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Turning Forty
How to turn forty:
1. Set yourself a personal challenge.
2. Clear wardrobe of all age-inappropriate clothing.
3. Relax.
How not to turn forty:
1. Have a complete meltdown . . .
High flier Matt Beckford's sole ambition is to turn forty with his life sorted. And with a Porsche on the drive and a job that requires him to spend more time in BA's club lounge than his own lounge, it looks like things are going in the right direction. But when Matt's wife unexpectedly calls time on their marriage, a chain of events is set in motion that very quickly sees him facing forty broke, homeless and completely alone.
But all is not lost because Matt has a plan . .
1. Set yourself a personal challenge.
2. Clear wardrobe of all age-inappropriate clothing.
3. Relax.
How not to turn forty:
1. Have a complete meltdown . . .
High flier Matt Beckford's sole ambition is to turn forty with his life sorted. And with a Porsche on the drive and a job that requires him to spend more time in BA's club lounge than his own lounge, it looks like things are going in the right direction. But when Matt's wife unexpectedly calls time on their marriage, a chain of events is set in motion that very quickly sees him facing forty broke, homeless and completely alone.
But all is not lost because Matt has a plan . .
416 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2013
67 people are currently reading
735 people want to read
About the author
Mike Gayle
38 books2,253 followersI was born in the 70s — the 70s were great. I would recommend them to anyone.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
August 24, 2025
The writing was okay, but damn, this book was depressing. And honestly? The main character just annoyed me and made it difficult to even finish this novel.
April 6, 2016
This is a difficult one for me as I have mixed feelings about this book. It started out great, but by the time I was halfway through I seemed to lose interest and struggled to finish it.
I have read a number of books by Mike Gayle in the past and quite enjoyed them. As his books are usually about contemporary life in the UK there is a great deal I can relate to, especially the humour. I also find his style of writing makes for books which are easy reads. Furthermore, the fact that he's also from my hometown, Birmingham, I do like looking out for any local references to places I might be familiar with.
The first book I read by Mike Gayle was "Turning Thirty", a book which I had read not long after turned thirty myself. And now, having just turned forty, I thought this would be an ideal time to read this book. Although this book might be seen as a sequel, I don't think it's necessary to read the previous one in order to understand it. The story itself is very simple; the main character, Matt Beckford, is approaching his fortieth birthday, something which is freaking him out; he also has to deal with the break-up of his marriage and leaving his job; he decides to return to his hometown, Birmingham, hoping to get reacquainted with old friends; unfortunately, things don't go according to plan. Whilst I enjoyed much of the humour in the book, I found myself getting bored by the story. At times, I was really annoyed by the main character's actions. I know this might sound like a cliche, but there were many moments in the book where it was like watching a car crash happening in slow motion. But what I think really lets the book down is that with the exception of turning forty, something not as frightening as he had imagined, none of the main character's problems are actually resolved by the end.
I can't help thinking that when Mike Gayle began writing this book he had a great idea in mind, but at some point during the writing process he ran out of steam.
I have read a number of books by Mike Gayle in the past and quite enjoyed them. As his books are usually about contemporary life in the UK there is a great deal I can relate to, especially the humour. I also find his style of writing makes for books which are easy reads. Furthermore, the fact that he's also from my hometown, Birmingham, I do like looking out for any local references to places I might be familiar with.
The first book I read by Mike Gayle was "Turning Thirty", a book which I had read not long after turned thirty myself. And now, having just turned forty, I thought this would be an ideal time to read this book. Although this book might be seen as a sequel, I don't think it's necessary to read the previous one in order to understand it. The story itself is very simple; the main character, Matt Beckford, is approaching his fortieth birthday, something which is freaking him out; he also has to deal with the break-up of his marriage and leaving his job; he decides to return to his hometown, Birmingham, hoping to get reacquainted with old friends; unfortunately, things don't go according to plan. Whilst I enjoyed much of the humour in the book, I found myself getting bored by the story. At times, I was really annoyed by the main character's actions. I know this might sound like a cliche, but there were many moments in the book where it was like watching a car crash happening in slow motion. But what I think really lets the book down is that with the exception of turning forty, something not as frightening as he had imagined, none of the main character's problems are actually resolved by the end.
I can't help thinking that when Mike Gayle began writing this book he had a great idea in mind, but at some point during the writing process he ran out of steam.
April 9, 2019
I loved this book. Written in a first person point of view, the reader counts down the days with Matt, until his 40th birthday. The beginning of the novel see's Matt in his expensive house, admiring his new shed paid for by his high flying job. This false sense of security is short lived and the reader watches as the protagonist's life falls apart.
For me, this novel is all about the character's; Ginny, the back up plan, Gerry, the ex music idol and now charity shop manager, Rosa, the too young and too controlling girlfriend, and many many, more. These characters are believable and cringe worthy at the same time.
I think the most refreshing thing about the novel, however, is the ending. All the way through the story I held out hope for Matt, and the ending, although not exactly a fairytale ending, was realistic.
I love Mike Gayle's work, easy to read, believable, funny and sad, a real look at the idiosyncrasies of people.
For me, this novel is all about the character's; Ginny, the back up plan, Gerry, the ex music idol and now charity shop manager, Rosa, the too young and too controlling girlfriend, and many many, more. These characters are believable and cringe worthy at the same time.
I think the most refreshing thing about the novel, however, is the ending. All the way through the story I held out hope for Matt, and the ending, although not exactly a fairytale ending, was realistic.
I love Mike Gayle's work, easy to read, believable, funny and sad, a real look at the idiosyncrasies of people.
July 25, 2013
This book was fab, with well written characters who weren't hard to envision. Matt, the main character, is about to turn forty, has just bought his own shed and thinks he has his life sorted, however when his wife announces she wants a divorce it all changes.
I loved Matt, though sometimes got frustrated with the decisions he made. The story of him turning 40 was sad, funny and all other kinds of fantastic. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because the ending felt a bit unfinished and left me wondering about where other characters went on to, particularly Lauren.
I loved Matt, though sometimes got frustrated with the decisions he made. The story of him turning 40 was sad, funny and all other kinds of fantastic. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because the ending felt a bit unfinished and left me wondering about where other characters went on to, particularly Lauren.
August 26, 2025
The main character is an absolute mood hoover who needs a slap and a reality check. It felt like turning 30 all over again only with more grey hairs and moaning! Don't bother, Mike Gayle has many other MUCH better books. 🙄🙄
June 23, 2016
A minha opinião em vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eANCJ...
Sou super fã do Mike Gayle e há anos que o leio. É "lad lit" no seu melhor e é o melhor neste género, na minha opinião.
Em relação a este livro, esperava um pouco mais porque não é muito diferente do "Turning 30", também dele.
Mas mesmo assim vale a pena ler porque quem está perto ou nesta idade, os famosos 40, irá identificar-se imenso com algumas coisas. Apenas achei exagerado o medo da personagem de atingir esta etapa na sua vida.
Sou super fã do Mike Gayle e há anos que o leio. É "lad lit" no seu melhor e é o melhor neste género, na minha opinião.
Em relação a este livro, esperava um pouco mais porque não é muito diferente do "Turning 30", também dele.
Mas mesmo assim vale a pena ler porque quem está perto ou nesta idade, os famosos 40, irá identificar-se imenso com algumas coisas. Apenas achei exagerado o medo da personagem de atingir esta etapa na sua vida.
October 11, 2013
I have downgraded this from 3* to 2* on reflection, as I feel that actually nothing happened in it. All the plots that built up (moving house, his marriage break down, new relationships with characters) were all trashed by the end and all of the may as well have not happened. However obviously something kept me reading so I have left the rating as 2* instead of 1*. Perhaps I would have had a better understanding if I had read Turning Thirty before this.
August 19, 2015
Turning Forty was a bit like turning 40: it didn't work for me! ;-)
January 17, 2019
This was easy to read and a great runaway (train wreck) book 😃
March 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this follow up to Turning Thirty. Maybe not entirely realistic in parts, but having read The To Do List I feel there is a real connection between the author and his main character, who is likeable and believable. I also think the author is not dissimilar in age to me so a lot of the references do resonate with me! A fun series about life milestones, I’m sure there will be a Turning Fifty!
September 20, 2023
I really love Mike Gayle books - however, this one started off a little slow for me. It ended up though being very good and up to his usual standards, so I wasn’t disappointed- in fact a bit sad at the end as it didn’t end how I wanted it to. Overall another very good read.
August 25, 2022
An easy and enjoyable read while on vacation. Resembles its prequel - Turning Thirty - in the sense of the narrator's choices. I sort of wish he would develop more, but it still seems that if there will be another one in the series - Turning Fifty for instance - I'll still read it.
September 21, 2022
another great book
Another great book this is the third I have read now . He has the ability to get you hooked from the first page unlike a lot of book that take 50 pages . A great story about life and I will be searching out my fourth very shortly. Give these books a try you will love them .
Another great book this is the third I have read now . He has the ability to get you hooked from the first page unlike a lot of book that take 50 pages . A great story about life and I will be searching out my fourth very shortly. Give these books a try you will love them .
June 10, 2023
It was ok. Not as good as others by the same author
July 3, 2023
An easy and enjoyable read. Doesn't quite have the emotional depth of his more recent novels but still a pleasant read.
August 24, 2024
You can't beat a Mike Gayle book. Not my favourite of his but a nice read.
March 20, 2025
I was drawn towards Matt but he needs to grow up
June 15, 2025
I just love Mike Gayle style of writing... That human connection in all the characters.... That said...... His books have gone from strength to strength since 2013
August 10, 2022
Unintentionally irritating characters and poor grammar. Read it because I enjoyed Half the World Away but this doesn’t have the same kind of heart.
February 22, 2015
I made the mistake of reading Mike Gayle's "Turning Thirty" in the weeks before I did so. Despite it being a story of a man whose life fell apart just before his 30th birthday, he still seemed to be doing better than I was, which made it a readable but depressing experience. Fortunately, "Turning Forty" was published about 15 months before I reached that milestone and my life is in a different place which, hopefully, will combine to make it a more enjoyable read.
After the meltdown he had just before his 30th birthday, Matt Beckford is approaching his 40th with his life and his ambitions intact. He has a job which pays a very high salary, enough for him to own his own house in London and a car allowance that permits a Porsche as a company car. He's also married to a fantastic woman and has finally achieved what he sees as the pinnacle of mature manhood and has just had his very own shed delivered.
But quicker than the shed goes up, Matt's life falls apart. His wife announces that she wants a divorce and the work-related stress that Matt had been feeling for years suddenly becomes too much for him, forcing him to quit his job. To avoid the awkwardness of continuing to live with his estranged wife, Matt heads back to his parents' house in Birmingham, much as he did in "Turning Thirty", to see if he can put everything together once again.
The one thing I've always loved about Mike Gayle's writing is that it has a realistic feel that is often lacking in the chick- and bloke-lit genres. Admittedly, many of us may never achieve the career heights that Matt has, but divorce and work-related stress are very common in today's world and the latter in particular is rarely explored in a writing genre where everyone seems to be able to enjoy two hour lunches. The disappointment he feels as his parents sell the home he grew up in is something familiar to me personally, as is Matt's discovery that the people he didn't much like when he was at school have grown up into people he still doesn't much like. There are some moments that don't seem entirely realistic, such as when he finds one of his heroes managing a charity shop, or the slightly too great a coincidence of the house he ends up living in, but there are enough familiar touches here for many to find it realistic at least in part.
The other aspect of Mike Gayle's writing I've always loved is the laid-back style he writes in. The writing drifts a little, much like Matt's life. There are no real sudden changes of pace, at least not after Matt's world comes crashing down as quickly as it does. He's in a life hiatus and the style and pace of the writing matches this perfectly. I also like how Gayle lets the reader's mind fill in a lot of the gaps, not bothering with too much descriptive work, as the average person wouldn't think about things or people in that way. Certain aspects stick out in the memory of the characters in much the same way as any of us would recall a particular aspect of a person or event when thinking about them, but never all the details. Once again, it's a touch of reality in a genre that frequently lacks it.
I loved "Turning Forty" for most of the same reasons "Turning Thirty" depressed me. Whereas in the latter, Matt's life was better than mine even after it had fallen apart. Whilst there is still time for that to happen before my own fortieth, this time I get to read with a slight feeling of smug superiority, feeling that I've come further in the last decade than he has. It's a worrying state of affairs that I find myself feeling superior to a character in a book, but it only confirms how realistic the book is that I find it as easy to compare myself with Matt as to anyone I know in real life.
As with "Turning Thirty", this may not be a book to read if you're approaching forty and aren't entirely satisfied with your lot. But for those of us who are either happy in our own skins whilst nearing that age, or for those who are outside of an age range five years either side of that marker, this is an enjoyable, relaxed read that will go perfectly with a warm beach and a cold drink in the last days of Summer, or a cold beer and a roaring fire in the middle of Winter.
This review may also appear, in whole or in part, under my name at any or all of www.ciao.co.uk, www.thebookbag.co.uk, www.goodreads.com, www.amazon.co.uk and www.dooyoo.co.uk
After the meltdown he had just before his 30th birthday, Matt Beckford is approaching his 40th with his life and his ambitions intact. He has a job which pays a very high salary, enough for him to own his own house in London and a car allowance that permits a Porsche as a company car. He's also married to a fantastic woman and has finally achieved what he sees as the pinnacle of mature manhood and has just had his very own shed delivered.
But quicker than the shed goes up, Matt's life falls apart. His wife announces that she wants a divorce and the work-related stress that Matt had been feeling for years suddenly becomes too much for him, forcing him to quit his job. To avoid the awkwardness of continuing to live with his estranged wife, Matt heads back to his parents' house in Birmingham, much as he did in "Turning Thirty", to see if he can put everything together once again.
The one thing I've always loved about Mike Gayle's writing is that it has a realistic feel that is often lacking in the chick- and bloke-lit genres. Admittedly, many of us may never achieve the career heights that Matt has, but divorce and work-related stress are very common in today's world and the latter in particular is rarely explored in a writing genre where everyone seems to be able to enjoy two hour lunches. The disappointment he feels as his parents sell the home he grew up in is something familiar to me personally, as is Matt's discovery that the people he didn't much like when he was at school have grown up into people he still doesn't much like. There are some moments that don't seem entirely realistic, such as when he finds one of his heroes managing a charity shop, or the slightly too great a coincidence of the house he ends up living in, but there are enough familiar touches here for many to find it realistic at least in part.
The other aspect of Mike Gayle's writing I've always loved is the laid-back style he writes in. The writing drifts a little, much like Matt's life. There are no real sudden changes of pace, at least not after Matt's world comes crashing down as quickly as it does. He's in a life hiatus and the style and pace of the writing matches this perfectly. I also like how Gayle lets the reader's mind fill in a lot of the gaps, not bothering with too much descriptive work, as the average person wouldn't think about things or people in that way. Certain aspects stick out in the memory of the characters in much the same way as any of us would recall a particular aspect of a person or event when thinking about them, but never all the details. Once again, it's a touch of reality in a genre that frequently lacks it.
I loved "Turning Forty" for most of the same reasons "Turning Thirty" depressed me. Whereas in the latter, Matt's life was better than mine even after it had fallen apart. Whilst there is still time for that to happen before my own fortieth, this time I get to read with a slight feeling of smug superiority, feeling that I've come further in the last decade than he has. It's a worrying state of affairs that I find myself feeling superior to a character in a book, but it only confirms how realistic the book is that I find it as easy to compare myself with Matt as to anyone I know in real life.
As with "Turning Thirty", this may not be a book to read if you're approaching forty and aren't entirely satisfied with your lot. But for those of us who are either happy in our own skins whilst nearing that age, or for those who are outside of an age range five years either side of that marker, this is an enjoyable, relaxed read that will go perfectly with a warm beach and a cold drink in the last days of Summer, or a cold beer and a roaring fire in the middle of Winter.
This review may also appear, in whole or in part, under my name at any or all of www.ciao.co.uk, www.thebookbag.co.uk, www.goodreads.com, www.amazon.co.uk and www.dooyoo.co.uk
October 30, 2015
The last book I read by MG I absolutely loved (The Stag and Hen Weekend) so I as looking forward to another book by him. Having said that, the first book of his I read (his debut novel) I wasn’t keen on; so I wasn’t sure what to expect. This book is actually a sequel to the book MG released back in 200 entitles Turning Thirty. I haven’t read that book, but from reading this current one it made no odds as I still ‘got’ the book.
Matt Beckford is an easy character to read, but I can’t honestly say I warmed to him all that much from start to finish. The early part of the book makes no bones in launching the reader straight into Matt’s current situation of he and his wife Lauren separating. It is from that point that we see Matt struggle and fail to get himself together. When he finally bites the bullet and moves back to his parent’s house, it seems the story picks up a little bit. I quite liked the writing style and it was an easy book to read, however if I’m being 100% honest it just didn’t interest me enough.
Having read two of his books and with both of them being on opposite ends of enjoyment, I just felt this was passable. It was okay, but certainly not memorable enough, knowing what MG is capable of. I wonder whether there was pressure for Gayle to create a sequel, and maybe if I would have read the first book maybe I would have felt differently? Who knows, but overall, although I enjoyed it; it just wasn’t anything I would write home about. I will still continue to read MG books and hope the next one is just as good as his last book!
Matt Beckford is an easy character to read, but I can’t honestly say I warmed to him all that much from start to finish. The early part of the book makes no bones in launching the reader straight into Matt’s current situation of he and his wife Lauren separating. It is from that point that we see Matt struggle and fail to get himself together. When he finally bites the bullet and moves back to his parent’s house, it seems the story picks up a little bit. I quite liked the writing style and it was an easy book to read, however if I’m being 100% honest it just didn’t interest me enough.
Having read two of his books and with both of them being on opposite ends of enjoyment, I just felt this was passable. It was okay, but certainly not memorable enough, knowing what MG is capable of. I wonder whether there was pressure for Gayle to create a sequel, and maybe if I would have read the first book maybe I would have felt differently? Who knows, but overall, although I enjoyed it; it just wasn’t anything I would write home about. I will still continue to read MG books and hope the next one is just as good as his last book!
July 5, 2013
Mike Gayle back to his best. Return of Matt Beckford is great news as he is a character that I can certainly relate to. 'Turning Thirty' was a good book but this isn't really a sequel. It stands alone. It is funny, thought provoking and shows that you never know when your life will turn upside down. So many of us don't plan to get divorced, but suddenly we are. Mike understands how us normal blokes think.
I am a big Mike Gayle fan but was delighted to find this was a book that I just couldn't put down. He added a level of suspense that kept me just starting the next chapter. It really is full of surprises but then so is life, especially in your 40's.
I love Mike's writing style and I think that my own books imitate this because I like to feel like I am reading the main characters personal diary. I like to really get inside their head.
Great book Mike. I hope people who read Mike Gayle give my own book 'First Years - Piranhas in the Bedroom' a chance.
I am a big Mike Gayle fan but was delighted to find this was a book that I just couldn't put down. He added a level of suspense that kept me just starting the next chapter. It really is full of surprises but then so is life, especially in your 40's.
I love Mike's writing style and I think that my own books imitate this because I like to feel like I am reading the main characters personal diary. I like to really get inside their head.
Great book Mike. I hope people who read Mike Gayle give my own book 'First Years - Piranhas in the Bedroom' a chance.
August 6, 2013
By the way, I finished this book two days after turning forty-one.
I'm always sad to review a Mike Gayle book because it means that I'm through with it, and the wait begins for his next tome.
Turning Forty was one of Mr. Gayle's better novels. We catch up with Matt Brckford, the protagonist of Turning Thirty, ten years later. His wife has left him and he has had to move back in with his parents.
Over the course of the novel, Matt learns many things--as does the reader--the most important of which is at some point in our existence, we have to make a life while still managing to live. If anything, Mike Gayle points out that age is just a number.
I just can't wait to meet Matt again when he turns fifty.
I'm always sad to review a Mike Gayle book because it means that I'm through with it, and the wait begins for his next tome.
Turning Forty was one of Mr. Gayle's better novels. We catch up with Matt Brckford, the protagonist of Turning Thirty, ten years later. His wife has left him and he has had to move back in with his parents.
Over the course of the novel, Matt learns many things--as does the reader--the most important of which is at some point in our existence, we have to make a life while still managing to live. If anything, Mike Gayle points out that age is just a number.
I just can't wait to meet Matt again when he turns fifty.
June 6, 2017
I enjoyed reading Turning 40 most of the way through. It lagged quite a bit in the middle and could have been about 100 pages shorter, but I liked how the author wrapped up the story concepts to conclude the theme of ageing gracefully and with an appreciation for a life lived. My star rating is perhaps a bit generous, but I enjoyed reading a contemporary romance from the male perspective this time around. I also liked the countdown feature and only wish every chapter had ended that way for consistency.
December 1, 2020
I was a bit disappointed with this book. I'd recently read Half a World Away by the same author and loved it so thought I would give this one a try.
The idea sounded interesting - a man approaching his 40th birthday at a major crossroads in his life. Unfortunately I found the main character annoying. I also felt the ending was a bit lame.
The idea sounded interesting - a man approaching his 40th birthday at a major crossroads in his life. Unfortunately I found the main character annoying. I also felt the ending was a bit lame.
July 14, 2013
It's a pity there can't be a new Mike Gayle book every month, as I so like them and them are so unputdownable. Didn't quite the ending, though, after so much things happened, I would have liked something more satisfying and with a completeness feeling.
August 1, 2021
My least favourite of all of the 4 Mike Gayle books I’ve read so far. I didn’t really empathise with the main character in the way I have in his other books. I kept hoping something would happen to make me carte but it didn’t. The ending was far from satisfactory and felt like a cop out.
September 16, 2015
my fave quote: p 319: 'I'm actually one of the good guys' 'Maybe , and maybe not. Who knows? But this time around you just weren't good enough' <3
October 3, 2023
I listened to an Audible version of this book while I was painting my summerhouse, which proved ironic as the book opens with Matt admiring his newly purchased garden shed, feeling that he has 'made it' in life. However for Matt everything soon crumbles and he finds himself homeless and jobless and forced to move back to live with his parents.
Matt's 40th birthday is fast approaching and he has gone from thinking he had everything in life to wondering if he even knows what he wants. His attempt at a backup plan (contacting an ex-girlfriend) doesn't run smoothly and it gradually hits Matt that all his school friends, and even his parents, have moved on with their lives and he can't just pick up where he left off when he left school.
I haven't read any of Mike Gayle's previous books, so I now realise I've read Turning Forty before Turning Thirty... However, I was quickly engaged. I felt for Matt. After all, life can turn upside down so very easily. I've read reviews which say it is a depressing book, but I didn't find it so. There are hilarious moments - such as when Matt's mother tries to find him a friend 'who also likes computers'. And in the end, after a lot of mistakes, Matt realises that his happiness depends on himself.
I don't want to write spoilers about his 40th birthday. He does get there, and no doubt it will be memorable for him. And although he's not where he expected to be on his birthday, I think he's going to be OK as he heads for his 50th...
Matt's 40th birthday is fast approaching and he has gone from thinking he had everything in life to wondering if he even knows what he wants. His attempt at a backup plan (contacting an ex-girlfriend) doesn't run smoothly and it gradually hits Matt that all his school friends, and even his parents, have moved on with their lives and he can't just pick up where he left off when he left school.
I haven't read any of Mike Gayle's previous books, so I now realise I've read Turning Forty before Turning Thirty... However, I was quickly engaged. I felt for Matt. After all, life can turn upside down so very easily. I've read reviews which say it is a depressing book, but I didn't find it so. There are hilarious moments - such as when Matt's mother tries to find him a friend 'who also likes computers'. And in the end, after a lot of mistakes, Matt realises that his happiness depends on himself.
I don't want to write spoilers about his 40th birthday. He does get there, and no doubt it will be memorable for him. And although he's not where he expected to be on his birthday, I think he's going to be OK as he heads for his 50th...
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