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The Boy in the Book
As a boy Nathan Penlington had loved Choose Your Own Adventure novels. So when he came across a set of the first 106 volumes for sale on eBay, he snapped them up. Picking up the first, The Cave of Time, he was looking forward to a nostalgic trip back to his own childhood. What he discovered instead would send him off on adventure all of his own.
As he turned the pages, there was another story being written - in the margins were scribblings by the little boy who had originally owned them, a boy called Terence. There were hints on the coming adventure and jokes, but also something darker. Terence wrote about being bullied at school, the things he hated about himself, of a desperate need for friends. Later Nathan came across a few pages of diary:
Stole money from parents, bought airline ticket, ran away to Scotland.
Saturday - detention x2. Left school with intention to kill myself.
Drugs... Guns?
Even though it must have been twenty years since Terence wrote those words, it was clear that they were a cry for help. Nathan decided to answer that call: to find Terence, or at least find out what happened to him.
Nathan's search for Terence is at once funny, moving and more than a little quixotic. There would be dead ends and crossed wires, and along the way Nathan would have to face his own childhood demons. It is a story about the dark places that can exist in any childhood, but also of the sanctuary to be found in books. And at the end of his adventure Nathan would find one more surprise: a friend.
As he turned the pages, there was another story being written - in the margins were scribblings by the little boy who had originally owned them, a boy called Terence. There were hints on the coming adventure and jokes, but also something darker. Terence wrote about being bullied at school, the things he hated about himself, of a desperate need for friends. Later Nathan came across a few pages of diary:
Stole money from parents, bought airline ticket, ran away to Scotland.
Saturday - detention x2. Left school with intention to kill myself.
Drugs... Guns?
Even though it must have been twenty years since Terence wrote those words, it was clear that they were a cry for help. Nathan decided to answer that call: to find Terence, or at least find out what happened to him.
Nathan's search for Terence is at once funny, moving and more than a little quixotic. There would be dead ends and crossed wires, and along the way Nathan would have to face his own childhood demons. It is a story about the dark places that can exist in any childhood, but also of the sanctuary to be found in books. And at the end of his adventure Nathan would find one more surprise: a friend.
309 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2014
8 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 2, 2015
This is a strange one. Not in a bad way, but different to anything I've read before, or even thought of. I heard the author being interviewed on my favourite radio station. It sounded interesting so I bought a copy as it wasn't available at my library.
Nathan Penlington loved Choose Your Own Adventure books and he purchased the first 106 books off a seller from Ebay. What transpires is an obsession and a journey after he discovers some pages of a young childs' diary that is full of angst, hidden amongst one of the books. We follow Nathan as he tries to find the location of the diarist and the story behind the diary.
My thoughts are that I was probably more interested in finding the boy behind the diary, but this story goes into much deeper territory of the authors often unhappy childhood, and a very deep psychological and philosophical journey while he chases the boy in the book, and for that matter the demons of his own past. It was a very deep journey of self discovery for the author.
I found myself reading to finish, and rushing at that. I think readers will enjoy this more, knowing the serious nature of it, it isn't a light read. But it is also food for thought.
Nathan Penlington loved Choose Your Own Adventure books and he purchased the first 106 books off a seller from Ebay. What transpires is an obsession and a journey after he discovers some pages of a young childs' diary that is full of angst, hidden amongst one of the books. We follow Nathan as he tries to find the location of the diarist and the story behind the diary.
My thoughts are that I was probably more interested in finding the boy behind the diary, but this story goes into much deeper territory of the authors often unhappy childhood, and a very deep psychological and philosophical journey while he chases the boy in the book, and for that matter the demons of his own past. It was a very deep journey of self discovery for the author.
I found myself reading to finish, and rushing at that. I think readers will enjoy this more, knowing the serious nature of it, it isn't a light read. But it is also food for thought.
March 3, 2019
The main character's obsession towards Terry Prendergast is quite disturbing to be honest, haha.
June 3, 2014
Available now from Headline
Non Fiction.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy via BookBridgr
As a boy Nathan Penlington had loved Choose Your Own Adventure novels. So when he came across a set of the first 106 volumes for sale on eBay, he snapped them up. Picking up the first, The Cave of Time, he was looking forward to a nostalgic trip back to his own childhood. What he discovered instead would send him off on adventure all of his own.
As he turned the pages, there was another story being written – in the margins were scribblings by the little boy who had originally owned them, a boy called Terence. There were hints on the coming adventure and jokes, but also something darker. Terence wrote about being bullied at school, the things he hated about himself, of a desperate need for friends. Later Nathan came across a few pages of diary. Nathan’s search for Terence is at once funny, moving and more than a little quixotic. There would be dead ends and crossed wires, and along the way Nathan would have to face his own childhood demons. It is a story about the dark places that can exist in any childhood, but also of the sanctuary to be found in books.
Gosh this was an enthralling absolutely compelling story of those things that can happen in real life and I have to say I’m very very sad to be leaving this one behind, I have lived every moment of it.
Nathan Penlington’s journey is at times both hilarious and emotional and he writes with a wry wit and dry humour even in the darker moments. As he tracks down “The Boy in the Book”, hits a few bumps in the road, discovers as much about himself as anyone else, this will have you as much on the edge of your seat as any thriller would, and may well spark an interest in a variety of subjects. Since reading this I have tracked down as much information as I can find on “The Great Diary Project”, discovered a fascination with what our style of writing gives away about us and examined closely my own penchant for collecting things…
I genuinely can’t think of anything else to say without spoiling the whole ambience of this one – but if you have a love of books and the escape they can give you, its an absolute must that you read this tale. Add to that the fact that it is a heartwarming and uplifting story as well as a very intuitive and captivating one, I can’t imagine that there is a single reader out there who would not take something important away with them after reading it. So you know, go on!
More Here: http://nathanpenlington.com/
The Great Diary Project: http://www.thegreatdiaryproject.co.uk/
Purchase Information: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Boy-Book-Nath...
Happy Reading Folks!
Non Fiction.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy via BookBridgr
As a boy Nathan Penlington had loved Choose Your Own Adventure novels. So when he came across a set of the first 106 volumes for sale on eBay, he snapped them up. Picking up the first, The Cave of Time, he was looking forward to a nostalgic trip back to his own childhood. What he discovered instead would send him off on adventure all of his own.
As he turned the pages, there was another story being written – in the margins were scribblings by the little boy who had originally owned them, a boy called Terence. There were hints on the coming adventure and jokes, but also something darker. Terence wrote about being bullied at school, the things he hated about himself, of a desperate need for friends. Later Nathan came across a few pages of diary. Nathan’s search for Terence is at once funny, moving and more than a little quixotic. There would be dead ends and crossed wires, and along the way Nathan would have to face his own childhood demons. It is a story about the dark places that can exist in any childhood, but also of the sanctuary to be found in books.
Gosh this was an enthralling absolutely compelling story of those things that can happen in real life and I have to say I’m very very sad to be leaving this one behind, I have lived every moment of it.
Nathan Penlington’s journey is at times both hilarious and emotional and he writes with a wry wit and dry humour even in the darker moments. As he tracks down “The Boy in the Book”, hits a few bumps in the road, discovers as much about himself as anyone else, this will have you as much on the edge of your seat as any thriller would, and may well spark an interest in a variety of subjects. Since reading this I have tracked down as much information as I can find on “The Great Diary Project”, discovered a fascination with what our style of writing gives away about us and examined closely my own penchant for collecting things…
I genuinely can’t think of anything else to say without spoiling the whole ambience of this one – but if you have a love of books and the escape they can give you, its an absolute must that you read this tale. Add to that the fact that it is a heartwarming and uplifting story as well as a very intuitive and captivating one, I can’t imagine that there is a single reader out there who would not take something important away with them after reading it. So you know, go on!
More Here: http://nathanpenlington.com/
The Great Diary Project: http://www.thegreatdiaryproject.co.uk/
Purchase Information: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Boy-Book-Nath...
Happy Reading Folks!
May 4, 2014
The author of this book, Nathan Penlington, is a poet, a performer and a writer. As a child he loved “Choose Your Own Adventure” books – where you could choose various options, which gave different outcomes to the storyline. I too remember reading similar books as a child, where you picked to go down a passage, or through a door, and emerged in a different part of the adventure, trying to solve a puzzle. Seeing a complete set of his favourite childhood reads for sale, he immediately ordered them; but was not prepared for the journey this innocuous transaction set him on. On unpacking his purchase, he finds they were all owned by a boy called Terence and, inside the books, he finds notes and even pages from his childhood diary which suggests that he was bullied, lonely and unhappy. The notes are all dated in the 1980’s, which, coincidentally, remind Nathan of his childhood – much of it spent isolated and at home because of illness.
The author is quite open about having an obsessive nature – he is a collector, he needs to complete what he begins and he quickly finds that he becomes haunted by the diary. What happened to that boy, who was self conscious, shy and who felt left out and depressed? Despite his girlfriend suggesting he is taking things too far, Nathan begins to try to track down Terence and discover what he is doing now. His concern for the childhood Terence is very touching and you do completely sympathise with his need to discover what happened to this boy; a fellow reader and a lover of puzzles. It is also obvious that Nathan sees much of Terence in himself and identifies strongly with him and his problems.
I have to admit that a lot of this book really did make me smile. I also have quite an obsessive nature and so I did understand why Nathan felt the need to discover Terence’s whereabouts; although he did seem quite compulsive. Eventually, Nathan has to question why he needs to know what happened quite so badly and he realises that he has to face up to his own issues. On the journey, there are musings and digressions on all sorts of things; from diary keeping, handwriting analysis, shyness, illness and general bookishness. Nathan even gets to meet the author of the Adventure books and question him about the series. I think this will appeal to many readers, especially those who enjoy finding the notes, dedications and inscriptions found in second hand books. Overall, this was an oddly moving book – both humorous and profound – and I am really glad that I read it.
Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
The author is quite open about having an obsessive nature – he is a collector, he needs to complete what he begins and he quickly finds that he becomes haunted by the diary. What happened to that boy, who was self conscious, shy and who felt left out and depressed? Despite his girlfriend suggesting he is taking things too far, Nathan begins to try to track down Terence and discover what he is doing now. His concern for the childhood Terence is very touching and you do completely sympathise with his need to discover what happened to this boy; a fellow reader and a lover of puzzles. It is also obvious that Nathan sees much of Terence in himself and identifies strongly with him and his problems.
I have to admit that a lot of this book really did make me smile. I also have quite an obsessive nature and so I did understand why Nathan felt the need to discover Terence’s whereabouts; although he did seem quite compulsive. Eventually, Nathan has to question why he needs to know what happened quite so badly and he realises that he has to face up to his own issues. On the journey, there are musings and digressions on all sorts of things; from diary keeping, handwriting analysis, shyness, illness and general bookishness. Nathan even gets to meet the author of the Adventure books and question him about the series. I think this will appeal to many readers, especially those who enjoy finding the notes, dedications and inscriptions found in second hand books. Overall, this was an oddly moving book – both humorous and profound – and I am really glad that I read it.
Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
January 1, 2015
The Boy in the Book is about an obsession. Nathan buys a whole collection of 106 Choose your own adventure books, from E bay. These books had been favourites of his growing up. Inside one he finds scribbles in the margins and a few pages of a diary as well as the original owner’s name. It seems to hint at darkness in the young boy’s story. Nathan sets out to find Terence Prendergast and learn what became of him. As Nathan sets out to find Terence and learn more of his story, the reader finds out a lot more about Nathan and his childhood. As in the choose your own adventure books, sometimes the clues to find Terence lead to a dead end and Nathan has to go back and start again on a different path.
I found this an interesting book to read, although at times I struggled to understand Nathan’s obsession. Maybe because I have never been that obsessed by anything?
I also kept waiting for a twist that never came. It was obviously only in this writer’s mind and not the author’s. I could have done without some of the bad language in a couple of parts but other than that this was an enjoyable read. It certainly gives food for thought.
I found this an interesting book to read, although at times I struggled to understand Nathan’s obsession. Maybe because I have never been that obsessed by anything?
I also kept waiting for a twist that never came. It was obviously only in this writer’s mind and not the author’s. I could have done without some of the bad language in a couple of parts but other than that this was an enjoyable read. It certainly gives food for thought.
August 17, 2014
I really loved this book - owning a secondhand bookshop, it's pretty rare now for me to buy something new, but I saw this and it had to come home with me.
As a secondhand book dealer, I often find curious letters, inscriptions, photos and other things that make me stop and wonder about the people who left them behind - often even getting the chance to return things.
(Such as a book given from an author to his grandson, which the grandson lost when a nasty ex-wife took revenge by cleaning out his bookcase and giving it all to a charity, but the book was bought from the charity and handed on to a military historian, who sold it to me when he went into a nursing home, and a friend of the family spotted it on my shelf and notified the grandson, who was able to come and reclaim his book...)
So this is why the idea of revisiting the books of one's youth, then tracking down a person who had left curious notes in a book, really appealed to me.
Nathan Penlington bought 106 Choose Your Own Adventure books from Ebay - for various reasons - and found they had all belonged to the same boy, and this boy had written notes in them, including a mysterious four-page "diary".
This led Penlington on a quest to find the boy, and as the diary wasn't exactly a reflection of a cheery soul, whether things actually got better.
However, this was really only part of the story - because it transpired that Penlington and the mystery "boy now a man" had a lot in common. In fact, the part of the experience of reading this book I was totally unprepared for was realising just how much the 11 year old little girl who'd one day become me had in common with these boys, and probably many other kids too.
So I would thoroughly recommend this book - but be prepared to revisit your own 11 year old self, with all its embarrassments and heart-aches.
(Yes, the lonely girl who read a lot went on to be the not-so-lonely slightly older girl who runs a bookshop. And reads a lot.)
But Penlington also goes on various other tangents in his quest - he actually tracks down the original owner of the books very quickly and easily. The "project" then is only partially about "does he find the boy in the book?" Instead, Penlington explores his own rediscovery of his 11 year old self, but also visits handwriting analysts, child psychologists and the creator of the Choose Your Own Adventure books.
I understand some readers might find this simply a distraction, or a way of bulking out the book - but it was still interesting nonetheless.
I didn't realise until reading up later that this project was the basis of a unique interactive stage show and documentary, and I'm curious to know what it was like, however the book stands alone as a curious and delightful adventure.
As a secondhand book dealer, I often find curious letters, inscriptions, photos and other things that make me stop and wonder about the people who left them behind - often even getting the chance to return things.
(Such as a book given from an author to his grandson, which the grandson lost when a nasty ex-wife took revenge by cleaning out his bookcase and giving it all to a charity, but the book was bought from the charity and handed on to a military historian, who sold it to me when he went into a nursing home, and a friend of the family spotted it on my shelf and notified the grandson, who was able to come and reclaim his book...)
So this is why the idea of revisiting the books of one's youth, then tracking down a person who had left curious notes in a book, really appealed to me.
Nathan Penlington bought 106 Choose Your Own Adventure books from Ebay - for various reasons - and found they had all belonged to the same boy, and this boy had written notes in them, including a mysterious four-page "diary".
This led Penlington on a quest to find the boy, and as the diary wasn't exactly a reflection of a cheery soul, whether things actually got better.
However, this was really only part of the story - because it transpired that Penlington and the mystery "boy now a man" had a lot in common. In fact, the part of the experience of reading this book I was totally unprepared for was realising just how much the 11 year old little girl who'd one day become me had in common with these boys, and probably many other kids too.
So I would thoroughly recommend this book - but be prepared to revisit your own 11 year old self, with all its embarrassments and heart-aches.
(Yes, the lonely girl who read a lot went on to be the not-so-lonely slightly older girl who runs a bookshop. And reads a lot.)
But Penlington also goes on various other tangents in his quest - he actually tracks down the original owner of the books very quickly and easily. The "project" then is only partially about "does he find the boy in the book?" Instead, Penlington explores his own rediscovery of his 11 year old self, but also visits handwriting analysts, child psychologists and the creator of the Choose Your Own Adventure books.
I understand some readers might find this simply a distraction, or a way of bulking out the book - but it was still interesting nonetheless.
I didn't realise until reading up later that this project was the basis of a unique interactive stage show and documentary, and I'm curious to know what it was like, however the book stands alone as a curious and delightful adventure.
August 26, 2014
Firstly, the book wasn't what I thought it would be. Perhaps that was my biggest problem. I already had a clear idea of what I wanted from it.
(When I was younger, I bought many second-hand books from Amazon, partially to save money (they were cheap) and partially because I wanted to find traces of previous owners through scribbles and notes. I wanted to know them. I never did, however. Perhaps that is why I was disappointed with 'The Boy in the Book'; it didn't give me the story I had been looking for. But that is my problem, not the book or the author's.)
Putting all of that aside, I have mixed feelings about the book. I like the idea so much, but Nathan's approach is a little too obsessive for my liking. It started out sweet (I too would want to track down Terence), but the white lies that followed and the overly persistent attitude borderlines harassment/stalking and is rather creepy at times. I constantly questioned Nathan's reasons and felt he wasn't always being honest with himself. To him, this wasn't about or for Terence or Nancy. This was about and for Nathan himself.
(I should point out, however, that I understand his obsession very much. I understand the need, not just want, but need, to know everything about a person, to watch their favourite films and read their favourite books, to know they are okay, despite not being in contact. What made it creepy, however, was the lies and Terence's ignorance.)
I still found it an enjoyable read. I cared about Terence, even before we got to know anything about him. And the more we got to know him, the more I liked him. I am happy Nathan found meaning in these series of events, but more so, I am happy that the story of Terence was shared with the world. I wish I could sit down with him - both the boy, Terence, and the man, James.
The story is wrapped up beautifully with Terence's honestly and growth. A truly inspirational character.
(When I was younger, I bought many second-hand books from Amazon, partially to save money (they were cheap) and partially because I wanted to find traces of previous owners through scribbles and notes. I wanted to know them. I never did, however. Perhaps that is why I was disappointed with 'The Boy in the Book'; it didn't give me the story I had been looking for. But that is my problem, not the book or the author's.)
Putting all of that aside, I have mixed feelings about the book. I like the idea so much, but Nathan's approach is a little too obsessive for my liking. It started out sweet (I too would want to track down Terence), but the white lies that followed and the overly persistent attitude borderlines harassment/stalking and is rather creepy at times. I constantly questioned Nathan's reasons and felt he wasn't always being honest with himself. To him, this wasn't about or for Terence or Nancy. This was about and for Nathan himself.
(I should point out, however, that I understand his obsession very much. I understand the need, not just want, but need, to know everything about a person, to watch their favourite films and read their favourite books, to know they are okay, despite not being in contact. What made it creepy, however, was the lies and Terence's ignorance.)
I still found it an enjoyable read. I cared about Terence, even before we got to know anything about him. And the more we got to know him, the more I liked him. I am happy Nathan found meaning in these series of events, but more so, I am happy that the story of Terence was shared with the world. I wish I could sit down with him - both the boy, Terence, and the man, James.
The story is wrapped up beautifully with Terence's honestly and growth. A truly inspirational character.
March 28, 2014
The undoubted charm of the obsessed and the shy
Nathan Penlington is a writer, comedian and performance artist. He also suffered prolonged ill-health as a child, and has an introspective nature prone to obsession. Perhaps, or perhaps not, caused as a reaction to months off school, away from normal peer socialisation
“Depression could be understood as stemming from a feeling of lack of control and obsession as about regaining control over your environment. For me obsession was a preventative cure that has since become a personality trait”
He is also a compulsive collector – whether of facts or objects. As a child, he amassed, as children often do, various collections. One of these was a series of interactive books by Edward Packard called Choose Your Own Adventure Books, where the reader has the choice of a multiplicity of outcomes, leading to further choices and more.
As an adult in his late 20s, briefly living back at his parents home after a relationship break-up, Penlington buys a collection of 106 of these from eBay, revisiting his childhood. He discovers parts of a diary in the pages of one of the books, kept by the then owner, a boy called Terence Prendergast.
Some years pass, and Penlington becomes obsessed with tracking down the original owner of those books and the diary.
This book is about that search, and also about the performance piece he and others created about the search, and about the ‘Choose Your Own……’ making it an interactive piece for the audience, depending on their choices. This show won a Fringe First award, was highly praised, and Penlington has toured it more widely.
All the above is just the bare facts, but can’t begin to describe the hilarious, heart-catching, intelligent, compulsive, absorbing, tender, painful, enchanting mix of this book.
Questions and doubts occurred to me as I read, and may occur to other readers, but I can’t even voice them, because they would/might interfere with your own journey through this delightful mix-up, often darting down side-trails, journey of a book. Anyway, Penlington will answer your questions in the fullness of time.
Along the journey you will be exposed to never-sent love letters written by Nathan Penlington to a girl he had a hopeless crush on, when he was 11. Girls (and boys) migh cry with a mix of laughter and Awwwwwwwwwwww at the letter. You will meet a chatty graphologist, psychologists specialising in children, the author of those books, a band of middle aged men who still play Dungeons and Dragons in a shop in Birmingham, presided over by the owner, who perches, cross legged and magus like, on his counter. You will get a blow by blow account of films you never wanted to watch but might now feel curious about. Thrill to the emails of a German Heavy Metal band called Prendergast, contemplate booking a retreat in the Prendergast Caravan park, out of season, follow the trail to Kerrang! Radio DJ Johnny Doom, wonder about the curious disappearance of a photo of astrologer Russell Grant, and more…….
Nathan Penlington bares his tender heart, his inquiring mind, his sense of playfulness, self-mockery and his interest in EVERYTHING. You, like the author himself, will absolutely get caught up in the fascination of the quest to find Terence. Does he? Will he? What happens? Why does it take so long for Nathan to decide on the journey at all? Why did he do it? Would you? The book makes the reader ask the questions you might be burning to utter, if you knew Nathan. As you will feel you do.
You will also be determined to go and see the show, which, if the book is anything to go by, will bring tears to your eyes as you howl with self-mocking laughter, recognising aspects of your own, weird, quirky, individual humanity.
I now need to see if I can track down what the remarkably thrashy and ear-blasting Prendergast band sounded like. Maybe not, I can tell from the lyrics to one song this is not going to be my kind of music.
You can visit chooseyourowndocumentary.com website to find out more.
A lovely and life affirming, questy experience!
Nathan Penlington is a writer, comedian and performance artist. He also suffered prolonged ill-health as a child, and has an introspective nature prone to obsession. Perhaps, or perhaps not, caused as a reaction to months off school, away from normal peer socialisation
“Depression could be understood as stemming from a feeling of lack of control and obsession as about regaining control over your environment. For me obsession was a preventative cure that has since become a personality trait”
He is also a compulsive collector – whether of facts or objects. As a child, he amassed, as children often do, various collections. One of these was a series of interactive books by Edward Packard called Choose Your Own Adventure Books, where the reader has the choice of a multiplicity of outcomes, leading to further choices and more.
As an adult in his late 20s, briefly living back at his parents home after a relationship break-up, Penlington buys a collection of 106 of these from eBay, revisiting his childhood. He discovers parts of a diary in the pages of one of the books, kept by the then owner, a boy called Terence Prendergast.
Some years pass, and Penlington becomes obsessed with tracking down the original owner of those books and the diary.
This book is about that search, and also about the performance piece he and others created about the search, and about the ‘Choose Your Own……’ making it an interactive piece for the audience, depending on their choices. This show won a Fringe First award, was highly praised, and Penlington has toured it more widely.
All the above is just the bare facts, but can’t begin to describe the hilarious, heart-catching, intelligent, compulsive, absorbing, tender, painful, enchanting mix of this book.
Questions and doubts occurred to me as I read, and may occur to other readers, but I can’t even voice them, because they would/might interfere with your own journey through this delightful mix-up, often darting down side-trails, journey of a book. Anyway, Penlington will answer your questions in the fullness of time.
Along the journey you will be exposed to never-sent love letters written by Nathan Penlington to a girl he had a hopeless crush on, when he was 11. Girls (and boys) migh cry with a mix of laughter and Awwwwwwwwwwww at the letter. You will meet a chatty graphologist, psychologists specialising in children, the author of those books, a band of middle aged men who still play Dungeons and Dragons in a shop in Birmingham, presided over by the owner, who perches, cross legged and magus like, on his counter. You will get a blow by blow account of films you never wanted to watch but might now feel curious about. Thrill to the emails of a German Heavy Metal band called Prendergast, contemplate booking a retreat in the Prendergast Caravan park, out of season, follow the trail to Kerrang! Radio DJ Johnny Doom, wonder about the curious disappearance of a photo of astrologer Russell Grant, and more…….
Nathan Penlington bares his tender heart, his inquiring mind, his sense of playfulness, self-mockery and his interest in EVERYTHING. You, like the author himself, will absolutely get caught up in the fascination of the quest to find Terence. Does he? Will he? What happens? Why does it take so long for Nathan to decide on the journey at all? Why did he do it? Would you? The book makes the reader ask the questions you might be burning to utter, if you knew Nathan. As you will feel you do.
You will also be determined to go and see the show, which, if the book is anything to go by, will bring tears to your eyes as you howl with self-mocking laughter, recognising aspects of your own, weird, quirky, individual humanity.
I now need to see if I can track down what the remarkably thrashy and ear-blasting Prendergast band sounded like. Maybe not, I can tell from the lyrics to one song this is not going to be my kind of music.
You can visit chooseyourowndocumentary.com website to find out more.
A lovely and life affirming, questy experience!
June 12, 2018
I bought this book at the Lifeline Bookfest. I always like a quirky true story and this one certainly fits the bill.
The author loves these choose your own adventure books and buys a whole set on ebay, he finds little notations and a diary in them. When I read 'diary' in the blurb I thought it would be this comprehensive diary of someone. But no, it's this few pages, not quite I would equate with a diary. It does have some significant thoughts in it.
The author really becomes obsessed with finding the owner of the books and the diary. It takes him on an interesting journey.
So, the book is about the boy in the book, but it also more about the boy writing the book.
At times, I wanted the author to just get on with the telling of his story, there were some moments of tedium, but it was a compelling enough story to keep me reading to the end.
The author loves these choose your own adventure books and buys a whole set on ebay, he finds little notations and a diary in them. When I read 'diary' in the blurb I thought it would be this comprehensive diary of someone. But no, it's this few pages, not quite I would equate with a diary. It does have some significant thoughts in it.
The author really becomes obsessed with finding the owner of the books and the diary. It takes him on an interesting journey.
So, the book is about the boy in the book, but it also more about the boy writing the book.
At times, I wanted the author to just get on with the telling of his story, there were some moments of tedium, but it was a compelling enough story to keep me reading to the end.
April 22, 2014
When Nathan Penlington orders a set of Create Your Own Adventure books, he finds pages of a young boy's diary and becomes obsessed with finding out about the writer. His quest leads him to speak to various professional people, such as a graphologist and a child psychologist, and he starts to reflect on his own lonely childhood. It's a rather unusual reflective memoir on growing up, friendship, obsession and regrets. But it's also partly a detective story with Nathan tracking down not only this mystery writer but also an old crush from his teenage years. Nathan writes in an open, sometimes funny, and fair manner. I wasn't sure what to expect when I read this but it's a rather suprising and touching book and I think it will appeal to those who like their books with a bit of nostalgia.
February 13, 2022
When I picked up this book, I actually said, "I'm in such a reading mood right now, you can give me anything and I'd lap 'em up in two days!" because it had been true for the past four reads. Unfortunately, I was wrong, because this book put a stop to that. It took me about 9 days to finish it.
I bought this book ages ago and only chose to read it now in my mission to read as many books off my TBR pile (especially the older ones) as I could. By the time I picked it up, I forgot what it was about, but the blurb at the back sounded promising. I didn't realize it was a non-fiction, a documentary of a man's adventure, not a fiction. I only did realize when I saw the back cover labelled "non-fiction".
But as much as I wanted to like the book because I found some similarities between me and the author (and the boy in the book), I found it rather draggy. There were a lot of things that I felt they could do without, for example a list of items the author found when he was staying in Prendergast Caravan Park. Though I understand the author's obsessive quirk, his possible need to be detailed about things, I just felt like it was a little bit of a bore.
I did wonder too, how he managed to document everything in such detail, but my question was answered in the Afterword where he mentioned that he did plan to turn this adventure into a Choose Your Own Documentary show. I just tried the online version of it at theboyinthebook.co.uk, and I thought it was interesting to be able to immerse myself in the game (as I've been a lifelong player of your-choices-determine-the-endings kind of game) and to be able to glean more in video and picture forms of what had been mentioned in the book.
Still, personally I wish the book was shorter and gave me more satisfaction than it really did.
I bought this book ages ago and only chose to read it now in my mission to read as many books off my TBR pile (especially the older ones) as I could. By the time I picked it up, I forgot what it was about, but the blurb at the back sounded promising. I didn't realize it was a non-fiction, a documentary of a man's adventure, not a fiction. I only did realize when I saw the back cover labelled "non-fiction".
But as much as I wanted to like the book because I found some similarities between me and the author (and the boy in the book), I found it rather draggy. There were a lot of things that I felt they could do without, for example a list of items the author found when he was staying in Prendergast Caravan Park. Though I understand the author's obsessive quirk, his possible need to be detailed about things, I just felt like it was a little bit of a bore.
I did wonder too, how he managed to document everything in such detail, but my question was answered in the Afterword where he mentioned that he did plan to turn this adventure into a Choose Your Own Documentary show. I just tried the online version of it at theboyinthebook.co.uk, and I thought it was interesting to be able to immerse myself in the game (as I've been a lifelong player of your-choices-determine-the-endings kind of game) and to be able to glean more in video and picture forms of what had been mentioned in the book.
Still, personally I wish the book was shorter and gave me more satisfaction than it really did.
September 12, 2014
The author bought a collection of over one hundred 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books from the nineteen eighties on eBay. He had loved them as a child but had never had a full collection. When he receives them he finds that their previous owner Terence Prendergarst, had written his name and address in them as well as making comments in the margins and leaving pages from a diary in one of the books. An obsession with Terry and a need to know what happened to him dominates his life for several years.
This book is the story of what happened when he tried to locate the previous owner of the books and in the process uncover some aspects of his own childhood and maybe come to terms with it. So this book is part quest and part memoir and also partly a book about books. I had never heard of the 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books so I was intrigued by the whole concept. I found the author's quest to track Terry down fascinating though at times it was also mildly irritating and I wanted to know why he didn't just look up the guy's childhood address on the internet and see who lived there now! But that wouldn't have made the book half so interesting so I've since got over that irritation.
I found the book a fascinating, funny and at times poignant read. It is about childhood, adventure, making choices and keeping diaries among many other subjects. If you like books which could lead you anywhere then try this one. If you like memoirs and mysteries then read this. Lastly if you still remember your childhood reading choices then read this.
This book is the story of what happened when he tried to locate the previous owner of the books and in the process uncover some aspects of his own childhood and maybe come to terms with it. So this book is part quest and part memoir and also partly a book about books. I had never heard of the 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books so I was intrigued by the whole concept. I found the author's quest to track Terry down fascinating though at times it was also mildly irritating and I wanted to know why he didn't just look up the guy's childhood address on the internet and see who lived there now! But that wouldn't have made the book half so interesting so I've since got over that irritation.
I found the book a fascinating, funny and at times poignant read. It is about childhood, adventure, making choices and keeping diaries among many other subjects. If you like books which could lead you anywhere then try this one. If you like memoirs and mysteries then read this. Lastly if you still remember your childhood reading choices then read this.
August 4, 2014
This book took me quite a while to read, but I enjoyed it all the same. The basic premise is that Nathan, the author buys a large collection of Choose your own adventure books, and finds a four page diary written by Terrence. He embarks on an obsessive journey to find Terrence and see how he turned out. This was a slightly arduous read and I felt the author could have been more concise in telling his story.
October 22, 2025
I really liked this book :)
Came across it by chance in the non fiction section looking for poetry, and I'm so glad I did. It immediately grabbed me with the story of finding a boy's diary trapped in time in a collection of old 'choose your own adventure' books, and searching for his story. The way the author talks about obsession was really interesting, and weaved it into his own childhood and explains how things like being ill and isolated influenced the way he is. I liked that he at least had a bit of self awareness about it too, because he essentially stalked the guy from the diary! Maybe it makes us question our own morals and curiosity? How far would we be willing to go, have we ever been that obsessed with something/someone? Luckily the boy from the books, grown up as a man, seemed to make friends with the author and wasn't too creeped out? (I don't think?) It revealed a lot about children's mental health and the struggles of childhood, bullying... Honestly it's making me want to go on some outrageous adventure like it or wondering what if someone found my diary?! Would they find me? 😱🫢 I feel like this is the thing I try to look for at my grandma's house, just being nosey, but they cleared out most stuff like this, it seems. There were some really good lines in it about life and obsession and childhood that I wanna come back to. I like that the author talked to experts like a child psychologist and the professor who studied diaries - that really got my curiosity! Because diaries are my favourite thing to read, so this book was just right for me. If you're an obsessive person or really curious about the lives of others, definitely try this book!
Came across it by chance in the non fiction section looking for poetry, and I'm so glad I did. It immediately grabbed me with the story of finding a boy's diary trapped in time in a collection of old 'choose your own adventure' books, and searching for his story. The way the author talks about obsession was really interesting, and weaved it into his own childhood and explains how things like being ill and isolated influenced the way he is. I liked that he at least had a bit of self awareness about it too, because he essentially stalked the guy from the diary! Maybe it makes us question our own morals and curiosity? How far would we be willing to go, have we ever been that obsessed with something/someone? Luckily the boy from the books, grown up as a man, seemed to make friends with the author and wasn't too creeped out? (I don't think?) It revealed a lot about children's mental health and the struggles of childhood, bullying... Honestly it's making me want to go on some outrageous adventure like it or wondering what if someone found my diary?! Would they find me? 😱🫢 I feel like this is the thing I try to look for at my grandma's house, just being nosey, but they cleared out most stuff like this, it seems. There were some really good lines in it about life and obsession and childhood that I wanna come back to. I like that the author talked to experts like a child psychologist and the professor who studied diaries - that really got my curiosity! Because diaries are my favourite thing to read, so this book was just right for me. If you're an obsessive person or really curious about the lives of others, definitely try this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2022
This was very different from what I expected. I expected something a lot more "heartwarming family comedy", but this book is a) a true story - in fact, a documentary of sorts, with all the interviews and research that goes with that b) a relatively dark story of one man with childhood trauma's absolute obsession with another man with childhood trauma.
The b) part was quite interesting and well-written (but, given that the internet stalking described here actually happened, a bit creepy at times, even if stalker and stalkee ultimately ended up friends). There were even parts of the author's life that I found extremely relatable, having also grown up with a chronic illness - and some parts of the "boy in the book"'s life, too.
The a) part was more of a mixed bag - I enjoyed the extra information about Choose your own adventure books, but there were some interviews that just bored me to death. So ultimately this book ended up being just fine.
The b) part was quite interesting and well-written (but, given that the internet stalking described here actually happened, a bit creepy at times, even if stalker and stalkee ultimately ended up friends). There were even parts of the author's life that I found extremely relatable, having also grown up with a chronic illness - and some parts of the "boy in the book"'s life, too.
The a) part was more of a mixed bag - I enjoyed the extra information about Choose your own adventure books, but there were some interviews that just bored me to death. So ultimately this book ended up being just fine.
August 8, 2017
Bought the book because I thought it was young adult, 'wonder' type book. Turned out to be semi-biographical. Some interesting mullings and few nice quotes. A little long-winded start but got better towards the end. It's somewhat assuring to know that what we thought as something so big and bad and only happened to us when we were teenager, pretty much felt by most teenagers in the world. And things do get better. We just have to hang on for the ride and keep making choices to wherever they take us to.
January 1, 2023
I wasn’t a huge Choose Your Own Adventure reader back in the day (1980s?) but the two individuals in The Boy in the Book (by Nathan Penlington) certainly were. It’s an obsessive and stalker-y journey by a late 30’s man who probably should know better, and probably drove his partner and friends mad with his self indulgence. It’s an easy and fun read really, but you have to feel for Terence (the seller of the book trove which started all the madness) as he’s pursued and quizzed by the author. Lots of fun – 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2018
I got this book in a pile of second had books someone lent me, so I wasn't sure it was really my thing. I read it in a couple of days, as I found it intriguing. It follows the author's 'adventure' to discover the person responsible for a short diary he finds in a second hand book. It is a fascinating exploration of obsession, teenage angst, bullying, depression and the consequences of life choices.
Although at times it wanders off track, the book is very worth reading.
Although at times it wanders off track, the book is very worth reading.
April 21, 2019
Picked up this book thinking it was a light read but it ended up being something more serious. Kinda like a “searching myself” book. Took me quite an amount of perseverance to get through the middle of it as well.
January 6, 2025
ein komisches, interessantes Buch, welches ich bisher so noch nie gesehen habe. Die Obsession von Nathan hat mich gepackt und ich war sehr interessiert daran die Geschichte von Terence zu erfahren. Später nimmt das Buch eher eine traurige, andere Handlung ein, die bestimmt viele Leute anspricht.
May 8, 2017
I hoped, almost wished, for the author to succeed in drawing me in. Yet he never does. It was only his writing style that kept me reading long after the story failed to engage me.
July 21, 2017
Engaging but over long, and for those born in the same era as the author.
October 18, 2018
Great read.
November 22, 2018
Not what i was expecting but interesting in the long run.
October 14, 2019
I read this book in under a week and I don't usually read books this fast. This was sincerely an intriguing and moving story. I'm so glad I picked it up!
November 26, 2025
The strangest book I have ever read
Very disturbing & odd
Will not be recommending to anyone
Very disturbing & odd
Will not be recommending to anyone
August 6, 2016
The Boy in the Book is part memoir, part stunt non-fiction. Nathan Penlington discovers some pages from a diary inside a Choose Your Own Adventure novel he buys off e-bay. The pages of the diary contain the suicidal thoughts of a teenage boy. Penlington becomes more and more obsessed with finding out who this boy was, wanting to find out if he has survived, whilst simultaneously recognising something of his own teenage self in the writing. Eventually he embarks on an all-out quest to find the adult Terry, the boy of the diary, which leads him into a journey of self-discovery.
There were several things I didn't like about The Boy in the Book, so I'm getting those out quick so I can gush about all the things I loved.
- Penlington admits early that he has an obsessive personality and drives this home to the reader, discussing its unhealthiness. Despite this discussion, I still found at times the level of his obsession with Terry bordering on stalkerish, in a way that made me as the reader uncomfortable.
- The afterword of the book completely turns the context of the story on its head. I won't post spoilers here, but part of me really wishes Penlington had been honest with the reader from the start - it would have made for a more authentic book. As it stands, for me the revelation cheapened what the rest of the book stood for, as it comes across as last minute attention-grabbing.
Apart from these two quibbles though, The Boy in the Book is a complete charmer. Of course I would say that, as my affection for books-about-books is well known, but still. Penlington is a man very honest about his faults, which makes the memoir aspect of the book very real and a sweet read. He examines closely how his childhood, spent in and out of hospital with an illness that wasn't diagnosed correctly until much later in his life, has affected the man that he has become. I found the journey aspect very appealing, especially the effort he goes to to reconnect with aspects of his childhood. His discussions with his parents about his teenage years, and his meeting with his childhood crush Nancy were some of my favourite scenes.
I also really enjoyed how the mystery of 'The Boy in the Book' wasn't dragged out for dramatic suspense. It's a fact of modern life that people are no longer very hard to find. Penlington manages to track down Terry with comparatively little effort or drama within the first 100 pages. The real drama starts after the discovery, which for me made it a refreshing and unique take on the non-fiction finding-a-mysterious-person trope.
Although aspects of the drama post-discovery were a little drawn out, especially Penlington's visits to various 'experts' on diaries and childhood trauma, it was still a fun ride. I could understand the author's fascination with the diary text and what it insinuated and when we do finally find out from Terry what it's all about, its a well written scene that pulls together the mystery in a fascinating and touching way.
Finally of course, the bookish aspects appealed to my bookish soul. Although I wasn't the biggest fan of Choose Your Own Adventure novels, any bookish child (or adult) understands the ability books give us to both loose ourselves and have more control over our own lives. Penlington's insight into that ability is fresh and very personal, in the nicest way.
Overall? 4/5 stars. It wasn't perfect, but The Boy in the Book is one of those reads that sucks you in. A touching and intriguing story of books and how the teen years can make or break the man.
There were several things I didn't like about The Boy in the Book, so I'm getting those out quick so I can gush about all the things I loved.
- Penlington admits early that he has an obsessive personality and drives this home to the reader, discussing its unhealthiness. Despite this discussion, I still found at times the level of his obsession with Terry bordering on stalkerish, in a way that made me as the reader uncomfortable.
- The afterword of the book completely turns the context of the story on its head. I won't post spoilers here, but part of me really wishes Penlington had been honest with the reader from the start - it would have made for a more authentic book. As it stands, for me the revelation cheapened what the rest of the book stood for, as it comes across as last minute attention-grabbing.
Apart from these two quibbles though, The Boy in the Book is a complete charmer. Of course I would say that, as my affection for books-about-books is well known, but still. Penlington is a man very honest about his faults, which makes the memoir aspect of the book very real and a sweet read. He examines closely how his childhood, spent in and out of hospital with an illness that wasn't diagnosed correctly until much later in his life, has affected the man that he has become. I found the journey aspect very appealing, especially the effort he goes to to reconnect with aspects of his childhood. His discussions with his parents about his teenage years, and his meeting with his childhood crush Nancy were some of my favourite scenes.
I also really enjoyed how the mystery of 'The Boy in the Book' wasn't dragged out for dramatic suspense. It's a fact of modern life that people are no longer very hard to find. Penlington manages to track down Terry with comparatively little effort or drama within the first 100 pages. The real drama starts after the discovery, which for me made it a refreshing and unique take on the non-fiction finding-a-mysterious-person trope.
Although aspects of the drama post-discovery were a little drawn out, especially Penlington's visits to various 'experts' on diaries and childhood trauma, it was still a fun ride. I could understand the author's fascination with the diary text and what it insinuated and when we do finally find out from Terry what it's all about, its a well written scene that pulls together the mystery in a fascinating and touching way.
Finally of course, the bookish aspects appealed to my bookish soul. Although I wasn't the biggest fan of Choose Your Own Adventure novels, any bookish child (or adult) understands the ability books give us to both loose ourselves and have more control over our own lives. Penlington's insight into that ability is fresh and very personal, in the nicest way.
Overall? 4/5 stars. It wasn't perfect, but The Boy in the Book is one of those reads that sucks you in. A touching and intriguing story of books and how the teen years can make or break the man.
August 9, 2014
Oh my goodness me. I've been hitting the jackpot with books lately and this is another one. If Nathan's intention was to pass on some of his curiosity and obsession, he has done that for me. Immediately after finishing the book, I was looking up the Diary Project and Choose Your Own Documentary, gosh, I hope they come to Australia one day, because right now I feel like I MUST see that show. I also hunted down Teofilo Olivieri and loved his art. Oh my goodness, an absolutely amazing book for anyone with a curious mind. I found it difficult to stop reading it.
That was my intellectual reaction to it. On a more personal, heart level, I was so moved. Anyone who has felt socially awkward or experienced depression as a teen will find kindred spirits in this book. It's the kind of book you need as a socially maladjusted adolescent. I remember longing to read a book that reflected my reality when I was young, and only finding book after book about pretty girls who had boyfriends and a seemingly endless supply of outfits and make up. It made me feel even more alone. This is the book I wish I could have read, come twenty years too late.
Choose Wisely, Edward Packard said. That was the other thing I loved about the book: the impact of choice on a life. How our choices transform our fate at every turn. It really makes me want to watch Choose Your Own Documentary. Who doesn't fantasise about travelling in a time machine and seeing how their lives had panned out with different choices?
I loved this book. LOVED it. Now I am off to check out the big list of links and other juicy morsels Nathan recommends at the end. A resounding five stars from me.
That was my intellectual reaction to it. On a more personal, heart level, I was so moved. Anyone who has felt socially awkward or experienced depression as a teen will find kindred spirits in this book. It's the kind of book you need as a socially maladjusted adolescent. I remember longing to read a book that reflected my reality when I was young, and only finding book after book about pretty girls who had boyfriends and a seemingly endless supply of outfits and make up. It made me feel even more alone. This is the book I wish I could have read, come twenty years too late.
Choose Wisely, Edward Packard said. That was the other thing I loved about the book: the impact of choice on a life. How our choices transform our fate at every turn. It really makes me want to watch Choose Your Own Documentary. Who doesn't fantasise about travelling in a time machine and seeing how their lives had panned out with different choices?
I loved this book. LOVED it. Now I am off to check out the big list of links and other juicy morsels Nathan recommends at the end. A resounding five stars from me.
June 6, 2014
Nathan Penlington was an avid reader of the Choose Your Own Adventure books as a child. When he spots a job lot of 106 of the titles on ebay, he can't resist buying them. Yet Nathan gets more than he bargained for. Within the books he finds pages of a diary belonging to a child called Terence Prendergast. Nathan feels a connection to Terence and becomes desperate to contact him and find out how the angst ridden teen turned out. The Boy in the Book chronicles this search.
I was attracted to this book mainly because of the nostalgic element- I remember loving Choose Your Own Adventure books as a child and thought this would be an interesting look at this revolutionary genre through the eyes of a fan.
How wrong was I? The Boy in the Book is so much more than that. It is a quest, a story of determination and perseverance. It explores the obsessive nature of humanity. It is empathetic, warm and honest. And most of all it is entertaining. Nathan's search for Terence Prendergast is an epic journey full of charm and wit, and is an engaging and accessible non-fiction read. I especially liked how it explores the transition from childhood to adulthood, how things can be easily misinterpreted and that friendships can form in the most unusual of circumstances.
This one will appeal to fans of Danny Wallace and Dave Gorman.
The Boy in the Book is out now.
I was attracted to this book mainly because of the nostalgic element- I remember loving Choose Your Own Adventure books as a child and thought this would be an interesting look at this revolutionary genre through the eyes of a fan.
How wrong was I? The Boy in the Book is so much more than that. It is a quest, a story of determination and perseverance. It explores the obsessive nature of humanity. It is empathetic, warm and honest. And most of all it is entertaining. Nathan's search for Terence Prendergast is an epic journey full of charm and wit, and is an engaging and accessible non-fiction read. I especially liked how it explores the transition from childhood to adulthood, how things can be easily misinterpreted and that friendships can form in the most unusual of circumstances.
This one will appeal to fans of Danny Wallace and Dave Gorman.
The Boy in the Book is out now.
June 23, 2014
Really interesting concept for a book. Something very different.
The story makes you want to read more, and I found myself intrigued by the passage of the book, and where it was going to next.
My main problem, however, was the constant cultural references (be it modern pop culture or older) which I found to feel almost like the author was name dropping.
Near the end there was a long section when the main character speaks to a doctor about depression. Interesting and good advice, but it actually made me look over the book again to see if it was endorsed by some mental health organisation. It went on and on. Not too great for those of us who don't have a problem with this so maybe it would be better included at the end, in it's own chapter.
The story makes you want to read more, and I found myself intrigued by the passage of the book, and where it was going to next.
My main problem, however, was the constant cultural references (be it modern pop culture or older) which I found to feel almost like the author was name dropping.
Near the end there was a long section when the main character speaks to a doctor about depression. Interesting and good advice, but it actually made me look over the book again to see if it was endorsed by some mental health organisation. It went on and on. Not too great for those of us who don't have a problem with this so maybe it would be better included at the end, in it's own chapter.
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