Set in the summer of 2009, Fun and Games follows seventeen-year-old John and his footballing mates, all four determined to play for their club in the Championship. John spends much of his time consumed with social anxiety, second guessing his every move not least with Amber, his colleague at the hotel where he's working while waiting for the results of his exams, definitely not his girlfriend but they seem to secretly hook up more and more. John’s thoughts are fully taken up with himself – his prospects with the team and Amber, what his friends think of him, how horrible his body is in comparison with theirs – leaving little room for anyone else. As the summer wears on, he’s faced with a few home truths, even managing to grow up a little.
I wasn’t sure if I would stick with McHugh’s novel at first; there are some lengthy football passages, not something I’m at all interested in. That said, John’s character drew me in to this funny, poignant coming-of-age story which smartly nails late adolescence with all its excruciating discomforts, and the ending is a masterstroke.

I love a coming of age novel. Fun and Games is a novel which follows John Masterson in his final year of school as he contemplates his life beyond his small island town.

Things at that age are never easy, but decidedly less so for John when his mother sends a picture of her breasts to a man which then goes viral across the island. Added to this John is trying to navigate a relationship with the slightly older Amber, study for his exams and earn a place on his football team.

This was beautifully written and was so bittersweet. Despite wanting to give John a good shake at times, you never give up wanting him to succeed and to fulfil the clear promise that he definitely has in trying circumstances. His relationship with both his parents, as well as Amber, were expertly written and real to all of us who (barely) remember their days as a young man.

I'm not sure what it is about Ireland which spawns so many brilliant writers but long may it continue.

Although a sequel is unlikely, I would genuinely to love to follow John's journey further.

Thanks to Netgalley and 4th Estate and William Collins | Fourth Estate for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Classic coming of age nov that really struck a cord with me. Told in warm thoughtful reflective Irish voice with just the right balance of humour the book really held my interest and I felt invested in the character of John. There was the usual self pity you get with this type of novel but unlike some other books of a similar nature this didn't deflect from the story, drag it out or make you dislike the characters it in fact added to what was a richly multi layered well written character lead reflective novel. I predict prizes for this.

it's 2009. john, a 17 year old secondary school student in ireland, is just waiting to see where he'll go for university, which is hinged on how well he did in his exams. in the meantime, he spends his time playing football with friends who are also awaiting the same news as well as with amber, a 19 year old coworker, who he has a "deal" with (not quite lovers but not quite friends either). not much happens that is surprising (if at all), but mchugh just gets what being 17 is like. all the insecurities of a future that is just in reach, but also the sad reality that many 17 year olds face which is simply growing distant from the people that have been in the same schools and in the same communities all these years. however, even if people like john have the realization that their values aren't aligned in the same way, the sad truth is that many won't act for fear of being ostracized. like so much coming of age media though, the things people spend time worrying about don't tend to be what go wrong. if only characters like john seized the moment, but then life's lessons would be breezed by entirely.

Fun and Games follows John Masterton who is seventeen and has no idea what he wants from life. This book takes place during summer 2009 whilst John waits for his exam results. He is working shifts at a local hotel and trying to ignore the fact that his mother’s sext was leaked to the whole island. John joins the local football team and starts a relationship with his older co-worker called Amber. John struggles with what he wants from life and Amber is a prime example of this as he feels both proud but ashamed of her at the same time.

This was really good and I think this will be one of the best Irish novels of 2025. This reminded me of Normal People by Sally Rooney in the way John deals with his feelings and his relationship with Amber. This also reminded me of Close to Home by Michael Magee in the vibes and the way the characters are just living day by day. This perfectly portrayed what it’s like to be a teenager. John really has no idea what to do with his life and that reflects most teenagers experiences. The way John behaves with his friends and then Amber shows how unsure of himself he is and I just loved that. This felt so real particularly how John realises he cannot control the people around him and that life is out of his hands. This was such an enjoyable read and I read it in one day. This felt very real to me and honest. I am giving this 5 stars and I will be recommending this. I need to pick up a copy of this when it releases. This is such an easy novel to connect with and I loved following John.