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The travel diaries of John Dot: Margate
John Dot’s life is falling apart at the seams, much like the waistband of his trousers. As a 47-year-old bogged down by gloomy moods and irrational fears, he’s a perfect fit for the drab British seaside. But with a long-suffering girlfriend who’s way out of his league, John knows his only chance to keep her is by trying something drastic… He plans a weekend holiday to the sandy beaches of Margate, hoping his efforts to wine and dine Olivia will get them in the clear. He never expected the series of misadventures that would hurl him far outside his comfort zone… Can John keep it together or will his inner humbug bring the romantic getaway to a crashing halt? The Travel Diaries of John Margate is the hilarious first installment of the Mid Life Backpacker series, a set of comedic travel novels. If you like dry British humor, dark journeys of the soul, and travelogues with a twist, then you’ll love Kevin Kelly’s coastal confessional.
- GenresTravel
71 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2017
61 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Kelly
132 books1,601 followersKevin Kelly is Senior Maverick at Wired magazine. He co-founded Wired in 1993, and served as its Executive Editor from its inception until 1999. He is also editor and publisher of the Cool Tools website, which gets half a million unique visitors per month. From 1984-1990 Kelly was publisher and editor of the Whole Earth Review, a journal of unorthodox technical news. He co-founded the ongoing Hackers' Conference, and was involved with the launch of the WELL, a pioneering online service started in 1985. He authored the best-selling New Rules for the New Economy and the classic book on decentralized emergent systems, Out of Control."
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 21, 2017
The British TV series Men Behaving Badly sprang to mind when I was reading this novelette. I found it humorous, but I can see why it might polarise some readers, especially prudish ones. The book is in the first person, and the author gives John Dot a very strong voice, with minimal other dialogue. Dot has some deep insecurities, which triggers a lot of the humour. I finished the book wondering how those insecurities would pan out in his life. Perhaps the next book will take me further on that journey.
October 7, 2017
I read it really quickly just to get it over with, as it was short enough to read through in a couple of days. I didn't connect with the author at all (if anything, I felt sorry for his companion) and the story was just mundane, just as any weekend getaway everyone experiences, nothing to write a book about.
August 24, 2021
I thought this would be a travel book but ended up being an indulgent author writing about his weekend.
July 14, 2017
Boring.
Supposed to be funny, but it was just tiring to me. Too Much Information about things I don't care about. Sorry. Just did not like it!!
Supposed to be funny, but it was just tiring to me. Too Much Information about things I don't care about. Sorry. Just did not like it!!
September 17, 2020
OK, maybe I'm being harsh.
This book did nothing for me, personally. It's also not the type of book I usually read.
I DO understand that many people love this male hormonal type of book but, to be fair, the first 25% was him wanting sex with Olivia ... 25%!
The book picked up a bit but kept letting itself down - just when I said, "OK, this is better," back would come the yearning to 'have sex' with his girlfriend (the main character is not a teenager so it felt a little out of place - if I had been Olivia I would have slapped him across the chops and split up with him - and STAYED split up. If I'd had to change jobs (which is how they met) I would have done. I think, what spoiled it most for me was (and this will probably sounds silly) no mention of 'making love' - just pure sex. By the same the second chapter rolled around, I no longer cared whether the pair made love on this holiday or not, although I was delighted John, the main character, had finally managed to stop biting his nails!
I also don't think this was a book - I started it at 4 a.m. and finished it at 10.30 a.m - after some 5 hours sleep! That's a very short book!
I think the main problem, though, was that I was not the demographic audience for this book. Had I been a man, or a woman of a certain age, I would have loved it. I got the book because it had 'Travels' in the title but it told us very little about the town of Margate where it was set. I will say there were some BEAUTIFUL descriptions so it's clear that, if he chose, the author (who is not John Dot) has the ability to write almost poetic text - and he would be a welcome guest on my radio show.
I loathe writing reviews like this - especially when the book was not all bad. Looking on the positives, which I prefer to do, Kevin Kelly does have a gift for description. He knows how to make the story move, using short and long sentences appropriately.
I know you won't be willing to come on the show, Kevin, after such a poor review but I wish you would. You DO have talent - just because I, personally, didn't enjoy this book, doesn't mean that thousands of others won't like it.
DM me here if you're interested - we have 128,000 listeners in 30 countries.
I hope I haven't spoiled your day due to this review. This is not my intention. While I hate writing reviews like this, I also hate those who put two stars or whatever (I particularly hate to do it because I know it drags down the ratings in their entirety for the book) without actually explaining what they found uncomfortable or wrong - or why they just simply didn't like it. That's not fair to the author.
Please don't be offended by this review - I am only one person. I know it will probably hurt you and that is not my intention. I would give your books a second (and third) chance, I think - based purely on the wonderful descriptions. There were moments that made me laugh out loud, too, so that was perfectly done.
I think there is an audience for this type of book but it seems I am not it. Think a boy's version of 50 Shades of Grey! Slight exaggeration there but you get the drift. I don't THINk there are any spoilers in this review.
This book did nothing for me, personally. It's also not the type of book I usually read.
I DO understand that many people love this male hormonal type of book but, to be fair, the first 25% was him wanting sex with Olivia ... 25%!
The book picked up a bit but kept letting itself down - just when I said, "OK, this is better," back would come the yearning to 'have sex' with his girlfriend (the main character is not a teenager so it felt a little out of place - if I had been Olivia I would have slapped him across the chops and split up with him - and STAYED split up. If I'd had to change jobs (which is how they met) I would have done. I think, what spoiled it most for me was (and this will probably sounds silly) no mention of 'making love' - just pure sex. By the same the second chapter rolled around, I no longer cared whether the pair made love on this holiday or not, although I was delighted John, the main character, had finally managed to stop biting his nails!
I also don't think this was a book - I started it at 4 a.m. and finished it at 10.30 a.m - after some 5 hours sleep! That's a very short book!
I think the main problem, though, was that I was not the demographic audience for this book. Had I been a man, or a woman of a certain age, I would have loved it. I got the book because it had 'Travels' in the title but it told us very little about the town of Margate where it was set. I will say there were some BEAUTIFUL descriptions so it's clear that, if he chose, the author (who is not John Dot) has the ability to write almost poetic text - and he would be a welcome guest on my radio show.
I loathe writing reviews like this - especially when the book was not all bad. Looking on the positives, which I prefer to do, Kevin Kelly does have a gift for description. He knows how to make the story move, using short and long sentences appropriately.
I know you won't be willing to come on the show, Kevin, after such a poor review but I wish you would. You DO have talent - just because I, personally, didn't enjoy this book, doesn't mean that thousands of others won't like it.
DM me here if you're interested - we have 128,000 listeners in 30 countries.
I hope I haven't spoiled your day due to this review. This is not my intention. While I hate writing reviews like this, I also hate those who put two stars or whatever (I particularly hate to do it because I know it drags down the ratings in their entirety for the book) without actually explaining what they found uncomfortable or wrong - or why they just simply didn't like it. That's not fair to the author.
Please don't be offended by this review - I am only one person. I know it will probably hurt you and that is not my intention. I would give your books a second (and third) chance, I think - based purely on the wonderful descriptions. There were moments that made me laugh out loud, too, so that was perfectly done.
I think there is an audience for this type of book but it seems I am not it. Think a boy's version of 50 Shades of Grey! Slight exaggeration there but you get the drift. I don't THINk there are any spoilers in this review.
July 26, 2017
This first dip into the ‘Travel Diaries of John Dot’ certainly bodes well for further instalments. It’s the right length to make you feel like you’ve just experienced an episode of your favourite sitcom. And it certainly has the flavour of the ‘Fawlty Towers’ era mixed with a rather greater awareness of modernity and a somewhat more credible storyline.
Amazingly for a first novel, the author has managed to make his main character, John, so well developed that he’s almost a member of your family by the end of the first chapter. And he probably is that uncle with the carefully folded handkerchief who can’t quite accept that the world isn’t what it was when he was really in his prime.
For me, rather than laugh-out-loud funny, this book gives you lots of those inward giggles and countless moments where, if you were actually there, you’d want to dissolve through the floor with embarrassment like a teenager witnessing her father’s lack of ‘cool’.
There’s a rare style of writing here (or maybe a common style done uncommonly well). Either way, it’s difficult not to get drawn into the story as though you’re reading a real memoir. It does make me wonder if the author is drawing extensively upon his own life experiences. Perhaps the ‘Mid Life Backpacker’ isn’t quite as fictional as we are led to believe…
Anyway, if you’d like a few laughs, some cringing of the ‘please Dad, no’ variety, and a rather touching storyline to tie it together, then you’re probably in the right place. It’s an easy, fairly rapid read that’s perfect for those times when you want to snatch a few moments of undemanding entertainment. I’m very much looking forward to the further adventures of John Dot.
Amazingly for a first novel, the author has managed to make his main character, John, so well developed that he’s almost a member of your family by the end of the first chapter. And he probably is that uncle with the carefully folded handkerchief who can’t quite accept that the world isn’t what it was when he was really in his prime.
For me, rather than laugh-out-loud funny, this book gives you lots of those inward giggles and countless moments where, if you were actually there, you’d want to dissolve through the floor with embarrassment like a teenager witnessing her father’s lack of ‘cool’.
There’s a rare style of writing here (or maybe a common style done uncommonly well). Either way, it’s difficult not to get drawn into the story as though you’re reading a real memoir. It does make me wonder if the author is drawing extensively upon his own life experiences. Perhaps the ‘Mid Life Backpacker’ isn’t quite as fictional as we are led to believe…
Anyway, if you’d like a few laughs, some cringing of the ‘please Dad, no’ variety, and a rather touching storyline to tie it together, then you’re probably in the right place. It’s an easy, fairly rapid read that’s perfect for those times when you want to snatch a few moments of undemanding entertainment. I’m very much looking forward to the further adventures of John Dot.
July 18, 2017
Not Kindle Unlimited, seems to be permafree.
Not sure the genre, mostly because not really sure what it's about, and yes did the entire book {shortish side} just really can't quite get a grip on what it's supposed to be about, get the brit slang and places and all, but confused over what the book was attempting to do exactly or even here and there everywhere. Said supposed to be funny, and even if in the way the Brits have {understated and not hit over the head type as Americans have} didn't find it funny, but rather depressing, and still not sure just what happened at the end.
Not sure the genre, mostly because not really sure what it's about, and yes did the entire book {shortish side} just really can't quite get a grip on what it's supposed to be about, get the brit slang and places and all, but confused over what the book was attempting to do exactly or even here and there everywhere. Said supposed to be funny, and even if in the way the Brits have {understated and not hit over the head type as Americans have} didn't find it funny, but rather depressing, and still not sure just what happened at the end.
July 26, 2017
Charming read. The travel and relationship adventures of a middle aged man in a middling relationship at a 3 star resort for the weekend.
I enjoyed an arc copy. Worth a look inside for anyone who enjoys laughing at themselves- and someone else.
Makes me remember the fun- and not fun- of travel with friends and romantic partners. More fun to read about his struggles with hotel clerks than to fight with them myself - and a lot bigger laugh.
Enjoy a fun read and a chuckle at John Dot's expense.
I enjoyed an arc copy. Worth a look inside for anyone who enjoys laughing at themselves- and someone else.
Makes me remember the fun- and not fun- of travel with friends and romantic partners. More fun to read about his struggles with hotel clerks than to fight with them myself - and a lot bigger laugh.
Enjoy a fun read and a chuckle at John Dot's expense.
November 18, 2018
John Dot is in the clutches of a mid life crisis. His diary illustrates his constant worries, and social blunders, which is very amusing for the reader. Partly a comedy-romance as John is desperate to win back the affections of his beautiful girlfriend, Olivia. The format is presented in such a way that successfully reminds the reader this is a diary. An enjoyable introductory novella, the next in series now added to my ever growing to-be-read list!
July 25, 2017
Travelogue with a differently
Yes, Margate for a weekend away with his girlfriend. At least he can use uk money. Paying again for the hotel and then told 3-5 days for it to go back to his account, gate crashing a wedding party, stealing goody bags of sweets, and that's just the first evening! I loved it. More please!
Yes, Margate for a weekend away with his girlfriend. At least he can use uk money. Paying again for the hotel and then told 3-5 days for it to go back to his account, gate crashing a wedding party, stealing goody bags of sweets, and that's just the first evening! I loved it. More please!
July 26, 2017
Real life humor
I enjoyed reading this funny look at life after forty. It's so spot on and I can see myself feeling lost and confuse,happy and in love in the end content.
I enjoyed reading this funny look at life after forty. It's so spot on and I can see myself feeling lost and confuse,happy and in love in the end content.
September 3, 2017
I guess you had to be there.
October 1, 2017
The Blurb :
John Dot’s life is falling apart at the seams, much like the waistband of his trousers. As a 47-year-old bogged down by gloomy moods and irrational fears, he’s a perfect fit for the drab British seaside. But with a long-suffering girlfriend who’s way out of his league, John knows his only chance to keep her is by trying something drastic…
He plans a weekend holiday to the sandy beaches of Margate, hoping his efforts to wine and dine Olivia will get them in the clear. He never expected the series of misadventures that would hurl him far outside his comfort zone…
Can John keep it together or will his inner humbug bring the romantic getaway to a crashing halt?
My Thoughts :
This is a fast paced, quick read, which will have you laughing into your cup of tea.
Going to Margate for a weekend with his girlfriend has never been so much fun. Firstly having to pay again for the hotel which he has already paid for he is then told it will take upto 5 days for it to go back to his account. Secondly they gate crash a wedding party and steal all the bags of sweets, then they get sunburnt whille falling asleep in the sun!. John Dot doesnt have much luck these days. But I cant wait to see what happens on his next travels, Thailand I hear?! Really enjoyed this from the off.
John Dot’s life is falling apart at the seams, much like the waistband of his trousers. As a 47-year-old bogged down by gloomy moods and irrational fears, he’s a perfect fit for the drab British seaside. But with a long-suffering girlfriend who’s way out of his league, John knows his only chance to keep her is by trying something drastic…
He plans a weekend holiday to the sandy beaches of Margate, hoping his efforts to wine and dine Olivia will get them in the clear. He never expected the series of misadventures that would hurl him far outside his comfort zone…
Can John keep it together or will his inner humbug bring the romantic getaway to a crashing halt?
My Thoughts :
This is a fast paced, quick read, which will have you laughing into your cup of tea.
Going to Margate for a weekend with his girlfriend has never been so much fun. Firstly having to pay again for the hotel which he has already paid for he is then told it will take upto 5 days for it to go back to his account. Secondly they gate crash a wedding party and steal all the bags of sweets, then they get sunburnt whille falling asleep in the sun!. John Dot doesnt have much luck these days. But I cant wait to see what happens on his next travels, Thailand I hear?! Really enjoyed this from the off.
August 4, 2017
I love these British authors who come out of nowhere and just bedazzle you with their own unique brand of humor and witticisms. Kevin Kelly is one such author and definitely one you'll want to keep your eye on. I just loved the way he told this story and so many things in it hit home. Right from the first sentence, you feel you've known John Dot all your life. There are many laugh-out-loud moments in this one, as you follow him through the ups and down, the thick and thin, of trying to get his love Olivia back into his life. I can't wait for more of his travels, to see what's going to happen next. If you're kind of tired of the same old type of book and are looking for something quick, light and guaranteed to put a smile on your face, this one is it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews