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Manchester Summer #2
2000 Tunes
2000 Tunes. One summer of love.
Mark Hopton is twenty-four, single, and obsessed with Manchester music. It’s his escape into a better world.
Oh man, he needs that escape. His psycho brother’s on his case and in his face, his dad’s in prison, and the local gangsters are twisting his melons to make him smuggle drugs. Heaven knows he’s miserable now.
His one ray of hope is work colleague Samantha Rees, a gorgeous and chaotic Welsh woman who rocks his world. However, Samantha is living the twenty-four hour party people lifestyle, so would never be interested in a shy outsider like him.
But when a chance encounter leads to Mark and Samantha spending a perfect day together in the city centre, perhaps hope isn’t fool’s gold after all?
Note: this work is 100% human-created, crafted with love by the author. No generative AI has been used in the writing or editing.
Mark Hopton is twenty-four, single, and obsessed with Manchester music. It’s his escape into a better world.
Oh man, he needs that escape. His psycho brother’s on his case and in his face, his dad’s in prison, and the local gangsters are twisting his melons to make him smuggle drugs. Heaven knows he’s miserable now.
His one ray of hope is work colleague Samantha Rees, a gorgeous and chaotic Welsh woman who rocks his world. However, Samantha is living the twenty-four hour party people lifestyle, so would never be interested in a shy outsider like him.
But when a chance encounter leads to Mark and Samantha spending a perfect day together in the city centre, perhaps hope isn’t fool’s gold after all?
Note: this work is 100% human-created, crafted with love by the author. No generative AI has been used in the writing or editing.
468 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Karl Drinkwater
28 books127 followersKarl Drinkwater is an author with a silly name and a thousand-mile stare. He writes dystopian space opera, dark suspense and diverse social fiction. If you want compelling stories and characters worth caring about, then you’re in the right place. Welcome!
Karl lives in Scotland and owns two kilts. He has degrees in librarianship, literature and classics, but also studied astronomy and philosophy. Dolly the cat helps him finish books by sleeping on his lap so he can’t leave the desk. When he isn’t writing he loves music, nature, games and vegan cake.
Go to karldrinkwater.uk to view all his books grouped by genre.
As well as crafting his own fictional worlds, Karl has supported other writers for years with his creative writing workshops, editorial services, articles on writing and publishing, and mentoring of new authors. He’s also judged writing competitions such as the international Bram Stoker Awards, which act as a snapshot of quality contemporary fiction.
DON’T MISS OUT!
Enter your email at karldrinkwater.substack.com to be notified about his new books. Fans mean a lot to him, and replies to the newsletter go straight to his inbox, where every email is read. There is also an option for paid subscribers to support his work: in exchange you receive additional posts and complimentary books.
PRAISE FOR KARL’S WORK
“Drinkwater creates fantastically believable characters.” —On The Shelf Reviews
“Each book remains in my mind for a long time after. Anything he writes is a must-read.” —Pink Quill Books
“Karl Drinkwater has the skill of making it near impossible to stop reading. Expect late nights. Simply outstanding.” —Jera’s Jamboree
“An intelligent and empathetic writer who has a clear understanding of the world around him and the truly horrific experiences life can bring. A literary gem.” —Cooking The Books
“Drinkwater is a dab hand at creating an air of dread.” —Altered Instinct
“A gifted writer. Each book brings its own uniqueness to the table, and a table Drinkwater sets is one I will visit every time." —Scintilla
Karl lives in Scotland and owns two kilts. He has degrees in librarianship, literature and classics, but also studied astronomy and philosophy. Dolly the cat helps him finish books by sleeping on his lap so he can’t leave the desk. When he isn’t writing he loves music, nature, games and vegan cake.
Go to karldrinkwater.uk to view all his books grouped by genre.
As well as crafting his own fictional worlds, Karl has supported other writers for years with his creative writing workshops, editorial services, articles on writing and publishing, and mentoring of new authors. He’s also judged writing competitions such as the international Bram Stoker Awards, which act as a snapshot of quality contemporary fiction.
DON’T MISS OUT!
Enter your email at karldrinkwater.substack.com to be notified about his new books. Fans mean a lot to him, and replies to the newsletter go straight to his inbox, where every email is read. There is also an option for paid subscribers to support his work: in exchange you receive additional posts and complimentary books.
PRAISE FOR KARL’S WORK
“Drinkwater creates fantastically believable characters.” —On The Shelf Reviews
“Each book remains in my mind for a long time after. Anything he writes is a must-read.” —Pink Quill Books
“Karl Drinkwater has the skill of making it near impossible to stop reading. Expect late nights. Simply outstanding.” —Jera’s Jamboree
“An intelligent and empathetic writer who has a clear understanding of the world around him and the truly horrific experiences life can bring. A literary gem.” —Cooking The Books
“Drinkwater is a dab hand at creating an air of dread.” —Altered Instinct
“A gifted writer. Each book brings its own uniqueness to the table, and a table Drinkwater sets is one I will visit every time." —Scintilla
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 22, 2020
This is an author who really knows how to take his readers back in time with the mentions of different bands and songs. Whilst I was more of a Brit pop girl myself, I still liked a lot of the songs and some were a definite blast from the past.
Mark and Sam, I loved their characters. The story flicks between both of them and their lives and problems. They both work in the same company but have never really noticed each other before but that all changes. Whilst there is a sense of romance within the story, this has so much more going for it. It’s about two individuals making sense of their lives and how they end up acting on it. So many of us get stuck in a rut and whilst we crave change, never do anything about it. In a way, both Mark and Sam inspired me.
I had so much empathy for Mark. He is a bit of a dreamer when it comes to music and it seems to be his whole live. Then again he doesn’t really have much else going on. A father in prison and psycho for a brother. Mark is the only decent one out of a bad lot. I did fear for him at times as his family push him to try and get him over to the criminal side but to say how weak a personality Mark is, I loved the little glimpses of courage we get to see.
2000 Tunes was a bit of a time hop read. The vibe of Manchester comes to life through the authors story telling. I was pleasantly surprised at how compelling these characters lives were and I enjoyed settling down on an evening and reading more. The ending is one I had hoped for and would love for the author to do a follow up story as by the end I was so invested in Mark and Sam’s life. A compelling and enjoyable read.
My thanks to the author for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Mark and Sam, I loved their characters. The story flicks between both of them and their lives and problems. They both work in the same company but have never really noticed each other before but that all changes. Whilst there is a sense of romance within the story, this has so much more going for it. It’s about two individuals making sense of their lives and how they end up acting on it. So many of us get stuck in a rut and whilst we crave change, never do anything about it. In a way, both Mark and Sam inspired me.
I had so much empathy for Mark. He is a bit of a dreamer when it comes to music and it seems to be his whole live. Then again he doesn’t really have much else going on. A father in prison and psycho for a brother. Mark is the only decent one out of a bad lot. I did fear for him at times as his family push him to try and get him over to the criminal side but to say how weak a personality Mark is, I loved the little glimpses of courage we get to see.
2000 Tunes was a bit of a time hop read. The vibe of Manchester comes to life through the authors story telling. I was pleasantly surprised at how compelling these characters lives were and I enjoyed settling down on an evening and reading more. The ending is one I had hoped for and would love for the author to do a follow up story as by the end I was so invested in Mark and Sam’s life. A compelling and enjoyable read.
My thanks to the author for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
January 31, 2016
After enjoying Cold Fusion 2000 so much I was looking forward to Drinkwater's next book and this didn't disappoint. It has everything I have come to expect from Drinkwater's writing. Dialogue that nails the metre and manic exuberance of the Manc tongue. Perfectly realised rudderless 20-somethings stuck in empty jobs and flats. A dash of magic realism in the form of a 'Kathy Burke impersonator in the flesh'. The obligatory dig at Stretford: 'Crammed by day, dead by night. Morrisey grew up in Stretford. No wonder he was miserable'.
Manchester music holds this book together as it holds Mark's life together. But dig deeper into this seeming love letter to the Manchester music scene and starts to read like an obituary. All the good music gone. The Hacienda closed. The Conti faded, captured here before the lights go out for the last time a year later.
Mark makes endless connections between the music he loves: 'It's like a pattern for me. It's all for me, it's all connected'. But these patterns form a web as sticky as that woven by his family that fixes him in the past so he can't see the future. He is ' Lost in music' and only when he realises that going over the connections is as futile as repainting double yellow lines on a transient skin of a city that doesn't care can he move on. Only then can he live the words of one of the bands he loves: 'The past was yours but the future's mine'.
Manchester music holds this book together as it holds Mark's life together. But dig deeper into this seeming love letter to the Manchester music scene and starts to read like an obituary. All the good music gone. The Hacienda closed. The Conti faded, captured here before the lights go out for the last time a year later.
Mark makes endless connections between the music he loves: 'It's like a pattern for me. It's all for me, it's all connected'. But these patterns form a web as sticky as that woven by his family that fixes him in the past so he can't see the future. He is ' Lost in music' and only when he realises that going over the connections is as futile as repainting double yellow lines on a transient skin of a city that doesn't care can he move on. Only then can he live the words of one of the bands he loves: 'The past was yours but the future's mine'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2017
I have a penchant for empathetic literature that casts outsiders as gentle heroes - and gangly protagonist Mark Hopton is a perfect example of such a character.
When we first meet Mark he seems to jar with the world around him, but as Drinkwater peels away the layers of Mark's character, we get to know someone who is as caring and sensitive as he is socially awkward. It is impossible not to warm to him - and it's heartwarming to watch his workmates follow suit.
At first, anything developing between Mark and Sam seems unlikely. But, again, Sam develops before us on the page - and the more we get to witness her fragility, the more obvious it becomes that Mark is just the sort of someone who could make her happy.
As well as Mark and Sam, there are two other important characters in this book - music and Manchester - and Drinkwater does nostalgic justice to them both. It was like being back in the Manchester of my teens!
When we first meet Mark he seems to jar with the world around him, but as Drinkwater peels away the layers of Mark's character, we get to know someone who is as caring and sensitive as he is socially awkward. It is impossible not to warm to him - and it's heartwarming to watch his workmates follow suit.
At first, anything developing between Mark and Sam seems unlikely. But, again, Sam develops before us on the page - and the more we get to witness her fragility, the more obvious it becomes that Mark is just the sort of someone who could make her happy.
As well as Mark and Sam, there are two other important characters in this book - music and Manchester - and Drinkwater does nostalgic justice to them both. It was like being back in the Manchester of my teens!
July 20, 2020
2000 Tunes by Karl Drinkwater
Manchester Summer #2
Samantha Rees and Mark Hopton should have nothing more in common than being employees at the same business, seeing one another at work and living rather unhappy solitary lives and then again they just might cross paths and find something special in one another before the end of the book. This book has elements of more than one genre with New Adult, coming of age-finding oneself, and romance as easy picks but it is all of those and then something more.
What I liked:
* Mark: a good person who made more of himself than either his brother or father. His interest in music sustains him in ways that are intriguing.
* Samantha/Sam: a woman that seemed to have lost her true self in a city far from home working in a job that did not enrich her life. She had potential she could not realize until she was able to embrace a much-needed change.
* Bazzy: Intriguing character that reminded me a bit of a movie I once watched (Drop Dead Fred)
* The writing, story, and how it all came together
* That both Sam and Mark made positive decisions by the end of the book
* The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter
* Some of the supporting characters
What I did not like:
* Mark’s father and brother
* Not really a dislike BUT did wonder how the two would be in the future but may never find out
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author and BOTBS Publicity for the copy to read – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
Manchester Summer #2
Samantha Rees and Mark Hopton should have nothing more in common than being employees at the same business, seeing one another at work and living rather unhappy solitary lives and then again they just might cross paths and find something special in one another before the end of the book. This book has elements of more than one genre with New Adult, coming of age-finding oneself, and romance as easy picks but it is all of those and then something more.
What I liked:
* Mark: a good person who made more of himself than either his brother or father. His interest in music sustains him in ways that are intriguing.
* Samantha/Sam: a woman that seemed to have lost her true self in a city far from home working in a job that did not enrich her life. She had potential she could not realize until she was able to embrace a much-needed change.
* Bazzy: Intriguing character that reminded me a bit of a movie I once watched (Drop Dead Fred)
* The writing, story, and how it all came together
* That both Sam and Mark made positive decisions by the end of the book
* The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter
* Some of the supporting characters
What I did not like:
* Mark’s father and brother
* Not really a dislike BUT did wonder how the two would be in the future but may never find out
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author and BOTBS Publicity for the copy to read – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
April 27, 2020
It would be easy to consider this novel a romance, it certainly has all the best elements of one. The will they won’t they scenarios and the draw of life pulling them apart and together for example. But this really doesn’t do the book justice. The characters are beautifully layered and flawed, certainly not your usual romantic heroes that you would expect. There is a wonderful depth to them that the author has created as well as growth through the story, which doesn’t culminate until the end. I found myself flipping through those last pages to get that satisfying conclusion I hoped was coming. It was not disappointing! But in equal measure this story is a literary work, utilising nostalgia and music from Manchester as a main character in the novel. Leading us through the arc of the character driven story with a fresh tune in every chapter. I must admit to being nervous about this element when I first saw the book, mainly because I worried the book might be stuffy or difficult to follow because of this. Instead it only added a beautiful flavour and gave it a personal touch I hadn’t expected. Add to this the wonderful readability and you have a story that I highly recommend.
July 23, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️
Mark and Sam work in the same office, but Mark is quiet, keeps his head down and is mainly invisible to some of the staff. Sam, on the other hand, is a team leader, open, bubbly and gets up to all sorts out of work – thoroughly enjoying the party scene with her best friend Emily, who also works on the team.
Marks life has been tough, but he’s trying his hardest to not end up like his Dad (in prison) and his brother Denny (a criminal and thug). The one thing that has always got him through is music. When he gets tied up with some local gangsters, all thanks to his family, he’s in a tricky situation and he battles with himself about the right thing to do. Meanwhile, he decides to make some personal changes, and bumps into Sam whilst out shopping. They spend a lovely day together and a budding friendship begins. But with their own issues affecting their heads and hearts, their road to romance isn’t an easy one.
Sam is having a hard time of her own. Her Nan has recently passed away and being in Manchester when her family are all in Wales is hard. Partying to occupy her time, she constantly clashes with her boss and is miserable in the house she shares.
But what will Sam decide to do? Will Mark make the right decision? And will they finally end up together?
I really enjoyed getting to know Mark and Sam. They’re both very deep, complex characters with their own histories, but Mark definitely got to me the most. Such a lovely guy, despite his upbringing and family, he wants to do well in life but has no confidence. At times I really felt like he may have a slight learning disability; he finds it hard sometimes to interpret people’s comments, manage certain situations and is very sensitive. It’s heartwarming to read and I just wanted to hug him. He just wants to do the right thing, but struggles with knowing what that is, especially when it comes to family. His love and knowledge of music is extraordinary and helps him to get by. He also has some cute aspects about him (his alternatives to swearing) which I found adorable, and made me chuckle at times.
Sam, as I’ve said is pretty much the opposite. Bubbly and outgoing, but has her own problems. I felt a bit torn about Sam; I did like her and wanted them to get together but at times I wanted to give her a bit of a talking to! The other characters in this are also fab. Emily would drive me nuts as a best friend, and definitely takes things too far sometimes! Roger is such a creep and angered me on numerous occasions; and Ben and Dave are fab. I wasn’t sure about these 2 either at first, but they definitely come through – especially Dave.
I did find the story a little hard to get into a first, and it is very long. Although the story is slowly revealed, I think it was a little slow for me to begin with. It picked up for me about half way through and then I really wanted to keep going to reach the conclusion. I liked that each chapter brings in a new song, but I did find the references to music too much sometimes (but then the title kind of gives it away, so it’s probably down to my own expectations). I think if you’re a fan of the Manchester music scene of the time then you will love this, and it will take you right back. Don’t get me wrong, some of the songs bought back memories for me but my music tastes at the time were pretty different!
Overall, I did enjoy this and would read more from the author. It’s taught me that reading something with so much music in probably isn’t for me, but that’s not down to the book, that’s just my personal opinion. However, I do think lots of you will enjoy it, and the story of Sam and Mark is brilliant and will reel you in. It will bring out a lot of emotions, especially if you adore Mark like I do!
As I’ve mentioned if you’re a music fan, especially the Manchester music scene then you will throughly enjoy this; and if you’re familiar with Manchester as a place, then definitely check this out. However, I don’t want any of you to discount this book because you don’t fit into these categories. You’ll still enjoy this if you’re a fan of a gentle and unhurried romance, wonderful, in-depth and complex characters with back stories and literary fiction/sagas. So if this is you, check this out!
Mark and Sam work in the same office, but Mark is quiet, keeps his head down and is mainly invisible to some of the staff. Sam, on the other hand, is a team leader, open, bubbly and gets up to all sorts out of work – thoroughly enjoying the party scene with her best friend Emily, who also works on the team.
Marks life has been tough, but he’s trying his hardest to not end up like his Dad (in prison) and his brother Denny (a criminal and thug). The one thing that has always got him through is music. When he gets tied up with some local gangsters, all thanks to his family, he’s in a tricky situation and he battles with himself about the right thing to do. Meanwhile, he decides to make some personal changes, and bumps into Sam whilst out shopping. They spend a lovely day together and a budding friendship begins. But with their own issues affecting their heads and hearts, their road to romance isn’t an easy one.
Sam is having a hard time of her own. Her Nan has recently passed away and being in Manchester when her family are all in Wales is hard. Partying to occupy her time, she constantly clashes with her boss and is miserable in the house she shares.
But what will Sam decide to do? Will Mark make the right decision? And will they finally end up together?
I really enjoyed getting to know Mark and Sam. They’re both very deep, complex characters with their own histories, but Mark definitely got to me the most. Such a lovely guy, despite his upbringing and family, he wants to do well in life but has no confidence. At times I really felt like he may have a slight learning disability; he finds it hard sometimes to interpret people’s comments, manage certain situations and is very sensitive. It’s heartwarming to read and I just wanted to hug him. He just wants to do the right thing, but struggles with knowing what that is, especially when it comes to family. His love and knowledge of music is extraordinary and helps him to get by. He also has some cute aspects about him (his alternatives to swearing) which I found adorable, and made me chuckle at times.
Sam, as I’ve said is pretty much the opposite. Bubbly and outgoing, but has her own problems. I felt a bit torn about Sam; I did like her and wanted them to get together but at times I wanted to give her a bit of a talking to! The other characters in this are also fab. Emily would drive me nuts as a best friend, and definitely takes things too far sometimes! Roger is such a creep and angered me on numerous occasions; and Ben and Dave are fab. I wasn’t sure about these 2 either at first, but they definitely come through – especially Dave.
I did find the story a little hard to get into a first, and it is very long. Although the story is slowly revealed, I think it was a little slow for me to begin with. It picked up for me about half way through and then I really wanted to keep going to reach the conclusion. I liked that each chapter brings in a new song, but I did find the references to music too much sometimes (but then the title kind of gives it away, so it’s probably down to my own expectations). I think if you’re a fan of the Manchester music scene of the time then you will love this, and it will take you right back. Don’t get me wrong, some of the songs bought back memories for me but my music tastes at the time were pretty different!
Overall, I did enjoy this and would read more from the author. It’s taught me that reading something with so much music in probably isn’t for me, but that’s not down to the book, that’s just my personal opinion. However, I do think lots of you will enjoy it, and the story of Sam and Mark is brilliant and will reel you in. It will bring out a lot of emotions, especially if you adore Mark like I do!
As I’ve mentioned if you’re a music fan, especially the Manchester music scene then you will throughly enjoy this; and if you’re familiar with Manchester as a place, then definitely check this out. However, I don’t want any of you to discount this book because you don’t fit into these categories. You’ll still enjoy this if you’re a fan of a gentle and unhurried romance, wonderful, in-depth and complex characters with back stories and literary fiction/sagas. So if this is you, check this out!
July 20, 2020
Earlier this year I read and loved Cold Fusion 2000 so couldn't wait to read 2000 Tunes. Karl Drinkwater describes the two novels as 'partner books' and although they are both set in Manchester in the summer of 2000, each is a standalone story and can be read in any order.
2000 Tunes is perhaps a more straightforward novel but that doesn't make it any less involving and though a fairly long book, I read it in little more than a day. I was born in the same year as Sam and so as well as enjoying what is an engaging, deceptively complex love story, I also loved the sense of nostalgia I felt remembering a time when we drank Bacardi Breezers, downloaded Windows 2000 and discovered that Sunny Delight could turn your skin orange. Of course, with a title like 2000 Tunes, it's inevitable that music should have a hugely important role to play and I loved that each chapter is also the title of a song, with little notes demonstrating the links between bands - or the Manchester Music Association (MMA) to use Mark's terminology.
Mark is obsessed with music from Manchester, although his interests are narrowed to the 90s indie Madchester scene. He still mourns the closing of The Haçienda and uses his impassioned knowledge as a crutch, working out connections between bands to calm himself when he becomes stressed or anxious. He's a bit of a tragic joke figure at first and it's impossible not to pity him particularly when it becomes obvious that he is very different from his violent father and brother. As he begins to realise that he can be different and to make tentative steps towards recognising his self-worth, I grew to love this gentle, kind man.
He works for the same company as Samantha - Sam - Rees who initially appears to be a very different person to Mark. She seems to be as confident as he is shy and forms a formidable double act with her best friend and drinking partner, Emily. However, as the book progresses it soon becomes evident that her life is more chaotic than it first appears and that she is as lost and confused as he is. Emily is seemingly fearless and unapologetically herself; she doesn't always give the best advice to Sam but she is a fantastic character.
A series of mistakes, misunderstandings and missed opportunities follow as they both try to discover what it is they really want from life. There is a striking contrast between their respective families, while Mark has been dragged up and is constantly mocked and threatened by his dad and brother, Sam comes from a close, loving background. However, she came to Manchester to escape the sense of claustrophobia she felt back in Wales but since the death of her beloved Mamgu (grandmother) she is increasingly drawn back to Neath. Both have potentially huge decisions to make about their future and there are some deeply poignant moments as they reach their respective crisis points.
Although I'd say that Cold Fusion 2000 is the more ambiguous of the two stories, there is a really touching scene later on in 2000 Tunes which reveals that not all quite as it seems here either. Manchester is almost another character and those who know the city well will love the affectionate yet realistic depiction of the place. This is a book with real heart and so it is entirely right that the beat of music is felt throughout its pages; we all know how songs have the power to bring us together and to transform us and so it is that 2000 Tunes is a beautifully written, perceptive novel about love, belonging and change. This is no fool's gold, it's the real stuff and I loved it!
2000 Tunes is perhaps a more straightforward novel but that doesn't make it any less involving and though a fairly long book, I read it in little more than a day. I was born in the same year as Sam and so as well as enjoying what is an engaging, deceptively complex love story, I also loved the sense of nostalgia I felt remembering a time when we drank Bacardi Breezers, downloaded Windows 2000 and discovered that Sunny Delight could turn your skin orange. Of course, with a title like 2000 Tunes, it's inevitable that music should have a hugely important role to play and I loved that each chapter is also the title of a song, with little notes demonstrating the links between bands - or the Manchester Music Association (MMA) to use Mark's terminology.
Mark is obsessed with music from Manchester, although his interests are narrowed to the 90s indie Madchester scene. He still mourns the closing of The Haçienda and uses his impassioned knowledge as a crutch, working out connections between bands to calm himself when he becomes stressed or anxious. He's a bit of a tragic joke figure at first and it's impossible not to pity him particularly when it becomes obvious that he is very different from his violent father and brother. As he begins to realise that he can be different and to make tentative steps towards recognising his self-worth, I grew to love this gentle, kind man.
He works for the same company as Samantha - Sam - Rees who initially appears to be a very different person to Mark. She seems to be as confident as he is shy and forms a formidable double act with her best friend and drinking partner, Emily. However, as the book progresses it soon becomes evident that her life is more chaotic than it first appears and that she is as lost and confused as he is. Emily is seemingly fearless and unapologetically herself; she doesn't always give the best advice to Sam but she is a fantastic character.
A series of mistakes, misunderstandings and missed opportunities follow as they both try to discover what it is they really want from life. There is a striking contrast between their respective families, while Mark has been dragged up and is constantly mocked and threatened by his dad and brother, Sam comes from a close, loving background. However, she came to Manchester to escape the sense of claustrophobia she felt back in Wales but since the death of her beloved Mamgu (grandmother) she is increasingly drawn back to Neath. Both have potentially huge decisions to make about their future and there are some deeply poignant moments as they reach their respective crisis points.
Although I'd say that Cold Fusion 2000 is the more ambiguous of the two stories, there is a really touching scene later on in 2000 Tunes which reveals that not all quite as it seems here either. Manchester is almost another character and those who know the city well will love the affectionate yet realistic depiction of the place. This is a book with real heart and so it is entirely right that the beat of music is felt throughout its pages; we all know how songs have the power to bring us together and to transform us and so it is that 2000 Tunes is a beautifully written, perceptive novel about love, belonging and change. This is no fool's gold, it's the real stuff and I loved it!
July 24, 2020
I’ll admit now, 2000 Tunes isn’t normally my sort of book. I’m either full on crime fiction or light and girlie chick lit type books. I was drawn to 2000 Tunes because of the title and the musical link. The time this is set is just after the point I was discovering new music through university and at the same time as me starting out in the big scary world of working full time so I thought I’d take a gamble…. and it paid off!
I loved that the chapters are entitled with song titles. It lead me to tracks I didn’t know by bands and artists I knew. Books are my passion but I’ve always loved music so discovering new artists (both established or new in the scene) or tracks is a treat. As I read the book, I downloaded the chapter tracks to create my own 2000 Tunes playlist to enjoy.
“I don’t like it when people diss my music.”
Mark’s musical stance is brilliant. He is a proper Oasis follower in the BritPop fight. Back in 1994, you were Blur or you were Oasis, South or North. Me being a Midlands teenager at the time, liked them both – I was more in the Blur camp (Damon Albarn 😍😍😍) but I am partial to Oasis too. And the whole BritPop scene to boot!
But 2000 Tunes isn’t just about Mark’s obsession. It’s about relationships. Mark’s a man with divided loyalties on the home front. He wants to be part of his family but he wants to be a good person and put on by his family puts him in an awkward position. But it’s not just his family he has to deal with. He’s got his eye on a girl at work and everyone knows that relationships are never an easy path to take, particularly one with a work colleague. I felt sorry for Mark. I was willing him to come out on top. I wanted him to get the girl and be happy, to stick two fingers up to his controlling dad and brother.
Drinkwater has written a great book about a young man finding his place in the world. It’s not an easy journey he takes and he’s got tough decisions to make. The story has a northern feel to it, don’t ask me exactly what that is but it felt northern. I might just have to treat myself to the counterpart book of Cold Fusion 2000.
I loved that the chapters are entitled with song titles. It lead me to tracks I didn’t know by bands and artists I knew. Books are my passion but I’ve always loved music so discovering new artists (both established or new in the scene) or tracks is a treat. As I read the book, I downloaded the chapter tracks to create my own 2000 Tunes playlist to enjoy.
“I don’t like it when people diss my music.”
Mark’s musical stance is brilliant. He is a proper Oasis follower in the BritPop fight. Back in 1994, you were Blur or you were Oasis, South or North. Me being a Midlands teenager at the time, liked them both – I was more in the Blur camp (Damon Albarn 😍😍😍) but I am partial to Oasis too. And the whole BritPop scene to boot!
But 2000 Tunes isn’t just about Mark’s obsession. It’s about relationships. Mark’s a man with divided loyalties on the home front. He wants to be part of his family but he wants to be a good person and put on by his family puts him in an awkward position. But it’s not just his family he has to deal with. He’s got his eye on a girl at work and everyone knows that relationships are never an easy path to take, particularly one with a work colleague. I felt sorry for Mark. I was willing him to come out on top. I wanted him to get the girl and be happy, to stick two fingers up to his controlling dad and brother.
Drinkwater has written a great book about a young man finding his place in the world. It’s not an easy journey he takes and he’s got tough decisions to make. The story has a northern feel to it, don’t ask me exactly what that is but it felt northern. I might just have to treat myself to the counterpart book of Cold Fusion 2000.
March 18, 2020
Where do I start with this book? I've read most of Karl Drinkwater's books and loved them all, but this one has to be my favourite so far.
It's like taking a trip back in time, revisiting old friends and old haunts. I've never been to Manchester, but the way he pulls you into each setting, you feel like you've lived there yourself. The characters are so well written, so well developed, so realistic, that you feel as if you're there with them, living their lives with them.
Sam and Mark are two completely different people, leading separate lives, the only thing in common is the place where they work. And the fact that they are two deeply vulnerable people, struggling to find their place in the world, despite everything that keeps knocking them down. We're pulled into their lives right from the start, as Sam mourns the death of her grandmother, and Mark mourns the demise of The Hacienda, and walk beside them as their lives slowly entwine.
There are other characters, each adding extra depth and richness to the story: Emily, Sam's vibrant, fun-loving friend with a heart of gold; Roger, the office creep (we've all known one of them!); Rene, the misunderstood boss who's the butt of everyone's jokes; and Ben and Dave, two colleagues who become Mark's first real friends.
And there's the music, which weaves itself around the threads of the story, evoking memories from those long-gone years. Even if you weren't into the indie groups of the time, Mark's passion (and the author's) for his music gets into your soul.
The ending doesn't disappoint either - not too long and dragged out, not so short it leaves you wanting more. It's just perfect.
There are so many wonderful parts to this story, so many little scenes that keep popping into my head even after I've finished reading it, as if they're my memories now, not something I read. It's going to stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend!
It's like taking a trip back in time, revisiting old friends and old haunts. I've never been to Manchester, but the way he pulls you into each setting, you feel like you've lived there yourself. The characters are so well written, so well developed, so realistic, that you feel as if you're there with them, living their lives with them.
Sam and Mark are two completely different people, leading separate lives, the only thing in common is the place where they work. And the fact that they are two deeply vulnerable people, struggling to find their place in the world, despite everything that keeps knocking them down. We're pulled into their lives right from the start, as Sam mourns the death of her grandmother, and Mark mourns the demise of The Hacienda, and walk beside them as their lives slowly entwine.
There are other characters, each adding extra depth and richness to the story: Emily, Sam's vibrant, fun-loving friend with a heart of gold; Roger, the office creep (we've all known one of them!); Rene, the misunderstood boss who's the butt of everyone's jokes; and Ben and Dave, two colleagues who become Mark's first real friends.
And there's the music, which weaves itself around the threads of the story, evoking memories from those long-gone years. Even if you weren't into the indie groups of the time, Mark's passion (and the author's) for his music gets into your soul.
The ending doesn't disappoint either - not too long and dragged out, not so short it leaves you wanting more. It's just perfect.
There are so many wonderful parts to this story, so many little scenes that keep popping into my head even after I've finished reading it, as if they're my memories now, not something I read. It's going to stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend!
July 27, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I was so keen to get started on this book – I loved the blurb and it was a fun and fab read!
I loved that the author took me back in time! I turned 18 in the year 2000 so I remember the music, etc. so well and this was such a great read to make me reminisce too and I loved then names of the chapters too!
The book is well developed, it is well written and it has some fabulous characters. They are really well developed and the interaction is great – I thought it was great and Mark is a fabulous character and I really enjoyed reading more about him and watching him develop as the story progressed.
I was hooked by the storyline within the first few pages and thought that it was a really addictive read and I flew through the story – it was one that really held my attention from start to finish and honestly I can’t wait to read what he releases next!
It is 4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon – highly recommended and another great book from this author!
I was so keen to get started on this book – I loved the blurb and it was a fun and fab read!
I loved that the author took me back in time! I turned 18 in the year 2000 so I remember the music, etc. so well and this was such a great read to make me reminisce too and I loved then names of the chapters too!
The book is well developed, it is well written and it has some fabulous characters. They are really well developed and the interaction is great – I thought it was great and Mark is a fabulous character and I really enjoyed reading more about him and watching him develop as the story progressed.
I was hooked by the storyline within the first few pages and thought that it was a really addictive read and I flew through the story – it was one that really held my attention from start to finish and honestly I can’t wait to read what he releases next!
It is 4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon – highly recommended and another great book from this author!
July 29, 2020
I am a big fan of Karl Drinkwater. I’ve never been disappointed by his novels, and 2000 Tunes may be my absolute favorite.
The characters feel so real, it is as if I know them in real life. I love how deep we are taken into the lives of Sam and Mark. They are people I could empathize with and I felt compelled to keep reading because they were so well developed.
I absolutely love the way music is used in this novel. Karl Drinkwater has crafted a unique narrative that merges with music, and kept me hooked to this novel from start to end.
This is one you’re going to need to read for yourself but I doubt you’ll be disappointed. Highly recommended!!
Rating:
5/5☆
*I recieved a free copy of this book from BOTBS Publicity in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
The characters feel so real, it is as if I know them in real life. I love how deep we are taken into the lives of Sam and Mark. They are people I could empathize with and I felt compelled to keep reading because they were so well developed.
I absolutely love the way music is used in this novel. Karl Drinkwater has crafted a unique narrative that merges with music, and kept me hooked to this novel from start to end.
This is one you’re going to need to read for yourself but I doubt you’ll be disappointed. Highly recommended!!
Rating:
5/5☆
*I recieved a free copy of this book from BOTBS Publicity in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
April 26, 2020
After reading and enjoying Karl Drinkwater's Cold Fusion 2000, I read 2000 Tunes which is set in the same location and time. It is a gem of book, beautifully written with characters fully developed (as the book is quite long), but well worth the read. It's simply a book about life, love, opportunity lost, misinterpretations, social awkwardness, work relationships and the experiences of a few common folk. Highly recommend it.
April 26, 2020
This is my second review of this book. One of the precious few advantages of being old is that I will completely forget a book I've read within a relatively short time. This allows me to re-read it as if it was the first.
I read 2000 Tunes by Karl Drinkwater in 2018, and the review I gave it at the time thought it was a really good book, albeit too long according to the masses, who apparently don't like super long books? You can read my first review above to know what I thought the first run through.
So when I saw that the author re-edited the book to be tighter, shorter and a better book overall, I couldn't pass up buying the new version and reading it again. I truly enjoyed it, and wish I remember reading it the first time so I could say it's even better now.
What I do know is the new version I just read is stellar. It's still a large novel and a great book, beautifully written as are all Drinkwater books in my view. Specifically of note is the partner to this book Cold Fusion 2000.
There is a wealth of character development in this story supported by intimate dialogue that I just loved. It all feels so real. I especially remember the protagonist meeting some people at a club where he didn't really fit into the group and he didn't know what to say to fix it. He eventually had to get away by faking a cell phone call, but it made me feel so incredibly uneasy while I read it, I just wanted it to be over. It takes great writing skill to pull that off.
This book is a must read.
April 26, 2020
This is my second review of this book. One of the precious few advantages of being old is that I will completely forget a book I've read within a relatively short time. This allows me to re-read it as if it was the first.
I read 2000 Tunes by Karl Drinkwater in 2018, and the review I gave it at the time thought it was a really good book, albeit too long according to the masses, who apparently don't like super long books? You can read my first review above to know what I thought the first run through.
So when I saw that the author re-edited the book to be tighter, shorter and a better book overall, I couldn't pass up buying the new version and reading it again. I truly enjoyed it, and wish I remember reading it the first time so I could say it's even better now.
What I do know is the new version I just read is stellar. It's still a large novel and a great book, beautifully written as are all Drinkwater books in my view. Specifically of note is the partner to this book Cold Fusion 2000.
There is a wealth of character development in this story supported by intimate dialogue that I just loved. It all feels so real. I especially remember the protagonist meeting some people at a club where he didn't really fit into the group and he didn't know what to say to fix it. He eventually had to get away by faking a cell phone call, but it made me feel so incredibly uneasy while I read it, I just wanted it to be over. It takes great writing skill to pull that off.
This book is a must read.
November 27, 2015
All good books have a magic moment - not the one that grabs you, that's the job of covers and blurbs, but the moment that hooks you in and turns a 1 chapter fling into a full-on commitment. 2000 Tunes - Karl Drinkwater's lovesong to Manchester, music and the madness of families - did that with a simple line about Manchester's iconic music venue The Hacienda: "It had been a surprisingly small place compared to its size in his memory." It was like someone had defined far too many of my conversations since 1982.
When he followed that with a description of Manchester that captured the city's accent and its crazy contradictions and echoed the musical beat that runs through the novel - "Carrier bags and kicked-in teeth, short skirts in winter, tall tales with bitter, a brew and a lager, shaved heads and shopping on red brick and grit, endless suburb houses, long roads and alleys, gorillas and galleries, Salford scallies" - this music fan's soul was caught.
Drinkwater positions the novel as being about music - the famous Madchester sound - and it is, but it is much more than that. This is a novel about families and how they trap, or save, you; it's also about relationships and the inarticulate nature of love. Music-obsessed Mark Hopton and Welsh Valley girl-made-good Samantha are trying to create lives that will at least let them glimpse the stars - Drinkwater lets them stumble and doesn't accept cliched pathways, his characters are far too real for that.
I couldn't put it down, I want to know what happens next - if there really is a light that never goes out...
When he followed that with a description of Manchester that captured the city's accent and its crazy contradictions and echoed the musical beat that runs through the novel - "Carrier bags and kicked-in teeth, short skirts in winter, tall tales with bitter, a brew and a lager, shaved heads and shopping on red brick and grit, endless suburb houses, long roads and alleys, gorillas and galleries, Salford scallies" - this music fan's soul was caught.
Drinkwater positions the novel as being about music - the famous Madchester sound - and it is, but it is much more than that. This is a novel about families and how they trap, or save, you; it's also about relationships and the inarticulate nature of love. Music-obsessed Mark Hopton and Welsh Valley girl-made-good Samantha are trying to create lives that will at least let them glimpse the stars - Drinkwater lets them stumble and doesn't accept cliched pathways, his characters are far too real for that.
I couldn't put it down, I want to know what happens next - if there really is a light that never goes out...
February 7, 2016
2000 Tunes is a book I received in a Goodreads giveaway last year.
I got round to 2000 Tunes after it had languished in my "to read" pile for a while.
I read the back cover write up and began to read without any real expectations. Now I've finished it and I've got to say I loved it.
Karl Drinkwater has done a great job of capturing a time and place incredibly well. The characters are well written and relatable.
Based in Manchester at the dawn of the new millennium the story centres around Mark Hopton. Mark is an outsider. He has a run of the mill job, a small flat and a few good mates. Mark's one of life's good guys, unfortunately his family are a nightmare. His Dad's in jail (again) and his headcase of a Brother won't let him live his life. They are trying drag Mark down with them.
Mark's escape lays in the bands and music of the city he lives in. It's a solace, a passion, an obsession. The Summer of 2000 brings another light into his life. Sam, a beautiful Welsh girl in the office at work. She could be Mark's saviour but he thinks she's out of his league. He is so used to things going wrong that he daren't dream that maybe this time things could go his way.
I'm a bit of a music fan myself. The books I read are often music biographies. Even though music is the backbone of 2000 Tunes I don't know if I would have picked it up. Now I am glad that I did. I will be seeking out Karl Drinkwater's other books and would urge anyone reading this to do likewise.
I got round to 2000 Tunes after it had languished in my "to read" pile for a while.
I read the back cover write up and began to read without any real expectations. Now I've finished it and I've got to say I loved it.
Karl Drinkwater has done a great job of capturing a time and place incredibly well. The characters are well written and relatable.
Based in Manchester at the dawn of the new millennium the story centres around Mark Hopton. Mark is an outsider. He has a run of the mill job, a small flat and a few good mates. Mark's one of life's good guys, unfortunately his family are a nightmare. His Dad's in jail (again) and his headcase of a Brother won't let him live his life. They are trying drag Mark down with them.
Mark's escape lays in the bands and music of the city he lives in. It's a solace, a passion, an obsession. The Summer of 2000 brings another light into his life. Sam, a beautiful Welsh girl in the office at work. She could be Mark's saviour but he thinks she's out of his league. He is so used to things going wrong that he daren't dream that maybe this time things could go his way.
I'm a bit of a music fan myself. The books I read are often music biographies. Even though music is the backbone of 2000 Tunes I don't know if I would have picked it up. Now I am glad that I did. I will be seeking out Karl Drinkwater's other books and would urge anyone reading this to do likewise.
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November 21, 2020Please see blog for [K]'s review:
https://thepturnersbookblog.wordpress...
https://thepturnersbookblog.wordpress...
July 31, 2015
One thing about Karl Drinkwater is that he never disappoints and 2000 Tunes is Classic Karl. Reading this well-written and detailed novel we are drawn into a world in Manchester, UK that is certainly new to me. Music references, personal and work relationships mixed with various levels of lifestyles-this book has it all. I embraced it fully. I was especially taken with the characters Mark and Sam. Mark uses his vast knowledge of the local music scene to emotionally carry him through the rough times. I liked the way Mark gradually started changing his appearance to change his life and Sam had a few changes on the go also. Did their story end in the way I hoped it would? You'll have to read 2000 Tunes to find out! Our author doesn't pander to the expected. Expect surprises. 2000 Tunes is a novel whose characters and situations will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
August 21, 2016
When I received this book (from a Goodreads Giveaway in return for an honest review) I started to read it and was so impressed I decided this was going to be my holiday reading. Not just any holiday, it was to be my honeymoon reading. I'm not sure what the guests around the pool thought when I gave myself an asthma attack laughing at one passage - it is safe to say I will never be able to look at my aunt Myfanwy with a straight face.
There is already a superb synopsis so I have no need to bore you with another but I can give my opinion...
Brilliantly written, it engages from the start. The dialogue has a 'real' feel and it is as if the characters are people I know. I love the music references at the start of each chapter (I'm the right age to remember). It has become one of my all time top five reads.
Apologies to the author for the late review.
There is already a superb synopsis so I have no need to bore you with another but I can give my opinion...
Brilliantly written, it engages from the start. The dialogue has a 'real' feel and it is as if the characters are people I know. I love the music references at the start of each chapter (I'm the right age to remember). It has become one of my all time top five reads.
Apologies to the author for the late review.
January 1, 2020
2000 Tunes is a subtly-crafted work for readers who enjoy characters with depth. Mark's not had an easy life, but he works hard, keeps his head down and colours his life with Mancunian music. Samantha is beautiful, smart and going through an existential crisis. They work together at book distributors but haven't really interacted with each other. Slowly, they are drawn to each other, but to label it a 'romance' would be a gross over-simplification. 2000 Tunes is so much more. It is a meandering, gentle tale about self-awakening, confidence, family and place. The characters are fantastically layered and nuanced - a joy to read about - but it's not until the end that the reader can truly say they understand their motivations. This makes for an intriguing and satisfying conclusion. The most accessible literary work I've read in a long time and book that deserves a wider audience. Read it.
March 14, 2018
A lovely, nicely written story about love, life, friendship, family and music with relatable, multidimensional characters and a great ending.
May 1, 2017
This book was okay. I really liked all of the musical mentions because music is something that moves me and that I tend to relate to. I think the author did a great job describing the characters, scenes, and situations that were taking place. The best part of the novel is how the main male character overcame some demons and was able to move on from unhealthy relationships and into a life that was right and so much better. It's also cute how the two main characters save each other in different ways!
On the flip side, however, this book was extremely long and boring in some spots. At times, way too much detail was given. In a sense, I felt like it was a movie because every little thing could be seen, but I really think it was unnecessary altogether. There were also a few scenes that left me uncomfortable reading about, but thankfully are short lived.
On the flip side, however, this book was extremely long and boring in some spots. At times, way too much detail was given. In a sense, I felt like it was a movie because every little thing could be seen, but I really think it was unnecessary altogether. There were also a few scenes that left me uncomfortable reading about, but thankfully are short lived.
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