Finding Fred

by Mark Birkett

If you like realistic and heartfelt contemporary fiction - The Kite Runner, Eat Pray Love, The Joy Luck Club, you will love Finding Fred.Fred destroys his teaching career to find himself, but when an unexpected friendship with a dying man blossoms, he has a chance to stop uprooting his life.

"The author has really crafted an endearing story that captures the highs and (especially) the lows of "finding oneself" that many young gay men go through as they ponder a move to a large city, leaving their familiar life behind to join a community. The cast of characters are diverse and believably written, with some particularly enjoyable in their "tough love" approach to support our well-intentioned but often inconsiderate protagonist. I look forward to reading more in the series!""Brilliant novel told through the eyes of a gay man working in education, navigating his early adult life and the experiences that came with it. Refreshing to read fiction with so much truth and conviction through this lens as a straight woman. Has a bit of everything; drama, love, friendship, lifestyle and very real challenges that face the gay community. The characters are so fully conveyed, I feel as though I want to join them all on a Friday afternoon in the pub! Thank you for opening my eyes in such an entertaining way. Can’t wait to read your next book.""This book takes you on the rollercoaster that is Fred's journey to self discovery. At times infuriating, and others incredibly emotional and insightful. Interesting twist towards the end and all in all a great read. Will be very keen to see which of the characters Mark has in mind for his next book."

Fred wheels along a path of self-sabotage onto an avenue of recklessness and disgrace. Yet his innate compassion and gumption shine as he enters a world, a legacy, that was almost erased. In this world, he has a chance for an unexpected man to change his life. Ultimately, a story of self-discovery, and finding love.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2021

About the author

Published 3 light-hearted, coming-of-age, young adult novels.

Reviews

[Andrew Mash · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is nothing in this book that could not have been improved by both a good copy editor/proof reader and a good literary editor. It is ridiculously overwritten and a well sharpened and honed royal blue ink coloured wooden writing instrument (a blue pencil) would have done wonders. Straining after words is tiresome to read, and somewhat ironic, given the protagonist is an English teacher who bemoans the state of his pupils education. Grammar and poor style apart the content is really not bad, some appallingly recognisable situations and reactions, that suggest the author is open to ideas and characterisation beyond his current ability to write. I look forward to his getting it.

[Rosy Webb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Totally agree with another reviewer - there is a lot to like in this book but it needs a seriously good editor to tidy it, remove typos, grammatical errors and overly worked sections. Then it would be the 5 star book that Amazon reviewers seem to think it is.

[Mark Birkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

My own book so obviously have to give 5 stars ;)