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One-Night Stand
Ben Thomas made a mistake.
A one-night stand with Natasha Peters has got her pregnant. Now he has two options: give up on his dream as a comedian and get a day job or abandon his responsibility and be a total dick.
Only when Tash tells the full truth does a third possibility emerge...
This story recounts the all too relatable experience of a fleeting sexual encounter and the hilarious mess it can create. It details all the things you think you know about safe sex and is inspired by the true story of a comedian in crisis.
'The honesty shines through this funny, poignant page-turner. Finished it in one sitting. I just had to know!' — Dave Hughes
'Simon is one of the top comedy writers out there.' — Jay Leno
'This book will enable you to enter the mind of a comedian, but then you may have to call someone to help you get out.' — Akmal Saleh
A one-night stand with Natasha Peters has got her pregnant. Now he has two options: give up on his dream as a comedian and get a day job or abandon his responsibility and be a total dick.
Only when Tash tells the full truth does a third possibility emerge...
This story recounts the all too relatable experience of a fleeting sexual encounter and the hilarious mess it can create. It details all the things you think you know about safe sex and is inspired by the true story of a comedian in crisis.
'The honesty shines through this funny, poignant page-turner. Finished it in one sitting. I just had to know!' — Dave Hughes
'Simon is one of the top comedy writers out there.' — Jay Leno
'This book will enable you to enter the mind of a comedian, but then you may have to call someone to help you get out.' — Akmal Saleh
- GenresFiction
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 13, 2021
First of all, thank you to Simon for reaching out to be and sending me a copy of his book to read. I was happy to support an Aussie comedian/author with his first book.
One Night Stand - oh Ben Thomas, what a pickle you have gotten yourself into. Ben took a little time to warm to, but he wore me down. He is a mid twenties, struggling comedian, trying to make the big time. His optimism in a tough career choice is one of things that I liked about him. He knows he is going to make it. But then a phone call from the other side of the country has him in a spin. On a recent trip to Perth he had a one night stand with Natasha, and now she is pregnant. But... it might not be his. There is a high chance that it is his but not 100%
This is where Ben's life begins a rollercoaster of emotions and choices. Does he give up on his dreams and move to Perth to be a dad. What follows is a highly amusing and realistic story of what he is going through. He learns about pregnancy dating and how expensive having a baby is. He lives in a small and not the cleanest apartment in Melbourne so it is going to be a big change to finally become an adult.
I thought that I knew where this story was going and how it was going to end. I was pleasantly suprised when I was wrong. If you need a laugh, I can recommend picking this one up.
One Night Stand - oh Ben Thomas, what a pickle you have gotten yourself into. Ben took a little time to warm to, but he wore me down. He is a mid twenties, struggling comedian, trying to make the big time. His optimism in a tough career choice is one of things that I liked about him. He knows he is going to make it. But then a phone call from the other side of the country has him in a spin. On a recent trip to Perth he had a one night stand with Natasha, and now she is pregnant. But... it might not be his. There is a high chance that it is his but not 100%
This is where Ben's life begins a rollercoaster of emotions and choices. Does he give up on his dreams and move to Perth to be a dad. What follows is a highly amusing and realistic story of what he is going through. He learns about pregnancy dating and how expensive having a baby is. He lives in a small and not the cleanest apartment in Melbourne so it is going to be a big change to finally become an adult.
I thought that I knew where this story was going and how it was going to end. I was pleasantly suprised when I was wrong. If you need a laugh, I can recommend picking this one up.
December 22, 2020
Disclaimer - I received a free advance copy of One-night stand.
I’ll start by saying that even though I share very little in common with the target audience for this book, I still enjoyed it immensely. It’s simple without being basic, raunchy without being filthy, and grapples with ethics and obligations without being didactic. Plus it’s really funny.
One of my favourite things about this book is Taylor’s ability to really capture the essence of being a grubby 20-something year old who can’t seem to get on top of the stack of empty bowls and takeaway containers scattered throughout their apartment. There’s something so familiar and relatable about the main character, Ben Thomas, using up the day’s budget on an uber because he’s too hungover to face a bike ride to St Kilda. The book is set in 2 primary locations, Melbourne and Perth and the descriptions of both are done with good nuance. Melbourne locations that are familiar to me are instantly recognisable and those I’ve never been to (all of WA) are clear in my mind’s eye, matching up sharply with what I already thought I knew about them.
The plot of a hapless up and coming comedian maybe knocking up a girl after a one night stand progresses quickly, as pregnancies do, keeping the pace up and the page turning. But there are still moments of reflection and contemplation that help to establish realistic characters and backstories. And best of all, the plot does not go the way you might think it does. “One-night stand “ was an enjoyable read and if you’re struggling with a foggy lockdown/COVID and finding it hard to concentrate enough to get into a book, this is the one to break that mould.
I’ll start by saying that even though I share very little in common with the target audience for this book, I still enjoyed it immensely. It’s simple without being basic, raunchy without being filthy, and grapples with ethics and obligations without being didactic. Plus it’s really funny.
One of my favourite things about this book is Taylor’s ability to really capture the essence of being a grubby 20-something year old who can’t seem to get on top of the stack of empty bowls and takeaway containers scattered throughout their apartment. There’s something so familiar and relatable about the main character, Ben Thomas, using up the day’s budget on an uber because he’s too hungover to face a bike ride to St Kilda. The book is set in 2 primary locations, Melbourne and Perth and the descriptions of both are done with good nuance. Melbourne locations that are familiar to me are instantly recognisable and those I’ve never been to (all of WA) are clear in my mind’s eye, matching up sharply with what I already thought I knew about them.
The plot of a hapless up and coming comedian maybe knocking up a girl after a one night stand progresses quickly, as pregnancies do, keeping the pace up and the page turning. But there are still moments of reflection and contemplation that help to establish realistic characters and backstories. And best of all, the plot does not go the way you might think it does. “One-night stand “ was an enjoyable read and if you’re struggling with a foggy lockdown/COVID and finding it hard to concentrate enough to get into a book, this is the one to break that mould.
May 21, 2023
Ben Thomas is a comedian - his dream job. However, a one night stand has the potential to change his life forever when she rings him up and tells him he is pregnant. Ben is now faced with the decision of continuing with his current unreliable lifestyle, or stepping up and taking responsibility.
This book follows through Ben trying to work out what to do - not just with the pregnancy, but with his life. It is told with the humour you’d expect from a comedian so was an enjoyable read. I especially liked reading this from the male perspective, since most books like this are from the female pov. I also have to say, the end tugged a little at my heart strings!
Thanks to the author for the review copy.
This book follows through Ben trying to work out what to do - not just with the pregnancy, but with his life. It is told with the humour you’d expect from a comedian so was an enjoyable read. I especially liked reading this from the male perspective, since most books like this are from the female pov. I also have to say, the end tugged a little at my heart strings!
Thanks to the author for the review copy.
January 20, 2021
Oh Ben Thomas, what did you get yourself into?
One-night Stand is a rollercoaster of a story depicting the raw emotions a young man feels when he is hit with some news after a one-night stand.
I had to keep reading to find out what happens in the end.
Simon's writing is witty, entertaining and emotive.
Thoroughly enjoyed the read!
One-night Stand is a rollercoaster of a story depicting the raw emotions a young man feels when he is hit with some news after a one-night stand.
I had to keep reading to find out what happens in the end.
Simon's writing is witty, entertaining and emotive.
Thoroughly enjoyed the read!
May 24, 2021
It's not avant garde literature, but it's bloody hard to fault. It's a funny story about a one night stand - exactly what you'd expect from a comedian writing a book called "One-Night Stand". Few surprises, quite a lot of expected tropes, but extremely easy and thoroughly enjoyable reading. Laughed out loud many times!
December 16, 2020
"One-Night Stand" was incredibly fun and surprisingly heartfelt. I really loved getting to know Ben Thomas -- a fictionalized Simon Taylor -- and watching as he dealt with the conflict between his anxiety of potential fatherhood and his ambition to pursue his comedy career (and eat more than microwaved peas).
For me, it was unique to read a novel from a male perspective on unplanned pregnancy, particularly as this one didn't follow the typical trope of a "manchild" avoiding the realities of parenthood. The cast of secondary characters added a lot of life to the story, especially Ben's comedic colleague Libby and his smug-yet-lovable sister Penny. Simon Taylor's comedy writing skills really shine in the stand-up sections of the book, and I enjoyed getting an insight into how stand-up comics think when they're onstage. All of this combined with the fact that the story is based on the author's lived experience makes it feel authentic and sincere.
For me, it was unique to read a novel from a male perspective on unplanned pregnancy, particularly as this one didn't follow the typical trope of a "manchild" avoiding the realities of parenthood. The cast of secondary characters added a lot of life to the story, especially Ben's comedic colleague Libby and his smug-yet-lovable sister Penny. Simon Taylor's comedy writing skills really shine in the stand-up sections of the book, and I enjoyed getting an insight into how stand-up comics think when they're onstage. All of this combined with the fact that the story is based on the author's lived experience makes it feel authentic and sincere.
February 6, 2021
When Simon reached out to me and asked if I’d read an ARC of his book I was so excited & One Night Stand did NOT disappoint!
I loved reading from the point of view of Ben, a mid 20’s bloke, trying to make it as a comic. Ben is a slob, he’s struggling to make ends meet, but he is optimistic and driven and I loved that!
Honestly I don’t read many male POV books and I think I really need to change that!
Ben meets Tash and so begins a roller coaster of emotions. Tash ends up pregnant, buuuuut Tash isn’t so sure it’s Ben’s. Cue drama and emotional roller coaster.
Following their story I was conflicted with how I wanted it to end, at points i was dead set that I wanted Ben and Tash to get together, then I wanted Ben to make it in comedy, and then I wanted a curveball.
I think Taylor’s writing is hilarious, easy to read and emotional. I loved this story!
I have recently become interested in the comedy realm having listened to Kitty Flanagan, Adam Hills and Amy Schumers book I really understand how much work it takes to become a comic!
Well done Simon this is a great novel and I hope it does well for you!
Also just casually has a Jay Leno recommendation on the back cover... stahp 😱
I loved reading from the point of view of Ben, a mid 20’s bloke, trying to make it as a comic. Ben is a slob, he’s struggling to make ends meet, but he is optimistic and driven and I loved that!
Honestly I don’t read many male POV books and I think I really need to change that!
Ben meets Tash and so begins a roller coaster of emotions. Tash ends up pregnant, buuuuut Tash isn’t so sure it’s Ben’s. Cue drama and emotional roller coaster.
Following their story I was conflicted with how I wanted it to end, at points i was dead set that I wanted Ben and Tash to get together, then I wanted Ben to make it in comedy, and then I wanted a curveball.
I think Taylor’s writing is hilarious, easy to read and emotional. I loved this story!
I have recently become interested in the comedy realm having listened to Kitty Flanagan, Adam Hills and Amy Schumers book I really understand how much work it takes to become a comic!
Well done Simon this is a great novel and I hope it does well for you!
Also just casually has a Jay Leno recommendation on the back cover... stahp 😱
March 18, 2021
Firstly thank you so much to Simon Taylor for sending me a copy of your first published book to read and review.
This story is brutally honest from beginning to end, with so much laughter along the way. A perfectly quick, pick me up heartfelt read.
If I were to ever get accidentally pregnant I’d want this guy to be around for sure!
I hope this guy writes more relatable tales with the humour injected full force. It’s so great to get a glimpse into a comedians mind - loved this book. More please!
On a personal note - I loved that this book is not only based in Melbourne but also based in Western Australia and the places mentioned I have very fond memories of and my own stories having lived in or near the same areas for two years back in the days of travel!
This also helped me understand the Aussie slang, phrases and names for things from this Australian comedian/author.
The cover is smack you in the face stand out gorgeous - if this isn’t one of the first books you notice in a book store then you’re blind. And if you don’t pick it up and purchase it then you’re stupid too.
And he has met the guys from puppetry of the penis ... I mean ... c’mon ... how cool is that!
This story is brutally honest from beginning to end, with so much laughter along the way. A perfectly quick, pick me up heartfelt read.
If I were to ever get accidentally pregnant I’d want this guy to be around for sure!
I hope this guy writes more relatable tales with the humour injected full force. It’s so great to get a glimpse into a comedians mind - loved this book. More please!
On a personal note - I loved that this book is not only based in Melbourne but also based in Western Australia and the places mentioned I have very fond memories of and my own stories having lived in or near the same areas for two years back in the days of travel!
This also helped me understand the Aussie slang, phrases and names for things from this Australian comedian/author.
The cover is smack you in the face stand out gorgeous - if this isn’t one of the first books you notice in a book store then you’re blind. And if you don’t pick it up and purchase it then you’re stupid too.
And he has met the guys from puppetry of the penis ... I mean ... c’mon ... how cool is that!
February 17, 2021
Firstly, let me start by saying WOW … If it hadn’t been for the author Simon Taylor sending me a copy, I would have definitely walked straight past this one in the bookstore and that makes me really sad.
It takes a lot for a book to grab my attention right from the very beginning, but this hilariously awkward and easy to read book has you hooked from start to finish. You find yourself filled with different emotions and genuine laughs, all while somehow relating to the main character Ben.
If you think you know how it’s going to end … you are very mistaken. You find yourself in a hard place either rooting for Ben and his comedy career or Ben and Tash’s relationship. The on-stage performances are such an added bonus and had me feeling like I was out in the crowd laughing along with the all punch lines.
Thankyou Simon for the opportunity to read this book! My first 5 star read of 2021.
It takes a lot for a book to grab my attention right from the very beginning, but this hilariously awkward and easy to read book has you hooked from start to finish. You find yourself filled with different emotions and genuine laughs, all while somehow relating to the main character Ben.
If you think you know how it’s going to end … you are very mistaken. You find yourself in a hard place either rooting for Ben and his comedy career or Ben and Tash’s relationship. The on-stage performances are such an added bonus and had me feeling like I was out in the crowd laughing along with the all punch lines.
Thankyou Simon for the opportunity to read this book! My first 5 star read of 2021.
February 16, 2021
Reading One Night Stand made me wonder if Sue Townsend (Adrian Mole) and Clive James had a love child. It’s a compelling story told with charm and wit. But it’s more than that. I would argue that this is an important book in the sense that there can’t be too many that cover this subject from a male perspective.
Taylor is a professional comic and it shows, in all the right ways. He’s clearly also a writer and blends the two disciplines seamlessly; avoiding pathos but engendering empathy and making what could sound ridiculous and contrived, feel absolutely real, which more often than not, it is.
If you only read one book this year, it should be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but if you’re going to read two, then this should be the second.
Taylor is a professional comic and it shows, in all the right ways. He’s clearly also a writer and blends the two disciplines seamlessly; avoiding pathos but engendering empathy and making what could sound ridiculous and contrived, feel absolutely real, which more often than not, it is.
If you only read one book this year, it should be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but if you’re going to read two, then this should be the second.
May 21, 2021
A fun easy read with an insight into Australian comedian lyfe. As a Melbourne-based standup comic whose done the Australian festivals this book basically felt like a diary at different points - I've literally been to every single place it mentions.
Couldn't relate to his living conditions though, food is not for the bed!
Couldn't relate to his living conditions though, food is not for the bed!
April 15, 2023
Really fun and witty, a lot set in Perth which was great. Mandurah got a shoutout (albeit a very unglamorous one). Not sure how to feel about the ending, perhaps a little sudden. But then... maybe I like that. I don't know, I really enjoyed it. There ya go! xx
January 16, 2021
A truly great read. Funny, insightful and moving. A fresh perspective about unplanned pregnancy and how that can affect one’s life plan. Highly recommend.
February 25, 2023
Kept me guessing the whole way! Loved it!
January 26, 2021
I worried at first that One-Night Stand was going to turn into something a little slut-shamey. But I was thrilled by how feminist it was. It's cinematic, hilarious, and I've honestly never been able to relate to a male protagonist so much. Is there an Australian Nick Hornsby? If not, can Simon Taylor be it him?
January 20, 2021
One Night Stand is a really fun and easy to read story that manages to be hilarious while at the same time sensitive to the rollercoaster of emotions that come with an accidental pregnancy and an unknown paternity status. Definitely recommend - once you pick it up you’ll find it hard to put back down!
April 13, 2021
Comedy can be hit and miss on the page. There’s genuinely funny and there’s scenes that possibly seemed funny in the author’s head but didn’t translate to the page all that well. One-Night Stand is a genuinely funny book. The author, Simon Taylor, is a comedian so the odds were in favour of this being funny. I was a bit nervous going in though. I’m not a fan of stand-up comedy and the amount of un-funny comedians I’ve seen far outweigh the funny ones. And just because you’re a comedian doesn’t mean that you’re a writer. I was glad to discover with this book that Simon Taylor is not only funny, but he’s a hell of a good writer too.
With One-Night Stand, Simon Taylor has written the very definition of a page-turner. I raced through this novel, keen to find out the very thing that the main character wanted to know as well – but you’re going to have to read the book yourself to find out what that is. Ben was pretty hopeless at the start of the story, not particularly funny and not particularly responsible in any way whatsoever. As the story unfolds, Ben grows in many ways and there are some particularly poignant moments, especially to do with his own father, that proved his worth. By the end, I had an almost motherly affection for Ben and high hopes for his happiness and success.
This book was also an insightful look at the world of stand-up comedy. It’s not an easy pathway to follow and while I expected this, I wasn’t quite aware just how difficult it is to make it as a comedian, or, in all honesty, to make anything at all, dollar wise. It’s very much a career that seems to rest partially on talent and partially on being seen at the right time by the right person. Ben’s experiences, along with those of his friends, were an eye opener.
If you’re looking for a funny, yet meaningful read, I can highly recommend One-Night Stand. I feel like this story would translate to the screen really well, the whole time I was reading it I could see it playing out in my mind. It was such a pleasure to lose myself in the pages of a genuinely funny book, exactly what I needed right now. Fingers crossed that Simon Taylor has more than one book in him.
Thanks is extended to the author for providing me with a copy of One-night Stand for review.
With One-Night Stand, Simon Taylor has written the very definition of a page-turner. I raced through this novel, keen to find out the very thing that the main character wanted to know as well – but you’re going to have to read the book yourself to find out what that is. Ben was pretty hopeless at the start of the story, not particularly funny and not particularly responsible in any way whatsoever. As the story unfolds, Ben grows in many ways and there are some particularly poignant moments, especially to do with his own father, that proved his worth. By the end, I had an almost motherly affection for Ben and high hopes for his happiness and success.
This book was also an insightful look at the world of stand-up comedy. It’s not an easy pathway to follow and while I expected this, I wasn’t quite aware just how difficult it is to make it as a comedian, or, in all honesty, to make anything at all, dollar wise. It’s very much a career that seems to rest partially on talent and partially on being seen at the right time by the right person. Ben’s experiences, along with those of his friends, were an eye opener.
If you’re looking for a funny, yet meaningful read, I can highly recommend One-Night Stand. I feel like this story would translate to the screen really well, the whole time I was reading it I could see it playing out in my mind. It was such a pleasure to lose myself in the pages of a genuinely funny book, exactly what I needed right now. Fingers crossed that Simon Taylor has more than one book in him.
Thanks is extended to the author for providing me with a copy of One-night Stand for review.
June 21, 2021
First of all, what a great book from a hilarious local (for me) comedian!
Ben Thomas is a struggling funnyman from Melbourne's northern suburbs, when his life is turned upside-down by the looming prospect of becoming a father after sleeping with a girl on the other side of the country. Until, that is, that is replaced with a new looming prospect - is he actually the father, or is it 'the other guy'?
'One Night Stand' tells a story that, on the surface, evokes emotions of both humour and empathy from the reader; you really come to feel for Ben as he struggles to grapple with his conflicting emotions. How much effort 'should' he be putting in for a baby that potentially isn't his? Should he stay in comedy central of Australia, Melbourne, or move across the nation to Perth? Can he still pursue his dream career while being the ideal father?
However, delve a little deeper into the book and you'll find that the morals and values run even deeper. As Taylor describes himself in the closing chapter of his first adults novel, 'One Night Stand' truly embodies the idea that "grief for an imagined life is as real as any other grief".
Simon, if you read this, thank you for writing such an encapsulating book that really was a struggle to put down! Also, I know that you offered to buy back a copy that I bought before coming to one of your Comedy Festival shows but left in my car at the train station, resulting in me buying a second copy at your show for you to sign - but the value of this story is undoubtedly worth a hundred times more than its monetary cost. Thank you, again.
Ben Thomas is a struggling funnyman from Melbourne's northern suburbs, when his life is turned upside-down by the looming prospect of becoming a father after sleeping with a girl on the other side of the country. Until, that is, that is replaced with a new looming prospect - is he actually the father, or is it 'the other guy'?
'One Night Stand' tells a story that, on the surface, evokes emotions of both humour and empathy from the reader; you really come to feel for Ben as he struggles to grapple with his conflicting emotions. How much effort 'should' he be putting in for a baby that potentially isn't his? Should he stay in comedy central of Australia, Melbourne, or move across the nation to Perth? Can he still pursue his dream career while being the ideal father?
However, delve a little deeper into the book and you'll find that the morals and values run even deeper. As Taylor describes himself in the closing chapter of his first adults novel, 'One Night Stand' truly embodies the idea that "grief for an imagined life is as real as any other grief".
Simon, if you read this, thank you for writing such an encapsulating book that really was a struggle to put down! Also, I know that you offered to buy back a copy that I bought before coming to one of your Comedy Festival shows but left in my car at the train station, resulting in me buying a second copy at your show for you to sign - but the value of this story is undoubtedly worth a hundred times more than its monetary cost. Thank you, again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2021
Wow! This is just what I needed after my last heartbreaking read.
Ben Thomas is a stand up comedian. Not a popular one though, he is broke and struggling. Still, he is not ready to give up. He believes that his life is better than the purgatory of a corporate job and is motivated enough to keep going. However, a one night stand with Natasha Peters jolts him into a possibility of parenthood. ‘Possibility’ because Natasha isn’t sure who the father is.
What ensues is a heartfelt, witty and hilarious account of Ben’s fears about likelihood of this being his baby, his ruminations about how this will destroy his career, his never ending google search of (in)accuracy of ultrasound dating and so on.
The story is contemporary, set in 2018 in Melbourne and Perth and is divided into short chapters making the flow of writing quite engaging. I loved how the author has included scenes from Ben’s stand ups, struggling to get a laugh out of his impassive audience of four. I loved his internal monologues around his career and possible fatherhood as well. In general I love watching stand up comedy so I found this one very entertaining. A fantastic read when you are in mood for something easy and funny.
Thanks to author for sending this copy in exchange of an honest review.
Ben Thomas is a stand up comedian. Not a popular one though, he is broke and struggling. Still, he is not ready to give up. He believes that his life is better than the purgatory of a corporate job and is motivated enough to keep going. However, a one night stand with Natasha Peters jolts him into a possibility of parenthood. ‘Possibility’ because Natasha isn’t sure who the father is.
What ensues is a heartfelt, witty and hilarious account of Ben’s fears about likelihood of this being his baby, his ruminations about how this will destroy his career, his never ending google search of (in)accuracy of ultrasound dating and so on.
The story is contemporary, set in 2018 in Melbourne and Perth and is divided into short chapters making the flow of writing quite engaging. I loved how the author has included scenes from Ben’s stand ups, struggling to get a laugh out of his impassive audience of four. I loved his internal monologues around his career and possible fatherhood as well. In general I love watching stand up comedy so I found this one very entertaining. A fantastic read when you are in mood for something easy and funny.
Thanks to author for sending this copy in exchange of an honest review.
March 2, 2021
First of all I’d like to say thank you to author for reaching out to me and gifting me a copy of his new book for an honest review! So let’s go!
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I love Australian writing, and that bit of an extra connection it gives me. Throughout the story I warmed up to Ben Thomas and actually quite liked him. At the start I wanted to shake him and be like “dude! Get it together!” 🤣, but by then end of the book I really could see the growth in his character. I sometimes felt as thought during the time Tash was pregnant, the story felt a bit repetitive, but once we got to the business end of the pregnancy it definitely picked up. I would have loved to see more about what that five years looked like for Ben, as I think it could’ve been great to see more of those formative experiences.
Overall, an easy read with a few laughs sprinkled throughout, and not a story that I could predict the ending of which was surprising! I like when I don’t know how it will end! This book has also made me realise how much I miss seeing live Australian comedy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5 for me (so close to a 4 star but just missed the mark in a few small spots for me). The ending really did bring it all together, and it would’ve been great to get some more insight into those 5 years!
January 27, 2021
Simon Taylor is a comedian and writer who has a knack for torture. In his hilarious new book ‘One Night Stand’, Taylor puts his hapless protagonist Ben Thomas through the purgatory of potential fatherhood. After receiving a call from a one night stand, Ben’s dream of becoming a world famous standup is threatened by an impending avalanche of parental responsibility. The only problem is that his paternity is in question. Is it his child or someone else’s? And that uncertainty makes for a compelling and hilarious read.
Taylor has set his story around his life as a Melbourne standup. His problems play out against the background of grimy bars and unwashed sheets. But his cast of characters are completely real and accompany his existential dread with a wonderful mix of warmth and insensitivity. Taylor’s story is heartfelt and a real page turner. His interactions with friends, family, and strangers propel the story into unexpected directions.
This is Taylor’s first book and it is wonderful expression of life and love on the way up the comedy ladder. It’s a terrific read and I’m looking forward to his next mis-adventure!
Taylor has set his story around his life as a Melbourne standup. His problems play out against the background of grimy bars and unwashed sheets. But his cast of characters are completely real and accompany his existential dread with a wonderful mix of warmth and insensitivity. Taylor’s story is heartfelt and a real page turner. His interactions with friends, family, and strangers propel the story into unexpected directions.
This is Taylor’s first book and it is wonderful expression of life and love on the way up the comedy ladder. It’s a terrific read and I’m looking forward to his next mis-adventure!
October 28, 2023
When a one-night stand leads to pregnancy, Ben Thomas is determined to do the right thing by mother and child. There are only a few obstacles: as a struggling standup comedian he barely earns enough to pay his rent; he lives in Melbourne while she lives in Perth; and the big one … he may not actually be the father.
This is a good-natured novel based on a true story. Ben is a decent guy being pulled in two directions, his career opportunities and his possible family. The story highlights the precarious nature of a career in standup: the struggles to get work, the slog of being consistently funny, the professional jealousy when those around you succeed, and the worries about missing that one gig that will make your career. I found the jokes and asides amusing but there is (understandably) a big focus on getting pregnant, on working out due dates, and on sex in general that may offend some sensibilities. Author and comedian Simon Taylor narrates the audio himself and does a great job delivering all the jokes and one-liners!
This is a good-natured novel based on a true story. Ben is a decent guy being pulled in two directions, his career opportunities and his possible family. The story highlights the precarious nature of a career in standup: the struggles to get work, the slog of being consistently funny, the professional jealousy when those around you succeed, and the worries about missing that one gig that will make your career. I found the jokes and asides amusing but there is (understandably) a big focus on getting pregnant, on working out due dates, and on sex in general that may offend some sensibilities. Author and comedian Simon Taylor narrates the audio himself and does a great job delivering all the jokes and one-liners!
January 31, 2021
It is getting harder and harder to find original fiction that is funny these days, so it was fantastic to see this book just pack every right hit for a modern comedy.
It has a lot in common with what I loved about Nick Earls books growing up, but a little bit more refreshing and in line with new challenges of the modern age. It's a play on the accidental pregnancy story that I think takes a journey in a loveable but unpredictable ending, something honest and sweet, and just so annoyingly charming. I ain't even going to spoil a thing regarding plot, it's such a good read you'll be finished well before your first trimester.
To any young men, this is a good read. Know a young man who is deeply immature with basically everything, get this book for them. Want to understand what men think when we have to grow up, get this. It is surprisingly educational, terrifying in that way also, but you won't regret the laughs and heartfelt message throughout this book.
It has a lot in common with what I loved about Nick Earls books growing up, but a little bit more refreshing and in line with new challenges of the modern age. It's a play on the accidental pregnancy story that I think takes a journey in a loveable but unpredictable ending, something honest and sweet, and just so annoyingly charming. I ain't even going to spoil a thing regarding plot, it's such a good read you'll be finished well before your first trimester.
To any young men, this is a good read. Know a young man who is deeply immature with basically everything, get this book for them. Want to understand what men think when we have to grow up, get this. It is surprisingly educational, terrifying in that way also, but you won't regret the laughs and heartfelt message throughout this book.
June 17, 2021
I picked up One Night Stand because it looked like it was about stand up comedy. I've done a few open mic nights and I really connected with the opening scene which is the most compelling opener I've read in ages! I couldn't put it down. I loved it. I loved that it was set in Melbourne and Perth. I love that it was well researched and/or lived. I loved that it was actually laugh out loud funny and made me cry. I loved the characters. I loved how accurate, non-judgemental and compassionate Taylor's portrayal of a number of serious themes were. I think this would be a great high school curriculum text for upper school in Australia because of how it tackles themes and also it's a short enough novel that a really enthusiastic person could read it in a couple of sittings (me). It's honest but never graphic. I don't want to give it five stars because it made me cry too much at the end and I'm still a bit bitter, but he earned it.
January 30, 2021
This book isn't just a poignant and relatable story about a very difficult situation the protagonist finds himself in, it's also an authentic insight into the life of an emerging comic and the process of writing and developing comedy.
Great gags and one-liners aren't just delivered when Ben is on stage - they are weaved through the entirety of this story very effectively, balancing out the heavy subject matter with regular laughs - something that is so hard to pull off in a book.
I got great satisfaction rooting for Ben as his act and career improve from his woeful performance in the opening scene, in spite of the chaos in his personal life.
Ultimately this book leaves you with a strong sense that this is a real person, sharing a real story to great comic effect about how they navigated a truly impossible dilemma.
Five stars.
Great gags and one-liners aren't just delivered when Ben is on stage - they are weaved through the entirety of this story very effectively, balancing out the heavy subject matter with regular laughs - something that is so hard to pull off in a book.
I got great satisfaction rooting for Ben as his act and career improve from his woeful performance in the opening scene, in spite of the chaos in his personal life.
Ultimately this book leaves you with a strong sense that this is a real person, sharing a real story to great comic effect about how they navigated a truly impossible dilemma.
Five stars.
March 22, 2021
What does a good book do? It transports you...it takes you to another time and place...it puts you in someone else’s shoes. I am a menopausal Gen Xer, extremely clean and tidy by nature and the last thing I could ever imagine doing would be stand up comedy. For a couple of days though I got to live the life of a grotty millennial, possibly very virile comedian dude...well I don’t know how dudeish he was...I certainly connected with his sensitive side. How I enjoyed being on his crazy albeit short journey... only short as I couldn’t put this little gem down. I smiled, I chuckled and I ‘LOL’ed. It’s a cracker.
July 20, 2022
I bought this book when I saw Simon Taylor perform live one night and thought he was absolutely hilarious!
‘One Night Stand’ is easy to read, far too relatable, and not traditionally predictable, which is a breath of fresh air for this sort of romance-drama ish genre.
It’s got relationship, family, friend, and even acquaintance related drama, alongside a whole lot of accurately depicted self-doubt.
Would recommend to those who are looking for something comedic, slightly stress inducing, but also fun to read on a lazy weekend.
And it just makes me want to go and see Simon perform live again!
‘One Night Stand’ is easy to read, far too relatable, and not traditionally predictable, which is a breath of fresh air for this sort of romance-drama ish genre.
It’s got relationship, family, friend, and even acquaintance related drama, alongside a whole lot of accurately depicted self-doubt.
Would recommend to those who are looking for something comedic, slightly stress inducing, but also fun to read on a lazy weekend.
And it just makes me want to go and see Simon perform live again!
December 29, 2023
This was a nice light feel good read. I enjoyed the well-meaning and genuine nature of the protagonist Ben. I enjoyed him being caring and responsible and doing the right thing. At times the story wandered on a few tangents, but this I felt reflected Ben's youth and mindset. Ben's attitude gave me hope in the youth of today and I felt this is an important message. I feel this is aimed at a younger audience, with themes of couch surfing, staying at friends, financial struggles and non-established careers. However, this gave the fresh perspective of hope, freedom and the excitement of possibilities.
April 6, 2021
Ben Thomas finds himself in a scenario we’d all rather avoid: unplanned pregnancy. The crossroads becomes even more complicated as new information comes to light, and the journey that results is one that makes for a true page-turner. I enjoyed reading this story from a young man’s perspective; it was sobering to watch as Ben’s best laid plans as an entertainer on the brink of “making it” took a sharp turn into his new uncertain reality.
Simon’s writing is witty, honest and manages to capture the shared darkness and hilarity of a life-changing one-night stand.
Simon’s writing is witty, honest and manages to capture the shared darkness and hilarity of a life-changing one-night stand.
May 10, 2021
A fantastic read! I had the pleasure of seeing Simon tell this story on stage, and his translation of stand up humour to literary comedy is impeccable. The character development is something that grows and shines throughout the story, complemented perfectly with the punchy wit of Ben's inner thoughts and stand up routines. You can tell a lot of care has been put into crafting the story, which gifts readers a light-hearted, genuinely funny, and surprisingly educational (I'm looking at you, fellas) insight into fertility and the emotional unknowns of becoming a potential-parent.
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