Turning Thirty (Flame) (Paperback)

Brand New Friend by Mike Gayle 4.6 out of 5 stars (25)  £5.49

Mr. Commitment by Mike Gayle 4.1 out of 5 stars (53)  £5.99

Dinner for Two by Mike Gayle 4.3 out of 5 stars (20)  £5.99

My Legendary Girlfriend by Mike Gayle 3.3 out of 5 stars (104)  £5.49

His 'n' Hers by Mike Gayle 3.7 out of 5 stars (28)  £5.99

› Explore similar items

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

See all Product Description

82 Reviews 5 star:  (37) 4 star:  (13) 3 star:  (7) 2 star:  (10) 1 star:  (15)           Average Customer Review 3.6 out of 5 stars (82 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews   5 of 5 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars it's me, 10 Aug 2004 By  "dr_cheeky_finger" - See all my reviews This review is from: Turning Thirty (Paperback) 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 finished. Once i had tunred thiry and re-read it i realised it was about me. Mike Gayle has a fantastic way of writing every-man characters, I have read every one of his novels and seen bits of myself in them all. This and my legendary girlfriend are in my top ten all time favourite books, and would (and have) recommend them to anyone. Buy it, read it and you will see yourself in there somewhere.. Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)   8 of 9 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Another brilliant novel by Mike Gayle, 24 Jul 2000 By A Customer 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. Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)   6 of 7 people found the following review helpful: 1.0 out of 5 stars Possibly the worst book I've ever read, 17 Jan 2002 By A Customer This review is from: Turning Thirty (Paperback) Having just turned thirty myself, I thought I would enjoy this book and be able to identify with the main character. The summary on the back sounded promising. The initial chapter was entertaining, I think I actually laughed. Off to a good start. Then it just got silly. There was nothing I, nor I'm sure the majority of those in this country turning thirty, could identify with. The main character is in a fantasy job - currently living in New York and offered a transfer to Australia when he breaks up with his girlfriend. The characterisation was non-existent. I didn't care what happened to Matt Beckford (what a stupid name!). And there was very little plot. I really don't want to read about someone sitting around watching "ER" - I can do that myself! I was so bored! I had to force myself to finish the book. The ending was very unsatisfactory - the story just petered out. It was as if he ran out of ideas (athough actually I think that happened at the end of chapter 1). Not recommended. Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this) Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review › See all 82 customer reviews...		Most Recent Customer Reviews 4.0 out of 5 stars 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 13 months ago by aceadrian 3.0 out of 5 stars 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 17 months ago by Sam 1.0 out of 5 stars 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 18 months ago by Mr. S. J. Cafferty 3.0 out of 5 stars 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 20 May 2007 by Alan Bright 4.0 out of 5 stars 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 Published on 6 April 2007 by Swedge 4.0 out of 5 stars Bitter-sweet 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... Read more Published on 13 Jan 2006 by DevJohn01 1.0 out of 5 stars 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 19 Feb 2004 by G-man 5.0 out of 5 stars Turning Thirty I had'nt previously read any so called Lad Lit until this book - but now I am converted. Having turned thirty a few years prior to reading the this excellent book I could really... Read more Published on 19 Nov 2003 1.0 out of 5 stars Painful You could find a better standard of writing by visiting your local infant school and reading "what i did at the weekend.." by little John, aged 5. Read more Published on 13 Aug 2003 1.0 out of 5 stars Very, very disappointing I received this book as a present when I, surprise!, turned 30. Having never been interested in reading any 30 something books (and having avoided the frankly awful TV series) I... Read more Published on 13 Mar 2003 by matyoun Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews › See all 82 customer reviews...

My Favorite books: A list by Mrs. K. Haywood "bookworm"   my favotite books: A list by Mr. D. Mann "Bizzyd007"   Books I've Read So Far This Year (2004): A list by Caroline Mathews Create a Listmania! list

Search Listmania!

• Books > Children's Books
• Books > Fiction > Authors, A-Z > G > Gayle, Mike
• Books > Fiction > By Period
• Books > Fiction > Contemporary Fiction: 1970 Onwards > Lad Lit
• Books > Study Books > Schools > GCSE > English > Literature
• Books > Study Books > Undergraduate & Postgraduate > Arts & Humanities > Literature & Drama > General

• Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
• I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
• I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.