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The To Do List
by
Mike Gayle
Would a proper adult ignore the spilt milk under the fridge for weeks? Would a proper adult take three years to post a solitary Christmas card? Would a proper adult have decades-old underwear in active service? Mike Gayle is nowhere near being a proper adult -- even though his tenth wedding anniversary is looming; his second child is due any moment; and in less than twenty...more
Paperback, 343 pages
Published
2009
by Hodder
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How do you go about finishing off your to do list? All those annoying little things like the damp patch on the ceiling and the squeaking door? How about (if you're a writer) give yourself a finite amount of time to get it done and get a book deal via your agent to make the effort worth the while? Essentially that is what Mike Gayle does. He writes his list out (all 1277 items)and sets himself a deadline; by his 37th birthday he will have finished.
This book sits very nicely on the shelf with the...more
This book sits very nicely on the shelf with the...more
Originally Reviewed at Novel Escapes
I’ve always loved Lad Lit and having read and chuckled through a few Mike Gayle novels several years back, I was happy to find the same quality and humour I’ve come to expect with his novels. This To-Do List was equal parts charming and hilarious. I loved the story and haven’t been able to stop making lists ever since - although mine aren’t nearly as ambitious!
I could relate to Mike’s list, although not quite on such a grand scale and could feel the sense of a...more
I’ve always loved Lad Lit and having read and chuckled through a few Mike Gayle novels several years back, I was happy to find the same quality and humour I’ve come to expect with his novels. This To-Do List was equal parts charming and hilarious. I loved the story and haven’t been able to stop making lists ever since - although mine aren’t nearly as ambitious!
I could relate to Mike’s list, although not quite on such a grand scale and could feel the sense of a...more
I enjoyed this but at the same time I wouldn't really recommend it. I like his writing style, which is the same as his writing style when he's writing fiction rather than autobiographical. I am doing my own "List" at the moment as well which added to my enjoyment of it, but I do have some criticisms of his list! However, the book is for entertainment purposes so what does it matter? I'm probably just bitter and twisted that Mike gets to be paid a wage for writing a book about doing what most peo...more
Sep 15, 2012
Becca
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
audiobooks,
read-in-2012
I enjoyed this book. It was the story of a man who developed a 1277 item to do list of things he felt would make him more of a "proper adult". The whole thing started after his 36th birthday and his observation of the neighbors "Derek and Jessica" who he felt were much more adult than he was. So he put together this list and decided to complete it before his 37th birthday. Now, I am a huge fan of lists and was intrigued by the challenge of a list this big in a year. Some of the things weren't to...more
After meeting the perfect neighbours, Mike Gayle has to admit that he, contrary to what the calendar indicates, is not a 'proper adult'. So he sets up arranging a to-do list to tackle all those things he should have done before. They range from 'going green' to 'organize files' to 'eat more salad' and 'watch Citizen Kane'.
In my opinion, the apparent simplicity of the list is the book's strentgh. No scuba-diving adventures or world-changing ideas, but starightforward stuff we all want to have do...more
In my opinion, the apparent simplicity of the list is the book's strentgh. No scuba-diving adventures or world-changing ideas, but starightforward stuff we all want to have do...more
I was initially drawn to this title because I myself love writing to-do lists. I think there's something satisfying coming up with a long list and then striking things one by one. You feel a great sense of accomplishment. Well, Mike Gayle has come up with 1,277 things on his list.
Honestly, I think it's very hard to write an entire novel based on just a to-do list. Sure, it's incredibly epic but still. You'd have to be a beyond-brilliant author to pull it off. Unfortunately, Gayle is not one of...more
Honestly, I think it's very hard to write an entire novel based on just a to-do list. Sure, it's incredibly epic but still. You'd have to be a beyond-brilliant author to pull it off. Unfortunately, Gayle is not one of...more
I only recently discovered Mike Gayle and enjoyed his novel 'Wish You Were Here' so was really looking forward to reading this, his first non-fiction book.
It's a simple enough idea - Mike decides it's time he and his wife become 'real grown ups', he is inspired by his next-door neighbours who appear very adult like, with regular dinner parties, a tidy home and responsible jobs. So, Mike writes his to-do list and aims to have 99% of list ticked off by the time his next birthday arrives, in twelve...more
It's a simple enough idea - Mike decides it's time he and his wife become 'real grown ups', he is inspired by his next-door neighbours who appear very adult like, with regular dinner parties, a tidy home and responsible jobs. So, Mike writes his to-do list and aims to have 99% of list ticked off by the time his next birthday arrives, in twelve...more
Monotonous.
Having read and enjoyed Mike Gayle's, Dinner For Two, I had expected a similar light read from The To-Do List. I hadn't expected exactly what the title had warned me - a book about a 30-something guy, attempting to complete a 1277 item to-do list. (Which he must have repeated at least 1,277 times!). The first third of the book was not even about said list - it was about trying to find reasons why he shouldn't actually attempt the list at all!
This was another book that I would have aba...more
Having read and enjoyed Mike Gayle's, Dinner For Two, I had expected a similar light read from The To-Do List. I hadn't expected exactly what the title had warned me - a book about a 30-something guy, attempting to complete a 1277 item to-do list. (Which he must have repeated at least 1,277 times!). The first third of the book was not even about said list - it was about trying to find reasons why he shouldn't actually attempt the list at all!
This was another book that I would have aba...more
This is the story of one man, his family, his friends and a monumental to do list. I had not read any of Mike Gayle's fictional works so had no expectations about his style as a non fiction writer.
For me, the beauty of this book was the simplicity of the list. There was no white water rafting or jumping out of planes. Instead the list contained those everyday things such as reading certain books, watching acclaimed films and catching up with long lost friends that most of us have on our to do li...more
For me, the beauty of this book was the simplicity of the list. There was no white water rafting or jumping out of planes. Instead the list contained those everyday things such as reading certain books, watching acclaimed films and catching up with long lost friends that most of us have on our to do li...more
I really enjoyed this book, although I thought it was sometimes a bit hard since you are reminded of all the 1000 things that you plan to do but never do... :). Yes, I could totally relate.
Since I am in a time of my life where I have all these unfinished things I stopped reading the book about half way through since my guilty conscience took the better of me. After that it was sitting on my nightstand for about three months. I finally realized that it would become an unfinished tick on my person...more
Since I am in a time of my life where I have all these unfinished things I stopped reading the book about half way through since my guilty conscience took the better of me. After that it was sitting on my nightstand for about three months. I finally realized that it would become an unfinished tick on my person...more
Really loved it. I read it after hearing him interviewed on the radio and realised I'd 'forgotten' about him since reading a couple of his early novels. It was such an easy read, but by that I don't mean it was light fluff, it made me think quite a bit. Needless to say I have done a lot of pondering about my own to-do list, but it certainly won't be as monumental as his. I was staggered at what he achieved throughout his year-long project, but as he readily admits he wasn't working 9-5, did virt...more
i thought it would be another non-fiction book btu i was oh-so-wrong ... the book retains the essence of what mike gayle is aboout, - humour, witty and refreshing storyline. Wonders how he managed to stay sane with 1,227 things to tick off and also having to conquer a brick-sized war and peace (something on my list but I prolly will never get around to reading it seeing how an english lit major and a best selling author did not managed to comprehend it). Two thumbs up ... loving all his work and...more
I really enjoy Mike's books and this was no exception. As with the others I have read it was so down to earth I could easily visualise it. I could certainly identify with having put lots of things off, especially the 'junk in the loft'.
I thought this book was written with the usual humour Mike has displayed in all of his other books that I have read and I was quite sad when I got to the end as I wanted it to go on longer.
I thought this book was written with the usual humour Mike has displayed in all of his other books that I have read and I was quite sad when I got to the end as I wanted it to go on longer.
This is a great book for someone who has a niggle in the back of their mind about all the things they should be nuckling down to when they have some spare time, ie most of us. Sewing on buttons, printing photos, catching up with friends... the list goes on. It is inspiring but you can't help feeling that without money/time/effort these things may stay on our to do lists for a long time yet!
Jan 07, 2013
Sam Crowden
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone
Recommended to Sam by:
amazon
I loved this book !! It was wonderfully written, honest, refreshing and very enjoyable. As with all of Mike Gayle's books, he writes about everyday life and situations we have either experienced ourselves or know others who have.
This book certainly makes you think about all of the long standing jobs you always out off as something more important or easier comes along.
This book certainly makes you think about all of the long standing jobs you always out off as something more important or easier comes along.
.يتحدث الكتاب عن رجل يكتب قائمة تحوي 1.277 شيئا
يجب أن ينهيها قبل ميلاده الـ37
ومثلما كُتب في ظهر الكتاب :
" ONE MAN, TWO BIRTHDAYS ...
AND A 1.277 ITEM TO-DO LIST . "
بـ اختصار
مايك رجل تعود على تأجيل الأشياء حتى تتراكم
يقرر فجأة وهو في الـ36 أن ينضج ويصبح راشدا كبقية معارفه
لذلك يضع تلك القائمة ويقرر انهاءها قبل ميلاده الثاني
تتعدد الأحداث وتتداخل بعض الشيء
وفي حياته المليئة يبحث عن وقت لـ ينجز فيه كل شيء
كتاب ممتع
الأسلوب واللغة بسيطين .. سهل الفهم
يستحق القراءة
وأنصح به
I really enjoyed this book especially as I can relate to the 'To Do' list mentality myself lol. Admittedily Mike's list was alot longer than any of my own but he wrote about tackling it in such a humerous way.
I would say that this book is for anyone who has ever written a To Do list of their own, or even if you haven't as you will still find it really funny.
I would say that this book is for anyone who has ever written a To Do list of their own, or even if you haven't as you will still find it really funny.
As a chronic to-do-lister, I could relate to the story. There are lessons to be learnt from both following through and not getting things done. Gayle made it obvious, though, that fate sometimes intervenes unexpectedly. Then you just wait and see. After reading about this man´s attempts at a 1277 item list I am more into list writing than ever.
Outstanding! Relates to everyone. We've all written lists until they're coming out of our ears, or copied them over and over again but never done anything on them! I was in stitches. Only downside is that he does go off on a tangent quite a lot but I suppose I'm exactly like that, avoiding actually doing my to-do lists :D
A fantastic book!
This book helps you to realise that everyone else's life is as messed up as your own. You realise that you're not the only one who doesn't clean behind the cooker, wear ancient underwear or leave things that should be done today until tomorrow.
A book for every thirty-something.
This book helps you to realise that everyone else's life is as messed up as your own. You realise that you're not the only one who doesn't clean behind the cooker, wear ancient underwear or leave things that should be done today until tomorrow.
A book for every thirty-something.
I am a fellow to-do list writer and so naturally, I loved this book. But what I loved more was the family sentimentality throughout - made me excited to have my own family.
Absolutely love Gayle's no-nonsense and fun approach to writing, definitely makes it a quick and enjoyable read.
Absolutely love Gayle's no-nonsense and fun approach to writing, definitely makes it a quick and enjoyable read.
Hadn't realised that wasn't fiction when I bookmooched it. An account of how Mike Gayle writes a To Do List of 1277 items & gives himself a year to complete them all.
I always write To do Lists, this was a book for me (not so good at completing them though)
I always write To do Lists, this was a book for me (not so good at completing them though)
Latest book I read by Mike Gayle. He never changes his winning formula and does not really need to. One of the reasons I like his books is because I can identify with his being in his thirties and all the crises that go with that age :)
Really enjoyable read - and alot more to it than the title or blurb suggests. I like his style of writing - have read some of his other books and find them really easy to get into and quite often laugh out loud
I did enjoy this book, as it was very funny in a few places and I also felt that I could relate to Mike Gayle and his quest to feel like 'a proper grown up' by completing his massive to do list. On the down side, I did feel that there was a little bit of repetition (as others have commented, I do think we were told slightly too often that it was a 1,277 item to do list) but overall I liked the book and was keen to see if Mike passed the Sunday Night Pub Club audit and was officially allowed to s...more
I expected a lot more, since I loved the title and the summary of the book, but somehow I couldn't really relate to the character of Mike and kind of found it ridiculous to have a 1,277 item to-do list, even though I myself am a huge fan of to-do lists.
Brill book. Didn't realise it was non fiction til about a 3rd of the way through. Really light hearted and even though he doesn't really try to make it funny it makes you laugh out loud quite a lot. Funniest thing i've read in a long time.
It was a really good read. Very impressive that he did almost all of the 1200something things on that list in a year. It made me thought about making such a list too.
Kind of meh. It was nothing special really but I did enjoy reading it. Wish it had been funnier, because that would have made it more "worth it". I got seriously annoyed with the main character sometimes, he was such a procrastinator. I think everybody are procrastinators, but he was an extreme one. Just do it! Some of the things were from years ago, come on! Anyway. If you would stumble upon it, read it, but otherwise I wouldn't recommend it.
Jan 09, 2010
Sandra
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-in-2010,
non-fiction
amusing and hopefully a little bit of an inspiration to get more stuff done as I also suffer from severe procrastionation syndrome
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