Reviews

The Man I Think I Know by Mike Gayle

amypotter's review against another edition

challenging emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

fordec26's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Great book absolutely love it 

jmatkinson1's review against another edition

4.0

Since leaving their exclusive boarding school the lives of Danny and James have changed. Scholarship boy Danny is a care home assistant after a battle with alcohol following his sister's death caused him to drop out of university. Privileged James was elected as an MP but then a random act of violence left him with a brain injury and having to learn to live again. Brought together by circumstance, James and Danny are helped to move forward by each other.

I have always considered Mike Gayle's books as 'chick-lit' for both sexes, lightweight and fairly pleasant but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The tragic circumstances that lead Danny and James back to each other are handled sensitively and the bromance is amusing and heartfelt. The only jarring note for me was the relationship between James and Vicky, it didn't really ring true and felt like a plot device. Other than that this is a heartwarming tale.

emmab86's review against another edition

5.0

Excellent couldn't put it down. Sad in places as well

courtneyevason1910's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative inspiring sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book tells the story of a male friendship and was a lovely read.  It is a powerfully written novel and very compelling.  You can’t help but want the best for the two main characters, Jamie and Danny.

I think the author does a great job at representing the world of disability within the book.  It was difficult to read about Jamie and his fight for everyone to accept this disability around him and it was emotional to read about how fiercely he fought for the life he wanted, and not what people would think was best for him.

Although I did really enjoy the story and the characters, I did find the writing sweet at times and there was not a lot of grit to the novel.  I have read other books by Mike Gayle and found these to have a lot more depth to them, which I expected for this also.  I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. 

andrewritchie's review against another edition

5.0

A lovely story about kind, caring and genuinely nice people. I feel good story that is a real page turner as you want to know whether things work out well for a group of characters you really care about through their tough times and challenges.

The world needs more happiness and goodness right now and this has plenty to offer.

molbeach's review against another edition

4.0

Heartfelt story - I love Mike gayle’s books, always such lovely engaging stories.

ciran's review against another edition

3.0

3-3.5

payri's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

 I found this book in a book store where I usually visit , and without giving a second thought I just ended up buying this one. And I must say I do not regret it. I really enjoyed this lovely book. The kind of book that will help instill the faith that good people are still out there. Sometimes all you need in life is to have someone who is sailing in kind of same boat and you can help each other uplift in the journey of life to realize your own self worth in return. There wasn't any true relevance and depiction of friendship but definitely of humanity, which is much appreciated. It does explain how life can be sometimes very unfair to one but that is not how we should take it but try and stand up and find a little hope out there , from wherever we think we might get and try and move on and again start finding new purpose of life. Such is life , my love

amylkho's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced

5.0