What do you think?
Rate this book
All She Wants
All She Wants [Paperback] Jonathan Harvey
512 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
22 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Harvey
79 books77 followersHarvey was born in Liverpool in 1968. He has a brother, Timothy Harvey who is a music teacher in Chester. His first serious attempt as a playwright was in 1987. Fuelled by the attraction of a £1,000 first prize to young writers from the Liverpool Playhouse, the result was The Cherry Blossom Tree, a garish blend of suicide, murder and nuns. This effort won him the National Girobank Young Writer of the Year Award.
Feeling very encouraged, he went on to write Mohair (1988), Wildfire (1992) and Babies (1993), the latter winning him the 'George Devine Award' for that year and The Evening Standard's 'Most Promising Playwright Award' for 1994. In 1993, Harvey, premiered Beautiful Thing, a gay-themed play-turned-movie for which he won the prestigious 'John Whiting Award' the following year.
1995 saw the premiere of Boom Bang-a-Bang, at the Bush Theatre, London, originally directed by Kathy Burke. Harvey cites it as "my most comic play ever, but with some dark bits". Centred on a group of friends gathering to watch the Eurovision Song Contest, the play was a sell-out. That same year, he also premiered Rupert Street Lonely Hearts Club. Guiding Star (1998), is a portrayal of one man's struggle to come to terms with the Hillsborough FA Cup Semi-Final disaster, while Hushabye Mountain (1999) deals with a world that has learned to live with HIV/AIDS. Television and film works include: West End Girls (Carlton); Love Junkie (BBC); Beautiful Thing (Channel Four/Island World Productions); the 1999-2001 hit/cult comedy series starring Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus, Gimme Gimme Gimme (Tiger Aspect); Murder Most Horrid (BBC); and Coronation Street (ITV).
He also wrote the book for Closer to Heaven, a stage musical with songs and music written by Pet Shop Boys. Closer to Heaven ran for nine months at the Arts Theatre in London during 2001 and in Australia in 2005. In 2003 Harvey heard the singer-actress Abi Roberts perform and was so enchanted he offered to write a solo show especially for her. Taking Charlie was the outcome, staged at the 2004 Edinburgh Festival with Roberts starring, under the direction of Susan Tully. The piece was darkly comic and focused on the destructive nature of an insecure, 30-year-old addict.
Harvey is a patron of London-based HIV charity The Food Chain and a patron of the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music. His first novel All She Wants was published in 2012 by Pan Books
Feeling very encouraged, he went on to write Mohair (1988), Wildfire (1992) and Babies (1993), the latter winning him the 'George Devine Award' for that year and The Evening Standard's 'Most Promising Playwright Award' for 1994. In 1993, Harvey, premiered Beautiful Thing, a gay-themed play-turned-movie for which he won the prestigious 'John Whiting Award' the following year.
1995 saw the premiere of Boom Bang-a-Bang, at the Bush Theatre, London, originally directed by Kathy Burke. Harvey cites it as "my most comic play ever, but with some dark bits". Centred on a group of friends gathering to watch the Eurovision Song Contest, the play was a sell-out. That same year, he also premiered Rupert Street Lonely Hearts Club. Guiding Star (1998), is a portrayal of one man's struggle to come to terms with the Hillsborough FA Cup Semi-Final disaster, while Hushabye Mountain (1999) deals with a world that has learned to live with HIV/AIDS. Television and film works include: West End Girls (Carlton); Love Junkie (BBC); Beautiful Thing (Channel Four/Island World Productions); the 1999-2001 hit/cult comedy series starring Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus, Gimme Gimme Gimme (Tiger Aspect); Murder Most Horrid (BBC); and Coronation Street (ITV).
He also wrote the book for Closer to Heaven, a stage musical with songs and music written by Pet Shop Boys. Closer to Heaven ran for nine months at the Arts Theatre in London during 2001 and in Australia in 2005. In 2003 Harvey heard the singer-actress Abi Roberts perform and was so enchanted he offered to write a solo show especially for her. Taking Charlie was the outcome, staged at the 2004 Edinburgh Festival with Roberts starring, under the direction of Susan Tully. The piece was darkly comic and focused on the destructive nature of an insecure, 30-year-old addict.
Harvey is a patron of London-based HIV charity The Food Chain and a patron of the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music. His first novel All She Wants was published in 2012 by Pan Books
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 26, 2017
“All She Wants” has the most fabulous bright pink cover. Yes, I’m a bit of a magpie, and my eye is taken by pretty things. Yes, I bought the book because I couldn’t resist the cover (note to publishers out there, covers do matter!).
I’m more than happy to say that the writing contained within is absolutely top notch and so much fun to read.
This is the story of Jodie McGee, a Scouser come good, her dream of one day acting in “Acacia Avenue” (the TV show which she grew up watching) coming true. Great characterisations of the people within the soap industry and Jodie’s family make this book such an easy page turner. Over the top? Possibly. But what else would you expect from such a fab writer as Jonathan Harvey. I can really see in this book the wit and candour which Mr Harvey displayed in his writing episodes the TV series “Beautiful People” (one of my faves, so clever).
There is lots of biting humour throughout the book, and plenty of bon mots, which had me grinning inanely, as they were just sogood.
”I gulped. No. Oh God, I must have done drunk dialling. It’s almost as dangerous as drunk driving, except that the only thing that it damages is your ego.”
However, under the veneer of celebrity and the perception of “having it all” and “living the dream”, this book also tackles difficult issues such alcoholism, domestic abuse and family breakdown. The shift in friendships over the years, and how much are we willing to put up with in our personal lives to put on an acceptable face to the world.
”Fame doesn’t change the person; it changes those around them.”
”Why did I rely on others to make me happy? Why couldn’t I make me happy?”
A thoroughly enjoyable book. This is the first book of Jonathan Harvey’s that I’ve read, and I look forward to reading the others.
I’m more than happy to say that the writing contained within is absolutely top notch and so much fun to read.
This is the story of Jodie McGee, a Scouser come good, her dream of one day acting in “Acacia Avenue” (the TV show which she grew up watching) coming true. Great characterisations of the people within the soap industry and Jodie’s family make this book such an easy page turner. Over the top? Possibly. But what else would you expect from such a fab writer as Jonathan Harvey. I can really see in this book the wit and candour which Mr Harvey displayed in his writing episodes the TV series “Beautiful People” (one of my faves, so clever).
There is lots of biting humour throughout the book, and plenty of bon mots, which had me grinning inanely, as they were just sogood.
”I gulped. No. Oh God, I must have done drunk dialling. It’s almost as dangerous as drunk driving, except that the only thing that it damages is your ego.”
However, under the veneer of celebrity and the perception of “having it all” and “living the dream”, this book also tackles difficult issues such alcoholism, domestic abuse and family breakdown. The shift in friendships over the years, and how much are we willing to put up with in our personal lives to put on an acceptable face to the world.
”Fame doesn’t change the person; it changes those around them.”
”Why did I rely on others to make me happy? Why couldn’t I make me happy?”
A thoroughly enjoyable book. This is the first book of Jonathan Harvey’s that I’ve read, and I look forward to reading the others.
August 19, 2012
I'm a big fan of Jonathan Harvey's previous work, so I knew that this book would hit the spot for me! The story revolves around Jodie McGee, her family life and relationships and how they affect her eventual rise to her dream; of being an actress in Acacia Avenue, her favourite soap. There are many twists and turns in Jodie's life story and despite her constant bad decisions, you really feel want her to succeed in life. All ends well, although not as you'd expect, giving the reader a satisfactory ending to this feel good story.
September 5, 2021
This book had me giggling from the very start. The real type of giggles where people give you funny looks when you’re reading a book, not the giggles that you can suppress.
We follow Jodie McGee, a girl from Liverpool, who’s dreams seem to have come true. She’s an actress on the soap that she’s always dreamed of starring in and seems to have the perfect life, or does she?
We go back in time with Jodie to where her life started to go wrong, and comically so. We see that she doesn’t have the perfect life at all, and it makes you love her character all the more. She’s incredibly sarcastic and funny, which I absolutely loved. While some of the things in her life seem incredibly outlandish, they are also quite believable.
As someone from around the Liverpool area, the references to Liverpool were much appreciated in this book and I could imagine all of the places mentioned in the book and appreciated the references that may not have been appreciated by those not familiar with Liverpool or the scouse sense of humour.
I’ve loved Jonathan Harvey’s writing and will be on the lookout for more of his books. I would love a follow up to Jodie’s life but he ended it in such a way that it’s not needed and you can imagine where her life will go from there.
We follow Jodie McGee, a girl from Liverpool, who’s dreams seem to have come true. She’s an actress on the soap that she’s always dreamed of starring in and seems to have the perfect life, or does she?
We go back in time with Jodie to where her life started to go wrong, and comically so. We see that she doesn’t have the perfect life at all, and it makes you love her character all the more. She’s incredibly sarcastic and funny, which I absolutely loved. While some of the things in her life seem incredibly outlandish, they are also quite believable.
As someone from around the Liverpool area, the references to Liverpool were much appreciated in this book and I could imagine all of the places mentioned in the book and appreciated the references that may not have been appreciated by those not familiar with Liverpool or the scouse sense of humour.
I’ve loved Jonathan Harvey’s writing and will be on the lookout for more of his books. I would love a follow up to Jodie’s life but he ended it in such a way that it’s not needed and you can imagine where her life will go from there.
January 26, 2013
A feel-good, fabulously funny read that is totally addictive, outrageous and utterly brilliant!
I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining, light read which had me laughing hysterically throughout as I immersed myself within classic chick-lit. Sharply written by an accomplished author whose acute perception and portrayal of life is spot-on hence this really is an outstanding, noteworthy debut. Standing out on the bookshelf with its striking pink cover and singularity, this comedic witty tale is just delightful and a must-read. Brilliantly observed, gloriously funny and brimming with warmth I highly commend Jonathan Harvey for producing something of exceptional caliber. Outshining other works within this genre I was left feeling warm and fuzzy inside, with this optimistic and fulfilling read. Undeniably spectacular, totally lush and a delectable treat you will be unable to resist this charming, cheeky and clever book!
“There are some things in life you can always rely on. Living in the shadow of your ‘perfect’ brother Joey, getting the flu over Christmas, and your mother showing you up in the supermarket…
Then there are some things you really don’t count on happening: a good dose of fame, getting completely trashed at an awards ceremony, and catching your fella doing something unmentionable on your wedding day.”
Jodie’s amazing story is so realistic, heartwarming and candid as she takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride through the life of an atypical actress/ soapstar with a sting. Ideal holiday reading, a book perfect for enduring time spent dashing around on overcrowded public transport or for slipping into your handbag for Coffee break – I would read this book anywhere and know that I would be cheered up instantly! Absolutely fabulous this brilliant book is at the top of my reading list.
I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining, light read which had me laughing hysterically throughout as I immersed myself within classic chick-lit. Sharply written by an accomplished author whose acute perception and portrayal of life is spot-on hence this really is an outstanding, noteworthy debut. Standing out on the bookshelf with its striking pink cover and singularity, this comedic witty tale is just delightful and a must-read. Brilliantly observed, gloriously funny and brimming with warmth I highly commend Jonathan Harvey for producing something of exceptional caliber. Outshining other works within this genre I was left feeling warm and fuzzy inside, with this optimistic and fulfilling read. Undeniably spectacular, totally lush and a delectable treat you will be unable to resist this charming, cheeky and clever book!
“There are some things in life you can always rely on. Living in the shadow of your ‘perfect’ brother Joey, getting the flu over Christmas, and your mother showing you up in the supermarket…
Then there are some things you really don’t count on happening: a good dose of fame, getting completely trashed at an awards ceremony, and catching your fella doing something unmentionable on your wedding day.”
Jodie’s amazing story is so realistic, heartwarming and candid as she takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride through the life of an atypical actress/ soapstar with a sting. Ideal holiday reading, a book perfect for enduring time spent dashing around on overcrowded public transport or for slipping into your handbag for Coffee break – I would read this book anywhere and know that I would be cheered up instantly! Absolutely fabulous this brilliant book is at the top of my reading list.
February 5, 2015
I struggled throughout this book. I was inspired to buy it by two authors I like endorsing it. I must stop believing what I read on a cover. I didn't enjoy the story, or the characters. I didn't find it amusing. In fact one story line connected to the wedding I found very distressing. It just wasn't for me.
September 1, 2012
Read this as I loved Beautiful Thing, and wasn't disappointed. This could have been bland and run-of-the-mill but was sparkly and fun, and deeper than it might have been. Loved the characters, loved the plot, really enjoyed it.
July 23, 2013
Jonathan Harvey is the writer of Beautiful People (the campest, and one of the best TV shows to hit British screens). And Beautiful Thing (the campest and one of the best films- and now theatre shows). Everything he touches turns to gold, but can he do the same with his new novel?
I started reading this as I wanted something light and funny to read on my recent holiday. It seemed quite a lengthy novel for what by the write up on the back seemed like a cheesy, fun little story. But what I found was something much more. It seems obvious that Harvey has written several episodes of Coronation Street. The book reads a lot like a soap opera, as it is set over several years and phases throughout protagonist Jodie's life. Starting at the end, then jumping several years forward back to her teenage years. It even has several nods to the soap.
Jodie is a warm, funny if slightly ridiculous (in a good way) character. I hate when reviews describe books as laugh-out-loud, as generally books like this seem never to deliver. This one did. But it was the warmth of the book that really grabbed me, especially as Jodie talked about her early relationship with gay brother Joey.
My only criticism of this book is that it did seem to lose its way a little in the later part (hence the four instead of five star rating it could have had) but it all pulled together at the end, and tied up all those lose ends that I didn't think it would as those last pages got less and less.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a laugh. The humour is very British, but that isn't to say anyone couldn't enjoy it. I would also recommend checking out Jonathan's other work as mentioned in the first paragraph. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what he will do next. Another series of Beautiful People, maybe? Probably not, but can't blame me for wishing.
I started reading this as I wanted something light and funny to read on my recent holiday. It seemed quite a lengthy novel for what by the write up on the back seemed like a cheesy, fun little story. But what I found was something much more. It seems obvious that Harvey has written several episodes of Coronation Street. The book reads a lot like a soap opera, as it is set over several years and phases throughout protagonist Jodie's life. Starting at the end, then jumping several years forward back to her teenage years. It even has several nods to the soap.
Jodie is a warm, funny if slightly ridiculous (in a good way) character. I hate when reviews describe books as laugh-out-loud, as generally books like this seem never to deliver. This one did. But it was the warmth of the book that really grabbed me, especially as Jodie talked about her early relationship with gay brother Joey.
My only criticism of this book is that it did seem to lose its way a little in the later part (hence the four instead of five star rating it could have had) but it all pulled together at the end, and tied up all those lose ends that I didn't think it would as those last pages got less and less.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a laugh. The humour is very British, but that isn't to say anyone couldn't enjoy it. I would also recommend checking out Jonathan's other work as mentioned in the first paragraph. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what he will do next. Another series of Beautiful People, maybe? Probably not, but can't blame me for wishing.
November 21, 2015
Essentially a story about an average girl from Liverpool, with average looks, average background and so on, getting nice breaks and devastating road blocks interspersed with each other. Probably something most female readers can identify with. But it was great how the book's narrator/heroine is so totally angsty, honest (with herself at least), clumsy, charming, and imperfect, that I realised I was rooting for her since halfway through the book.
I think it's rare that male authors totally rock chick lit but Jonathan Harvey managed to do so! Maybe he's gay. Maybe he's very in tune with his feminine side. Whatever it is, he has managed to fill the entire book with laugh-out-loud moments every couple pages (he actually plonks funny lines in almost every paragraph but what can I say? I'm just a touch jaded from reading too many trying-too-hard books *shrug*). Even so, I never got the feeling that the jokes were recycled or something I'd come across before. Perhaps it would help if the reader isn't English either. I found the various English slangs and lingo absolutely refreshing and confounding at the same time, which just added to my fascination with this book. Very easy to read, if you're not too hung up about having to understand every slang word before moving on.
I think it's rare that male authors totally rock chick lit but Jonathan Harvey managed to do so! Maybe he's gay. Maybe he's very in tune with his feminine side. Whatever it is, he has managed to fill the entire book with laugh-out-loud moments every couple pages (he actually plonks funny lines in almost every paragraph but what can I say? I'm just a touch jaded from reading too many trying-too-hard books *shrug*). Even so, I never got the feeling that the jokes were recycled or something I'd come across before. Perhaps it would help if the reader isn't English either. I found the various English slangs and lingo absolutely refreshing and confounding at the same time, which just added to my fascination with this book. Very easy to read, if you're not too hung up about having to understand every slang word before moving on.
September 30, 2012
Stumbled across this book by accident, and I am SO glad I did.
You will instantaneously fall in love with Jodie, and you will stay in love with her throughout her story. He high moments made me smile and her low moment made me well up, and I cried like a baby in the epilogue.
This story is flawlessly told, flitting forward and backwards with smooth transitions. Every single character was lively, colourful and real.
I was absolutely gutted when I got to the end, having devoured this book in a few days. Jonathan Harvey is a fantastic storyteller and I will be seeking out his future work with eager anticipation.
If you're considering buying this, don't hesitate - do it NOW. You won't be disappointed.
You will instantaneously fall in love with Jodie, and you will stay in love with her throughout her story. He high moments made me smile and her low moment made me well up, and I cried like a baby in the epilogue.
This story is flawlessly told, flitting forward and backwards with smooth transitions. Every single character was lively, colourful and real.
I was absolutely gutted when I got to the end, having devoured this book in a few days. Jonathan Harvey is a fantastic storyteller and I will be seeking out his future work with eager anticipation.
If you're considering buying this, don't hesitate - do it NOW. You won't be disappointed.
April 12, 2013
This book is so funny, it makes me laugh and giggled like sometimes I can’t get it how silly Jody is. First, when she messed up her speech and when she thought Greg was going to proposed. When she swallowed the ring. When he mistaken Stuart’s mom as Stuart ‘girl’ haha those are just hilarious. But Jody also got serious problems in her life, Her ups and down career, about following her dream or not, a husband that actually gay and cheated with her brother on their wedding night. She actually found her brother sucking her husband on the wedding day, god that just.. awful. she struggle for her life that much and there is where we take a lesson from the story to forgive yourself, forgive people that hurt you, and move on with life. Interesting!
July 18, 2017
It's hilariously funny and down to earth real! Would have given it a five star had the story line, especially Greg's sexual orientation and the outcome of J and G's wedding, not so predictably anticipated. The characters were real and the 'happenings' were realistically believable.
If we wore other people's love on our faces in smiles, we wore their hatred in bruises. - Pg. 428
We are fragile beasts with an infinite capacity for pain, great and small. - Pg. 477
If we wore other people's love on our faces in smiles, we wore their hatred in bruises. - Pg. 428
We are fragile beasts with an infinite capacity for pain, great and small. - Pg. 477
April 8, 2016
I'm so relieved I finished it and I don't have to pick it up again. Worst book I've read in a while. It's funny cause reviews on the cover say "Laugh out loud" when I've done all the opposite. At certain points I actually felt really sad about happenings that were probably supposed to be funny? It was more grotesque than funny honestly.
July 9, 2019
Really funny! I love Jonathan’s writing,I laughed out loud at some parts! Liked Jodie,she was a great character and it was lovely how she became empowered and made up with her brother. You never what Jodie is going to get herself in to next and the soap references and descriptions of why it’s like working in a soap were brilliant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2022
I bought this book from a pound shop in London and honestly just expected something light to pass the time but I was very pleasantly surprised. Although at points I know exactly what was about to happen I couldn’t help but read on, heart pounding out of my chest. I laughed, I cried, I mourned and felt the overwhelming strength of a woman.
Amazingly written and a must read
Amazingly written and a must read
February 11, 2024
The other part is funny but the main character is often annoying. But it's a good thing that she had character development but that happened in the end that it got quite boring. What I don't like here is that the chapter is too long and there are things that don't make sense, so I don't read the rest. Over all the story is good, well written and like I said before the other parts are funny.
August 21, 2018
Rather average read unfortunately. I found it hard to actually like the characters are selfish.
I like that Jodie Had a good ending In the book, to see her get her revenge against Stu Probably one of the few redeeming Things about this book.
I like that Jodie Had a good ending In the book, to see her get her revenge against Stu Probably one of the few redeeming Things about this book.
August 21, 2022
Funny, made me cringe a few times but still wanting to keep reading through her journey through stardom. A good read though may have helped that I enjoyed the 'accent' having just moved back to Liverpool, where the book is mainly set 🤣
February 1, 2024
Loved every minute of reading this book. There were no boring parts for me so I did not skim throughout any part of the book at all. I savoured word for word on each page.
It's very funny and made me laugh out loud. A very good read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
It's very funny and made me laugh out loud. A very good read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
July 13, 2024
Just like reading a soap opera. Enjoyed the story of Jodie and the ups and downs of her personal life. Liked that the book started at the end and went full circle to explaining the background of having mucked up the biggest night of her life. Some laugh out loud parts.
October 9, 2024
Great read. Really fun and inhaled it within a week! There’s a black woman and unfortunately it’s a racist stereotype/caricature it’s written in 2012 so that shit was still about. :/ The only sour note of the book. Thank god it doesn’t go one for long. Entertaining read otherwise.
February 16, 2018
Relaxed read
Enjoyed this book- captured a lot of Liverpool humour and was a relaxing read. Could see it as a TV play.
Enjoyed this book- captured a lot of Liverpool humour and was a relaxing read. Could see it as a TV play.
February 16, 2020
Jonathan Harveys books are all amazing i am re reading them all at the moment.all she wants has some laugh out loud moments the characters are so believable .his storylines are always fantastic
March 9, 2020
It was reasonably enjoyable
Read
August 3, 2020Actress Jodie becomes a star when she lands the role of a (sexy) nun a long-running British soap. She's determined, however, to 'keep it real'.
November 5, 2020
Just a great read. Loved every minute of it. A combination of dreams come true and real life all mixed in tigether.
December 27, 2020
I thought this was a lovely story. Light and witty, with interesting plot points and a well-developed main character. An enjoyable read.
July 8, 2023
It was okay but not gritty enough or funny enough for me!
April 1, 2024
Very long book. Could do with 200 less pages.
May 18, 2024
This is an easy, lighthearted book, nothing wrong with it whatsoever. Not in my opinion laugh out loud funny, but amusing in places.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews