Meeting Mungo Thunk

by Keith A. Pearson

A laugh-out-loud tale of love, life lessons, and an odd little man named Mungo Thunk.

Bathroom scales were not an appropriate gift for his fiancée’s birthday … apparently.

Adam Maxwell isn’t a bad man—he’s just a man who doesn’t stop and think. Ever since he ate seven pickled gherkins for lunch at school, and subsequently shat himself during a maths lesson, Adam has been cursed by a lack of common sense.

Now in his early thirties, that lack of common sense is about to throw Adam’s life into turmoil after one particularly ill-judged decision backfires … with disastrous consequences.

After a rapid descent towards rock bottom, a strange little man by the name of Mungo Thunk then enters Adam’s life. However, not everything about Mungo Thunk is as it first seems. After insisting Adam can rediscover his common sense by agreeing to an unorthodox brand of therapy, the two set about dealing with the raft of challenges Adam has to face.

Can Adam trust the mysterious stranger to fix his thinking and get his life back on track? Or will he come to rue the day he invited Mungo Thunk into his life?

Genres: Fiction, Humor, Audiobook

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 5, 2018

About the author

I rarely visit Goodreads, on account it's a terrifying place for authors who aren't blessed with a thick skin.

If you'd like to know more about me, head over to my website, or you can follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to be a bit brutal here - I seriously did wonder how many of the 5 star reviews were genuine before I started reading this novel. You know the sort of review - no image, maybe only a couple of other reviews or maybe only the one book, joined GR at the same time the book was published??

This, however, is a genuine, honest review by a genuine, honest reviewer (and if you don't believe me, look at some of the reviews I have given)

I had no idea what to expect from this book - its listed as "A laugh-out-loud tale of love, life lessons, and an odd little man named Mungo Thunk. " and normally I avoid 'laugh-out-loud' books like the plague. The ones written by women tend to focus on such delightful topics as blocked toilets or dog farts and are not in the slightest bit funny.

To be honest, this book wasn't 'laugh-out-loud' (though I DID laugh at one point!) but it WAS funny and in a genuinely humorous and gentle way and I found myself reading though eager to get to the end and find out what happened.

I wont spoil it for any other readers. Suffice it to say that this is a lovely story about failure and triumph, about the challenges life throws at you and how, sometimes, all you need is a bit of courage and self-belief. (and a Mungo Thunk?)

Every single character was engaging and well-developed, the writing flowed easily and I didn't notice any errors.

Its an unusual book to 'shelve' - I honestly don't know what category it would come under but I will certainly re-read it and I will also be looking for other books by this author - I am surprised they are not listed on GR!

One thing I really did appreciate about the writing (and perhaps this is because the author is male) is that there were no hideously cringe-worthy 'humiliation' scenes where the H (not that he IS much of an 'H' at the start) is made to look a complete idiot by a woman. (Daisy, btw, was simply lovely)

So, 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because I was rather judgemental before I started reading this, and it was really REALLY nice to be proved wrong.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think I must now have read everything Mr Pearson has produced (with the exception of this one’s sequel). I save them for times when work-related literature has bored and frustrated me and for when I need a wonderfully light, old fashioned feel-good tale. And this is certainly that.

A message for anyone out there that is finding it difficult raising a smile and who might need their spirits lifted… pick up this (or any of Mr Pearson’s books really), it will lead you away for a while. We all need that sometimes.

[Stuart Duffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best self help book you are ever going to read.


I'm a big big fan of Keith's books. The main character is the person you end up consumed by, you root for them, empathise with them, want to shake them and jump for joy if they achieve anything! The other characters particularly the one who drives the story are great fun and different from his last tale.

This book is everything a professional coach or guru is going to teach anyone. It shows solving problems is down to just one person. Loads to inspire make you smile and genuinely make you think positively in this book. Great twist and loved how Adam changed throughout the book.

[Gaufre]

Couldn't get into this book. Adam was making too many dumb mistakes at the beginning.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Perfect book...A Major Accomplishment

Mungo Is most definitely one of the Finest and most Brilliantly rendered characters I have encountered in the many thousands of books I have read. Absolutely unforgettable as well as hilarious and touching novel that receives my highest recommendation. The plot as well as the characters are so brilliantly rendered that I will most definitely be reading more of the of this writers work. Just a truly unforgettable reading experience

Rick Friedman
Founder

The James Mason Community Book Club. (8,000+ Members)

[jacqueline douglis · Rating 5 out of 5]

And yet again

Well keith ye'v did it again, great book couldnt put it down. Light hearted and stole you away from reality for a time, well worth the read, again well done and thank you

[Phil Altimas · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a great read
this is the story of a guy who's life is ambling along, he is in a dead end job and his relationship it teetering on the edge. then he makes a mistake and soon after mungo Thunk walks into his life

i love mungo, i need him in my life

[Lynn G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing and unexpected read. It's hard to describe. I would recommend listening to the audio version so that the reader/listener can appreciate the evolving vocalizations and personality of Mungo Thunk.

Adam Maxwell, a down-on-his-luck, 30-something, pub crawling, directionless, self sabotaging window washer finally ruins the best thing in his life; his engagement to Daisy. His future looks hopeless, and bleak, as does his bank account. Despairing he finally looks for a therapist, and a lodger, to solve his immediate concerns: money and mental wellness . In steps Mungo Thunk, a very unusual, extremely logical, clad all in black, little man.

In a matter of weeks, we see Adam Maxwell begin to be more introspective, figure out who and what is important in his life, control his knee-jerk reactions, and try to find a way to win back Daisy's love.

There is much humor and wisdom in this book and a few tears as well.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite liked this book and the journey both Mungo and Adam took on this journey of self discovery but it didn't work as well as the hilarious time travel novels written by Keith Pearson. No bad as we say in Fife.

Ray Smillie

[Joe Fisher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting premise, slightly odd, perfectly fine if you don't think about it too hard!

Called the plot 'twist' early on in the book and then struggled to understand how lots of elements tied each other together. Seemed a little gung-ho in the last quarter.

Basically, it was a harmless, easy read type of book! Nothing more, nothing less.

[Sophie Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the very high rating this book has, I wanted to enjoy it more. The story itself was good and captivating, but I caught on quite early as to where the story was going (the twist at the end) and I just hoped there would be more of a revelation and some of the manyyyy questions I had would be answered. Perhaps they weren’t supposed to be, but for what was a great concept for a book, I was left frustrated and wanting at the end, having already guessed where it was heading (and normally I’m not good at guessing plot twists!) I wish I had been proven wrong. It just seemed a bit too obvious and then blurred the lines between being realistic and fairytale, for want of a better word. Still, the overall plot, development and character profiles were engaging and it kept me captivated, even if I was left a bit disappointed at the end!

[Gosia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I've been duped :-) There are some sentences I'm not a fan of ("emotions are your enemy") but I do understand the point (it could have been written a tad differently, though). The first 25% is quite hard to get through, so many times I wanted to condemn the main character for being a cowardly idiot. But, again, I understand why it was done that way and the moment Mungo shows up, it's quite interesting and captivating (especially if you like to figure out yourself some secrets). Even though this is fiction, I have quite a few notes about life and choices in general. I feel reinvigorated (and yes, it might last a second only, but it's still much more than what I feel after some other books, lol).

[John Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle, poignant, story!

This book was very different from my usual, rather narrow, selection but I found it to be an exceptional read. I didn't find many " laugh out loud " passages but that was not what this book was about. It told the story of one man's very personal rise from abject despair to success, both in terms of financial triumphs and family contentment. The author posed the question, what really makes us happy in life and how do we achieve that personal nirvana?

[Mrs. Moira McGeough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual type of book but I am so glad I read it. With Mungo's help Adam turns his life around and boy did it need turning around| All the characters are well developed and believable and humour carries the story along. I wouldn't go with the laugh out loud claims but humour certainly. I think most people could relate to the family characters and situations in this book. A good read.

[Miss Dizzy Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book, emotional roller coaster, not sure how he does it, just brilliant!!

[Erin-Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 40%
I just couldn’t push through this. I was so bored and just didn’t care for the characters.

[Lu Etchells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually react well to books hailed as being "laugh out loud"; however, there was something about this that just immediately appealed, and made me throw caution to the wind. For once, I'm glad - this was a delightful read.

Now, there were the occasional laugh out loud moments (I even had to stop and read certain sections to the long-suffering husband) but I confess they tapered off after the first few chapters. That's not a complaint, just an observation, which means I don't think you can hail this as being quite the hilarious book some seem to be doing so.

That doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable - because it was. The main character is a loveable idiot, perhaps we know him, perhaps we are him - he's useless in an inoffensive and charming way, so it's impossible not to cheer him on. As such, this is a fantastic feel-good and heart warming tale.
I am especially impressed that Pearson has stuck to being an Indie writer - I dread to think what a publishing house might have done to dilute this. So, thank you! Sincerely. Mungo is a fantastic character who would have been corrupted by the lure of advance payments.

I personally felt that the end could have done with a bit more work. We were building up to this big reveal right from chapter 1 about who/what Mungo is, and why he's there … and it just felt a little rushed. Neat bow. Bye now. Move on. Yes, it's precisely how Mungo would have wanted it but, damnit, I want more! So, it's a very high 4 out of 5 from me and I'll be keeping my eye on you, Pearson.

[Remy Sharp · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a clever story in here, with some decent humour but for me, personally, the undertone of sexism and 1980s machismo was a turn off.

I almost want to put two ratings for this book. One for the story and one for how I enjoyed the story. Amazingly I've actually read everything that Pearson (the author) has published. I _really_ enjoyed the early works and the Clement series is pretty strong - though the last Clement book had similar tones that this book had. I can't quite articulate it, but it feels like Jim Davidson…

The actual story, once it gets around 30% and we meet Mungo Thunk, is pretty entertaining. The protagonist is (unrealistically, but works for the story) transformed from a completely unreliable and irresponsible idiot - into a thoughtful, caring, responsible and somehow a successful entrepreneur.

Amazingly the core of the story makes sense and there's a decent twist.

But, for me personally, I don't enjoy books that a so riddled with that slimy Jim Davidson feeling.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very disappointed in this until about halfway through as it seemed to be little more than a self-help book with boring characters. And then...

WOW! What a clever concept! And so well-developed. This is why I have read everything Pearson has written.

NOTE: Pearson could certainly do with an editor. The hyper-correction of “and I” rather than “and me” after prepositions is more than a little irritating, and he does it Every Single Time. There’s also a scattering of bear/bare errors. It is also annoying that no one drinks/downs/gulps/anything—they “neck” it. They always “neck” it. Always. But by far, the most obvious (and annoying) is using the strange—to my ears anyway—sat/stood construct. Instead of “He was standing (or sitting) at the bar”, Pearson writes “He was stood (sat) at the bar.” He does this consistently no matter the education level or background of the character, no matter who is talking, no matter what. Arrrrrrrgh!

[Anthony Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while, I come across a book that grabs hold of me and says “Ah, there you are.” Keith Pearson speaks my language, and reading Mungo Thunk felt in parts like I was replaying a memory. Such is his craft, writing the familiar, the ordinary, every day, yet in an utterly engaging manner, which for me was very appealing. His characters are palpable, recognisable and his depiction of their emotions and thought processes perfect. I’ve met these people, these situations are known to me, and recounted wonderfully.
There were many laugh-out-loud moments, great one-liner’s, metaphors and funny turns of phrase worthy of a decent sitcom. But there is also the endearing underlying love story, the thread of mystical magic, the protagonist’s journey of enlightenment and the enigma of Mungo himself, whose identity will keep you guessing right until the very end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, reading it mostly on my phone at any given opportunity. An easy five stars from me.

[David Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a chance on this book. There are a lot of authors in this genre whose own descriptions promise you hours of hilarity whilst either misunderstanding humour, forgetting it also needs to have a story or, quite often, both. I almost gave up on it during the first couple of chapters too, mainly because I despised the main character. Then, naturally, we meet Mungo Thunk, and everything changes.

Great originality. This is not 'laugh out loud' (books that promise you that I find seldom are), but it both amused and interested me and was one of the few books that I've read recently that I could confidently recommend to my girlfriend. She loved it too.

One thing, without giving anything away. Keep the first chapter in your mind - it's quite key. I forgot about it, and when it revisits it at the end I thought I was reading a different book sample for a few minutes.

[Mr S A McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The completion of this book is bitter sweet for me. Having read every single one of Keith's books over the last few months, I had kept this until last. Keith has a wonderful ability to build his character plots and storylines in such a way that you suddenly realise that you do not want to put the book down and you are utterly gripped for the next chapter. Meeting Mungo Thunk was no different. I absolutely loved it. All the characters are utterly believable, you cannot help but to root for Adam to turn his life around with the help of Mungo and the plot twist at the end is brilliant. Thank you Keith for giving me months of delight with your books. It would be fair to say that I cannot wait for your next book.

[Judith Rhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Gem!

I read this book after listening to the author on Radio 2’s “ Pop Master” quiz. He lives in the next county, fairly locally, so I decided to give this book a go.
It’s not my normal read - although I have varied tastes I don’t normally do science fiction/ fantasy. I read it at night on my kindle - the first 2 nights I wondered if it was for me. I am so glad I continued reading, I have enjoyed it immensely. It has been inspiring, funny and sometimes a little sad, but throughout it has been a great read. I loved his characters and his writing style is very believable, I congratulate Keith Pearson on an interesting and original book with a great twist. I will definitely look up his other books in the hope that they are equally as good.

[Rajul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tbh, I avoid self-help books but if you throw in humour, a romance, little family drama and coat the life lessons with them, I would take the bait!

That's what Meeting Mungo Thunk is all about. Daisy, exasperated with Adam's irresponsible behaviour moves out, which puts Adam into depression. His father advises him to get a lodger so that he can pay the bills without Daisy's help and his mother advises him to consider behaviour therapy. And enters Mungo Thunk, two in one. With Mungo's help, Adam tries to turn his life around, be more responsible, and repair relationships with his family.

I wouldn't mind having a Mungo Thunk in my life!

Anyhoo, the book is hilarious but not flimsy, quite profound and almost perfect! Also, it reminded me of Mulliner series by Wodehouse.

[Catherine Clapton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say this is not a book I would have normally read but for the fact I am in a book club and it was the chosen title. For the first 3rd of the book I was thinking: this is a guys book!! Frustrating to see Adam being such a failure. Although I liked the way he named his car and talked to it to motivate it to start each day🤣But as soon as Mungo is introduced my view changed. What a character and his story arch was brilliant. I love the idea of Adam and Mungo's gradual character reversals. The mysterious recovery of Adam's dad from the stoke! The side story re Kate and her husband was fun too! The importance of family being important at every opportunity was lovely. But the link between the begining and the end was the best 👌 I would highly recommend this book👏🏼

[Helen the Bassist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've started reading my Kindle books in reverse order of purchase. I could not remember why I bought this one. I only paid 99p.

Apart from the name I remembered nothing but something must have interested me so I decided to try a little book roulette and just start reading without a memory refresh from the 'blurb'.

I loved it! This book is brilliant.

It's hard to avoid spoilers but it's the story of window cleaner Adam Maxwell who has managed to screw up his whole life, and how he gets the help he didn't even realise he needed from a most unusual source.

Just read it without the blurb...you'll love it.

How the hell I choose my book of the year now I have no idea but this is a contender!

[Richard Tubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, cover to cover!

The book is a story about Adam Maxwell, a well meaning but lazy window cleaner with very little common sense, who makes poor decisions that affect him and others around him.

One bad decision leads to another, which sees him hit rock bottom. At this point, an enigmatic therapist/lodger by the name of Mungo Thunk enters his life and everything begins to change.

Like many of author Keith Pearson’s books, this story contains both laugh out loud and very touching moments.

I was sad to reach the end of this book as I enjoyed it so much. That’s the highest praise I can give it. Highly recommended!

[Mr A D J Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I’ve just come to the (hopefully current) end of Keith A Pearson’s books. All are clever, witty, and difficult to put down. None are more so than Meeting Mungo Thunk, a fantastic read that as well as being entertaining, sad (in a good way) and at times very funny I also found to be thought provoking and motivational. The journey on which he takes the main character, Adam Maxwell, is one to which I think many can relate, and learn from. And if they can’t relate to Adam then they can at least appreciate how Keith portrays the importance and true meaning of family. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a very different book for me however it was enjoyable so I have to give it the due it deserves. It wasn't my normal type of read but that didn't mean it wasn't a good book.

Adam starts as the most annoying waste of space character however I love that you get to see his slow but obvious character growth throughout this.

This should be adapted into a film I think it would work really well. And personally I think Simon Pegg would make a great Adam and Nick Frost his friend Joe.

[Lewis Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Keith here! Started off not really sure what to expect but the more I read the more I ended up loving this. It’s funny and heart warming and actually has some key lessons within that you don’t actually realize are really important until everything starts to come together. All the characters are brilliant, even though Adam starts out as a bit of a fool you can’t help but want him to do well and constantly root for him, and even though Mungo is slightly odd you can’t do anything but love him! A well deserved 5 stars, not sure how it can be anything less!