Some stories should not be told - Rated 
Like many other reviewers, I have read Tony Parsons other books - so picked this up thinking I was getting the same.
I was wrong.
This book (and I really struggled to finish it, but hate not finishing books) comes across as a book that was merely written to satisfy the author's need to tell the story, but should have actually been kept personal, maybe amongst the friends that he was obviously writing about as well as himself.
This was a personal tale and as such should have been kept as that - personal.
A plus point, it was cleverely written to span one set time period, just over 24 hours, and all the characters intertwined fairly easily.
Maybe it was the era (1977 being the year I was born), maybe it was incessant drug use, the language - but something did not sit right with me and this book.
Where's The Funny Bit? - Rated 
I will agree with the various other reviewers here who have expressed disappointment in the change of style from other books by Tony Parsons, but my main comment would be, that in several of the comments printed on the cover taken from professional reviews (e.g. the Irish Independent) the word "funny" appears, and I am now on page 191 and I haven't laughed yet.
Yes, it is a great nostalgic story, and takes me back to being 14 but enables me to see that period through the eyes of someone 10 years older, but it's Not Funny.
A Rare Nostalgic Novel - Rated 
Very different to his previous novels, but strangely captivating. Perhaps a little difficult to get into at first, mainly because you realise it's poles apart from his usual style, but once you get over that it's a wonderful read. Largely based on the music scene of the 70s and the politics involved with that, you would do well to read it if this interests you. I loved this read, but wouldn't necessarily reccomend it to all of my friends as not all of them would appreciate the subject matter and may find this puts them off.
The first 1 star I have ever given - Rated 
I am quite easily pleased and it is rare for me to give up on a book. Well I made an exception for this book. Literally nothing happens! I have enjoyed all his other books and so really gave this one a good crack of the whip. But eventually I had to call it a day and give up. Such a shame after his other work.
An enjoyable and easy read! - Rated 
Dont take this book too seriously! Nothing much happens in this book but that is the point! It's about group of characters and you getting to know them. I don't always finish books but this one was a nice easy and enjoyable read. It's based in the seventies which was pretty different to today. The news in filled with a famous death yet life goes on for our three main characters. You'll end up feeling you personally know these people by the time you finish the book.
I read it and passed it on to my sister who also loved it.
We both agree that we now miss Ray, Leon and Terry.
Author, Tony Parson's writes effortlessly and for that it makes reading it a simple enjoyable experience.
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