My Name is MacKenzie Bly

by Lissa Evans, Unknown Author

I am fourteen years old and I’m called Mackenzie Bly. It’s a good name, isn’t it? Unfortunately, I just made it up, I’m actually called Philip Stephens which, if there was ever a competition for the world’s most boring name, would be a clear winner. ‘We didn’t want to call you something that would mean you’d get teased’ is what Mum B says.

But given that I’m the size of a vending machine, hate sport, live with my Mums, one of whom teaches biology at my school, and don’t live with my Dad who plays air guitar, has ginger plaits down to his waist and writes random notes on Rizlas instead of using a diary, they might as well have called me ‘Fattus Butticus’ for all the difference it would have made….

Oh, and my best friend Sy has just moved to New Zealand.

Life is terrible.

I hope you enjoy reading this.

Hardcover

About the author

After a brief career in medicine, and an even briefer one in stand-up, Lissa Evans became a comedy producer, first in radio and then in television. Her first novel, Spencer's List, was published in 2002, and since then she has written three more books for adults (two of them longlisted for the Orange/Baileys Prize) and two for children (the first of them shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal). Her two most recent books for adults were set in London during the Second World War; one of them, 'Their Finest Hour and a Half' has now been made into a film entitled 'Their Finest', starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin and Bill Nighy

Reviews

[Nic]

4* My Name is MacKenzie Bly - Lissa Evans. The heartwarming and comical diary of a teenager which is a little reminiscent of Adrian Mole.

Philip Stephen’s, a tall teenager whose best pal has been dragged off to New Zealand with his family, whose mum teaches at his school, who rarely sees his hippy dad, who is trailed round school by an annoying boy.

Not a lot happens to MacKenzie Bly but the insight into his world by way of his diary gives a heartwarming snapshot into his life. As ever, Lissa Evans delivers whipsmart prose and the reader cannot help but root for our main character. A slim volume, this was a real treat which I read in one sitting.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Nigel]

Very funny indeed at times.

In full.
MacKenzie Bly is actually Philip Stephens but he made the name up because his real name would win a world's most boring name competition… At the start of this he becomes world famous as he built a cat scarer with his friend Sy. The video they uploaded got loads of hits though possibly not for the right reasons. Philip is 14 and very tall for his age (!!). He lives with his two Mums, one of whom is a teacher at his school (!!). He has a guineapig and the family has a slightly unpleasant dog called Boiler. Sy, his best friend, has now gone to New Zealand with his family. It's fair to say that he is not particularly happy and so starts this story of his life (well a small part of it anyway).

I found myself easily caught up in this amusing insight into life as a 14 year old. It's quite hard to review this without really giving away at least some of the many laughs here. A variety of things go on (and wrong) in the course of Philip's story. There is a work experience day from school, another class D & T project and stories about people around him. His father actually lives nearby but might be considered less than reliable for example. You get views on food, life, hobbies and family. Humour is a strange thing - sometimes it works for some and not others. Personally I found this entertaining and at times extremely funny but maybe that's just me! I had had two of my grandsons with me just after I read this and so I decided to see what they thought of it. My 12 year old liked it and would definitely read it - my 10 year old loved it and laughed (possibly that says something about my mental age…).

Anyway - I really enjoyed it, it was very amusing at times and a fan read but I guess it might not suit everyone.

My thanks to the author and the publisher for an advance copy of this book

[Books By Your Bedside]

3.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

It's quite hard to review this without giving away a lot of the plot so it will be a shorter review than I normally do.

I have seen this everywhere and I was very intrigued about it.

The start of it instantly grabbbed me. Narrated by a 14-year-old, there's always teh chance I wouldn't relate to it. But even so, MacKenzie's voice is so real that you're immediately sucked in.

I don't find books funny, generally, but this one had me giggling early on.

I mean, it is a big random and haphazard and I wasn't entirely sure that was going on at all points. But it's more of an inner monologue or stream of consciousness, so I suppose it was never going to be crystal clear, and yet I still enjoyed reading it.

It shows the chaotic nature of being a teenager today. And maybe that's why it doesn't fit into the "normal" novel form.

I believe this is an adult book from what I can gather online, but having read it, whilst I enjoyed it and I agree that it will appeal to adults, I think it is more ideal for young adults - but on the older side. It would be more relevant and familiar to them and I think they'd get more enjoyment out of it than older readers.

It isn't an overly short book, nor is it long, but the short, snappy chapters made it quick and easy to read.

It's not the best book I've read and I can't say it completely lived up to my expectations, but it was enjoyable and humorous, with a well-written protagonist. I would recommend it to older young adults (if that makes sense).

[Nicola Smith]

Our protagonist is MacKenzie Bly. Except it’s not, it’s 14 year old Philip Stephens. He just liked the sound of the name and thought his own to be pretty run of the mill. In his own words, he’s built like a vending machine which means that he can sometimes be a bit clumsy. He lives with his two mums, mum A and mum B, and sees his feckless and unreliable father on occasion.

This book takes the form of a series of accounts of Philip’s life as told to the author, Lissa Evans. I’ve read Evans’ books before and love her dry humour but I’m not sure I would have naturally gravitated towards this book and that would have been a massive shame because I absolutely loved it. It was originally planned to be a young adult book but it’s turned into one that will appeal to everyone. There are inevitable comparisons to be made to Adrian Mole (whose diary I also loved) but the only real similarities are Philip’s age, his hapless behaviour and his chaotic family life.

Philip is a bit of a bumbling sort but so likeable and so (unintentionally) funny. I sniggered a lot. He’s the sort of person who finds himself in awkward situations, but who isn’t often the cause of them. He’s just a bit unfortunate in many ways, but also rather sweet. I raced through this book which is very easy to read with short, punchy chapters that made it hard to put the book down.

The upshot of all this is that I had a rip-roaring time reading about Philip’s life, his friends, his classmates and his family. I’d love to read another volume (please, Lissa Evans!).

[Louise Wilson]

I am fourteen years old and I'm called Mackenzie Bly. It's a good name isn't it? Unfortunately, I made it up, I'm actually called Philip Stephens which, if this was ever a competition for the world's most boring name, I would be a clear winner. "We didn't want to call you something that would mean you'd get teased." is what mum B says. But given that I'm the size of a vending machine, hate sport, live with my mums, one of whom teaches biology at my school, and don't live with my dad who plays air guitar, has ginger plaits down to his waist and writes random notes on Rizlas instead of using a diary, they might have well called me "Fattus Butticus" for all the difference it would have made....

Oh, and my best friend has just moved to New Zealand.

Life is terrible.

This book is an insight to what happens to Mackenzie Bly, real name Philip Stephens. I was quickly pulled into this story. It's narrated by Mackenzie who is just fourteen. This is an amusing read with realistic events taking place. The characters are well-developed and believable. I found myself comparing this book to Adrin Mole. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Published 27th August 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #LissaEvans for my ARC of #MyNameIsMackenzieBly in exchange for an honest review.

[Katy Kelly]

Diverting enough early-teen story.

I've enjoyed Evans' adult books in the past and was happy enough to try her younger-audience title. While I did enjoy it, I'm not sure I'll really remember it in a few days but I think for readers of the right age, it will be funny and relatable.

There's an element of Great Expectations in the narration - by Philip Stephens, renaming himself to something more interesting. And also Adrian Mole, though nowhere near as soulful and despairing.

Now insisting we think of him as MacKenzie Bly, we see this particularly tall 14 year old missing his best friend, now moved to New Zealand and coping at school without him. Having to put up with the fact that one of his two mums is a much-feared teacher at his school.

A fast-moving story, lots of chatty chapters where you do feel for MacKenzie and hope things get better for him. Lots of hapless incidents and amusing episodes. It's not too 'teeny' but still innocent enough to not be something younger kids could read (no sex/swearing for example).

Not a long read, nothing earth-shattering, but a funny story that will encourage readers who need something on their wavelength and possible in small chunks.

For ages 11 and above. With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

[Cori Samuel]

I'm a huge fan of Nigel Molesworth, so this cover had my attention straightaway. And I liked, didn't love, Adrian Mole, so ... was primed to be all over this.

And it was ... fine. It's not as witty as Molesworth, nor as angsty as Mole; the MC Philip (no idea what the title is about) is an average chap other than his height and width. Seems like quite a nice bloke too, though how relatable he is for the average 14 year old today I have no idea. The goings-on through the book are entertaining without being excessive or unrealistic, and it does have a good eye for the mundane fun of daily life and adults being weird.

I'm not quite sure who I'd recommend this to, though. I've no idea what a teenager would make of it. If you're Molesworth or Mole aged, I think it might fall a little short too. There might be a sweet spot just after that, younger millennials perhaps, too young to get on with Adrian Mole, but old enough to be reminiscent now about being teenage. Or just anyone looking for something perfectly pleasant, maybe contemporary-cosy.


Rating: 14/20
This review is based upon a complimentary advance review copy provided by the publisher.

[Rachel N]

I’m a huge fan of Lissa Evans and her latest, My Name is MacKenzie Bly, is an absolute treasure.

MacKenzie (real name Philip Stephens but he wants to sound more interesting) is 14 years old, exceptionally tall and largely built and uncomfortable in his own skin. He lives with his two mums (obviously extremely cool in the 90s but now a total embarrassment to him), occasionally sees his wayward father and is struggling to adapt to life without his best friend, recently emigrated to New Zealand. His story has no major events as such but is more the story of how it feels to be a teenager, lonely at times, uncomfortable with yourself, easily embarrassed and sure that everyone else finds it much easier.

It’s also very, very funny. Lissa Evans has such a wonderful understanding of what makes people tick and her characters are always believable and empathetic and the scenarios they find themselves in manage to be both true to life and hilarious. Her writing is as effortless as ever, and this book is perfect for both young readers and adults. MacKenzie himself is a wonderful character, a modern Adrian Mole, and I hope he’s back soon with more of his everyday adventures. Highly, highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

[Louisa]

This was the most joyous book. I haven't read any Lissa Evans but the blurb made me laugh immediately and I wondered if the author could keep up the humour and wry observations throughout the story and I wasn't disappointed.
At first I wondered if I'd connect with a book where the MC was so young but it made me realise, children, especially teens, are more astute, observational, smart and sensitive than we can sometimes give them credit for.
The main character is a teen boy with more sense than any of the adults around him, he navigates a complicated school life and passing friendships with comedic insight. The speed of his train of internal thoughts keeps the narrative moving quickly and his smart musings don't feel immature or alien to an adult reader.

If you have a teenage son, you'll absolutely connect to the humour in this book. And if you don't have one, you'll wish you were friends with some. High praise for teens and to the author for 'getting' them.

I loved this book thoroughly.

[Verity W]

I enjoyed reading this and read it very quickly but I'm unsure who the audience for it is. It has the feel of a YA book in some ways (and the cover of one) but there are a lot of references in here that are clearly for adults - stuff that the teenage protagonist doesn't understand or doesn't see but that adults clearly will. It made me laugh and I enjoyed it but don't know how like a real-current-14 year old our protagonist is - to me he felt like a teenager from the sort of era that I was a teen for (so early 00s) but with a dash of added viral videos (but not really much reference to social media or messaging among students beyond that). So it's a retro feel book, that's a lot of fun but which also ends very abruptly and is a bit confusing. I'm not sure who I would be buying it for - and that may be the main issue for it.

****Copy from NetGalley, in return for review consideration*****

[CPE]

I spent the first half of My Name is MacKenzie Bly trying to ascertain the point of the book. Lissa Evans wrote the wonderful Small Bomb in Dimperley and I expected another novel, written in a similar vein. Reader, it didn’t happen. MacKenzie Bly is very reminiscent of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. It’s a set of reflections (not structured as a set of diary entries, as there are no dates) by Philip Stephens, apparently aged 13-14, who makes up the name MacKenzie Bly for himself at the start of the book. However, that name is never used after Philip tells us in Chapter One he made it up.

There is a mild first-love romance between Philip and Emmeline; Philip notes various childish behaviour by classmates and (often embarrassing) events that happen to him. That’s it, really.

#MyNameisMacKenzieBly #NetGalley

[Lizzie]

Mackenzie Bly is, in fact, Philip Stephens. He is the size of a vending machine, lives with his two mums - one of which is the school science teacher - and his best friend just moved to New Zealand. Life is hard at fourteen.

𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤:
🐕 Thoroughly enjoyable and hilarious
👔 Adrian Mole for the 21st century
🐕 Brilliantly sharp wit
👔 Easy to read and very entertaining
🐕 Quite unique

𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
This was brilliant. It's less of a cohesive story, and more of a collection of random musings and events from Philip. It's quite unique in that sense, very easy to read, absolutely hilarious. It was entirely believable, with great characters. This was just such a fun read. I really hope there's more!

Thanks to the publisher for sending this out in exchange for an impartial review

[Fiona Thompson]

What a delightful book! Most will probably see it as reminiscent of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole...' but I kept getting hints of Nigel Molesworth (Geoffrey Willans and Ronald Searle) and I felt like I was 'Back in the Jug Agane', which is a very lovely place to be. MacKenzie Bly is actually 14 year old Philip Stephens, who renamed himself (to himself) in protest against the boring name given to him by Mum B to avert any teasing. Sadly, teasing continues as part and parcel of being 14 years old. Told in small episodes, we navigate the live of Mackenzie Bly through and beyond school. It is chock full of funny moments plus many a moment of reminiscence on the part of the reader...and gratitude for those of us who left adolescence a long time ago.

[Josephine]

Welcome to the diary of MacKenzie Bly…not his real name. He is actually Philip Stephens, a 14 year old schoolboy with the most boring name in the world. But through his diary we find out more about how he navigates being a teenager in the modern world.

Suffice to say, MacKenzie/Philip’s life is not boring and his diary definitely isn’t. As I have come to expect from Lissa Evans, this is a wonderful book full of witty observations and brilliant characters. My only criticism is that it’s pretty short and I wanted to read so much more. Please can we have a spin off, particularly focusing on Philip’s Mums!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

[histeriker]

I loved Adrian Mole and I am happy I was reminded of him through this book. I really liked the family of the main character and the way he navigates the school and his friendships. It’s great to see that problems teenagers face are not that different from the problems nearly 40 years ago, even though they have some other possibilities (like mobiles and other devices). Feeling in touch with somebody doesn’t depend solely upon possibilities, it is also an inner connection that is necessary.
I can recommend this book and I will certainly buy it as an actual book.

[Francis Pellow]

I was very excited when an advance copy of Lissa Evan’s new book was sent to the bookshop I work at. I love Lissa’s eye for the comedy in everyday people/occurrences. It was a quick read with short chapters that felt very authentic in capturing the narrators voice and thoughts.
although this book is aimed at a younger age I enjoyed it very much and hope there are going to be more.

[Katy Wheatley]

This was delicious. Funny, smart and at times really touching. It's got Evan's trademark ability to handle some of the trickier of life's relationships with a lightness that never mocks or undermines the seriousness of what is going on. I absolutely loved this.

[Dan]

This is a 2026 take on Adrian Mole, a teenage diarist confiding his embarrassments and mishaps with a well-drawn and instantly recognisable set of supporting characters. It’s quite sweet and very funny, and I would not be averse to further installments.

[Joy Bosworth]

I'm a real fan of Lissa Evans’ novels especially ones set around WW11.
Which meant I found this book rather ordinary. No doubt it is similar to Adrian Mole books. But it seems an awful waste of a good author.
It's very light and easy to get in to. Ideal for quick reads initiatives

[KatieReadsAndReads]

Chuckled from beginning to end. Brilliant book for when you want to put down that mental weight and just enjoy the hilarity of living the life of a dry-humoured 14 year old. Really great for adults who just needs a break 😂

[Jo]

I absolutely loved this! An utterly joyous read from beginning to end, and very, very funny.

[Stephen]

This was a lot of fun.

Told through diary entries by fourteen year old MacKensie Bly (not his real name) as he navigates school after his best friend moves to New Zealand.

His home life was sweet and a bit chaotic and I liked the new friendships he made.

Very short and funny, I enjoyed this.

Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for the arc

[Liz]

What a treat this was!
I’m not sure if this was meant to be a YA book or not - the cover implies this perhaps- but some of it would probably go over the head of a teenager, as did the Adrian Mole books for my children. Anyway, it was a hoot and I’d recommend to any adult that’s been a teenager, which should be all of us.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC