cracked life. But then both he and Elaine suddenly realise that their relationship isn't working. They split up amicably, realising that "biology is telling us there's no point in crying over spilt milk", and Matt heads back to his friends and parents in Birmingham. As his 30th birthday looms, Matt meets Ginny Pascoe, an old flame, or more accurately "a girl who was also a friend who I sometimes snogged", and things get more complicated as he realises that he's falling for Ginny--again. The transatlantic love triangle that develops between Matt, Ginny and Elaine is funny and refreshing, and lacks the usual angst you would expect from such a situation. As Matt enjoys the nostalgia of going out with old friends and loves, he also realises he needs to sort out his life, as 30 beckons. Turning Thirty is another sharp, funny and astute offering from Gayle, that won't disappoint his growing army of fans. (This review refers to the hardcover edition of this title.) --Jerry Brotton --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Mike Gayle's previous novels My Legendary Girlfriend and Mr Commitment have already wittily chronicled living and loving amongst the twentysomethings at the end of the 20th century. As time marches on, Gayle's latest novel Turning Thirty deals with what happens when his characters reach that most dreaded of moments-- the big three-o. Matt Beckford is reaching that time of life. At the age of 29 he thinks he has answered those two crucial questions you ask yourself as a teenager: "What am I going to do with my life?" and "Will I ever get a girlfriend?" Living as a computer expert in New York with the lovely Elaine, Matt thinks he's cracked life. But then both he and Elaine suddenly realise that their relationship isn't working. They split up amicably, realising that "biology is telling us there's no point in crying over spilt milk", and Matt heads back to his friends and parents in Birmingham. As his thirtieth birthday looms, Matt meets Ginny Pascoe, an old flame, or more accurately "a girl who was also a friend who I sometimes snogged", and things get more complicated as he realises that he's falling for Ginny--again. The transatlantic love triangle that develops between Matt, Ginny and Elaine is funny and refreshing, and lacks the usual angst you would expect from such a situation. As Matt enjoys the nostalgia of going out with old friends and loves, he also realises he needs to sort out his life, as 30 beckons. Turning Thirty is another sharp, funny and astute offering from Gayle, that won't disappoint his growing army of fans. --Jerry Brotton

Included in Greg Eden's (Bertrams) selection of best adult audiobooks for the season, alongside 2 other Gayle titles - Bookseller Sep 29, 2000, p39 'Three audio tie-ins to the works of one of Hodder's most successful young contemporary novelists' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'A funny frank account of a hopeless romantic' -- The Times on My Legendary Girlfriend 'The male Bridget Jones' -- Express on M L G 'Full of belly-laughs and painfully acute observations' -- Independent on Sunday on M L G 'Touching and funny' -- Sunday Mirror on M L G 'Something near to mid-period Woody Allen...a delicate blend of realism and whimsy...funny and clever...refreshing to find a male writer working in this genre' -- Guardian on MR COMMITMENT 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus meets Men Behaving Badly' -- Daily Telegraph on MR C 'Unputdownable' -- She on MR C --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'The male Bridget Jones' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

‘Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus meets Men Behaving Badly' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'A funny frank account of a hopeless romantic' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'Unputdownable' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Noel is looking forward to turning 30, his whole life is finally sorted. But on his birthday his girlfriend makes a shocking confession, and unable to cope, Noel moves back with his parents. Back with the friends he hasn't seen for 10 years, he realizes life isn't as simple as it used to be.

Previously an Agony Uncle, Mike Gayle is a freelance journalist who has contributed to a variety of magazines including FHM, Sunday Times Style and Cosmopolitan. He is hugely promotable, appeared at the Hodder roadshow and at the Edinburgh festival and is writing articles for press and magazines --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.