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Old Boys
In this hilarious and heartfelt story from the bestselling author of Dry Hard, Will hasn’t seen his rock-star dad for thirty years. But now he’s back for an encore…
Will Fairweather is getting old. His back aches, his bowels misbehave if he eats spicy food and he’s completely lost his sense of rhythm. Life has taught him not to take risks, but even that hasn’t stopped his marriage hitting the rocks too. The last thing he needs is a surprise call from Red Fairweather, devil-may-care rock god―and the father Will hasn’t seen for thirty years.
If Will’s old before his time, Red’s the boy who won’t grow up.
When Will needs somewhere to live, with nowhere else to turn, he finds himself back with the hellraiser who deserted his family. As Will tries to come to terms with the downward spiral of his life, he starts to realise there’s more to Red than he thought―there’s a real human being under all that leather and attitude, a dad determined to make up for lost time and help his son get back on track.
Can Will make his peace with a father seeking forgiveness?
Will Fairweather is getting old. His back aches, his bowels misbehave if he eats spicy food and he’s completely lost his sense of rhythm. Life has taught him not to take risks, but even that hasn’t stopped his marriage hitting the rocks too. The last thing he needs is a surprise call from Red Fairweather, devil-may-care rock god―and the father Will hasn’t seen for thirty years.
If Will’s old before his time, Red’s the boy who won’t grow up.
When Will needs somewhere to live, with nowhere else to turn, he finds himself back with the hellraiser who deserted his family. As Will tries to come to terms with the downward spiral of his life, he starts to realise there’s more to Red than he thought―there’s a real human being under all that leather and attitude, a dad determined to make up for lost time and help his son get back on track.
Can Will make his peace with a father seeking forgiveness?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2023
669 people are currently reading
3246 people want to read
About the author
Nick Spalding
36 books1,391 followersNick Spalding is an author who, try as he might, can't seem to write anything serious.
Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success so far, it has to be said. Nick is now a multimillion seller. This flabbergasts him every single day.
Nick is now in his fifties - and is rather annoyed at the universe about it, because it gave him no choice in the matter. He's also addicted to Thai food and roast potatoes (not together), loves Batman and Warhammer, and has a dreadful singing voice.
***
Find out more about Nick and his books at www.nickspalding.com
Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success so far, it has to be said. Nick is now a multimillion seller. This flabbergasts him every single day.
Nick is now in his fifties - and is rather annoyed at the universe about it, because it gave him no choice in the matter. He's also addicted to Thai food and roast potatoes (not together), loves Batman and Warhammer, and has a dreadful singing voice.
***
Find out more about Nick and his books at www.nickspalding.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
June 14, 2023
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This is my fourth read by this author and he never disappoints. Being a classic rock fan I was thrilled to read a book about a classic rocker. The group may have been fictional but many real group names and their songs are mentioned so it was like a trip down memory lane and I was tickled pink about that.
This was such a refreshing change after a dark thriller and a sad World War II book, a palate cleanser if you will. It was such a funny read and exactly what I needed. Even though the book is humourous the bare bones of it deals with some hard-hitting subject matter. There is depression, death, old age, drug use, divorce and mid-life crisis...but Spalding manages to portray it in a realistic yet funny way so it softens the blow. I like how the author gives a glimpse into how the male mind works and why they behave the way they do.
I felt a lot of emotions reading this, at some parts I felt like crying and at others, I was laughing out loud. It was so sad yet hilarious in equal measure...it was also very thought-provoking. If ever you want a life lesson with some good laughs mixed in Nick Spalding is an author I highly recommend.
This is my fourth read by this author and he never disappoints. Being a classic rock fan I was thrilled to read a book about a classic rocker. The group may have been fictional but many real group names and their songs are mentioned so it was like a trip down memory lane and I was tickled pink about that.
This was such a refreshing change after a dark thriller and a sad World War II book, a palate cleanser if you will. It was such a funny read and exactly what I needed. Even though the book is humourous the bare bones of it deals with some hard-hitting subject matter. There is depression, death, old age, drug use, divorce and mid-life crisis...but Spalding manages to portray it in a realistic yet funny way so it softens the blow. I like how the author gives a glimpse into how the male mind works and why they behave the way they do.
I felt a lot of emotions reading this, at some parts I felt like crying and at others, I was laughing out loud. It was so sad yet hilarious in equal measure...it was also very thought-provoking. If ever you want a life lesson with some good laughs mixed in Nick Spalding is an author I highly recommend.
March 31, 2023
I got an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley. The actual book is out in June. Having previously read 2 books by Nick Spalding I knew this book would be amusing. The premise of Old Boys really appealed to me being a fan of Rock Music. When I started the book I have to admit the main character came across as somewhat annoying. It's seems Nick Spalding has a gift for writing annoying male characters. Imagine if you will Hugh Grant playing the lead. Having said that once Red his father is introduced the book takes on so much more colour, depth and fresh air. I loved Red and I kept imagining Bill Nighy in this role (probably inspired by his role in Love Actually). His live for the moment and to the fullest attitude really pushes his son through moments and events which had me at times actually giggling out loud! The book builds up really well I have to say and took me on an emotional ride of annoyance, amusement, sadness (yes I also had tears in my eyes) and satisfaction. I was going to give the book 4 stars but the last 80 or so pages made it a 5 star for me. Any book who can conjure up that range of emotion frankly deserves it. The best book by Nick Spalding I have read and now I wish they would turn it into a move hopefully featuring Bill Nighy 🙏 😀 Highly recommended for fans of music 🎶
June 18, 2023
I have read some full on LOL books by this author and he never fails to produce something original and thought provoking….even when it has much hilarity in it
This time it’s a mixture of everything but also with a lot of emotion…..the author candidly tackles (amongst others) the subjects of relationship breakdown,feeling old,scared and apathetic,relationships with parents,loss and forgiveness and although that sounds heavy it is all done with feelings we can relate to and of course the ever present humour…..it is a big ask to pull all of this off and to make it readable,believable and challenging ( and I do think we are intended to be challenged throughout ) but pulled off it is,with bells on
A really moving and funny book that will leave you with questions,thoughts and maybe actions needing to be done
This time it’s a mixture of everything but also with a lot of emotion…..the author candidly tackles (amongst others) the subjects of relationship breakdown,feeling old,scared and apathetic,relationships with parents,loss and forgiveness and although that sounds heavy it is all done with feelings we can relate to and of course the ever present humour…..it is a big ask to pull all of this off and to make it readable,believable and challenging ( and I do think we are intended to be challenged throughout ) but pulled off it is,with bells on
A really moving and funny book that will leave you with questions,thoughts and maybe actions needing to be done
June 27, 2023
The more I read, the more I want to read quirky books. I’ve read stories that take me back in time, I’ve been shocked, terrified, and appalled. I’ve read stories that have kept me on the edge of my seat, or turning those pages just as fast as I can. But now, I find myself looking for stories that do something different, bordering on the absurd, but above all else, that seem to have a good story underneath it all.
Old Boys was exactly that! Will Fairweather was a character I could identify with; I’ve got that annoying ache in my side that just won’t go away; I fall asleep at nine o’clock in front of the television; and I am really lucky if I can sleep straight through the night. Will Fairweather is also a character that I could never identify with, his father is a freaking rock god, from one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time.
This is a story about a clash of characters. It is a story without special effects or pyrotechnics. Old Boys is the story of a relationship between a man and his boy. The characters are the story.
Red had been absent from Will’s life for decades. We need to get down to the why. Will’s relationship with his wife is on the rocks, he is old before his time. I loved this voyage of Will discovering his father, and coming to terms with the events that so disrupted his life. This story reminds me of a quote from Hunter S. Thompson: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’”. This is how Red lived his life and a lesson that Will needed to learn.
I loved Old Boys. I now need more books from Nick Spalding.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
Old Boys was exactly that! Will Fairweather was a character I could identify with; I’ve got that annoying ache in my side that just won’t go away; I fall asleep at nine o’clock in front of the television; and I am really lucky if I can sleep straight through the night. Will Fairweather is also a character that I could never identify with, his father is a freaking rock god, from one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time.
This is a story about a clash of characters. It is a story without special effects or pyrotechnics. Old Boys is the story of a relationship between a man and his boy. The characters are the story.
Red had been absent from Will’s life for decades. We need to get down to the why. Will’s relationship with his wife is on the rocks, he is old before his time. I loved this voyage of Will discovering his father, and coming to terms with the events that so disrupted his life. This story reminds me of a quote from Hunter S. Thompson: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’”. This is how Red lived his life and a lesson that Will needed to learn.
I loved Old Boys. I now need more books from Nick Spalding.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
July 1, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my
I have never read anything like Old Boys in my life, I realize I have been missing out. The story is very relatable (besides the rockstar dad), and I see a lot of my father and Dustin in Will.. It's comical and a very fast read. Incould not wait to meet Red and had to keep going.
I am now planning to read other Nick Spalding books
I have never read anything like Old Boys in my life, I realize I have been missing out. The story is very relatable (besides the rockstar dad), and I see a lot of my father and Dustin in Will.. It's comical and a very fast read. Incould not wait to meet Red and had to keep going.
I am now planning to read other Nick Spalding books
July 11, 2023
It is an incredible journey of personal growth that surpassed all my expectations. Initially filled with a hint of pessimism, the story skillfully unfolded, embracing the characters’ vulnerabilities and transforming them into beacons of hope. As the pages turned, I found myself emotionally invested, moved by the characters’ resilience and determination. By the end, a wave of optimism washed over me, leaving me both teary-eyed and uplifted, reminding me of the boundless power of relationships and the indomitable spirit of the human heart.
July 5, 2023
Loved it
April 10, 2023
Old Boys is a contemporary comedy about a middle-aged man reconnecting with the rock star father he hasn’t seen for thirty years. I’d read a few books by this author some years ago, and found the first ones hilarious, but then started to find them a bit repetitive. I was in the mood for something light hearted, though, and a book about an ageing rocker is always going to tickle my fancy. While I didn’t find it particularly funny, I liked the character evolution, the message, all the musical references and the heart warming ending.
Will Fairweather’s wife has had enough of his moping about, worrying about getting old, and refusing to do anything fun. When she asks him to move out for a trial separation, he doesn’t know what to do, and with limited options of where to live, he is forced to move in with his eccentric father Red, the wild drummer with legendary 70s rock band Holy Moly. Red wants to make up for all the years he missed of his son’s life, but Will finds it hard to forgive, despite his father’s increasingly nutty antics. Can Will rediscover his inner teenager and learn to live again before it’s too late?
This is told from Will’s first person present perspective, and for most of the book he’s a rather annoying sad sack - I really felt for poor Audrey. Then he has to learn to live with Red, who I confess would drive me nuts, but their interactions are the heart of the book, even if the humour was rather too slapstick for my taste. The bittersweet last quarter was the part I liked best, as Will and Red finally start to communicate and understand each other. I also loved Holy Moly and kinda wished they were real as their songs sounded awesome! Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK. Old Boys is published on June 15th.
Will Fairweather’s wife has had enough of his moping about, worrying about getting old, and refusing to do anything fun. When she asks him to move out for a trial separation, he doesn’t know what to do, and with limited options of where to live, he is forced to move in with his eccentric father Red, the wild drummer with legendary 70s rock band Holy Moly. Red wants to make up for all the years he missed of his son’s life, but Will finds it hard to forgive, despite his father’s increasingly nutty antics. Can Will rediscover his inner teenager and learn to live again before it’s too late?
This is told from Will’s first person present perspective, and for most of the book he’s a rather annoying sad sack - I really felt for poor Audrey. Then he has to learn to live with Red, who I confess would drive me nuts, but their interactions are the heart of the book, even if the humour was rather too slapstick for my taste. The bittersweet last quarter was the part I liked best, as Will and Red finally start to communicate and understand each other. I also loved Holy Moly and kinda wished they were real as their songs sounded awesome! Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK. Old Boys is published on June 15th.
August 8, 2023
Nick Spalding author of numerous laugh out loud novels is at it again. His latest novel Old Boys is a humorous novel of a father and his estranged son. Here Spalding is juxtaposing two radically opposite characters. While one of them is growing old readily, the other is refusing to do so. Add to that these two have not seen each other for decades. This makes for serious comedy moments and Spalding exploits them ruthlessly.
Will has not seen Red his rock star father for years. He’s under the impression that his father deserted him when he was young. Unfortunately for him his marriage is on the rocks and he has no temporary place to go. Cautious Will is forced to live with his father Red. True Spalding exploits this situation for its comic relief but he is sensitive to Wills feelings and approaches them with tact.
Both father and son who are so very different in character yet so much alike through various situations find middle ground. Will they reconcile and have the relationship that was cut short? And what of Wills marriage? This is the premise of Spalding’s novel. It’s a tale of an ordinary family that he spins into a gorgeously sensitive, laugh out loud story. He weaves the other characters into the story. I felt Wills pain and anger of rejection throughout the novel. Spalding uses humour to bring pathos to the surface. I was laughing and crying at the same time. Spalding emotively brings it all together for the finale. A very satisfying story, an unputdownable novel.
Though Will and Red were the main protagonists the others played a vital role in the plot. Wills wife, his friends, Reds band members, his staff and friends all played a part in making this tale rich and enjoyable. While I could not put it down once I started reading there was a feeling of loss when it was finished.
Will has not seen Red his rock star father for years. He’s under the impression that his father deserted him when he was young. Unfortunately for him his marriage is on the rocks and he has no temporary place to go. Cautious Will is forced to live with his father Red. True Spalding exploits this situation for its comic relief but he is sensitive to Wills feelings and approaches them with tact.
Both father and son who are so very different in character yet so much alike through various situations find middle ground. Will they reconcile and have the relationship that was cut short? And what of Wills marriage? This is the premise of Spalding’s novel. It’s a tale of an ordinary family that he spins into a gorgeously sensitive, laugh out loud story. He weaves the other characters into the story. I felt Wills pain and anger of rejection throughout the novel. Spalding uses humour to bring pathos to the surface. I was laughing and crying at the same time. Spalding emotively brings it all together for the finale. A very satisfying story, an unputdownable novel.
Though Will and Red were the main protagonists the others played a vital role in the plot. Wills wife, his friends, Reds band members, his staff and friends all played a part in making this tale rich and enjoyable. While I could not put it down once I started reading there was a feeling of loss when it was finished.
November 12, 2023
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through NetGalley
Wow, I did not expect this one to hit me so hard. I thought it would be a light read, but it turned out to be actually so strong and so good. It's a story about a man abandoned by his quite deadbeat father, a man who's suffering from anxiety and generally being unable to thrive in life after certain traumas of the recent past.
A lot of this hit close to home for me, although I can't say my dad has a single interesting bone in his entire body, or any advice to give, as opposed to Will's dad being a misunderstood rockstar. But a lot of what Will has gone through, I've known, and what I loved about this book is being seen - a lot of the trauma and anxieties that come with growing up this way seemed to me to be accurately and sensitively portrayed.
I truly didn't expect this book to move me so much, but by the end I could say I was going to give it 5 stars. It was a great read. Definitely recommended.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
Wow, I did not expect this one to hit me so hard. I thought it would be a light read, but it turned out to be actually so strong and so good. It's a story about a man abandoned by his quite deadbeat father, a man who's suffering from anxiety and generally being unable to thrive in life after certain traumas of the recent past.
A lot of this hit close to home for me, although I can't say my dad has a single interesting bone in his entire body, or any advice to give, as opposed to Will's dad being a misunderstood rockstar. But a lot of what Will has gone through, I've known, and what I loved about this book is being seen - a lot of the trauma and anxieties that come with growing up this way seemed to me to be accurately and sensitively portrayed.
I truly didn't expect this book to move me so much, but by the end I could say I was going to give it 5 stars. It was a great read. Definitely recommended.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
June 7, 2023
Thank goodness I trust Nick Spalding! Otherwise, I would have thrown this book against the wall at about 10%. Will is the oldest young person I've ever met! At the ancient age of 45 (sarcasm) he acts like he has one foot in the grave already. Thankfully his wife calls him out on it, then boots him out of the house to figure things out. This leads to an awkward and humorous reunion with his estranged rock star father. From there, the reader gets the normal Spalding quirkiness that we've grown to love and expect.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
September 3, 2023
If you've read any of Nick Spalding's previous books, you know how it's going to pan out. In my opinion this is one of his better ones. You want to give Will a kick up the proverbial - he's such a stick in the mud. When he's forced to live with his rock star estranged father, this turns into a lovely heartwarming story.
June 15, 2023
As soon as I read the synopsis for Old Boys, I put it on my to-be-read list. This had all of the makings of the fun read that I was in the mood for.
My grandfather was a drummer, so I have a bit of a soft spot for them. Oh, he certainly wasn’t famous like Red Fairweather, but he was a character who enjoyed the spotlight, too.
As a child of the ‘80s, I enjoyed my share of rock ‘n’ roll with its big hair, tight pants, and eyeliner galore. Could I picture Red Fairweather, the aging rock drummer? Absolutely! Now, as a child of the ‘80s, could I feel for Will Fairweather, with the aches and pains? Again, absolutely! I was more than ready to see what their father-son relationship was going to look like thirty years after their last get-together.
I felt for Will. After experiencing a great loss in his life, his own mortality became an increasing worry for him. For Will, every ache, pain, or bit of indigestion could result in his demise. He was filled with anxiety, grief, and wasn’t living his life to the fullest anymore. When Will’s wife suggested a separation, he was lost. He didn’t want to live without his wife or his beloved dog. When his estranged father gets in touch and suggests that he come and live with him for a while, well, he didn’t really have another decent option.
Living in a mansion with an aging rock drummer with more money than sense seems like it could be a good time, but for Will, being reacquainted with his absentee father held a lot of hurt, and understandably so. For the reader of this story, though, it was a really good time! Red Fairweather tried his best to get his son to loosen up, live it up, and let go of his worries. Red still lived like he was in his twenties or thirties, complete with tight leather pants and a devil-may-care attitude. Will and Red were like night and day, but this only made their interactions more golden.
Old Boys had plenty of humor, hijinks, rock ‘n’ roll, and heart. This was a feel-good novel that made me want to dig out my boom box and old cassettes and just rock out.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
My grandfather was a drummer, so I have a bit of a soft spot for them. Oh, he certainly wasn’t famous like Red Fairweather, but he was a character who enjoyed the spotlight, too.
As a child of the ‘80s, I enjoyed my share of rock ‘n’ roll with its big hair, tight pants, and eyeliner galore. Could I picture Red Fairweather, the aging rock drummer? Absolutely! Now, as a child of the ‘80s, could I feel for Will Fairweather, with the aches and pains? Again, absolutely! I was more than ready to see what their father-son relationship was going to look like thirty years after their last get-together.
I felt for Will. After experiencing a great loss in his life, his own mortality became an increasing worry for him. For Will, every ache, pain, or bit of indigestion could result in his demise. He was filled with anxiety, grief, and wasn’t living his life to the fullest anymore. When Will’s wife suggested a separation, he was lost. He didn’t want to live without his wife or his beloved dog. When his estranged father gets in touch and suggests that he come and live with him for a while, well, he didn’t really have another decent option.
Living in a mansion with an aging rock drummer with more money than sense seems like it could be a good time, but for Will, being reacquainted with his absentee father held a lot of hurt, and understandably so. For the reader of this story, though, it was a really good time! Red Fairweather tried his best to get his son to loosen up, live it up, and let go of his worries. Red still lived like he was in his twenties or thirties, complete with tight leather pants and a devil-may-care attitude. Will and Red were like night and day, but this only made their interactions more golden.
Old Boys had plenty of humor, hijinks, rock ‘n’ roll, and heart. This was a feel-good novel that made me want to dig out my boom box and old cassettes and just rock out.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
August 9, 2023
It is almost a tradition that I read at least one of Nick’s novels while on vacation, knowing it would be fun, easy to read with sometimes overrated story but the one that never makes me feel stupid. He’s not a Nobel Price aspirant and he knows that, as much as a lot of us readers know. A story about the guy trying to get in touch again with his “lost” father, an old drummer rockstar. What can go wrong, what’s that I can read there but a nice 4-star novel I’ll enjoy reading while on vacation?
But Red has hit me, and hit me well. Not just because I used to be a successful rock drummer a centuries ago (I have a different career now) and I lost my mom six months ago and am in my 50s and starting to feel mortal, but because Nick Spalding verbalised some of my fears, doubts, thoughts and acts in an understandable way, like he usually does. He actually helped me rethink many choices and relations. Most of all, he reminded me of something that was my default some decades ago, but was kinda lost during growing up and maturing and shouldn’t have been. When you’re good at something, you just have to remember and stick to one thing:
Stop thinking, just feel it.
But Red has hit me, and hit me well. Not just because I used to be a successful rock drummer a centuries ago (I have a different career now) and I lost my mom six months ago and am in my 50s and starting to feel mortal, but because Nick Spalding verbalised some of my fears, doubts, thoughts and acts in an understandable way, like he usually does. He actually helped me rethink many choices and relations. Most of all, he reminded me of something that was my default some decades ago, but was kinda lost during growing up and maturing and shouldn’t have been. When you’re good at something, you just have to remember and stick to one thing:
Stop thinking, just feel it.
June 15, 2023
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
Will Fairweather hasn't been the same since his mom died suddenly several years ago. Something in him broke, and now he has turned into a crabby old man (even though he is only 45), never wanting to go anywhere or do anything, and everything scares him... and I do mean everything. Finally his wife Audrey has enough, and asks him to move out. Will's dad that he hasn't seen in 30 years, Red, calls him and asks him to come stay with him so they can reconnect and bond. Red, who was the drummer for Holy Moly, still has a wild streak that is the antithesis of Will's nervous and timid personality, so the two start clashing immediately. However, Red is determined to teach Will how to embrace life and maybe, just maybe, Will might discover the father he once loved under all of the crazy antics and showmanship.
This book was a lot of fun. Although Will was a bit of a downer, and I did feel sorry for Audrey and everyone else for having to deal with him, Red was definitely the life of the party. His crazy antics kept me in stitches. If you are in the mood for a light, fun read then this is the perfect book for you.
Will Fairweather hasn't been the same since his mom died suddenly several years ago. Something in him broke, and now he has turned into a crabby old man (even though he is only 45), never wanting to go anywhere or do anything, and everything scares him... and I do mean everything. Finally his wife Audrey has enough, and asks him to move out. Will's dad that he hasn't seen in 30 years, Red, calls him and asks him to come stay with him so they can reconnect and bond. Red, who was the drummer for Holy Moly, still has a wild streak that is the antithesis of Will's nervous and timid personality, so the two start clashing immediately. However, Red is determined to teach Will how to embrace life and maybe, just maybe, Will might discover the father he once loved under all of the crazy antics and showmanship.
This book was a lot of fun. Although Will was a bit of a downer, and I did feel sorry for Audrey and everyone else for having to deal with him, Red was definitely the life of the party. His crazy antics kept me in stitches. If you are in the mood for a light, fun read then this is the perfect book for you.
July 1, 2023
Another enjoyable read from Nick Spalding, with his trade-mark humourous narrative and slightly unfortunate male lead characters!
Will is only in his mid 40s but old before his time: set in his ways, over cautious and struggling with health anxiety. When his younger wife Audrey gets to the end of her tether and asks for a separation he is forced to re-evaulate his life. With nowhere to go he reconnects with his estranged, wealthy father Red, who just happens to be an eccentric ageing rockstar with no fear... Will is clearly out of his comfort zone!
At first I felt Audrey was a bit of a cow and harsh to kick him out when he was so low. However, as I found out more about his backstory I changed my mind!
A fun, light-hearted story about family, love and friendship - I really enjoyed this one!
Will is only in his mid 40s but old before his time: set in his ways, over cautious and struggling with health anxiety. When his younger wife Audrey gets to the end of her tether and asks for a separation he is forced to re-evaulate his life. With nowhere to go he reconnects with his estranged, wealthy father Red, who just happens to be an eccentric ageing rockstar with no fear... Will is clearly out of his comfort zone!
At first I felt Audrey was a bit of a cow and harsh to kick him out when he was so low. However, as I found out more about his backstory I changed my mind!
A fun, light-hearted story about family, love and friendship - I really enjoyed this one!
January 28, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. I don’t normally pay much attention to chapter titles, but I strongly suggest you do it for this book. The narrator has a disarming, self-deprecating, conversational tone that addresses deep issues like regret, forgiveness, courage, and love. And secrets. There were several times that I had to stop and enjoy a good belly laugh, which I’ve discovered is not unusual for Spalding’s books.
Will and Audrey Fairweather are having marital difficulties, but Will doesn’t know that. His mother died four years ago and he has dealt with her unexpected death by giving up on living. He’s ruled by fear and Audrey can see he’s depressed, but she can’t deal with it any longer so she suggests a separation. Will laments that he’ll need to move out of their house, while still paying a mortgage: “And on my wages, that place will be the size of a postage stamp. Pre-licked, and already used.” “I basically had one option in my budget—a flat roughly the same size as half a torn postage stamp… I would have described it as the place hope went to die, but hope would have never made it up to the flat, because it would have been murdered by one of the ne’er-do-wells hanging around the entrance... Sadly, this leaves me with half a postage stamp in Stab Alley.”
Will is estranged from his father, a world-famous drummer for a prog rock band, who abandoned him 30 years ago when he was only 15. Out of the blue, his father calls him and Will promptly tells him to never contact him again. But he does, and at Audrey’s urging, Will agrees to move in with his father instead of renting a flat. A series of hysterical events ensue.
Will has a way with words, which is immediately evident at the beginning with this description of his lunch: “...the ham sandwich is also fairly tasteless. So much so that as soon as it’s gone, I can barely remember eating it… By the time five thirty rolls around, the sandwich has become an abstract and ghostly memory of something that feels like it happened to someone else.”
He describes some music he doesn’t like: “...we immediately hear the dulcet sounds of someone beating a drum machine to death, while someone else strangles a gerbil.” When told they’re going to have fun, he thinks: “This must be a brand-new definition of the word ‘fun’ that I was previously unaware of.”
And I sympathized with him a bit too much when he said, “I’m now forty-five, and it hurts when I sit cross-legged for more than three minutes.”
So Will moves in with his father Red and one of the first funny incidents occurs when Will goes looking for his dad and finds him in the kitchen “...where I find my father throwing waffles at a pot plant… To be honest, when it comes to what you might find my father doing in a kitchen at any given time, you could take that last sentence, throw any two nouns of your liking together, and there’s a good chance he’d be capable of it. He could be throwing chickens at a statue of Michael Hesseltine. Throwing dildos at a coffin. Spoons at a pony.”
Will spends a lot of time comparing himself to his father and trying to discern any similarities between the two of them. “I am not a human whirlwind. I am a gentle gust, blowing through, without anybody else noticing. My face crumples as I realise I’ve just described myself as a silent fart.” And later, when he says something stupid, he notes: “This neither deserves, nor gets, a response.” Toward the end of the book, Will warns the reader, “You may have already gathered what I’m about to do. Feel free to look away, if it’s too much for you to deal with.”
When Red arrives in one of his typical rocker outfits, Will is disappointed that he didn’t dress appropriately for their outing. “‘How do I look?’ he says, flexing his stringy arms. ‘Like someone with dementia stumbled into an army recruitment centre,’ I reply honestly.”
One of the things Red wants to do with Will is play drums like they did when Will was a kid, but Will gave up drumming when his dad exited his life. He’s extremely out of practice and not at all confident. He asks if they can just do “a few rolls and paradiddles” to see if he can manage those, and then thinks, “This is like suggesting to a Michelin-star chef that the first recipe you should try is buttering a piece of bread.” After a while, Red asks if they can try something more challenging and Will asks if Red can lead. “This is akin to asking Rembrandt if he can start with a coat of magnolia in the downstairs toilet.”
I have one small complaint, which is really just a style issue, but I found it distracting. Spalding has an odd way of using verbs. Here are some examples:
“I spend a few moments just stood there…” (standing makes more sense)
“All this time I’m stood there…” (standing, again, makes more sense)
“Me stood here stoney-faced, him sat there looking guilty.” (standing and sitting would be better)
I don’t recall this style of writing in previous books, so I wonder if this was an intentional way of creating a new character with a new voice. On the other hand, maybe I just didn’t notice last time.
Red loved life and had some great philosophies, including this one: “...God is a pretty ‘solid dude’ when you get right down to it, and would probably be ‘more or less cool’ with anything you do, as long as you’re not hurting anyone else.” He constantly tells Will, “Don’t think! Just feel!” It isn’t until the very end that Will understands why. “I’m having way too much fun. Which is something you can only really do when you stop thinking…have you ever noticed that?”
This book is a lot of fun, but it also makes you think and feel. I definitely recommend reading it.
Will and Audrey Fairweather are having marital difficulties, but Will doesn’t know that. His mother died four years ago and he has dealt with her unexpected death by giving up on living. He’s ruled by fear and Audrey can see he’s depressed, but she can’t deal with it any longer so she suggests a separation. Will laments that he’ll need to move out of their house, while still paying a mortgage: “And on my wages, that place will be the size of a postage stamp. Pre-licked, and already used.” “I basically had one option in my budget—a flat roughly the same size as half a torn postage stamp… I would have described it as the place hope went to die, but hope would have never made it up to the flat, because it would have been murdered by one of the ne’er-do-wells hanging around the entrance... Sadly, this leaves me with half a postage stamp in Stab Alley.”
Will is estranged from his father, a world-famous drummer for a prog rock band, who abandoned him 30 years ago when he was only 15. Out of the blue, his father calls him and Will promptly tells him to never contact him again. But he does, and at Audrey’s urging, Will agrees to move in with his father instead of renting a flat. A series of hysterical events ensue.
Will has a way with words, which is immediately evident at the beginning with this description of his lunch: “...the ham sandwich is also fairly tasteless. So much so that as soon as it’s gone, I can barely remember eating it… By the time five thirty rolls around, the sandwich has become an abstract and ghostly memory of something that feels like it happened to someone else.”
He describes some music he doesn’t like: “...we immediately hear the dulcet sounds of someone beating a drum machine to death, while someone else strangles a gerbil.” When told they’re going to have fun, he thinks: “This must be a brand-new definition of the word ‘fun’ that I was previously unaware of.”
And I sympathized with him a bit too much when he said, “I’m now forty-five, and it hurts when I sit cross-legged for more than three minutes.”
So Will moves in with his father Red and one of the first funny incidents occurs when Will goes looking for his dad and finds him in the kitchen “...where I find my father throwing waffles at a pot plant… To be honest, when it comes to what you might find my father doing in a kitchen at any given time, you could take that last sentence, throw any two nouns of your liking together, and there’s a good chance he’d be capable of it. He could be throwing chickens at a statue of Michael Hesseltine. Throwing dildos at a coffin. Spoons at a pony.”
Will spends a lot of time comparing himself to his father and trying to discern any similarities between the two of them. “I am not a human whirlwind. I am a gentle gust, blowing through, without anybody else noticing. My face crumples as I realise I’ve just described myself as a silent fart.” And later, when he says something stupid, he notes: “This neither deserves, nor gets, a response.” Toward the end of the book, Will warns the reader, “You may have already gathered what I’m about to do. Feel free to look away, if it’s too much for you to deal with.”
When Red arrives in one of his typical rocker outfits, Will is disappointed that he didn’t dress appropriately for their outing. “‘How do I look?’ he says, flexing his stringy arms. ‘Like someone with dementia stumbled into an army recruitment centre,’ I reply honestly.”
One of the things Red wants to do with Will is play drums like they did when Will was a kid, but Will gave up drumming when his dad exited his life. He’s extremely out of practice and not at all confident. He asks if they can just do “a few rolls and paradiddles” to see if he can manage those, and then thinks, “This is like suggesting to a Michelin-star chef that the first recipe you should try is buttering a piece of bread.” After a while, Red asks if they can try something more challenging and Will asks if Red can lead. “This is akin to asking Rembrandt if he can start with a coat of magnolia in the downstairs toilet.”
I have one small complaint, which is really just a style issue, but I found it distracting. Spalding has an odd way of using verbs. Here are some examples:
“I spend a few moments just stood there…” (standing makes more sense)
“All this time I’m stood there…” (standing, again, makes more sense)
“Me stood here stoney-faced, him sat there looking guilty.” (standing and sitting would be better)
I don’t recall this style of writing in previous books, so I wonder if this was an intentional way of creating a new character with a new voice. On the other hand, maybe I just didn’t notice last time.
Red loved life and had some great philosophies, including this one: “...God is a pretty ‘solid dude’ when you get right down to it, and would probably be ‘more or less cool’ with anything you do, as long as you’re not hurting anyone else.” He constantly tells Will, “Don’t think! Just feel!” It isn’t until the very end that Will understands why. “I’m having way too much fun. Which is something you can only really do when you stop thinking…have you ever noticed that?”
This book is a lot of fun, but it also makes you think and feel. I definitely recommend reading it.
March 28, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wasn’t too sure what to expect, as I haven’t read anything by the author previously. This book had some incredibly serious, thought provoking moments. It also had some hilarious make you roll your eyes at the characters moments. It was a great balance. The message of grabbing life by the balls and not giving into fear is one we all need to hear from time to time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wasn’t too sure what to expect, as I haven’t read anything by the author previously. This book had some incredibly serious, thought provoking moments. It also had some hilarious make you roll your eyes at the characters moments. It was a great balance. The message of grabbing life by the balls and not giving into fear is one we all need to hear from time to time.
November 15, 2024
I’ll keep this brief… this book was some “fluff” to listen to from KU whilst driving. It had a super annoying male MC who I of course could not relate to and very almost stopped reading BUT I’m so glad I didn’t as this book turned out to be SO sweet and charming and actually really touching! It made me chuckle many times and I couldn’t help myself smiling at so many points. I’m not the target audience for this book at all and I can appreciate that, but what a charmer it really was!
May 28, 2025
I wasn't sure after the first 2 chapters, I won't lie. I really enjoy Spalding's books and have read a good few of them. But I most definitely wasn't sure.
That soon changed and I think it was down to Red Fairweather who I imagined in all is 80s rock glory. The message behind the book is a fairly straightforward one. Be more Red!
I chuckled at sections, I sighed and frowned. Ultimately I was right to keep going as I really enjoyed it - Red would've read on!
That soon changed and I think it was down to Red Fairweather who I imagined in all is 80s rock glory. The message behind the book is a fairly straightforward one. Be more Red!
I chuckled at sections, I sighed and frowned. Ultimately I was right to keep going as I really enjoyed it - Red would've read on!
July 5, 2023
Nick Spalding at his best…
Now I have loved all of Nicks books but this one really drew me in. We all have to learn to love more in the moment especially in the world as it is today. You have to read this book…just feel it 😉
A super must read ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Now I have loved all of Nicks books but this one really drew me in. We all have to learn to love more in the moment especially in the world as it is today. You have to read this book…just feel it 😉
A super must read ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
March 5, 2025
I'd give this 4.5 stars! I loved this book, just really nice read and had a very uplifting and hopeful story.
March 20, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nick Spalding knows how to write a comical and touching story. This book would make a great movie.
This book has many lol moments, even when a sad event is happening.
Fun, light read.
Nick Spalding knows how to write a comical and touching story. This book would make a great movie.
This book has many lol moments, even when a sad event is happening.
Fun, light read.
June 18, 2023
OH GOD I LOVED THIS BOOK. I don't know if I was the target audience or not, and I wasn't all that excited to read it based on the summary but I just spent a whole afternoon reading this. It was hilarious, and the characters were so likable and relatable (even while being a bit bonkers). I am going to check out more by this author because this was awesome.
Will post review on YouTube on release date: https://youtu.be/6enFHJrLJ7Y
** Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. **
Will post review on YouTube on release date: https://youtu.be/6enFHJrLJ7Y
** Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. **
May 18, 2024
Finally got around to reading! Another great read by one of my fave authors. Both funny and thought provocative!
May 18, 2023
I was lucky enough to read an ARC via NetGalley.
Middle aged Will is a creature of habit and is stuck in a rut, much to his wife's disdain. After they separate, Nick goes to stay with his estranged, aging rock star father with view to finding the 'old Will'.
As a fan of Nicks previous books and being a fan of rock music, I was looking forward to reading this one. I was not disappointed.
There are several scenes that made me laugh at loud. Not many books have this effect on me.
Although it was a slow starter, the story comes into its own in the second part.
The story will make a great film. I have even pictured who I would cast in the main roles.
I would highly recommend this book to anybody who likes a light hearted yet emotional story.
Middle aged Will is a creature of habit and is stuck in a rut, much to his wife's disdain. After they separate, Nick goes to stay with his estranged, aging rock star father with view to finding the 'old Will'.
As a fan of Nicks previous books and being a fan of rock music, I was looking forward to reading this one. I was not disappointed.
There are several scenes that made me laugh at loud. Not many books have this effect on me.
Although it was a slow starter, the story comes into its own in the second part.
The story will make a great film. I have even pictured who I would cast in the main roles.
I would highly recommend this book to anybody who likes a light hearted yet emotional story.
May 7, 2023
Nobody does ‘ordinary bloke gets into hilarious scrapes on a chaotic life changing journey’ better than the legendary Nick Spalding; add a difficult reunion with a wayward (but loveable) estranged rock star dad, some ultra cute animals, and a generous dollop of romance into the mix and it’s a winning formula for Nick’s latest feel-good novel.
I loved every minute of it.
Thanks very much to everyone concerned for allowing me to read and review the advance ‘Old Boys’. I will highly recommend it.
I loved every minute of it.
Thanks very much to everyone concerned for allowing me to read and review the advance ‘Old Boys’. I will highly recommend it.
July 9, 2023
Will is 45 and terrified of life. His wife, Audrey, is fed up with him never being willing to have fun and thinks the solution is for him to move out and stay with his aging rock star father. The one he hasn’t heard from in 30 years.
Yeah. Genius.
So Will does and somehow goes weeks on end without ever actually asking his dad where he was for the last 30 years. And actually has sympathy for him.
This book was absolutely insane to me. Who on earth would ever go to a parent who peaced out of your life with no explanation for 30 years at their lowest point?!? Who what spouse would expect their partner to do this?!?
Nah. I don’t care that they reconnected and old men can be seen in a sympathetic light. Nope.
The only thing saving this from a single star is that Nick Spalding’s writing is humorous.
Yeah. Genius.
So Will does and somehow goes weeks on end without ever actually asking his dad where he was for the last 30 years. And actually has sympathy for him.
This book was absolutely insane to me. Who on earth would ever go to a parent who peaced out of your life with no explanation for 30 years at their lowest point?!? Who what spouse would expect their partner to do this?!?
Nah. I don’t care that they reconnected and old men can be seen in a sympathetic light. Nope.
The only thing saving this from a single star is that Nick Spalding’s writing is humorous.
April 18, 2023
This is the eighth Nick Splading book I have read and I have really enjoyed reading all of them. They provide light relief from the Crime and Psychological Killer books I mostly tend to read. For me this was the best book by Nick Spalding I have read so far with the usual humour driven from an imaginative mind but also showing some human emotions of the central characters. The plot moved along beautifully and led to a conclusion that leaves this reader wanting to continue reading the next phase of the lives of the remaining characters but perhaps as this is not likely I will content myself reading some of the other books of Nick Spalding that I have already purchased but not found time to read yet.
April 10, 2023
Thank you so much to Netgalley the author and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I simply adore all ofNick Spalding’s books. He writes not only with great humour but also great depth of understanding of the way people think and behave.
I loved everything about this new book, it’s funny, it’s sad, it’s true to life, it’s slightly ridiculous, it’s an easy read and overall it leaves you feeling joyous.
It’s a book you won’t forget in a hurry and one you want everyone to read as you know it’ll enrich their life just that little bit and in a world that is currently throwing a heap of crap at us all, isn’t that what you’d wish for everyone?
I simply adore all ofNick Spalding’s books. He writes not only with great humour but also great depth of understanding of the way people think and behave.
I loved everything about this new book, it’s funny, it’s sad, it’s true to life, it’s slightly ridiculous, it’s an easy read and overall it leaves you feeling joyous.
It’s a book you won’t forget in a hurry and one you want everyone to read as you know it’ll enrich their life just that little bit and in a world that is currently throwing a heap of crap at us all, isn’t that what you’d wish for everyone?
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