- Hardcover
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd (1 Feb 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1840324902
- ISBN-13: 978-1840324907
- Product Dimensions: 14.2 x 12 x 1 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (85 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,140,018 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Turning Thirty
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
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.
Amazon.co.uk Review
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
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Mike Gayle's third book didn't turn out to be the 'flop' that I thought it might have been. As usual, his style of writing kept me glued to the book chapter after chapter and I really could not put it down. It is written with his usual wit which makes the reader definitely feel like the events are taking place in their life. I thought the e-mailing throughout would have annoyed me but each time they came around I was more glued to them than the story line itself. It truly was an amazing read. I can't wait till Gayle writes another one, I do hope that the next one though doesn't make me cry at the end!
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you have enjoyed reading either of Mike Gayle's previous novels - the fantastic My Legendary Girlfriend, and the thoroughly enjoyable Mr Commitment - then you'll definitely enjoy Turning Thirty. Most of the tale takes place during the three months before Matt Beckford's 30th birthday. The book has quite a few laugh-out-loud moments, especially when Matt has to deal with his parents 'concern', and his ex-girlfriends regular emails. Those of you who have had the experience of living with your parents when in your late twenties and early thirties will find this novel even funnier. All in all, a really enjoyable read - a book that I had to finnish all in one day. If you want to enjoy some good clean fun, then this is one for you.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Being a little over two years away from the big three oh myself this book struck a chord with me. Many of Gayle's observations about how one feels as they approach thirty were not only hilarious but also right on the money.
Matt Beckford is turning thirty in about 89 days and his life is falling apart! He thought by the age of thirty he would have it all together, the fancy high paying job, the woman who was "the one" to spend his life with and the trendy house complete with the requisite "thirty-people's" wine rack. However, Matt finds himself three months away from his birthday moving out of his live in girlfriend's apartment and back to Birmingham to live with, dare I say it...his PARENTS! Now Matt has to figure out what turning thirty really means and he enlist the help of some of his oldest friends to figure it out.
This is the third novel by Gayle that I have had the pleasure of reading and he is definitely a very talented and witty author whose voice has never gotten lost in his stories. As popular as Gayle is in the UK it is surprising that he isn't better known it the US however now with the wide re-release of `TURNING THIRTY' he may just find himself at the top of the US's best sellers list soon.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Waste of paper
I was actually looking forward to reading this, as it looked promising. But boy, what a let-down. Full of clichées, boring conversations, no plot or substance. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Helle Renee
Turning 30
I brought this book as I was turning 30 myself. This is brillant and will having to laughing out loud. Just an entaining book.
Published 19 months ago by Karen Gooderham
It made me giggle
Bought it because i turned thirty, i enjoyed listen to it while i worked out in the gym. was quite funny in places
Published on 5 Dec 2009 by Ms. G. Valancius
Its sad to admit but its true!
New to Mike Gayle I had no preconceptions about this book and have come out the other end raring to go on more of his work. Read more
Published on 24 May 2008 by aceadrian
30 is a State of Mind
Matt believes he has it all with a great job in New York and a live-in girlfriend who he thinks will be the one. Read more
Published on 28 Jan 2008 by Sam
Terrible
Worst book I have ever read by quite a margin, stuck with it to see if it improved it didn't just got worse.
Published on 5 Jan 2008 by Mr. S. J. Cafferty
Don't try this at home
Too many rough edges and too many smooth plot lines (does every have a great time at mass reunions?) for it to compare with the more realistic writing of Mr Hornby. Read more
Published on 19 May 2007 by Arneson Stidgeley
Turning thirty
I have just bought this book from my local Asda as part of a 2 for £2 deal - I paid £1 for this book!!!!!
Let's not get snobbish about it - a great read. Read more
Let's not get snobbish about it - a great read. Read more
Published on 5 April 2007 by Swedge
it's me
I have read this book twice, before and after turning 30. On the first reading i found it funny, heart warming and one of the few books i could not put down until i had... Read more
Published on 10 Aug 2004 by "dr_cheeky_finger"
Wasted opportunity
This novel by Mike Gayle (then, the least likely person to write an interesting story; now, the least likely person to write an interesting story) does actually begin pretty well... Read more
Published on 18 Feb 2004 by G-man
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