The Back of the Book

Alfie Budd found the perfect woman with whom to spend the rest of his life - and then lost her. He doesn't believe you get a second chance at love.

Returning to the England he left behind during the brief, idyllic time of his marriage, Alfie finds the rest of his world collapsing around him. He takes comfort in a string of pointless, transient affairs, and he tries to elarn Tai Chi from an old Chinese man, George Chang.

Will Alfie ever find a family life as strong as the Changs'? And can he give up meaningless sex for a meaningful relationship?

Tony Parsons's brilliant new novel is about love, family, sex, Tai Chi and the human heart.

'The same combination of self-depreciating humour and well-intentioned bafflement that endeared Mana nd Boy to millions of readers ... A kind, warm, affectionate book' Observer

'Stylish, polished, complex and it really gets its teeth into the big issues of sex, love, family and friendship' Mirror

'Another brilliant novel that combines laughter and tears, love and sex - and real human emotions' Evening Standard

'Full of hard-earned wisdom. An essential purchase' GQ

'This is art shot through with humanity' Independent on Sunday

Starting this today.

1. Why did you enjoy the book?

This book has some great one-liners and, generally, I appreciated the dry humour of it.

2. What did you dislike about the book?

Nothing major.

3. What comments do you have on the writing style?

I felt that the book was well written. The language flowed well and it was easy to read.

4. What are your impressions on the plot/story line?

The plot tells the story of Alfie (a teacher) and his family, including mum, dad and nan.

5. Were there any memorable/favorite characters? Which ones and why?

I'm not sure that I had a favourite character to be honest. All the main characters had good and bad points and were well-rounded. There's no one I specially want to take to the pub!

6. What were the memorable themes?

To me, the major theme was about growing up and forming adult rather than childish relationships with others - specifically with the opposite sex.

7. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

I'd recommend the book to someone wanting some light reading and a bit of giggle. It's not a classic piece of literature though.

8. Is the book cover attractive?

Yes. Although I'm not sure about the title.

9. What impressions does the book title leave you with?

The title of the book does have something to do with the story but it's pretty tentative in my opinion.

10. Would you read anything else by this author?

Yes. I'll be updating my wishlist shortly.

11. Do you have any favorite quotes from the book? What are they?

'Chips only with meal.'

12. How would you rate this book overall? On a scale of 1-10?

7

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Offered as BookRing.

Book Ring:

cougmax - USA - Intl
marie-therese - UK - Intl - Not 1st
sunflowergirl - UK - Intl
laura0141 - UK - ENDS

PMed first reader for address.

On way to first participant.

The book has arrived safely, thank you.
Will read and get it back on the road.

Ummm... sad story. I don't know if I liked it much. Alfie was a tough character to root for. His I-don't-care-about-anything attitude got stale pretty quick. Thinking he could change his life by sleeping with his students, that were half his age did not improve my sour image of him at all. My favorite chacter, if I can say that, was the Dad. He put it all out there and didn't care even if it killed him!
Couldn't help but feel sorry for everyone much of the book. Though the descriptions of Hong Kong were something new and fun.
Thanks for passing on the read all the same.

off to marie-therese, will pm her now.

sent today, with a wish-list treat for marie-therese!

Recieved in the post today from cougmax (who also *very* generously sent me a much wanted book from my wishlist, thank you!) I am reading another book ring book at the moment but will read this one next and send it on to sunflowergirl asap. Thanks Laura for sending this book out on a ring : -)

Once I started this I couldn't put it down which didn't bode well for my oral presentation which I've barely touched on and is due in 4 days! I can't say I found the book very uplifting or lighthearted in fact some bits were really quite depressing but I do like his style of writing and his descriptive characters. I have also taught overseas and taught English to Japanese students so enjoyed this part of the book. Would like to read more from the series. Thanks again Laura for sharing this. Will now PM the next person on the list and get it off to them asap.

Posted this morning to Sunflowergirl.

I received this book 2 days ago but I wasn't very well so forgot all about journalling it until this morning. Thanks so much for the lovely choccie that you sent with the book Marie-Therese, it was very nice. :o)

I plan on starting the book today and will journal again once I've read it.

I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I read it all in one go! I wasn't sure that I would like it as I wasn't keen on Man and Boy by this author, so I was a bit wary. But this book is, in my opinion, so much better than Man and Boy. It felt like there was more depth to it. I could really understand Alfie's character and how he ended up the way he was, and that's what got me hooked. I've never lost a partner the way he did but I lost my best friend and I know how it can make you so closed off to new friendships with people. Alfie's relationship with his Nan is what broke my heart, their relationship was like the one I had with my Nan. I still miss her 7 years on from her death. The bit of the book where they go into her flat after she's died, and see all her trinkets and things actually made me cry. And I don't often cry at books. I was a bit disappointed with the ending. I wanted him to get together with Jackie and I could see that it might happen but I think the book would have been better if the ending was left open so that the reader could decide for themselves whether Alfie got his happy ending. Other than the end, it was a brilliant book though.

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I've already got laura0141's address so will try and post the book this week sometime.

RELEASE NOTES:

Received home safely. Will be released today.