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46% Better Than Dave
SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOLLINGER EVERYMAN WODEHOUSE PRIZE 2020
A novel of jealousy, muddy shoes and giant barbecues.
Dave Brookman’s new next-door neighbour is ruining his life. Because in a bizarre coincidence, he’s also called Dave Brookman, he’s the same age and he even grew up in the same town. There is one big difference, though – this new Dave is vastly more successful in every way.
As Dave starts questioning everything about himself, suddenly his perfect life seems a lot less than perfect. And what starts as friendly rivalry soon turns into obsessive jealousy and crazy behaviour that could see Dave lose it all.
Can he get a grip before it’s too late?
A novel of jealousy, muddy shoes and giant barbecues.
Dave Brookman’s new next-door neighbour is ruining his life. Because in a bizarre coincidence, he’s also called Dave Brookman, he’s the same age and he even grew up in the same town. There is one big difference, though – this new Dave is vastly more successful in every way.
As Dave starts questioning everything about himself, suddenly his perfect life seems a lot less than perfect. And what starts as friendly rivalry soon turns into obsessive jealousy and crazy behaviour that could see Dave lose it all.
Can he get a grip before it’s too late?
245 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2019
80 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Alastair Puddick
5 books28 followersAlastair Puddick is a writer and editor who has spent the past 15 years writing for a variety of magazines and websites. His work has spanned many different paths from jetting off to exciting cities across the world to writing about dating advice, data centres, facilities management and the exciting world of flooring. He also once wrote an agony advice column posing as Elvis Presley's ghost.
Alastair still works as a copywriter and lives in Sussex with his fiancée Laura. The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring is his first novel.
Alastair still works as a copywriter and lives in Sussex with his fiancée Laura. The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 16, 2019
This is the reason I love doing blog tours. I get to read books that would never have been on my radar. I get introduced to new authors, and I get to be amazed each time.
Thanks to Kelly Lacey at Love Books Group for my spot on this blog tour and also to Alaistair and Raven Crest Books for my gifted digital copy in exchange of an honest review.
This is Puddick's third novel, but my first of his that I have read. And, going by this one I'll most definitely be getting the other two.
Ok, so what's this story about? We meet Dave Brockman. He has a good life, an amazing family. He's great at his creative marketing job. He lives in a fantastic house. But, when new neighbours move in next door. Dave starts to re-evaluate his whole life. Why? Well how's this for a massive coincidence? The new next door neighbour is also called Dave Brockman, he works in creative marketing and he also has a stunning wife and two kids. Original Dave can't quite believe what is going on. And, in a tale of trying to be better than others and comparing yourself, Dave suddenly spirals out of control.
Let me just put it out there, I wanted to give Dave a massive slap round the face. On numerous occasions, he really annoyed me!! (Yes, double exclamation marks annoyed) Seriously couldn't Dave see what he was doing was completely stupid. Talk of mid-life crisis. Dave was on the verge of destruction. He believed that New Dave was better than him (can you guess by how much?) And, that the only way to remedy this was to set out a plan. What follows is a story of pure gold. I loved it, and despite hating Dave most of the time, I just couldn't put the book down. I wanted to know what dumb arse stupid thing Dave would do next.
This book was such an easy read, and Puddick captures real life perfectly. We've all been there haven't we? Comparing ourselves to others. Wondering what we could do to be better, and getting dam right angry with that other person for seemingly being perfect. Trust me in the fact that you need to read what Dave does to be on par with new Dave. It will have you fuming, rolling your eyes and also it will have you chuckling away. Because, Puddick delivers this story with just enough humour to top off a great tale.
Some of my highlights were to name a few, the huge challenge he takes on in being fit, that classic boardroom scene, I was in fits of laughter with that. The carpet mushroom... Oh I could go on. But, that would ruin your enjoyment because you know your going to buy this book now.
Thanks to Kelly Lacey at Love Books Group for my spot on this blog tour and also to Alaistair and Raven Crest Books for my gifted digital copy in exchange of an honest review.
This is Puddick's third novel, but my first of his that I have read. And, going by this one I'll most definitely be getting the other two.
Ok, so what's this story about? We meet Dave Brockman. He has a good life, an amazing family. He's great at his creative marketing job. He lives in a fantastic house. But, when new neighbours move in next door. Dave starts to re-evaluate his whole life. Why? Well how's this for a massive coincidence? The new next door neighbour is also called Dave Brockman, he works in creative marketing and he also has a stunning wife and two kids. Original Dave can't quite believe what is going on. And, in a tale of trying to be better than others and comparing yourself, Dave suddenly spirals out of control.
Let me just put it out there, I wanted to give Dave a massive slap round the face. On numerous occasions, he really annoyed me!! (Yes, double exclamation marks annoyed) Seriously couldn't Dave see what he was doing was completely stupid. Talk of mid-life crisis. Dave was on the verge of destruction. He believed that New Dave was better than him (can you guess by how much?) And, that the only way to remedy this was to set out a plan. What follows is a story of pure gold. I loved it, and despite hating Dave most of the time, I just couldn't put the book down. I wanted to know what dumb arse stupid thing Dave would do next.
This book was such an easy read, and Puddick captures real life perfectly. We've all been there haven't we? Comparing ourselves to others. Wondering what we could do to be better, and getting dam right angry with that other person for seemingly being perfect. Trust me in the fact that you need to read what Dave does to be on par with new Dave. It will have you fuming, rolling your eyes and also it will have you chuckling away. Because, Puddick delivers this story with just enough humour to top off a great tale.
Some of my highlights were to name a few, the huge challenge he takes on in being fit, that classic boardroom scene, I was in fits of laughter with that. The carpet mushroom... Oh I could go on. But, that would ruin your enjoyment because you know your going to buy this book now.
March 18, 2020
Meet Dave Brookman, husband, father creative content manger for a PR company, he has a happy life that is until he gets a new neighbour who is also called Dave Brookman! Our Dave finds himself comparing every aspect of his life to new Dave, even going to far as to creating a spreadsheet and working out a formula which leads him to believe that he 46% worse that new Dave. He gets so jaded and clouded with jealousy over a man that he assumes has a better live than him, when in reality he is just a man who has all the appearances of being better but is in actual fact pretty much on par with Dave just in mountains of debt!
There are a few funny moments in this book and few moments where you want to scream at Dave and say stop comparing yourself to new Dave – but after reading this book I reflected on the times I compared myself to others and how in this day and age we seem to do so. For Dave though it almost cost him in wife, family and job.
This was a great book that I really enjoyed, and I look forward to reading more from Alastair.
There are a few funny moments in this book and few moments where you want to scream at Dave and say stop comparing yourself to new Dave – but after reading this book I reflected on the times I compared myself to others and how in this day and age we seem to do so. For Dave though it almost cost him in wife, family and job.
This was a great book that I really enjoyed, and I look forward to reading more from Alastair.
November 5, 2019
Dave is such a whiney character. By the time I was 7% through the book (according to my kindle) I was annoyed with his whiney obsession over New Dave. He reminded me a tween girl obsessing over the girl in her class who got her boobs first. Through the book, everyone is holding his hand and stroking his ego and he still continues to sulk about not being as good as his neighbour New Dave. The entire focus of the book is him trying to be better than New Dave. I thought it was an interesting concept and couldn't wait to read it but rather than funny I just found it to be annoying
At one point Dave gets extremely drunk, falls into New Dave's pool and almost drowns. New Dave rescues him and instead of being at least a little thankful, Dave is consumed with thoughts about how New Dave "had got one over" on him.
I've read in other reviews that this book was funny. While there was about 3 funny lines in the book, the rest of it was just not funny. Obviously, I just don't get it.
The writing itself was good. The story was fine. This just wasn't for me.
At one point Dave gets extremely drunk, falls into New Dave's pool and almost drowns. New Dave rescues him and instead of being at least a little thankful, Dave is consumed with thoughts about how New Dave "had got one over" on him.
I've read in other reviews that this book was funny. While there was about 3 funny lines in the book, the rest of it was just not funny. Obviously, I just don't get it.
The writing itself was good. The story was fine. This just wasn't for me.
February 13, 2021
Come on, people. You know you love to laugh. This book deserves far more readers. It was shortlisted for The Bolinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction 2020. I can't believe it didn't take the prize. It is hysterical.
True, while laughing one moment, you want to grab Dave 1 by the throat and shake some sense into him the next, but that's exactly why he reminded me of Wodehouse's Bertie Wooster. Only Dave 1 is closer to Jeeves in smarts until jealousy overrides all common sense. Get a grip, man! Mixed with the laughter is plenty of empathy and pathos, and that makes us appreciate the dark humor even more.
p.s. A graphic novel took the Wodehouse prize, so I'm fairly certain I'd have voted for this one.
True, while laughing one moment, you want to grab Dave 1 by the throat and shake some sense into him the next, but that's exactly why he reminded me of Wodehouse's Bertie Wooster. Only Dave 1 is closer to Jeeves in smarts until jealousy overrides all common sense. Get a grip, man! Mixed with the laughter is plenty of empathy and pathos, and that makes us appreciate the dark humor even more.
p.s. A graphic novel took the Wodehouse prize, so I'm fairly certain I'd have voted for this one.
November 20, 2019
This is my first read by Alistair Puddick and I dare say it won't be my last! It was so refreshing to enjoy the journey of all the characters - not just the heroes/protagonists but the "anti-heroes"/antagonists.
This book centers around Dave Bookman and his new neighbors, aptly named Dave Bookman! I really enjoyed the back-and-forth between characters and found this to be a fun, quick read!
This book centers around Dave Bookman and his new neighbors, aptly named Dave Bookman! I really enjoyed the back-and-forth between characters and found this to be a fun, quick read!
May 29, 2021
This is another of m backlist reads. It is a book I have had on my shelf a while and only now gotten around to. It has a very odd premise, although, if you think about it, the rapid obsession shown in the tale rings true.
Dave Brookman is an ordinary man leading an average life with a house, wife and kids. Then one day, in a flashy car with a better-looking family, another Dave Brookman moves in next door. This sends our original man into a spiral. He uses his brain that works in percentages to chart out how different he is from his new neighbour. Insane jealousy and poor self-worth have him drowning in sad thoughts while his family is pushed away due to his behaviour.
It is a realistic portrayal of a man who feels sorry for himself. I would have liked it even better if it was a shorter escapade. He has one too many almost recoveries before the actual epiphany. If not for that and maybe a slight reduction in the swearing, I would have rated it higher.
I am sure that people who are not bothered by casual swearing of people at the end of their rope would enjoy this chaotic but eventually positive learning arc even more than I did.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley, the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this book.
Dave Brookman is an ordinary man leading an average life with a house, wife and kids. Then one day, in a flashy car with a better-looking family, another Dave Brookman moves in next door. This sends our original man into a spiral. He uses his brain that works in percentages to chart out how different he is from his new neighbour. Insane jealousy and poor self-worth have him drowning in sad thoughts while his family is pushed away due to his behaviour.
It is a realistic portrayal of a man who feels sorry for himself. I would have liked it even better if it was a shorter escapade. He has one too many almost recoveries before the actual epiphany. If not for that and maybe a slight reduction in the swearing, I would have rated it higher.
I am sure that people who are not bothered by casual swearing of people at the end of their rope would enjoy this chaotic but eventually positive learning arc even more than I did.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley, the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this book.
November 28, 2020
46% better than most other books in its genre.
I read a lot of chick lit for men. Well, it’s not chick lit at all, is it, really, its for everyone. It’s everyone-lit. Anyhow, enough with the gender appropriation, I don’t want this review to get all serious, after all this is not a serious book.
So, on the surface the story here seems all a bit lighthearted and fun (which it is) but not exclusively, there is also a universal message going on under the surface, which is BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY! Sorry for the caps. I didn’t mean to shout. But it felt necessary to hammer the message home.
So yeah, get the book, read it, laugh and be humbled.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for their generosity in allowing me to enjoy this book free of charge, it isn’t taken for granted.
I read a lot of chick lit for men. Well, it’s not chick lit at all, is it, really, its for everyone. It’s everyone-lit. Anyhow, enough with the gender appropriation, I don’t want this review to get all serious, after all this is not a serious book.
So, on the surface the story here seems all a bit lighthearted and fun (which it is) but not exclusively, there is also a universal message going on under the surface, which is BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY! Sorry for the caps. I didn’t mean to shout. But it felt necessary to hammer the message home.
So yeah, get the book, read it, laugh and be humbled.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for their generosity in allowing me to enjoy this book free of charge, it isn’t taken for granted.
May 12, 2024
At one point I nearly gave up as 'our' Dave was such a stupid little man.
There was unexploited potential for a Rachel's Holiday style story with a much deeper thread to mine...a wasted opportunity perhaps, but there was still a good lesson to learn.
Dave One deserves everything that happens...especially the cat, who is a great judge of character.
There was unexploited potential for a Rachel's Holiday style story with a much deeper thread to mine...a wasted opportunity perhaps, but there was still a good lesson to learn.
Dave One deserves everything that happens...especially the cat, who is a great judge of character.
December 18, 2019
Oh, Dave, Dave, Dave…
Meet Dave. Good husband, good father. Dave has a lovely life, a job he likes, friends, and a house over his head.
But one day, Dave also gets a new neighbour. His name is Dave. The similarities don’t end there, unfortunately. What could have been a fun coincidence turns into what I can only call a pure mess.
How would you react if the guy living next to you was you, or rather a better version of you?
This novel triggered lots of emotions in me. I laughed at the absurdity of things, I was uncomfortable because I could relate to Dave’s struggles. I felt sorry for him. I tutted and sighed, annoyed at his choices. The hardest part was not knowing how I would have reacted to the same situation.
I am pretty sure most of us are prone to comparing ourselves to others. Someone in the street. A colleague. Of course, it passes. There are limits to those comparisons. Those people are not a mirror ready to reflect all you did wrong.
The problem is Dave’s neighbour is not just anyone. They share so much more than a name that our Dave begins to make a list. Because he feels something is wrong. How can they be so similar and yet so different? Why is our Dave less successful? Of course, success is subjective, and this is what our main character needs to learn the hard way.
Through his mad obsession, Dave discovers how destructive it is let jealousy burn you from inside!
If this novel is hilarious and the perfect read for any situation, there is also a thick layer of depth and exploration of why we are our best enemy. One move and Dave’s life shatters in a million pieces. I am guilty of having felt so stupid, useless, and so less interesting than other people. I have wondered why I was paid less. Why my hair couldn’t be shinier and prettier. Why clothes never fell the right way on me. Those feelings can eat you alive. Dave is the best example I have! It’s all in the way you decide to look at things. Seriously, how important is the size of your barbecue?!!!
How easy it is for us to forget what we have when we are blinded by what others possess. What a dreadful thought. I hate competition, and for a good reason. It never brings the best out of people! Just look at those footballers yelling and insulting the referees! The author has a knack for putting his finger right where it hurts, using Dave to pinpoint exactly what is wrong with our behavior with humour and a very unique style that makes the read easy and unforgettable.
With endearing characters and a crazy but so real account of what can take us over the edge, Alastair Puddick has written one fantastic book!
Meet Dave, go for the ride of his life, and don’t assume anything!
Meet Dave. Good husband, good father. Dave has a lovely life, a job he likes, friends, and a house over his head.
But one day, Dave also gets a new neighbour. His name is Dave. The similarities don’t end there, unfortunately. What could have been a fun coincidence turns into what I can only call a pure mess.
How would you react if the guy living next to you was you, or rather a better version of you?
This novel triggered lots of emotions in me. I laughed at the absurdity of things, I was uncomfortable because I could relate to Dave’s struggles. I felt sorry for him. I tutted and sighed, annoyed at his choices. The hardest part was not knowing how I would have reacted to the same situation.
I am pretty sure most of us are prone to comparing ourselves to others. Someone in the street. A colleague. Of course, it passes. There are limits to those comparisons. Those people are not a mirror ready to reflect all you did wrong.
The problem is Dave’s neighbour is not just anyone. They share so much more than a name that our Dave begins to make a list. Because he feels something is wrong. How can they be so similar and yet so different? Why is our Dave less successful? Of course, success is subjective, and this is what our main character needs to learn the hard way.
Through his mad obsession, Dave discovers how destructive it is let jealousy burn you from inside!
If this novel is hilarious and the perfect read for any situation, there is also a thick layer of depth and exploration of why we are our best enemy. One move and Dave’s life shatters in a million pieces. I am guilty of having felt so stupid, useless, and so less interesting than other people. I have wondered why I was paid less. Why my hair couldn’t be shinier and prettier. Why clothes never fell the right way on me. Those feelings can eat you alive. Dave is the best example I have! It’s all in the way you decide to look at things. Seriously, how important is the size of your barbecue?!!!
How easy it is for us to forget what we have when we are blinded by what others possess. What a dreadful thought. I hate competition, and for a good reason. It never brings the best out of people! Just look at those footballers yelling and insulting the referees! The author has a knack for putting his finger right where it hurts, using Dave to pinpoint exactly what is wrong with our behavior with humour and a very unique style that makes the read easy and unforgettable.
With endearing characters and a crazy but so real account of what can take us over the edge, Alastair Puddick has written one fantastic book!
Meet Dave, go for the ride of his life, and don’t assume anything!
October 20, 2019
Soooo! This one is so out of my general pick of the week that it’s not even funny. Although the book itself is funny. So, about this book, someone on GoodReads called it the adult version of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” and I think it’s pretty on point.
This book uses the literary doppelgänger trope winningly, Dave Brookman is a victim of his plans and ideas. When another Dave moves in the neighbourhood, our Dave starts to feel a bit odd (but obvious) and a bit intimidated/sad because the other Dave apparently has everything this Dave doesn’t. A successful career, a model wife and everything that suddenly seems to be what our Dave wanted his life to be.
I think I read it quickly but didn’t update it on GoodReads promptly. (Story of my life) It’s not super new but it’s certainly interesting and entertaining enough that I kinda flew through it. Underneath the humorous take on the situation, there’s a serious thread running throughout the story. It gives focus to how much we compare our lives and everything in life with others, with those we think are superior to us or living better on self-imposed criteria and eligibility.
While this is a fairly good book, there were parts that I felt dragged a bit, at times too many times for my comfort. I did giggle and snort and it’s a solid 3.5 stars for me but I wish it was edited a bit better so that the flow was better. Overall, a fun and quick read and something that makes you think once you are finished reading.
This book uses the literary doppelgänger trope winningly, Dave Brookman is a victim of his plans and ideas. When another Dave moves in the neighbourhood, our Dave starts to feel a bit odd (but obvious) and a bit intimidated/sad because the other Dave apparently has everything this Dave doesn’t. A successful career, a model wife and everything that suddenly seems to be what our Dave wanted his life to be.
I think I read it quickly but didn’t update it on GoodReads promptly. (Story of my life) It’s not super new but it’s certainly interesting and entertaining enough that I kinda flew through it. Underneath the humorous take on the situation, there’s a serious thread running throughout the story. It gives focus to how much we compare our lives and everything in life with others, with those we think are superior to us or living better on self-imposed criteria and eligibility.
While this is a fairly good book, there were parts that I felt dragged a bit, at times too many times for my comfort. I did giggle and snort and it’s a solid 3.5 stars for me but I wish it was edited a bit better so that the flow was better. Overall, a fun and quick read and something that makes you think once you are finished reading.
December 6, 2021
This is the third and most recent of this author's books and all of them have been home runs or the equivalent sports metaphor in cricket or "football" (soccer for us Americans). The quirky characters and unlikely events that befall them, mostly due to their own actions, are delightful to read about. The protagonist, however, does seem to suffer painful consequences on a regular basis, while I generally laugh through most of the story. Set in England, the humor is not as dry as I expected and should appeal even to those who do not find British TV comedies particularly funny. Of course, it is not all just entertainment. There are important lifestyle philosophies imparted to the reader which will get you thinking about the path your own life is on, particularly regarding your choice of employment. In the end they all, well you should read it for yourself.
January 29, 2020
Great book!
I don't know how he does it, but Alastair creates characters you genuinely gain an emotional attachment to. Dave Brookman will make you laugh, then he'll piss you off, then you'll feel sorry for him, then he'll make you laugh again and you'll start pulling for him again. It's an emotional roller coaster and it's great.
I don't know how he does it, but Alastair creates characters you genuinely gain an emotional attachment to. Dave Brookman will make you laugh, then he'll piss you off, then you'll feel sorry for him, then he'll make you laugh again and you'll start pulling for him again. It's an emotional roller coaster and it's great.
August 8, 2019
3.5 stars...This was entertaining, and I'm going to read the author's other novels. But it did have some issues. One burning question I'd love to know the answer to is why there was a cool or cold breeze going up the main character's pants leg every other chapter.
August 15, 2022
46% Better Than Dave
This is such a good book! Witty and clever with great characters and storyline. There are twists and turns and even good morals to be learned. I highly recommend this book!
This is such a good book! Witty and clever with great characters and storyline. There are twists and turns and even good morals to be learned. I highly recommend this book!
November 25, 2022
See my full review of this title on my blog: Books Under the Blanket (with a flashlight): https://booksundertheblanket.com/back...
July 2, 2021
This is the first book that I have read from this author and was really not sure what to expect. Dave is your stereotypical middle age man having a midlife crisis of sorts, but just on a larger and way odder scale. It took me a while to really get invested in the story, however am glad that I kept going. The last half of the book was pretty hilarious at times and just had so many different imaginative and off the wall type of things that occurred. I think the obsession with the other Dave went on way too long and was focused on too much in my opinion. It almost felt like reading a Tiger Beat as a teen girl in the early 90's. I would like to see what else this author can do and want to read more. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.
May 18, 2021
Have you ever found yourself insanely, stupidly jealous of a friend or neighbor? Well, Dave Brookman has, when his new neighbor moves in - with his own business, a sporty car, an ex-model wife, plans to expand his home (with a pool and sauna), and the same name as Dave. In New Dave, he sees everything he thinks he should have been and obsesses over a spreadsheet scoring his life with New Dave's and finds himself coming up 46% "less than."
While definitely an exaggeration of the way I've felt, Dave's story is relatable - and the exaggeration of his actions just shows how ridiculous such comparisons can be. Just the sort of thing some of us needed to see.
While definitely an exaggeration of the way I've felt, Dave's story is relatable - and the exaggeration of his actions just shows how ridiculous such comparisons can be. Just the sort of thing some of us needed to see.
April 25, 2025
I laughed out loud so many times reading this book. The way it’s written is both serious and witty, and pulls you in straight away with the story line.
Two neighbours with exactly the same name? Same location when growing up? What are the odds!?
The serious note when Dave looses his family to his obsession and his slow descent into crippling depression, really hit home with me as I suffer with depression. The black dog is real and so hard to keep at bay.
I also love the plug about how important mental health is, especially in the work place.
Very well written indeed! I shall be reading more of this gentleman’s work.
Two neighbours with exactly the same name? Same location when growing up? What are the odds!?
The serious note when Dave looses his family to his obsession and his slow descent into crippling depression, really hit home with me as I suffer with depression. The black dog is real and so hard to keep at bay.
I also love the plug about how important mental health is, especially in the work place.
Very well written indeed! I shall be reading more of this gentleman’s work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2021
This is either my least favorite and or my most favorite book by Alastair Puddick. I don't usually tell my wife much about the books I'm reading because we tend to both read the same books. However this book I gave her a recap almost daily. The main character frustrated me so much I had to tell her everything. I was complaining to her about the book one night and she accurately pointed out to me that I had never talked to her about a book so much before we both had read it. So I'm still not sure if I loved it or hated it. Read it for yourself and find out.
March 13, 2021
Happy Read
The book kept me interested from the start and very nicely showed how people can become too enraptured by an idea and have no clue the effect it has on others. Dave thought he was getting better and learning for awhile, but he was still trapped in his obsession. Nicely psychological. For me the book was more smile inside than laugh out loud, but I smiled inside the whole way through, which is great. Thank you, Alastair!
The book kept me interested from the start and very nicely showed how people can become too enraptured by an idea and have no clue the effect it has on others. Dave thought he was getting better and learning for awhile, but he was still trapped in his obsession. Nicely psychological. For me the book was more smile inside than laugh out loud, but I smiled inside the whole way through, which is great. Thank you, Alastair!
March 19, 2025
Fantastic!
Everyone should read this book. It is laugh out loud funny, something which I find hard to come by in a novel. Every time my car miaows now I think of Dave's cat at the bedroom door and smile. It's relatable in parts, I think we all feel a small part of what Dave did sometimes. It's even made me think about my own life and be grateful for what I have. Oh and it's a good story too! ........off to find more Alastair Puddick books to read now
Everyone should read this book. It is laugh out loud funny, something which I find hard to come by in a novel. Every time my car miaows now I think of Dave's cat at the bedroom door and smile. It's relatable in parts, I think we all feel a small part of what Dave did sometimes. It's even made me think about my own life and be grateful for what I have. Oh and it's a good story too! ........off to find more Alastair Puddick books to read now
April 16, 2020
i loved this book, when a guy with same name as him move in to his street dave has a break own
he wants to be more like the other dave, we learn a lot about his mental state during us attempts to better himself
this for me was aboth a page turneer and laught out loud book
i wont give any more way , my advise READ IT
he wants to be more like the other dave, we learn a lot about his mental state during us attempts to better himself
this for me was aboth a page turneer and laught out loud book
i wont give any more way , my advise READ IT
December 20, 2024
I can’t recall what was the last book that made me laugh out so loud. Clever and silly, “46% Better Than Dave” deserves undeniably more readers. And obviously I have a new favorite author.
9/10⭐️ as a result of Alastair Puddock knowing how to make fun of men’s enormous ego.
You don’t need to know the plot just give it a try.
9/10⭐️ as a result of Alastair Puddock knowing how to make fun of men’s enormous ego.
You don’t need to know the plot just give it a try.
December 24, 2020
It read like a bad movie from the 90s.
Every one of the characters were terrible, self centered people. All wingy and judgemental.
Was an easy enough read, but not something I would recommend to anyone.
Did i hate it? No. But trust me, skip it and read something else. You won't miss much.
Every one of the characters were terrible, self centered people. All wingy and judgemental.
Was an easy enough read, but not something I would recommend to anyone.
Did i hate it? No. But trust me, skip it and read something else. You won't miss much.
September 5, 2021
Not a bad little book, good premise and quite funny throughout. The character of Dave gets a bit annoying at times but overall I did chuckle at several bits and particularly enjoyed his relationship with the cat.
May 29, 2024
Excellent read
Great characters and very funny. Although, I doubt my wife would be as forgiving! Hard to put it down. Don't read it where you are in company where laughing out loud night upset someone!!! Thanks
Great characters and very funny. Although, I doubt my wife would be as forgiving! Hard to put it down. Don't read it where you are in company where laughing out loud night upset someone!!! Thanks
September 26, 2024
"With a Little Understanding, We Can Find a Better Place..."
Heartfelt outpouring of emotions in generally comic blend of laugh out loud and cringeworthy middle class farce. Perfectly captures the imperfections of family life that make it worthwhile and worth fighting for.
Heartfelt outpouring of emotions in generally comic blend of laugh out loud and cringeworthy middle class farce. Perfectly captures the imperfections of family life that make it worthwhile and worth fighting for.
November 10, 2020
Think it's a nice novel - just wasn't my particular style. Rating is then my personal view, but I'd say those who like 'this type of book' will like this particular one.
November 10, 2020
A good fun read, just what I felt like.
August 15, 2021
More like 3.5, but rounded up for being so damn... positive.
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