Man and Boy: A Novel
22 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by Littlemave from Weston, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, July 21, 2003
Harry Silver has it all: a beautiful wife, a wonderful son, a great job in the media - but in one night he throws it all away. Then Harry must start to learn what life and love are really all about.
Journal Entry 2 by Littlemave from Weston, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Promised to loan this one to BookFrog, and handed it over last night at meetup.
Journal Entry 3 by BookFrog from Albion Park, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, August 13, 2003
The blurb sounded interesting and I am sure I have heard good things about it, wasn't it a BBC show shown on ABC recently that I never got time to watch???
Anyway on the TBR pile eek!
Anyway on the TBR pile eek!
Journal Entry 4 by BookFrog from Albion Park, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, August 23, 2003
Picked this up and couldn't put it back down! Well I had to put it down but I kept coming back to this one rather than the other books on my TBR list.
Definetly interesting, about a father struggling to fix his mistakes. Looking after his son alone and it is right, most people are used to single mothers, single fathers are harder to accept. Beautiful story, very loving and thought provoking. Throughly recommend this book.
Definetly interesting, about a father struggling to fix his mistakes. Looking after his son alone and it is right, most people are used to single mothers, single fathers are harder to accept. Beautiful story, very loving and thought provoking. Throughly recommend this book.
Journal Entry 5 by Littlemave from Weston, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Sunday, October 19, 2003
This was great! For me, this was a quick read - difficult to put down, and very emotion filled in parts. On the cover, a reviewer states "I laughed out loud once and cried 4 times". I would have to agree especially after reading it over lunch one day and having tears running down my face (in Burger King no less - how embarrassing!?), and also admitting to the odd guffaw escaping in public... hee hee.
Poor Harry gets presented with an "opportunity" from a girl at his tv job which he cannot resist, which then is the pivot for the rest of the book: his life changes to look after his gorgeous little boy, Pat, in whose face his ex-wife haunts him, and this is the story of how basically Harry Silver grows up and manages to be a single parent in a female dominated single-parent-world. In a world of broken dreams, his relationship with his own parents is just a little short on hero worship!
A recommended read.
I have decided to offer this up as a bookring on the Australian BC Yahoo Group
PM me if you are interested, so far I have Fushmush, Ferns and Guinevere69.
Poor Harry gets presented with an "opportunity" from a girl at his tv job which he cannot resist, which then is the pivot for the rest of the book: his life changes to look after his gorgeous little boy, Pat, in whose face his ex-wife haunts him, and this is the story of how basically Harry Silver grows up and manages to be a single parent in a female dominated single-parent-world. In a world of broken dreams, his relationship with his own parents is just a little short on hero worship!
A recommended read.
I have decided to offer this up as a bookring on the Australian BC Yahoo Group
PM me if you are interested, so far I have Fushmush, Ferns and Guinevere69.
Journal Entry 6 by Littlemave from Weston, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, October 27, 2003
Here is the bookring order:
Fushmush Sydney
Kuju Sydney
Noodlebowl Sydney
Jodez Sydney
Veracity Sydney
Ferns Gold Coast
Snootchy Qld
Mundoo SA
Guinevere69 Perth
Puppymummy Melbourne
loopylou127 NSW
starflw5 Sydney
tqd Sydney
e-i-pi Sydney
crimson-tide WA
ravenbear Brisbane
binkybuffy SA
feryl Sydney
**Kalasue Perth
**amberC Darwin
**julben WA
and back to me! <-it's home now!
Any additions, please pm me. (extras marked with **)
Don't forget to send a bookmark on with the book!
Fushmush Sydney
Kuju Sydney
Noodlebowl Sydney
Jodez Sydney
Veracity Sydney
Ferns Gold Coast
Snootchy Qld
Mundoo SA
Guinevere69 Perth
Puppymummy Melbourne
loopylou127 NSW
starflw5 Sydney
tqd Sydney
e-i-pi Sydney
crimson-tide WA
ravenbear Brisbane
binkybuffy SA
feryl Sydney
**Kalasue Perth
**amberC Darwin
**julben WA
and back to me! <-it's home now!
Any additions, please pm me. (extras marked with **)
Don't forget to send a bookmark on with the book!
Journal Entry 7 by fushmush from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, October 29, 2003
First stop on the bookring! A new book to read and a very cute gnome bookmark. He can keep me company while I read the book. Thanks for organising the ring, Littlemave (all hail the bookcrossing guru *g*).
Great fun! I laughed and cried, just like the cover promised. Actually, I cried into my poached eggs this morning while reading it at our local cafe. I continued the tradition of embarrassing yourself in public when reading this book.
I want a Disco Ken of my own!
This book is off to Kuju.
I want a Disco Ken of my own!
This book is off to Kuju.
Journal Entry 9 by kuju from -- Somewhere in London 🤷♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Saturday, November 1, 2003
Received from fushmush tonight with a cute lil fushie bookmark!
Journal Entry 10 by kuju from -- Somewhere in London 🤷♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Friday, November 7, 2003
I enjoyed that. A nice little read. I'll be giving this book to noodlebowl tomorrow morning.
Journal Entry 11 by noodlebowl from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, November 11, 2003
I have to confess to skimming the book on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I enjoyed it immensely, and yes it did bring on a few tears and gales of laughter. At the risk of poisoning the next persons imagination, I imagined Hugh Grant in the character role.
Journal Entry 12 by noodlebowl from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Monday, November 17, 2003
Sent on to Jodez today. Hope you like it!
Journal Entry 13 by Jodez from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Sorry got his in November, but illness and family stuff have kept me away.
Anyway - I have read this (thanks to the illness) and am ready to send it on.
Liked the evolution of the character - especially his realisation as a father.
I love Disco Ken - I can see why Hugh Grant springs to mind - just a little old now though to play mid twenties right!
Anyway - I have read this (thanks to the illness) and am ready to send it on.
Liked the evolution of the character - especially his realisation as a father.
I love Disco Ken - I can see why Hugh Grant springs to mind - just a little old now though to play mid twenties right!
Journal Entry 14 by veracity from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Monday, December 29, 2003
Just received in the mail. I've had a few rays arrive this week, so it's in the TBR pile... but I'm a fast reader so it won't take too long. Thanks!
Journal Entry 15 by veracity from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, January 29, 2004
Although the concept of this novel (a selfish man learns how to care for other people, especially his son, after his divorce) is a sound one, I found it all a bit ho-hum. I imagine parents would relate more to 'Man and Boy' than I could, particularly if they are separated or divorced from their partners. Still, it's a very personal novel about a very personal emotional journey.
Release planned for Friday, January 30, 2004 at Postal Release in Sydney, Australia Controlled Releases.
On its way to Ferns
On its way to Ferns
Just picked 'Man and Boy' up from the PO today and looking forward to reading it this weekend. And, after reading LittleMave's jnl entry- "On the cover, a reviewer states 'I laughed out loud once and cried 4 times'", I will report my laugh/cry stats, too. :-)
I liked the way the author wrote about what was happening and his feelings in a direct, matter-of-fact, even concise way. Spent a lot of time thinking, "Oh, Yes!" when he stated something about relationships or life and how-we-live-it that was obvious, but not until after he said it... something I knew, but had never "thought' about or voiced myself.
Here are my stats, then:
Laughing (not out loud though)- too many times to count
Crying - Ten ALREADY!!
Will be sending onto Snootchy this week.
Here are my stats, then:
Laughing (not out loud though)- too many times to count
Crying - Ten ALREADY!!
Will be sending onto Snootchy this week.
First of all everyone, I am really sorry for hanging onto this book for so long and not journalling! I deserved to be beaten by a hardcover severely!
I really enjoyed this book from a divorced person's perspective, the relationship between father and son was funny and sad :) I will get this to puppymummy quick as!
smiles Tracy (snootchy)
I really enjoyed this book from a divorced person's perspective, the relationship between father and son was funny and sad :) I will get this to puppymummy quick as!
smiles Tracy (snootchy)
Journal Entry 20 by Mundoo from Hindmarsh Island, South Australia Australia on Wednesday, June 2, 2004
Received the book in the mail
Journal Entry 21 by Mundoo from Hindmarsh Island, South Australia Australia on Friday, June 11, 2004
Interesting story-line. I loved the first paragraph of chapter 1 and have quoted it to my friends when we have all moaned about what a crap day we have each had. I think we would have to go far to top this first paragraph:
"Some situations to avoid when preparing for your all-important, finally -I-am-fully-grown thirtieth birthday.
Having a one-night stand with a colleague from work.
The rash purchase of luxury items you can't afford.
Being left by your wife.
Losing your job.
Suddenly becoming a single parent.
If you are coming up to thirty, whatever you do, don't do any of that, It will fuck up your whole day."
Seems to sum up life in general and something that men need to learn. Anyway the book goes through the adaption that Harry does in dealing with that one bad day and the repucusions of it. He becomes a parent while looking for the love he needs in his life. His parents are just like a lot of us and his father's death very touching and sensitive. Having been in the situation he ended up being in with his son Pat and letting a son go because I loved him, I emphasised and felt his deep hurt. Not sure that he will find true happiness and long-lasting love with the ending, but hey at least he tried.
Sending on to Guinevere69 during the next week.
"Some situations to avoid when preparing for your all-important, finally -I-am-fully-grown thirtieth birthday.
Having a one-night stand with a colleague from work.
The rash purchase of luxury items you can't afford.
Being left by your wife.
Losing your job.
Suddenly becoming a single parent.
If you are coming up to thirty, whatever you do, don't do any of that, It will fuck up your whole day."
Seems to sum up life in general and something that men need to learn. Anyway the book goes through the adaption that Harry does in dealing with that one bad day and the repucusions of it. He becomes a parent while looking for the love he needs in his life. His parents are just like a lot of us and his father's death very touching and sensitive. Having been in the situation he ended up being in with his son Pat and letting a son go because I loved him, I emphasised and felt his deep hurt. Not sure that he will find true happiness and long-lasting love with the ending, but hey at least he tried.
Sending on to Guinevere69 during the next week.
Journal Entry 22 by Mundoo from Hindmarsh Island, South Australia Australia on Thursday, June 17, 2004
Posted off to Guinevere69
Journal Entry 23 by guinevere69 from Willetton, Western Australia Australia on Monday, June 21, 2004
got in mail today
Absolutely adored this book, it all was a bit close to the truth with me and my first marriage break up and custody of the kids and new relationships. I first cried when his father was dying, he had a beautiful relationship with his dad, and then cried uncontrollably when he decided the best thing he could do for his son was to let his mother have custody. A wonderful story about real things that happen to real people, highly recommended
Absolutely adored this book, it all was a bit close to the truth with me and my first marriage break up and custody of the kids and new relationships. I first cried when his father was dying, he had a beautiful relationship with his dad, and then cried uncontrollably when he decided the best thing he could do for his son was to let his mother have custody. A wonderful story about real things that happen to real people, highly recommended
Arrived safely in Melbourne and has been added to the pile - will do my best to get to it soon!
Journal Entry 25 by Littlemave from Weston, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Sorry to interrupt, guys, but I have 'Man and Wife' if anyone wants to read it? I'll do another book-ring if there's enough interest.
thanks
lm
thanks
lm
Journal Entry 26 by puppymummy from Melbourne CBD, Victoria Australia on Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Wow. I laughed out loud a few times, but am only admitting to crying once.... and if it moves you that much, it must be a great one! I still don't understand the concept of a mother leaving her son behind with a father she hated, but I can cope with a few mysteries in order for the book to evolve.
Will be in the mail as soon as I find a bookmark!
Will be in the mail as soon as I find a bookmark!
Journal Entry 27 by Loopylou127 from Hassall Grove, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, October 6, 2004
Pick up from the postoffice yesterday - sorry first day in ages to get there BEFORE the close. I will get to this as soon as "the others" will let me.
Thanks for the bookmark = berry nice
Thanks for the bookmark = berry nice
Journal Entry 28 by Loopylou127 from Hassall Grove, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, December 19, 2004
Sorry for the hold-up *life!
I can honestly say I cried once, tears trickeling down my cheeks, standing in my lounge room no less (luckly the kids weren't home). When he is explaining to HIS boy how proud he was and how it would be *sniff* I enjoyed how his perception changed as the book went along in regards to his dad and his relationship with his son.
I noticed it has been made into a film, the actor is an irishman? I think well suited to the role.
Thanks for ringing this. I will pm starflw5 for the address and try to send it before Chrissy who know the way the posties are working it might get there in time?
Edit 10/1/05 put in the mail today - sorry, been internet free for awhile.
I can honestly say I cried once, tears trickeling down my cheeks, standing in my lounge room no less (luckly the kids weren't home). When he is explaining to HIS boy how proud he was and how it would be *sniff* I enjoyed how his perception changed as the book went along in regards to his dad and his relationship with his son.
I noticed it has been made into a film, the actor is an irishman? I think well suited to the role.
Thanks for ringing this. I will pm starflw5 for the address and try to send it before Chrissy who know the way the posties are working it might get there in time?
Edit 10/1/05 put in the mail today - sorry, been internet free for awhile.
Just received this in the post from loopylou127, thanks. I am about to go on holiday so it was perfect timing.
I really enjoyed this book. can't think what else to say about it at the moment but will contact tqd and send it on its way.
The book turned up in my mailbox the other night, thanks everyone! There are a couple of books ahead on the TBR pile, but it shouldn't take too long.
Finished this the other night (first time I've had a chance to write a review!). I enjoyed it very much, I loved the development of Harry from a working father to a stay at home father and all the changes that he goes through in the process. And when Pat rode his bike out onto the diving board - I haven't been in that particular situation, but I've been in enough situations where you realise that maybe you should be paying a bit more attention to the small child near you to really panic along with Harry...
I like how Gina recommended Snow Country as a book to read. I got that off the bookrelays a while back. I think it's time to dust it off and get it off Mt TBR!
I was a bit disturbed by the character of Gina. I felt that she was being used as some sort of anti-feminist backlash (see what happens when you decide that you DO want it all! You can't have a career AND a child! You selfish woman!). But I suppose every book needs its villian. (And the way they slid from happily-married to suing-for-custody so quicky and easily was frighteningly real.)
Good to see the single dads being championed, however. There's very few of them about! (Mr TQD is the offical homemaker in our house while I'm the breadwinner. And he's the only dad at the playground during the week...)
Actually, I'd like Mr TQD to read this (maybe we'll have a chance before e-i-pi and I get a chance to get together and swap some books as planned). But his dad died of cancer not that long ago, so I'm a little wary of getting him to read this. We'll see how we go.
I was given another Tony Parsons novel for Christmas, that one's going to get bumped up the Mt TBR pretty quickly now! Even with my misgivings about Gina, I did like the book. (And she wasn't as much a villian as the lawyer that Harry hires!) The funny bits were very funny, the sad bits were poignant.
I like how Gina recommended Snow Country as a book to read. I got that off the bookrelays a while back. I think it's time to dust it off and get it off Mt TBR!
I was a bit disturbed by the character of Gina. I felt that she was being used as some sort of anti-feminist backlash (see what happens when you decide that you DO want it all! You can't have a career AND a child! You selfish woman!). But I suppose every book needs its villian. (And the way they slid from happily-married to suing-for-custody so quicky and easily was frighteningly real.)
Good to see the single dads being championed, however. There's very few of them about! (Mr TQD is the offical homemaker in our house while I'm the breadwinner. And he's the only dad at the playground during the week...)
Actually, I'd like Mr TQD to read this (maybe we'll have a chance before e-i-pi and I get a chance to get together and swap some books as planned). But his dad died of cancer not that long ago, so I'm a little wary of getting him to read this. We'll see how we go.
I was given another Tony Parsons novel for Christmas, that one's going to get bumped up the Mt TBR pretty quickly now! Even with my misgivings about Gina, I did like the book. (And she wasn't as much a villian as the lawyer that Harry hires!) The funny bits were very funny, the sad bits were poignant.
Thanks tqd - the mailbox swap was carried out with absolute precision. Can't wait to get thsi to the top of the pile - it's looks like it's a great read.
Great book - interesting to see the Mother painted in such an unsympathetic light, and once again proving that fathers can do anything mothers can do - if only they'd get in there and do it.
Off to crimson-tide as soon as I have the address. Thanks littlemave.
Off to crimson-tide as soon as I have the address. Thanks littlemave.
Journal Entry 35 by 
crimson-tide
from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Wednesday, November 2, 2005
crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Wednesday, November 2, 2005
Received in the mail today. There are a few before it, but I'll try not to hold on to it for too long.
Thanks all.
Thanks all.
Journal Entry 36 by crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Friday, November 4, 2005
crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Friday, November 4, 2005
I can't believe I did this!!! I just found another copy of this book on my bookshelf : I bought it second hand months ago and forgot I was on the ring, then when the ring came around I forgot I had a copy!
This proves two things:
1) Age and senility is setting in
2) I have far too many books on my shelves
Shall send to Ravenbear once I confirm an address.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update April 2007 - I've finally read it!
I have to admit I have a mixed response to this book. It has had so many good reviews that I thought I must be missing something somewhere! There are a number of good things going for it. It is easy to read and has well written dialogue. I did like the awakening and development of Harry's character and the lovely way he learned to care for and interact with his son Pat, and the love he was able to admit he had for his own father.
However, overall it just didn't quite live up to the accolades for me. Yes, it is touching; yes, it is witty in parts and wise in others - but somehow it all seemed a bit 'contrived'. He appears to be trying too hard and it's all a bit too poignant and redeeming towards the end after Gina returns and his father becomes ill. And the ending . . . well . . . not very realistic. But I guess you gotta lead into the second book somehow.
This proves two things:
1) Age and senility is setting in
2) I have far too many books on my shelves
Shall send to Ravenbear once I confirm an address.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update April 2007 - I've finally read it!
I have to admit I have a mixed response to this book. It has had so many good reviews that I thought I must be missing something somewhere! There are a number of good things going for it. It is easy to read and has well written dialogue. I did like the awakening and development of Harry's character and the lovely way he learned to care for and interact with his son Pat, and the love he was able to admit he had for his own father.
However, overall it just didn't quite live up to the accolades for me. Yes, it is touching; yes, it is witty in parts and wise in others - but somehow it all seemed a bit 'contrived'. He appears to be trying too hard and it's all a bit too poignant and redeeming towards the end after Gina returns and his father becomes ill. And the ending . . . well . . . not very realistic. But I guess you gotta lead into the second book somehow.
Journal Entry 37 by crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Friday, November 4, 2005
crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Friday, November 4, 2005
Ravenbear has it on her profile to skip her in any further rings/rays for the moment. So I shall send on to binkybuffy once I have an address.
Journal Entry 38 by binkybuffy from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Received this book on Monday am extremely busy this week with elderly father in hospital(again). Will journal when I have read it and thanks to Crimsontide hope I got that right for sending it to me and to Littlemave for the bookring.
I noticed on the list for the names of who is on the bookring it said ("don't forget to send the bookmark". I'm sorry someone along the way must have forgot to put it in because there is no bookmark with the book, when I received it.Just letting you know so you don't think I have it.
I noticed on the list for the names of who is on the bookring it said ("don't forget to send the bookmark". I'm sorry someone along the way must have forgot to put it in because there is no bookmark with the book, when I received it.Just letting you know so you don't think I have it.
Journal Entry 39 by Feryl from Coffs Harbour, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, December 15, 2005
Received in the mail yesterday from Binkybuffy, with a lovely Christmas card - thanks Binky buffy! :o)
Journal Entry 40 by Feryl from Coffs Harbour, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, December 28, 2005
I'm afraid I found this a bit mediocre - no crying or laughing out loud for me! Not that it wasn't a touching story, and I agree with Mundoo that the opening of Chapter 1 was great, but for me it all went downhill from there. Too many cliches, too many unlikely coincidences, too many bits that were just a little unconvincing (can men really be convinced so easily to stray from a woman they love?? ... well OK, maybe so), and too many relationships beginning and ending and progressing so fast it could give you whiplash. And what was the wedding guest list all about? It looked like rent-a-crowd, including all of the main characters and most of the supporting characters regardless of whether or not they had any discernible connection with the bride and groom. I was tempted to give up from about halfway through, but persevered to the end to see who Harry ended up with! It may be just another cliche, but I have to admit I do like a happy ending! :o)
Will return this one to Littlemave soon...
Will return this one to Littlemave soon...
Slight change of plan! A couple more people have been added to the bookring list, so this will be dispatched by mail to kalasue today.
Journal Entry 42 by kalasue from Kalamunda, Western Australia Australia on Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Received today. I have had a sudden influx of bookrings (this is the fourth this week!) so will do my best... Obviously everyone has been doing lots of reading over the Christmas break!
Journal Entry 43 by kalasue from Kalamunda, Western Australia Australia on Saturday, January 21, 2006
I loved this book - read in just a few hours. Having been through a marriage breakup that happened because my husband was seduced by another woman (many men really are pathetic) and who responded to my reaction in exactly the way this guy did, I understood Gina's position absolutely. However when she left I changed my view...
This book even made me cry and I hardly ever cry. I liked the happy ending but it really reminded me that this was just a story/movie and not realistic...
This book even made me cry and I hardly ever cry. I liked the happy ending but it really reminded me that this was just a story/movie and not realistic...
one of 3 received today. i have a few before it
I didn't laugh out loud, i didn't cry. OK, i smiled a few times.
I liked Harry's relationship with his parents. it was good to see his relationship with Pat grow and change, and for him to learn to be a bit less selfish.
thanks for sharing littlemave.
i will post this when i have an address.
I liked Harry's relationship with his parents. it was good to see his relationship with Pat grow and change, and for him to learn to be a bit less selfish.
thanks for sharing littlemave.
i will post this when i have an address.
i have an address to send this book to. it is off to julben tomorrow. welcome to Bookcrossing julben.
Book arrived today - will try to start reading it in the next few days.
Posted back to Littlemave today.
Not finished - could not get into it, may possibly have been the small print - had to concentrate too much.
Not finished - could not get into it, may possibly have been the small print - had to concentrate too much.
Journal Entry 49 by Littlemave from Weston, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Saturday, May 13, 2006
Welcome home little book - it has been on such a big trip around Australia and taken 2 and a half years to do so! It is in surprisingly good shape. *g*
Thank you to everyone for taking part, and thanks julben for the bookmark which came back to me.
As ever, happy reading.
littlemave
Thank you to everyone for taking part, and thanks julben for the bookmark which came back to me.
As ever, happy reading.
littlemave
Journal Entry 50 by Littlemave from Weston, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Sunday, January 21, 2007
On loan to mandyjoy.
