I found this book pretty dull and was disappointed having greatly enjoyed The Rosie Project by the same author.

The story being about Adam, a British IT contractor, who met Angelina when working in Australia twenty years of so before the story begins. They had a love affair but it all came to an end when Adam moved away to his next contract. In the meanwhile both got into long term relationships with other people but the story brings them back together again. I didn't identify with any of the characters - in fact I started to despise all of them and their morals by the end of the book and was irritated at the constant back and forth decisions in the relationship of Angelina and Adam.

There is a lot of mention of pop songs which I found quite irritating after a while. I did know most as they were from the 70s but the way they were woven into the story felt so contrived that I just kept glossing over those sections. There were also several points when I wasn't clear who was speaking and still wasn't when going back and trying to work it out. This just took me out of the story so much that I struggled to finish the book.

I was delighted to get approved for an ARC of The Best of Adam Sharp as I’ve only heard good things about Graeme Simsion’s other books: The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect. Unfortunately, although it’s well-written, I didn’t like this book as much as I’d hoped I would.

For me, the heart of the problem is Adam, who is the first-person narrator. Sadly, I failed to connect with Adam in any way and it made getting into and through the book hard work. I found it difficult to sympathize with him because, as far as I could see, the man had no real problems. And the ones he did have seemed to be entirely of his own making and inability or unwillingness to do anything to fix them.

And then there’s Adam’s narrative voice: I thought it was bland and detached. Even when some of the scenes Adam’s describing contain some pretty racy content, he might as well be narrating a shopping list for all the drama his voice manages to convey.

I didn’t buy into the central romantic relationship either, mostly because Angelina – the love of Adam’s life – comes across as selfish, immature, spoilt and unworthy of anyone’s attentions.

I appreciate the effort the author has put into making music central to his characters’ lives. Adam is quite a shut-off person who finds it hard to express himself, and music gives him a way to do this. I imagine that if you are familiar with all the music in this book and love it, you will be able to connect with Adam and his experiences far more than I did.

Overall: The Best of Adam Sharp is well-written, and a lot of thought has gone into the choice of music and its use as a sort of emotional shorthand, which is why I’m giving it three stars even though I didn’t have much fun reading it. As I say, I think readers who have a love for the particular playlist used in this novel (which is listed at the end of the book) will have a more positive reading experience.

Lovely book , characters likeable but would have liked more passion between them.The reference to different songs became annoying and because of the old songs he sang and played in the book I'm not sure it would appeal to the younger reader. But overall a nice easy read and I would read another book by this author .

I was excited about this book because I'd LOVED The Rosie Project. Graeme's strengths in TRP was his portrayal of the characters, they were immensely well-imagined and easy to love.

In The Best of Adam Sharp, there was no sign of these well-imagined characters. I found it quite difficult to even like the characters in this book. This is a run-of-the-mill trying-to-be-more-than-chicklit-but-failing book. If you're looking to read it in the hopes of another TRP - lower your expectations. It's an okay book, I read it all and didn't give up on it but I won't be recommending it to anyone soon.

Adam is contcontacted by an old flame from 20 - odd years ago, from a working trip to Australia. He splits from Claire, his current partner and meets up with old flame and her husband in France. The passion is rekindled but becomes tawdry but Adam does "The Right Thing, "eventually. The France section spoilt the book for me but I did enjoy the music reference s.

This review is written with thanks to Michael Joseph, an imprint of Penguin UK, and Netgalley for my copy of The Best Of Adam Sharp.
Adam Sharp works in IT and has a passion for music. He has been with his partner, Claire, for twenty years when a lover from his past, Angelina, gets in touch and invites him to spend time with her and her husband in France. Will Adam be tempted to relive the past?
The Best Of Adam Sharp is very easy to read, and Simsion's writing style is such that I was able to visualise each scene in my mind and imagine the relationships Adam shared with Angelina and Claire. However, whilst I feel that I am doing The Best Of Adam Sharp a disservice by comparing it to Simsion's previous novels, The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect, that is unfortunately what I did, and because of this, the characters seemed less vibrant and slightly one dimensional. It was more difficult for me to invest in these characters and really care about what the future held for them.
As Adam is a talented musician, and many of his memories are formed and shaped by music, this concept forms a central theme of the novel. Music is also an important part of my life, and therefore, I found the references to different songs and pieces of music gave the novel a frame of reference which enabled me to relate to the situations in which the characters found themselves. It also made the novel very thought provoking as it prompted me to think about the music which has sentimental value for me. At the end of the novel, Simsion directs the reader to the Spotify playlist, found here. Unfortunately, I did not find this until after I had finished reading, but I believe it would have increased the sense of atmosphere in the novel for me had I been able to listen to it.
In itself, The Best Of Adam Sharp is enjoyable and it raises some important questions about life, love and memory. However, having enjoyed Simsion's previous two novels, I finish this novel feeling slightly underwhelmed.

I really loved The Rosie Project so was looking forward to reading this, even though I knew it was a very different story. I was a little disappointed however, as the characters are not nearly as interesting or likeable as the previous books written by Graeme Simsion.

The story itself is written well, and it is a quick and easy read. The first half of the book was far more enjoyable than the second half. The story got a little too far-fetched near the end and some scenes didn't fit the characters described early in the book.

I enjoyed much of The Best Of Adam Sharp, but I did have some uncomfortable moments with it.

The first thing to say is that The Rosie Project, this ain't. This is a much more sober, reflective novel. There are lighthearted moments and it's well done, but don’t expect a comedy. The narrator is Adam Sharp, a forty-something, music-loving software engineer in a staid life and relationship in England. As a young man he had a deep and passionate love affair in Australia with Angelina, a young, beautiful actress. Out of the blue, she emails him, and we get accounts of both the old affair and present-day developments as old feelings and regrets are rekindled. To say more about the plot itself would be to reveal more than I would like to have known before starting.

Graeme Simsion writes very well and I found the story involving and compelling enough to make me late for something in order to finish it – always a good sign. He has some important reflections on what makes a good life and a good relationship, and how we sometimes fail to appreciate the things of real value in both. I found Adam himself a very convincing portrait of a middle-aged man taking stock of his life so far and experiencing powerful pangs of nostalgia for lost love and youth – fuelled by a fine list of 60s and 70s songs, which is an aspect I enjoyed very much.

There are quite a few sex scenes, which aren't over-explicit and are generally well done. There is one section, though, which made me very uncomfortable, not because of the sex itself (even though it's somewhat unconventional, shall we say) but because I felt the woman involved had become rather objectified as the prize in a competition between two men. It may have been Simsion's intention to illustrate the wrongness of this, but it felt more like porn than the genuine human interactions we had been shown in other sex scenes and reading it made me feel rather grubby.

That may just be me, though, and overall I enjoyed this a lot. It's readable, thoughtful and rather humane and I can recommend it.

(I received an ARC via Netgalley.)

I did not know what to expect from this book, I had loved The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect. I was a little put off by the prospect of a play list of songs as I am not into music but and it is a huge but. I loved the book. It was different, it included a whole load of elements that made it so much more than a mid life crisis/love story. The songs and their references contrary to my expectations added depth to the story, I did know most of the songs well. I liked the characters, they were well drawn and interesting and the story was somehow very down to earth and believable. I don't think I am expressing this as well as I might but I would say just read it.

I've been a fan of Simsion since reading The Rosie Project and its sequel The Rosie Effect, and I was excited to see this upcoming novel of his was available on Netgalley. However, I felt that perhaps this particular novel of his was more suited to those of the same age as the characters rather than someone in their 20s. If you loved his previous books and are expecting something similar, then I suggest you wipe them thoughts away and go in with a fresh mind.

The plot is centered around Adam and his first love Angelina who he met in a bar in Melbourne where he performed as a pianist. We see that despite him being with another woman, Claire for 20 years he still has a soft spot for Angelina- apparently she might too seeing as she's just sent him an email simply saying "Hi." As the story progresses we see this long lost relationship blossom once again, although not quite in the way you might think.

Music is present in every chapter, and Adam refers to songs and bands of his youth and the memories attached to them. Most of these musicians and bands I knew so I wasn't completely lost, but there were many I hadn't heard of and perhaps missed some gags. I think it was a nice touch in the book, and relatable at least for me because I associate songs with people and memories too.

I wasn't a fan of Angelina, very much the daring woman who seems to feel trapped in her marriage to Charlie and their three children. Not to say she doesn't love them, but she doesn't seem the type to settle down. Which is fair enough by all accounts but I felt that she manipulated Adam in some ways, and it was a little uncomfortable to read when Adam pays herself and Charlie a visit in France. Adam was very much a middle-aged man at a cross-roads and uncertain of which avenue to go down, he was a bit of a fool to begin with and yet he came out quite grounded but not really an exciting character. I think I didn't have the emotional pull towards this novel because I can't relate to their situation (and nor' do I want to), and perhaps it was just a bit too mature and not enough of the Simsion humour that I loved previously.

However, saying this I felt that intellectually it was great for Simsion to write about relationships in a very matter of fact manner. None are perfect, or like a fairytale, they're hard work and take a lot to keep them going. I liked that outlook very much, instead of being faced with characters who were up in the clouds. I just didn't have that connection with the characters, but nonetheless I think its a book for those who are of a similar age to the characters and perhaps are in the same situation or something similar.

This book hasn't put me off Simsion's work, it was simply something different. No doubt I will still pick up his books in the near future.

I was looking forward to this book as I had really enjoyed the Rosie books. This was in a different vein completely. Adam Sharp meets and falls in love with an actress in Australia in the first part of the book. They go there separate ways in part 2, until Adam receives an email from Angelina. The book then moves into the examination of relationships through sdxual threes ones, not all of which are graphically portrayed.a readable book wigh no real outcome. Maybe there will be a sequel!

I have previously read both Rosie books and found them excellent.

Found this book easygoing read. A story about a relationship a couple had when younger, and about how their lives cross paths again 20 years on. Interesting, but more about relationships and no great twists and turns. This would be perfect for summer reading, but I didn't find the second half all that believable.

I did like all the music references, gave it a nice touch.

This book was a serious departure from the type of books that I usually read, but I was given the opportunity to read it and I actually felt like I needed a break from the murder, mayhem and twisted minds that constitute the subject matter of my favourite genres.

I had previously read The Rosie Project by this author, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and so it wasn't a total leap of faith starting this book. Let me say at the outset that the main character in this book, Adam, didn't quite have the same appeal as Don Tillman, but I liked Adam nevertheless. He's a man that's settled, he has an ordinary life, with a partner that he loves but yet the relationship lacks the passion and adoration that he would like. He has largely forgotten about the love of his life, the "one that got away", until a strange and unexpected email arrives in his inbox saying nothing but "Hi". This seemingly innocuous email has complex ramifications and before long, Adam finds himself thinking about the "what ifs", thinking about the Australian actress that stole his heart all those years ago.

This is a well written book. It's a book about every day life, about the routine that many of us settle into. But it's also a book about fate, taking chances and how, in life, we often don't appreciate the people that love us most. Was I absolutely blown away by this book? No, not really, but I did like it. To be fair to the author and the book, this isn't really my typical read and so it was going to be very difficult to blow my socks off. I did find it rather strange though, especially the second half. The story went in a direction that I didn't expect, and that I'm not too sure I really understood or could relate to. Simsion's other books are very different to this and I can't say with confidence that because you liked the others, you will like this one. Oh yes, and for those of you with a good knowledge of music, you'll get a kick out of all the references to song's throughout the book. I really liked that aspect. Overall a good read.

My rating: * * *

Many thanks to author Graeme Simsion, publisher's Penguin UK and NetGalley for my copy.

Simsion has a flair for writing male characters that are in some way flawed and provides an interesting point of bias. I found this to be an enjoyable read and particularly enjoyed the musical references. Roads not taken and the what ifs of life choices, I think this novel will probably resonate with a lot of people in their late 40s.

Approaching 50', Adam Sharp likes his life, his partner Claire and excels in music trivia., but he can't forget the affair he had over 20 years ago with Angelina Brown, an actress who taught him all about love. He wonders how his life would differ from the one he live now. Then from the other side of the world Angelins gets in touch. What exactly does she want?

I like the music references and I was singing along to them. I got into the first part of this novel fairly easy but the second part for me just did not gel together.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Graeme Simsion for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A modern day romance, well more than one romance, that is centred round the sound tracks of Adam Sharp's life. He's probably on the spectrum, having a good time in Australia when wham, lust hits and he starts a relationship with a soap actress who can sing. At the end of his time there, neither can commit and they part company. Forward twenty years, Adam is contentedly married when he receives an email out of the blue from his old love, inviting him to stay in France with her and her husband. He does and enters feet first into a very strange set up and goes through quite a journey. Throughout there are songs, ones that he and the actress share, ones that he shares with his late father, ones that make him happy and sad. Really enjoyed it although found some of the things that the characters did quite strange, not sure most people would react in such a way.

As a huge fan of The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect, I was eagerly awaiting the latest story from Graeme Simsion to see where he would take us next on his writing journey! Once again we follow the story from a male point of view, this time we see Adam Sharp and his struggles with the meaning of life! All seems perfect in his life with Claire, even if he finds it a little too comfortable, but that is soon rocked when an ex from his youth and time in Australia gets in touch out of the blue. And those feelings he never quite got over when they split, return and life becomes exciting and dangerous again it seems! He seems to forget his safe and comfortable life in the quest to recapture that feeling he had lost from his younger days. And it seems his ex, even though she is now married with 2 children, also wants that spark back!

This book comes with a wonderful mix of music mentions - there is a spotify playlist mentioned at the end that is rather fantastic to listen to and cultural references of life in the past few decades and that is where this story excelled for me.

On the downside though, I didn't feel an emotional connection with the characters as I had done in previous books. There are some quite unlikeable personalities in this book and that didn't help me care what happened to any of them! I enjoyed the way the story split from 'then' to 'now' but found the 'now' personalities very selfish and there was never any part of the characters who seemed repentant for their behaviour. I was willing to feel sympathy for Charlie, Angelinas' husband, but he seemed all too happy for the unconventional week away with all of them on holiday in France so my only sympathy was with their 2 children who seemed easily forgotten about!!

It is always fascinating to read stories from the point of view from the male characters, I just wish this character had more soul!

I received my ecopy of this novel from Netgalley in return for an honest review. Whilst I had heard of his previous books I have never read anything by Graeme Simsion before. However, I will definitely be reading more by him in future.

This is a love story, unusual initially because it is written by a man about a man, probably as rare as hens' teeth. It is a very true to life story in many ways, who doesn't remember their first love and wonder what if?

The male characters, contrary to everything I've ever believed about most but not all men are very emotionally intuitive. The women perhaps less so. Maybe this is how all men think it goes and i've only taken a female perspective until now. They are also emotionally intelligent, who knew??? (tongue firmly in cheek) Sometimes this aspect is taken too far, for me anyway.

The characters are all well rounded; I like Adam all along but my opinions on Angelina and Claire kept changing.

There are many twists and turns throughout the story, you will never second guess Adam, and I couldn't wait to find some free time to pick up where I left off.

The songs, which I'm sure many found integral to the plot were, to me, irrelevant if not annoying. Yes they were also the music of my past but if i couldn't immediate remember the tune or how the lyrics went I felt very frustrated.

In all a fabulous book that I didn't want to end and whose characters I'm sure I will remember for quite some time.

I received a free copy of this from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
A mostly enjoyable read from the author of The Rosie Project. Adam Sharp has settled into a life of contentment with Claire, a woman he comfortably loves, when out of the blue Angelina, the woman he passionately loved when he was a young man gets back in touch. This leads Adam to rethink his entire life. The book looks at whether you can ever go back, whether the glamour of first love can eclipse the comfortable, well-worn love of decades.
Adam’s journey to discover what he really wants is accompanied by a soundtrack of the songs that have meant most to him. He used to play the piano in bars for fun when younger but that love of playing music became tied to his lost love. His rediscovery of his love of playing is quite moving.
The second half of the novel is a slightly awkward read purely because of the behaviour of some of the characters. It is overall worth a read though, especially if you have enjoyed SImsion’s other books though it is quite different in style.

I really enjoyed this book. It was unexpected and the characters were intriguing. The use of music was unusual and I followed the authors suggestion to listen as I read, which added to the effect.
I've read The Rosie books (which I found just ok) but I much much preferred this one. It felt like the author really came into his own here.