When I was introduced to this book by Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources, I knew I had to read it, as an obsessed astrology student, just the title alone had me hooked! The synopsis sounded intriguing too, so I jumped at the chance to review it.
Thanks so much to Patrick Haylock and Rachel for gifting me with a paperback copy of the book to read – you can’t beat a good paperback!
The Synopsis
There’s even a fancy trailer!…
Patrick Haylock is a globally unrecognised writer who if you discount a school sweet pea growing competition, has won no awards whatsoever!
He was born in Enfield at a very dark time in the world. It was 1:45 am, to be precise, and it wasnβt too long before it dawned on him.
To make something of himself he was going to need two things the ability to tell the difference between a green onion and a scallion, and a good education.
Wormley Primary and Baas Hill Comprehensive schools did their best to fulfil both requirements, and after giving them 12 years of his life, they gave him seven printed sheets of paper, and the knowledge that there was no difference between a green onion and a scallion.
He also learned that the difference between onions and bagpipes was that no one ever cries when you chop up bagpipes.
The certificated wisdom secured a national newspaper messengerβs job, which led to an editorial trainee position, followed by a production editorβs post, and progression
into freelance journalism.
βKnowing his onionsβ helped him to successfully establish his own publishing company, design studio, online retro webstore and high street art gallery.
Patrick lives with his wife in a converted Old Essex Brewery, where he claims the 6% ABV air quality inspires him to craft his nutty tales.
Although a βnew voiceβ, in the literary world, those βin the knowβ will willingly testify that his gift for imaginative storytelling is engaging, and, amusingly unique!
My Thoughts
Just the synopsis alone had me laughing and I knew immediately that Patrick share my sense of humour!
This book is fun, fast paced and hilarious – probably one of my favourite books this year, so far – it’s so different – in a good way, that it will stay on your mind, I won’t forget it in a hurry, that’s for sure.
I fell in love with Dave straight away and felt quite protective of him throughout the book, the situations he gets himself into, really are quite funny but also quite serious at times and he is so reliant on his horoscope reading for life advice and big decisions, and although I am an avid follower of my own horoscope, I use them – like most people who believe in them more seriously than just being entertainment – as a guide of the energies at play to assist – poor Dave! ??
The other characters in this book are just as real and relatable as Dave , including his parents, who are both super fun!
some of the scenarios Dave gets himself into are laugh out loud – you have been warned – look out for the motorbike and Piranha fish incidents and also his friendship with Greg are all stand-out hilarious moments.
A fantastic book that is a light-hearted read and can easily be devoured very quickly – too quickly to be honest, I didn’t want it to end… could be the start of a series, maybe? I really hope so.
Buy The Book Now From…
Amazon UK
Amazon USA
Keep up with Patrick on his socials…
Goodreads
Website
Also a quick “Thank you” to Patrick Haylock for sending a lovely Jamboree – Kushti Bok goodie bag with the paperback copy, this brought some of the scenes in the book to life – what a lovely touch – it is much appreciated! (There was also a pen, but I forgot to add it in the shot, sorry!)
Thanks for reading – Enjoy the book!
Chanel x
Chanel Williams