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Like A Brother
Owais lives a chill life. He's well-liked, funny and everything's a breeze - until his estranged cousin shows up.
Loud, unpredictable and one bad decision away from serious trouble, Abass crashes into Owais' laidback world like a picking fights, ruining parties, disappearing without explanation and clogging toilets in places he absolutely shouldn't.
But as the boys get to know each other and their bond deepens, Owais starts to see there's more to Abass than the chaos - and more to himself than just being the popular guy who coasts through life. Because sometimes, the person who turns your world upside down is also the person who helps you figure out where you're really meant to be . . .
Loud, unpredictable and one bad decision away from serious trouble, Abass crashes into Owais' laidback world like a picking fights, ruining parties, disappearing without explanation and clogging toilets in places he absolutely shouldn't.
But as the boys get to know each other and their bond deepens, Owais starts to see there's more to Abass than the chaos - and more to himself than just being the popular guy who coasts through life. Because sometimes, the person who turns your world upside down is also the person who helps you figure out where you're really meant to be . . .
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 10, 2026
I’m currently (re) reading Steady for This by Nathanael Lessore with my Y7s. It’s going down a storm because it’s contemporary and hilarious. It’s also full of heartfelt moments and personal growth. This winning formula is also present in Like A Brother, Lessore’s most recent book.
The book opens with siblings Awais and Lara attending a family funeral with their parents. While there, they meet their Uncle Serge, who they know next-to-nothing about (which may well be a good thing). As the result of this reunion, Awais & Lara get a houseguest for a while –their cousin, Abass.
Awais is encouraged to take Abass under his wing &, frankly, the boy’s a liability: seething with anger, bereaved, impulsive, acting like he has nothing to lose.
I was howling in the early scenes, at the awkward funeral and then over Abass’s very unpredictable fish-out-of-water behaviour, which leaves mild-mannered Awais bewildered. Joking aside, some of Abass’s behaviour is really worrying- his behaviour patterns mimic those of his abusive father.
Being part of Awais’s family, begins to reframe his sense of self and how he imagines his future. But is it true that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree? Will a spell in the warm embrace of Awais’s family help, or lead to further resentment?
In getting to know Abass, Awais realises more about himself too: his strengths and flaws, neither of which he recognised beforehand, in his role as family joker.
It’s a laugh-out-loud, ‘enemies to brothers’ story with plenty of emotional beats and moments of reflection amongst the laughs.
The book opens with siblings Awais and Lara attending a family funeral with their parents. While there, they meet their Uncle Serge, who they know next-to-nothing about (which may well be a good thing). As the result of this reunion, Awais & Lara get a houseguest for a while –their cousin, Abass.
Awais is encouraged to take Abass under his wing &, frankly, the boy’s a liability: seething with anger, bereaved, impulsive, acting like he has nothing to lose.
I was howling in the early scenes, at the awkward funeral and then over Abass’s very unpredictable fish-out-of-water behaviour, which leaves mild-mannered Awais bewildered. Joking aside, some of Abass’s behaviour is really worrying- his behaviour patterns mimic those of his abusive father.
Being part of Awais’s family, begins to reframe his sense of self and how he imagines his future. But is it true that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree? Will a spell in the warm embrace of Awais’s family help, or lead to further resentment?
In getting to know Abass, Awais realises more about himself too: his strengths and flaws, neither of which he recognised beforehand, in his role as family joker.
It’s a laugh-out-loud, ‘enemies to brothers’ story with plenty of emotional beats and moments of reflection amongst the laughs.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“In a world of grey, an act of kindness can make a big difference.”
Firstly, a huge thank you to NetGalley for the gifted ARC of Like A Brother, I’m so grateful to have had the chance to read this one early.
Like A Brother follows Owais, whose laidback, easy-going life is turned upside down when his estranged cousin Abass comes to stay. After years of distance between their fathers, Abass suddenly arrives, loud, unpredictable, and seemingly one bad decision away from serious trouble. What starts as an awkward family obligation slowly becomes something deeper, as Owais begins to realise there’s more to Abass than chaos and more to himself than just being the popular guy who coasts through life.
I’ll be honest, I initially struggled with the writing style, but I think that’s more about my age than the book itself. It’s definitely aimed more towards a middle grade/secondary school audience, and once I settled into that rhythm, I found the flow really easy and engaging. The dialogue feels natural for that age group, and the chapters are quick, snappy, and each one has a tongue-in-cheek title that adds to the charm.
Owais is such a hilarious main character. Between the poor dad-type jokes and lines about having a “bounty on my head”, I found myself smiling a lot. But underneath the humour, there’s real insecurity and growth. Owais isn’t perfect, and that’s what makes him work. He learns, he reflects, and he slowly understands what it means to truly show up for someone.
I absolutely loved his relationship with his sister Lara, their easy banter felt authentic and warm. Add in Savio and Abass, and honestly, the four of them are complete squad goals. Their dynamic felt genuine, messy, funny, and heartfelt all at once.
One of my favourite lines, “You do realise you can’t be a nobody if you’re already somebody to someone” perfectly captures the heart of this story. At its core, this feels like a love letter to young people who feel lost, who don’t know what they want to be yet, and who feel the weight of societal pressure far too early. Because really, at fourteen, who truly knows their future? Why do we expect teenagers to have it all figured out when they’ve barely had time to experience the world?
I also have to say, Owais’ parents were beautifully written. The way they showed up for Abass when he needed it most was incredibly moving. In contrast (and I’m looking at you, Serge), the book doesn’t shy away from showing what not showing up looks like either.
The humour throughout, the corny jokes, the light teasing and banter really helps balance the deeper themes so the story never feels too heavy or overwhelming. It keeps the reader engaged while still tackling belonging, identity, family rifts, and growing up.
And that epilogue? Absolutely stunning. It felt hopeful, encouraging, and genuinely had me in my feelings. I really loved this book. Once I found my rhythm with the voice, I was completely invested in the journey. Funny, heartfelt, and quietly powerful. Like A Brother is a reminder that sometimes the people who turn your world upside down are the very ones who help you figure out where you’re meant to be.
Firstly, a huge thank you to NetGalley for the gifted ARC of Like A Brother, I’m so grateful to have had the chance to read this one early.
Like A Brother follows Owais, whose laidback, easy-going life is turned upside down when his estranged cousin Abass comes to stay. After years of distance between their fathers, Abass suddenly arrives, loud, unpredictable, and seemingly one bad decision away from serious trouble. What starts as an awkward family obligation slowly becomes something deeper, as Owais begins to realise there’s more to Abass than chaos and more to himself than just being the popular guy who coasts through life.
I’ll be honest, I initially struggled with the writing style, but I think that’s more about my age than the book itself. It’s definitely aimed more towards a middle grade/secondary school audience, and once I settled into that rhythm, I found the flow really easy and engaging. The dialogue feels natural for that age group, and the chapters are quick, snappy, and each one has a tongue-in-cheek title that adds to the charm.
Owais is such a hilarious main character. Between the poor dad-type jokes and lines about having a “bounty on my head”, I found myself smiling a lot. But underneath the humour, there’s real insecurity and growth. Owais isn’t perfect, and that’s what makes him work. He learns, he reflects, and he slowly understands what it means to truly show up for someone.
I absolutely loved his relationship with his sister Lara, their easy banter felt authentic and warm. Add in Savio and Abass, and honestly, the four of them are complete squad goals. Their dynamic felt genuine, messy, funny, and heartfelt all at once.
One of my favourite lines, “You do realise you can’t be a nobody if you’re already somebody to someone” perfectly captures the heart of this story. At its core, this feels like a love letter to young people who feel lost, who don’t know what they want to be yet, and who feel the weight of societal pressure far too early. Because really, at fourteen, who truly knows their future? Why do we expect teenagers to have it all figured out when they’ve barely had time to experience the world?
I also have to say, Owais’ parents were beautifully written. The way they showed up for Abass when he needed it most was incredibly moving. In contrast (and I’m looking at you, Serge), the book doesn’t shy away from showing what not showing up looks like either.
The humour throughout, the corny jokes, the light teasing and banter really helps balance the deeper themes so the story never feels too heavy or overwhelming. It keeps the reader engaged while still tackling belonging, identity, family rifts, and growing up.
And that epilogue? Absolutely stunning. It felt hopeful, encouraging, and genuinely had me in my feelings. I really loved this book. Once I found my rhythm with the voice, I was completely invested in the journey. Funny, heartfelt, and quietly powerful. Like A Brother is a reminder that sometimes the people who turn your world upside down are the very ones who help you figure out where you’re meant to be.
April 12, 2026
Like a Brother by Nate Lessore
Very much enjoyed this – Nate Lessore’s humour on peak form here with some deeper themes of family belonging, and knowing who you are explored as well – just what we’ve come to know and love from him.
Whether it’s entertaining malapropisms (strenuous for tenuous or ‘Julie noted’ for duly noted) or comments like “‘Tooting Broadway, or Tooting Bec?’ I ask. One has cute houses, with independent coffee shops, and is safe to walk around at night. The other is Tooting Broadway. I’m genuinely not sure which one’s worse.” There are plenty of little asides that make me laugh out loud. More unnervingly, I suspect that there are lots of jokes that completely fly over my head but that younger, more streetwise readers would pick up on!
Owais (O as in “oh” and wais as in “waist” but without the T) has a relatively chilled life. He gets on with his younger sister, Lara; has a great friend in his cousin Savio and has a good relationship with his parents. All of them put up with his constant stream of terrible puns but this equilibrium is upset by two things. Firstly, it turns out he’s failing at school and his teacher has booked him onto an art course during the summer holidays and secondly Abass, his unknown cousin from the other side of the family, comes to stay. Abass is not very friendly, expects Owais to take down his Arsenal poster and takes the bed, leaving Owais to sleep on the mattress on the floor. Some questionable decisions from Abass as well and it looks like the summer is ruined before it’s even begun…
The boys are both in Year 9 and I would say this is the target audience for this title. Younger readers will still be entertained, but may miss some of the humour and may find the more serious issues pitched a little above them.
Grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC.
Very much enjoyed this – Nate Lessore’s humour on peak form here with some deeper themes of family belonging, and knowing who you are explored as well – just what we’ve come to know and love from him.
Whether it’s entertaining malapropisms (strenuous for tenuous or ‘Julie noted’ for duly noted) or comments like “‘Tooting Broadway, or Tooting Bec?’ I ask. One has cute houses, with independent coffee shops, and is safe to walk around at night. The other is Tooting Broadway. I’m genuinely not sure which one’s worse.” There are plenty of little asides that make me laugh out loud. More unnervingly, I suspect that there are lots of jokes that completely fly over my head but that younger, more streetwise readers would pick up on!
Owais (O as in “oh” and wais as in “waist” but without the T) has a relatively chilled life. He gets on with his younger sister, Lara; has a great friend in his cousin Savio and has a good relationship with his parents. All of them put up with his constant stream of terrible puns but this equilibrium is upset by two things. Firstly, it turns out he’s failing at school and his teacher has booked him onto an art course during the summer holidays and secondly Abass, his unknown cousin from the other side of the family, comes to stay. Abass is not very friendly, expects Owais to take down his Arsenal poster and takes the bed, leaving Owais to sleep on the mattress on the floor. Some questionable decisions from Abass as well and it looks like the summer is ruined before it’s even begun…
The boys are both in Year 9 and I would say this is the target audience for this title. Younger readers will still be entertained, but may miss some of the humour and may find the more serious issues pitched a little above them.
Grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think young readers today are very lucky to have Nate giving them these books and making reading 'cool.' He has the rare ability to craft stories that are funny yet emotive, characters that feel fully fleshed and realistic and storylines that are relevant, very much exploring current themes that teenagers deal with yet in a way that feels timeless.
The writing makes me feel a bit old, but I'm not the intended audience and the humourous narration makes more than up for it ! As with all his books, Nate gives us a cast of fully formed, deliciously flawed, distinct and interesting characters and makes us invested in their journey. I think people will feel seen reading Owais' and Abass' story. You have the familial bonds and family dynamics, a beautifully portrayed sibling relationship (LOVED LARA!) and cousin friendship and brilliant character arc, as by the end we view these people differently and their perspective on things and thinking has evolved and changed. It was a very satisfying story to read and the way people support and show up (or don't) invited the reader to reflect upon their own life decisions.
It's always exciting to read one of Nate's books. The balance between funny and serious in this shows his own evolution into a stellar author for middle graders and young adults and I always put his books in front of people who are not sure who they are as readers and don't necessary feel confident in their reading choices. If you are familiar with his work, this one will not disappoint. Thank you to Nathanael Lessore, Bonnier Books UK | Hot Key Books and NetGalley for this review copy, all opinions are my own.
The writing makes me feel a bit old, but I'm not the intended audience and the humourous narration makes more than up for it ! As with all his books, Nate gives us a cast of fully formed, deliciously flawed, distinct and interesting characters and makes us invested in their journey. I think people will feel seen reading Owais' and Abass' story. You have the familial bonds and family dynamics, a beautifully portrayed sibling relationship (LOVED LARA!) and cousin friendship and brilliant character arc, as by the end we view these people differently and their perspective on things and thinking has evolved and changed. It was a very satisfying story to read and the way people support and show up (or don't) invited the reader to reflect upon their own life decisions.
It's always exciting to read one of Nate's books. The balance between funny and serious in this shows his own evolution into a stellar author for middle graders and young adults and I always put his books in front of people who are not sure who they are as readers and don't necessary feel confident in their reading choices. If you are familiar with his work, this one will not disappoint. Thank you to Nathanael Lessore, Bonnier Books UK | Hot Key Books and NetGalley for this review copy, all opinions are my own.
April 16, 2026
The thing I really like about this author’s books is the humour running through, lightening what are some darker subjects. In his last book ‘What Happens Online’ it wasn’t there much and I didn’t enjoy it. I’m glad to say that the humour is back for this book and there is plenty of it sprinkled throughout.
Again, there are some serious subjects covered. Abass, the cousin who comes to stay, seems at first to be a nightmare. As the story progresses we start to understand why he behaves the way he does, giving the reader more empathy towards him. Owais seems to be much more sorted, although there are hints that he is just cruising along. It makes a good contrast when later in the story Abass starts to see possibilities for his future and Owais shuts it down as he can’t see that for himself. Although very different, with different issues, they ultimately help each to figure where they want to go. A great, satisfying read.
May 10, 2026
Owais jokes his way through life and cruises on his popularity even though secretly he's failing at school. When Owais's cousin, Abass, comes to stay the smooth surface of his life is thrown into disarray. His parents expect him to treat him like family but Abass is rude, aggressive and embarrassing in public. But as Owais starts to understand more about Abass's life, he releases there is more to his cousin that general thuggery and criminal tendencies.
Like all of Nate Lessore's books, this story is inspired by true characters and events and is full of authenticity and heart - I laughed and cried through this one. Yet another great addition to the school library...
Thanks to Netgalley and HotKey for the digital and the paperback ARC.
Like all of Nate Lessore's books, this story is inspired by true characters and events and is full of authenticity and heart - I laughed and cried through this one. Yet another great addition to the school library...
Thanks to Netgalley and HotKey for the digital and the paperback ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Exactly what I have come to expect from Nathanael. Lots of puns, lots of heart and tackling issues head on.
It is nice to have a young non-white working class male author who is confronting themes of male toxicity in his stories, supporting LGBTQ voices, promoting kindness (the dad in this story is fab) and encouraging reading. the sort of role models we need teens to hear from.
It is nice to have a young non-white working class male author who is confronting themes of male toxicity in his stories, supporting LGBTQ voices, promoting kindness (the dad in this story is fab) and encouraging reading. the sort of role models we need teens to hear from.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the perfect read for all those of us who deflect with humour. Here we have a funny, likeable protagonist who learns to see the potential in himself and his challenging cousin. It tackles some dark themes, but with a lightness of touch grounded in the warmth of culture and community.
There were sections that dragged a bit, but overall it was lovely, entertaining, and uplifting.
There were sections that dragged a bit, but overall it was lovely, entertaining, and uplifting.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Nathanael has the enviable ability to make readers cackle with laughter on one page (I literally had to stifle a guffaw while on public transport) and then gently weep the next. Another easy 5* read from him!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Laugh out loud funny, incredibly authentic - sounds just like my Yr 9 - 10 students, heartwarming and brilliant.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews