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By: WELL 223
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2025-01-16 14:49:08 |
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A heartfelt storyline. Two troubled people coming together in a unique way. Most of us enjoyed the pace, some felt it was a bit slow moving. The start of the book led nicely into introducing the characters. Overall 4 stars. |
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By: CHCH 527
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2024-12-09 07:31:00 |
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No book this year created such a divergence of views. Detractors said it belonged to an “ airport Whitcoulls” - where as those who enjoyed the book called it a great social commentary on people with disabilities and trauma . |
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By: HIKUR 001
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2024-10-21 10:18:08 |
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Enjoyed by most of our group. We liked the style of writing and the development of the two main characters. An easy but interesting read. |
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By: GORE 010
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2024-04-29 12:05:11 |
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Lovely story of how people can help each other in different ways. |
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By: OHOPE 009
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2024-03-13 13:26:00 |
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We enjoyed the storyline, and the way it was written, alternating the 2 main characters' thoughts. It showed good insight into brain injury effects and how others react to a person with a brain injury. A funny, interesting, good read. |
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By: AUCK 294
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2023-09-26 11:54:28 |
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Those who read the book all really enjoyed 'The Man I Think I Know'. Definite tick. |
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By: AUCK 216
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2023-07-31 14:38:38 |
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An unusual book but an interesting book - thank you. |
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By: CHCH 468
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2023-06-19 11:59:21 |
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We all loved the book!! |
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By: BLENH 010
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2023-05-15 17:32:50 |
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Enjoyed by all and a good discussion ensued. We felt that the chapters featuring James gave a reasonably good demonstration of speech from a brain damaged person. It was good to read this book from the male perspective. |
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By: NAP 017
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2022-10-31 11:25:07 |
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Thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. |
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By: TAUR 038
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2022-10-10 12:11:51 |
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We gave this a consistent 3/5. We enjoyed the easy, light read but did feel the book treated the serious subjects of alcoholism and brain injury a bit frivolously. We thought the alternating chapters narrated by the two key characters worked well and that the author wrote from James' perspective well. It was also enjoyable to read about things from a male's perspective. |
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By: HOKITIK 001
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2022-07-20 11:44:03 |
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Enjoyed by all. Memorable. Insightful observation by the author into the two main characters who were well drawn and believable. Unusual combination of special needs that worked very well for both men as they supported each other towards greater independence. We found the style of each chapter in alternate voices was interesting and helpful. Several members want to read another book by Gayle after this one. |
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By: NEWP 018
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2022-05-16 14:30:44 |
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A brilliant book! Everyone enjoyed it, a very easy read. |
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By: AUCK 014
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2022-05-11 16:05:09 |
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This was a nice change of pace in comparison to some heavier books we have been reading in our group lately. Given the uncertain circumstances in the current state of our world, it was uplifting, hopeful and optimistic and it was an easy read. The shared narrative of the two protagonists was particularly effective, along with the gentle humour to offset some serious issues. In addition it gave rise to some quality discussion about ABI and the impact it has on families, including some of our own. So we recommend it, qualified with some concern that the 'tidy' ending was not realistic. |
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By: QUEEN 006
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2022-05-05 15:11:12 |
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Generally the group enjoyed the book, but felt that not all the characters were fully developed. |
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By: TAUP 006
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2022-04-22 14:58:29 |
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Good discussion about brain injuries, role of carers in society, and the class system in England. Validity of 'happy ever after ending' challenged by some, but overall we agreed it is a nice change and that good things do happen. |
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By: WANAK 010
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2022-03-28 16:18:18 |
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All our group enjoyed this book. A couple of people were reluctant to begin with, but were quickly hooked in. We felt we really got to know the characters, and the way each narrated their story added to this. Some of our group have had experience of brain trauma to varying degrees, and felt this book gave a good insight into what it's like for the person and their family and friends. |
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By: ROTO 012
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2022-03-07 11:11:27 |
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This produced a worthwhile discussion around the issue of brain injury, in that it really made us think of the everyday issues and impact on family. An uplifting read. Good book overall. |
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By: TAUR 010
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2022-03-02 11:31:34 |
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Well-written. Prompted readers to read other books Mike Gayle has written. |
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By: WHANG 018
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2022-01-28 12:45:11 |
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We all loved this book! |
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By: CHCH 419
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2022-01-07 11:28:39 |
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Thought provoking. Slow start but worth it. Wished print was larger. Group linked book to everyday life experiences and people in the community. Sad but hopeful book. Beautifully written. So good to have a book about men written by men. |
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By: MATAM 001
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2021-11-26 13:12:17 |
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We all really enjoyed this book. Such a heartwarming story of how the two men met again, and helped each other with their problems, thus creating a close friendship based on mutual respect. A great way to end our Book Group year. |
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By: MAST 004
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2021-10-27 12:26:33 |
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A feel good novel with a social heart. |
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By: INVER 003
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2021-10-15 09:18:45 |
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Everyone enjoyed this book. They found it well-written, and enjoyed the character development. It was full of hope and positivity. 2 members read it twice, and 2 related their own experiences of brain injury. |
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By: MOTUK 001
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2021-09-13 11:24:40 |
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Everyone present thought highly of the book - such a great style of writing and true to life characters. A happy ending always a bonus. Some more books by Mike Gayle on the BDS list please! |
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By: WELL 036
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2021-08-25 14:22:40 |
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Our group found this an easy read, with the story unfolding clearly from alternating characters. We enjoyed how the dependence of characters changed throughout the story, as each changed and grew, especially Vicki. |
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By: NELS 065
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2021-08-06 14:23:48 |
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We all really enjoyed this book and would read it again. The characters were really believable. The relationships were powerful, and the book has lingered in our memories. The author evoked sympathy without being overly sentimental. |
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By: MAST 003
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2021-07-12 10:22:15 |
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Enjoyed but not loved. Characters lost some credibility near the end of the book. Feel good easy read. |
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By: AUCK 050
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2021-07-12 09:39:20 |
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Most members enjoyed this book and found it light and easy to read. We enjoyed the voices changing between the two men, and many times thought that "there but for the grace of God go I". The ending was perhaps a little too contrived, but then we all agreed we were happy with it finishing on a positive note. The friendship between Danny and James was developed nicely. |
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By: WHANG 004
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2021-06-23 12:01:38 |
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We all thoroughly enjoyed the book - we all had a question to answer, and shared personal stories. |
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By: WELL 130
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2021-05-31 13:49:49 |
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We loved this book. The themes were full of colour and quirkiness. The characters were well developed. The storyline was full of surprises. |
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By: OAMAR 002
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2021-04-21 11:45:02 |
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Everyone enjoyed it, and the conversation from the questions was thought provoking around mental health in our group, and in NZ in general. Bit of a 'twee' ending. Too tidy. |
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By: TIMAR 004
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2021-04-16 15:03:22 |
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Everyone loved this book, and vowed to search out more by the author. Mike Gayle's writing for the character with a brain injury was presented in a way which seemed absolutely authentic. |
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By: AUCK 069
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2021-04-16 15:01:47 |
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People enjoyed the story, and thought it well told. |
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By: NEWP 012
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2021-04-16 15:00:45 |
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Loved the book! |
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By: THAM 005
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2020-11-09 15:01:17 |
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The group were unanimous in the enjoyment of this book although the ending was a little too nicely tied up for some. Easy, enjoyable read with great character development. |
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By: AUCK 277
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2020-10-23 14:31:43 |
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A lovely read, beautiful language. One of the best books we have had. |
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By: ASHB 016
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2020-10-23 11:23:59 |
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Everyone enjoyed this book. Easy to read and we all talked about how quickly things can change and how it effects everyone around them. Was a little predictable in places and was all tidied up a bit neatly at the the end, but still a good story. |
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By: MATUA 001
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2020-09-23 13:17:42 |
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We all loved this book! |
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By: WELL 150
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2020-09-23 13:17:02 |
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Much good discussion. Caught group members' imagination - also brought out memories of people they knew. Bittersweet. |
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