Member Reviews
I really, really loved this book - I couldn’t put it down and read it really quickly. You need to read it. Highly recommended.
So not what I thought it was going to be. I really enjoyed this.
Danny and James were at school together and a chance meeting nearly 20 years later brings their lives crashing together. They had no idea how much they needed each other. Danny's life didn't turn out as expected; star pupil to a zero! Meanwhile James is dealt a bad hand after an 'incident' leaves him with a severe brain injury.
Bromance at its best.
"Ever since The Incident, James DeWitt has stayed on the safe side.
He likes to know what happens next.
Danny Allen is not on the safe side. He is more past the point of no return.
The past is about to catch up with both of them in a way that which will change their lives forever, unexpectedly.
But redemption can come in the most unlikely ways."
My first book by Mike Gayle, and certainly will not be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, after having been recommended it, and was blown away by the Author's sensitive writing around somewhat difficult subjects.
It really touched me the way James and Danny, met and realised they needed each other and came to know, accept, support and like each other in a slow gentle way. It is funny in places, emotional in others, uplifting and feels like a hug in a book, perfect for these dark lockdown days. Read it please.
It’s so refreshing to read a book about male friendship. Brilliantly written - of course! It’s Mike Gayle, after all. It has laugh out loud on the bus humour, tender, heartbreaking moments and everything in between. The audiobook of it is also well worth a listen. Perfectly narrated.
I love Mike Gayle, I have read all of his previous books, as has my husband. I’m not sure what took me so long to pick this one up but I’m glad I did! I read the whole thing on a flight from Greece!
I thought that this book handled the subject matter sensitively. I loved how the characters were well rounded and interacted with each other, especially James and Danny Allen!
It was a sweet book and I welled up on more than one occasion.
Slightly different feel from his other books, but I enjoyed the slightly more serious approach of this book. It was very easy to read, with an interesting premise, looking forward to the next one!
I loved this book so much. I couldn’t put it down and read it in 24 hours. It is a very moving story with characters you root for. A well deserved selection for the Zoe Ball book club. I can’t rave about this book enough. You need to read it. I will definitely read more by this author now.
A long time since I've read anything by Mike Gayle but I'm very glad I've found him again. Although a predictable story, the characters were vivid and well described with distinct voices; even those in supporting roles. I heart warming book.
Mike Gayle has certainly done it again - this is a fabulous story full of heart and humour. 'The Man I Think I Know' is full of believable, likeable characters that you really root for from the very beginning to the end. It thoroughly deserves all the rave reviews it has received.
Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton, to NetGalley and to Mr Gayle for letting me read and review this lovely book.
Mike a fantastic author and I have enjoyed reading all of his back catalogue. In The Man I Think I Know I think that Mike has developed his writing style and I was entranced in the book from the first chapter and I didn't want the book to end as I really liked the characters James and Danny.
I really liked Mike's style of writing and being introduced to the character through both James and Danny's eyes. I felt like a fly on the wall observing from within. I really enjoyed reading from the points of view of someone with a brain injury, a point of view that I don't think has been widely written from but is very insightful and well done.
The storyline is one which will tug the heart strings of many readers and I recommend it to all.You may want a box of tissues at times but as a whole the book is a great read and one which has a feel good factor for all concerned.
Thank you to the publishers, Hodder and Stoughton, for inviting me to take part in the is blog tour in return for an honest review.
Many thanks for my advance copy of The Man I Think I Know.
I absolutely adore Mike Gayle' s work, The Man I Think I Know is a grandstanding tale of an unlikely friendship between two men. I loved the 'feel' of this book, I feel as though Gayle' s writing has changed and its definitely got a more mature feel to it. The story has two main characters . Danny Allen has hit rock bottom and has just been told that his benefit money will be stopped. He now has to find a way of telling his girlfriend that what little financial contribution he was making to their life together is now coming to an end. Our next voice is that of James DeWitt. James has two aspects of his life , a time before 'The Incident' and then present day. The present in which James is left with a brain injury where his speech is affected. Chapters alternate with James and Danny recounting their story. Each chapter is written exceptionally well. I'm not going to give away any spoilers but I will say James has to fight for what he wants for his own life and Danny is forced to face up to his past . It is very emotional, this bill will make you cry so be sure to have this tissues handy.
This was everything I was expecting from Mike Gayle.
Beautifully written, sensitive and addictive
It reminded me of me before you , based on friendship .
I have already been recommending this book to friends . Well done Mike, another stomper !!
Absolutely brilliant, I could not put it down. This story was thought provoking and an incredibly powerful take on longlasting love and friendship through the highs and lows. Mike Gayle handles all topics thoughtfully and genuine and brings the reader on a touching journey. A really important read that you WILL NOT regret!
I love Mike Gayle and this didn’t disappoint.
I loved both characters and their bromance. I found the story both sad and uplifting. I could have read more about them and the only reason it’s not 5 stars is because I found the ending rushed and didn’t really like the epilogue.
What a lovely heartwarming read. I loved both Danny and James and could have read on and on following their stories. The characters literally jumped from the pages into my heart. If you loved Me Before You you will love this modern bromance.
What a wonderful story and a book that really makes you think. The writing was flawless, reading it was effortless as I was pulled into both James and Danny's stories. James is so sympathetic and it touched my heart. This is a powerful story about friendship and it will bring tears to your eyes. Two old schoolmates who both need friendship and as this happens we get to see that true friendship is there no matter what the challenge. This is an inspirational and uplifting book that reminds you to make the most out of life and to enjoy every moment while you can. This is one I highly recommend to everyone.
Hadn't read Mike Gayle before. Glad I have now. Well written tale following the lives of James and Danny. Two characters who find and help each other move forward with their lives. Hope and love are the fundamental aspect of this book and of course, there's humour too. A definite must read.
Since leaving their exclusive boarding school the lives of Danny and James have changed. Scholarship boy Danny is a care home assistant after a battle with alcohol following his sister's death caused him to drop out of university. Privileged James was elected as an MP but then a random act of violence left him with a brain injury and having to learn to live again. Brought together by circumstance, James and Danny are helped to move forward by each other.
I have always considered Mike Gayle's books as 'chick-lit' for both sexes, lightweight and fairly pleasant but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The tragic circumstances that lead Danny and James back to each other are handled sensitively and the bromance is amusing and heartfelt. The only jarring note for me was the relationship between James and Vicky, it didn't really ring true and felt like a plot device. Other than that this is a heartwarming tale.
I was right. @mikegayle #TheManIThinkIKnow is going straight onto my #BOTY2018 list. Redemption. Love. Trust. Second chances. Incredibly moving. Funny. Clever.
I got a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is a great read - some strong characters who don't always behave how you expect / want them to, leading to a feel good read. Some good twists. Very amusing in places as well. Thoroughly recommended. Easy to want to keep going, I kept making time to catch up with the story and find out what would happen next.