I am a big fan of Mike Gayle and have read all his books, I am even old enough to remember his work as an agony uncle in Just Seventeen too! This latest book didn't fail to disappoint. I warmed to the characters and I found myself willing them to succeed. It was also very moving in some parts and couldn't wait to find out what happened next. This book very much shows you that your life can change within an instant - for better or worse. I really enjoyed this book and it is written very well, especially with the two viewpoints of the main characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced preview.

What a fantastic well written book. I absolutely loved it and found it so difficult to put it down. I have read all of Mike Gayle's books but this is the best by far.

I really enjoyed the alternating chapters telling the stories of the 2 characters. I found myself quickly drawn into each character's story. It made me laugh and also made me cry - a bittersweet but heartwarming story of family, bravery, drama, romance, friendship and recovery with very likeable characters who you will care about.

Fantastic, uplifting, thought provoking. I highly recommend this book - it blew me away!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Many years ago I was an avid reader of Mike Gayle's books but over time I moved onto other authors and genres. However, this has reminded me what a great writer he is and I will be catching up with the unread ones. Some of this book may stray close to the work of other writers - an adult who has failed to reach their potential is forced to take stock of their life when they meet someone less fortunate than themselves. But the principal characters here are both men and that makes the dialogue and interactions a little different. The narrative voice of James puts you right inside his head and cleverly captures the speech of someone who has had to relearn the skill. Danny's voice captures his initial cynicism and his gradual return to the person he once was. Interspersed with both humour and tragedy, this book was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Oh my goodness, this book! I loved it so much. I haven’t really read anything like this before and it’s very different to the author’s usual style. It was so enjoyable though. The two main characters were so sweet together, you really feel yourself rooting for them.
About two thirds in (no spoilers) I just cried and cried. My other half thought something awful had happened as I was so upset. It’s been a long time since I felt so connected to a book.
I love Mike Gayle anyway but he has managed to write something really different and I would recommend this book to everyone. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

Heartwarming, funny, sad, uplifting. Just a few of the many ways I could describe this book. “The man I think I know” is my first read by Mike Gayle and I was immediately drawn in. Both Danny and James are adorable characters in their very different ways and their different storytelling equally as great. A brilliantly written book

If this book doesn't get made into a movie I'd be very surprised. It's one of the best books of this genre I've read in a long time, the last being me before you and everything everything. It's a beautiful moving story about friendship, love and loss and looking towards a brighter future. I absolutely loved the characters especially James, what a character he is. The story really pulled at my heartstrings and my heart went out to Danny Allen who is also another fabulous character. The only little thing I was a bit disappointed in was the end of it I'd liked to have read about what happened in the future for James. Apart from that this book is top notch

This has so many similarities to JoJo Moyes Me before you - rich man has accident which leaves him damaged, employs poor carer who has problems, parents disapprove, the two main characters form a bond and help each other; there are holidays, outings and further education. It's almost a rip-off. However, it is told in an engaging way which is very readable. I have not read any of Mike Gayle's novels before, sounds like the male equivalent to chick-lit. It's over-sentimental and sweet, especially the ending, but it passed a couple of pleasant hours.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have read some other books by this author and enjoyed them.

This story is about two men who went to the same private school. Danny is down on his luck, he has no job or ambition but with his benefits cut he is forced to accept a job in a care home. There he meets up with James who has suffered a brain injury after being attacked.

This is a lovely story about two former rivals becoming The friends and saving each other. I found the ending very predictable but I did really enjoy it.

First Mike Gayle book i've read for a while and i was very impressed. Shows that life is unpredictable and doesn't turn out quite how you plan it, even if you r destined to be successful!

The 2 main characters were complex both dealing with issues that neant their lives weren't what they expected.

Really nice to read a both that covers male friendship too. Well written book, very insightful as well.

Thanks Mike for a great book. I will definitely be reading more of your work as this one was fab. And Netgalley for letting me review this one.

This is my second book by Mike Gayle and as before I really liked the story.

This book is very well written, I especially appreciated the alternating of points of view. And how every new chapter (hence told by the other main character) started as a surprise with a tiny jump ahead in time, but then during that chapter it became clear what happened and how the story got to that point.

However, the reason for four and not five stars: I didn't like the ending. A bit too much for me personally.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

The Man I think I know by Mike Gayle one of the most powerful books I will ever read. I have read several of the authors book before and enjoyed them, but this one blew me away. This was such a well written story, it touched my heart and made me openly weep it’s a powerful story of a different type of love, the love of friendship. I am even crying writing this review and smiling at some of the funny moments in the story, I think its touched me more than I imagined as the subject matter was very close to my heart, I don’t want to give the story away but Danny and James aren’t the boys they were in school. Life has moved on for both of them, and not in ways either of them would have dreamed about. Each man has their own story to tell and each story will pull you in deeper. The subjects touched upon aren’t to everyone’s taste but they are true to life and dealt with in an honest manner, its real life in its truest and most beautifully written form.

I was super excited to read Mike Gayle’s new book as I’ve read and loved all of his other novels.
I enjoyed the book and found it easy to read, thought provoking and engaging. The only criticism that I would have is that it is fairly predictable. It’s probably not my favourite Mike Gayle book, however I still enjoyed it.
If you like Jojo Moyes, then this is the book for you.

The man I think I know is a story of the friendship between two men who become reacquainted many years after their schools days. Life for Danny and James has not turned out as expected and a chance meeting leads to a bond which joins and helps them deal with shattering events in their past. Their continuing friendship helps them move forward and offers both men a future filled with hope. Danny and James are brave, likeable and you just can’t help rooting for everything to turn out well for them. This book is totally lovely and told in such an empathetic way it also offers a thought-provoking insight into acquired brain injury (ABI). As is customary, Mike Gayle’s latest book is great and well worth a read.

Brilliant. I could not put this book down. It charming and witty and covers sensitive subjects. James’s character is exceptionally well written and sympathetic. I don’t want to give away any of the story and just say read this book you will not regret it.