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Six Months to Get a Life
Graham Hope had it all - a wife, two perfect children, a detached house in the suburbs and a huge TV. Until today. He now has an ex-wife, lives in his parents' spare room and gets the kids and the dog at weekends. He might be lost and lonely, but Graham is not a victim. Six months from today he will be forty-three. He vows to sort this mess out by his birthday. He gives himself six months to get a life. Will Graham play a meaningful role in his boys' lives? Will his mates take him under their wing? Will he move out of his childhood home? More importantly, will he ever have sex again? For Graham, failure is not an option.
302 pages, Paperback
First published December 25, 2014
1 person is currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Ben Adams
3 books294 followersLike a lot of people, Ben went to school, then college and eventually grew up and got a responsible job, a house and a family.
And then his mid-life crisis kicked in.
Realising that life was in danger of becoming all too serious, Ben started writing. Not in the way that Forrest Gump started running, but at least he started.
He wrote on steamed up mirrors in the bathroom to make his children smile. Eventually he graduated to making up stories to entertain his kids at bed-time.
For some reason his boys didn’t seem interested in his tales of everyday life, relationships, family, trauma, farce and the occasional bit of debauchery. His 12 year old son prefers JK someone or other.
Following his short-lived career as a children’s author, Ben now concentrates on writing stories for grown-ups. He writes for people who have lived, loved, worked, strived and suffered – people like himself. People like you.
Ben has a gift for finding humour where others just find pain; and also for finding pain where others find humour.
He lives in south west London with his two boys, his dog and his constant stream of girl-friends. He dreams a lot too.
And then his mid-life crisis kicked in.
Realising that life was in danger of becoming all too serious, Ben started writing. Not in the way that Forrest Gump started running, but at least he started.
He wrote on steamed up mirrors in the bathroom to make his children smile. Eventually he graduated to making up stories to entertain his kids at bed-time.
For some reason his boys didn’t seem interested in his tales of everyday life, relationships, family, trauma, farce and the occasional bit of debauchery. His 12 year old son prefers JK someone or other.
Following his short-lived career as a children’s author, Ben now concentrates on writing stories for grown-ups. He writes for people who have lived, loved, worked, strived and suffered – people like himself. People like you.
Ben has a gift for finding humour where others just find pain; and also for finding pain where others find humour.
He lives in south west London with his two boys, his dog and his constant stream of girl-friends. He dreams a lot too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 12, 2015
Six Months To Get a Life is not the kind of book you'd find on my bookshelf - well, that's what I thought before I actually read it.
A debut novel by Ben Adams, Six Months is a light, heart-warming read that most people would find a beautiful distraction on a cold, wintery night. Living in Northern Canada, this is precisely how I happened to read this book, and it was a pleasure.
His main character, Graham Hope, is an interesting fellow. He is divorced, has two boys, a mixed bag of friends and a penchant for saying the wrong thing. He's funny, passive at first, desperate, has a bit of an ego, but a good heart. He's your typical main - a guy with a few flaws but a whole wack of strengths that more than make up for it.
His kids, Sean and Jack, are what I suppose atypical, football-loving British children as well. They were two of my favorite characters in the book. The relationship between them and their father seemed the most genuine out of all of them.
Graham Hope's romantic endeavours are at times funny, and they go through peaks and valleys, which leaves you wondering if Graham is ever going to find the love of his life before that 6 month window he leaves himself. (despite it not being on his "to-do list")
My only minor complaint about the book is that I thought it started off rather slow. However, I felt it intriguing enough to keep going, and you could feel the plot slowly building, but for a guy who doesn't typically read this genre, I wanted a bit more meat at the beginning. I also felt, and help me for saying this, that it could have been longer. I love details, especially in conversation, and I felt some of the dialogue was kept at a bare minimum, giving you what you needed, but not giving you the juice you really need to squeeze for. However, the fact that I wanted more is usually a good sign.
With that said it all culminates into a story that is compelling and riveting at its conclusion. The final 1/2 of the book was absolutely terrific, and as the drama unfolded the real depth in the characters came to light. He also alluded a lot to football (soccer), which I personally really appreciated being a huge fan of the British Premier League (Go Red Devils!). I only hope that Ben Adams doesn't have the same appetite for Chelsea as Graham...
As for the writing, it was strong, straight-forward and full of British "sayings" that not everyone will be familiar with. But I loved them, and I think you will to!
A debut novel by Ben Adams, Six Months is a light, heart-warming read that most people would find a beautiful distraction on a cold, wintery night. Living in Northern Canada, this is precisely how I happened to read this book, and it was a pleasure.
His main character, Graham Hope, is an interesting fellow. He is divorced, has two boys, a mixed bag of friends and a penchant for saying the wrong thing. He's funny, passive at first, desperate, has a bit of an ego, but a good heart. He's your typical main - a guy with a few flaws but a whole wack of strengths that more than make up for it.
His kids, Sean and Jack, are what I suppose atypical, football-loving British children as well. They were two of my favorite characters in the book. The relationship between them and their father seemed the most genuine out of all of them.
Graham Hope's romantic endeavours are at times funny, and they go through peaks and valleys, which leaves you wondering if Graham is ever going to find the love of his life before that 6 month window he leaves himself. (despite it not being on his "to-do list")
My only minor complaint about the book is that I thought it started off rather slow. However, I felt it intriguing enough to keep going, and you could feel the plot slowly building, but for a guy who doesn't typically read this genre, I wanted a bit more meat at the beginning. I also felt, and help me for saying this, that it could have been longer. I love details, especially in conversation, and I felt some of the dialogue was kept at a bare minimum, giving you what you needed, but not giving you the juice you really need to squeeze for. However, the fact that I wanted more is usually a good sign.
With that said it all culminates into a story that is compelling and riveting at its conclusion. The final 1/2 of the book was absolutely terrific, and as the drama unfolded the real depth in the characters came to light. He also alluded a lot to football (soccer), which I personally really appreciated being a huge fan of the British Premier League (Go Red Devils!). I only hope that Ben Adams doesn't have the same appetite for Chelsea as Graham...
As for the writing, it was strong, straight-forward and full of British "sayings" that not everyone will be familiar with. But I loved them, and I think you will to!
February 1, 2015
This is a very well written, enjoyable, easy-read contemporary drama of the grown up 'lad lit' variety, and I read it all in one go - which is a good recommendation, for a start!
I was a bit worried, before I started it, that it might be too much like a Nick Hornby or David Nicholls, but Ben Adams definitely has his own style. His main character, father of two sons Graham Hope, is a newly divorced 42 year old, pretty despondent about most aspects of his life. Graham gives himself six months, until his 43rd birthday, to make the changes on his to-do list. The story is written in diary form, something I like and think works very well for a novel of this type.
I found Graham frustratingly unsure of himself and meek at first, but he does grow some cojones (spelt 'kahunas' in the book!!) somewhere in the middle of the six months. It's very 'real life' but in a cosy sort of way, and contains moments both touching and amusing; the humour is generally of the quiet smile provoking rather than the hilarious, though I did laugh out loud at some funny phone-connected bits at 44, 46 and 63% - I always note down when a book actually makes me do that!
Negatives? Hardly any. Not a great deal happens and some threads could have been developed more to good effect, but that's fine; it works. I did find some of the dialogue a little odd; I can't imagine any woman ringing up a man a couple of weeks after a one night stand and saying 'It has been a while since we made love', and I was a bit confused by Graham's concern about what 'having sex with a divorced woman' would be like - it's not the 1950s, when a divorced woman might be seen as a little racy, or indeed anything out of the ordinary! But Graham is not a man of the world, so perhaps that's in character - I was just pleased he got out of the marriage to the draggy ex....
To sum up - I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who likes light family drama, lad it, stories about real life and realistic relationships, and especially if you're divorced with children; you'll probably relate to much of it. I liked Graham, and his sons; it's the sort of book you close with a smile and makes you think, yes, I enjoyed that!
I was a bit worried, before I started it, that it might be too much like a Nick Hornby or David Nicholls, but Ben Adams definitely has his own style. His main character, father of two sons Graham Hope, is a newly divorced 42 year old, pretty despondent about most aspects of his life. Graham gives himself six months, until his 43rd birthday, to make the changes on his to-do list. The story is written in diary form, something I like and think works very well for a novel of this type.
I found Graham frustratingly unsure of himself and meek at first, but he does grow some cojones (spelt 'kahunas' in the book!!) somewhere in the middle of the six months. It's very 'real life' but in a cosy sort of way, and contains moments both touching and amusing; the humour is generally of the quiet smile provoking rather than the hilarious, though I did laugh out loud at some funny phone-connected bits at 44, 46 and 63% - I always note down when a book actually makes me do that!
Negatives? Hardly any. Not a great deal happens and some threads could have been developed more to good effect, but that's fine; it works. I did find some of the dialogue a little odd; I can't imagine any woman ringing up a man a couple of weeks after a one night stand and saying 'It has been a while since we made love', and I was a bit confused by Graham's concern about what 'having sex with a divorced woman' would be like - it's not the 1950s, when a divorced woman might be seen as a little racy, or indeed anything out of the ordinary! But Graham is not a man of the world, so perhaps that's in character - I was just pleased he got out of the marriage to the draggy ex....
To sum up - I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who likes light family drama, lad it, stories about real life and realistic relationships, and especially if you're divorced with children; you'll probably relate to much of it. I liked Graham, and his sons; it's the sort of book you close with a smile and makes you think, yes, I enjoyed that!
January 23, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In all honesty, this was one of the most entertaining books I’ve read in a long time. It’s a good mix of real life problems with nearly over-the-top shenanigans. I say nearly due to my own habit of doing some of the things Graham does throughout the book. It was refreshing to read something that didn’t portray the main character as a pillar of strength or a victim. He was what many of us are, and that’s ordinary.
As I mentioned, I loved and related to Graham’s attempts to fit in. It’s easy to imagine doing or saying something cool or suave, but when he’s faced with the situation he often says something that’s not to his benefit.
The other characters were well fleshed out into living, breathing people. Graham’s children were your typical boys (Especially the youngest) and you sympathized with each of them and I wanted to reach through the pages and shake Graham’s ex and parents at some points.
I’m not going to offer any spoilers, but the story took a real world turn toward the end, giving it a grounding feeling instead of the seemingly lighthearted tone throughout.
I’m the first to admit I’m usually not a fan of diary style stories. More times than not, they seem to detract from my enjoyment for one reason or another, but this didn’t. It had a realistic feel as though taken from the author’s own diary. It was touching, funny, and insightful.
I definitely recommend this to anyone that likes seeing aspects of daily life written in an interesting and honest way.
In all honesty, this was one of the most entertaining books I’ve read in a long time. It’s a good mix of real life problems with nearly over-the-top shenanigans. I say nearly due to my own habit of doing some of the things Graham does throughout the book. It was refreshing to read something that didn’t portray the main character as a pillar of strength or a victim. He was what many of us are, and that’s ordinary.
As I mentioned, I loved and related to Graham’s attempts to fit in. It’s easy to imagine doing or saying something cool or suave, but when he’s faced with the situation he often says something that’s not to his benefit.
The other characters were well fleshed out into living, breathing people. Graham’s children were your typical boys (Especially the youngest) and you sympathized with each of them and I wanted to reach through the pages and shake Graham’s ex and parents at some points.
I’m not going to offer any spoilers, but the story took a real world turn toward the end, giving it a grounding feeling instead of the seemingly lighthearted tone throughout.
I’m the first to admit I’m usually not a fan of diary style stories. More times than not, they seem to detract from my enjoyment for one reason or another, but this didn’t. It had a realistic feel as though taken from the author’s own diary. It was touching, funny, and insightful.
I definitely recommend this to anyone that likes seeing aspects of daily life written in an interesting and honest way.
January 9, 2015
This book was one of those I couldn’t put down, and felt very sad when it ended. The ending wasn’t sad, but I just wanted to keep on reading about the characters. And I wanted to keep on laughing.
With his debut novel, the author has done a great job with plenty of action, scene changes, character development (4 to 5 stars for that alone), and keeping track of and weaving in a lot of characters in major roles, minor roles, subsets, and even characters who are affecting his characters but never have a line of dialogue. It was easy to keep track of the characters. How did he do that?
I especially liked watching Graham Hope, the protagonist, grow up over the course of the book. The book reminded me vaguely of the movie Crazy, Stupid Love with Steve Carell and his mishaps in re-entering the dating world after being married for 20 years. Graham was married 12 or 15 years, but he didn’t have a Ryan Gosling to coach him on clothing, what to talk about with women, hair, anything involving catching a woman’s attention. Graham was on his own and he had his struggles with all of those things. But he displayed healthy insight, and he learned slowly over time (and some coaching from his two sons) to cope with his newly single life.
There were characters I hated at first and then grudgingly liked later. And at first Graham seemed impossible and stuck and I disliked his wimpiness. But that turned into a positive eventually when he turned into a more assertive and nice guy. He was madly protective of his sons, even against their own mother at times. Then there was his ex, who I warmly disliked but even she straightened up.
There is romance and I’m not going to spoil that with even a name. Alas, however, no sex scenes other than some nameless raucous couples next door or above where Graham was staying or living, or some ironic remarks by Graham. In fact, there is more than one romance – three, in fact, though one had ended before the book did.
I am looking forward to Ben Adams’ next book! Bring it on!
January 5, 2015
Six Months To Get a Life… by Ben Adams
How many times can you say ‘I’m not bitter’ and mean it?
A lot of married couples end up too tired to fight anymore, and the way you met should have been a clue… but what could have been a depressing read turned out to be more interesting than ‘Bridget Jones’.
The diary format and intelligent humour really works, creating six hilarious months to change Graham Hope’s life.
Interestingly, on his original to-do list, there was no mention of finding someone new to love, but he manages that too, in spectacular style.
There were sad moments, well integrated into the story, and even though you are with him every step of the way, you end up applauding his achievements as if they were your own…
I usually try to visualise a book as a film when I’m reading it…and if it works, it’s a good indication of how good it really is. This book was a film, at least it felt like one. I think I laughed practically all the way through!
Ben has managed to turn what was essentially a miserably bad time, into the funniest book I have read in a while!
Love the comment about the size of Grahams ego…
How many times can you say ‘I’m not bitter’ and mean it?
A lot of married couples end up too tired to fight anymore, and the way you met should have been a clue… but what could have been a depressing read turned out to be more interesting than ‘Bridget Jones’.
The diary format and intelligent humour really works, creating six hilarious months to change Graham Hope’s life.
Interestingly, on his original to-do list, there was no mention of finding someone new to love, but he manages that too, in spectacular style.
There were sad moments, well integrated into the story, and even though you are with him every step of the way, you end up applauding his achievements as if they were your own…
I usually try to visualise a book as a film when I’m reading it…and if it works, it’s a good indication of how good it really is. This book was a film, at least it felt like one. I think I laughed practically all the way through!
Ben has managed to turn what was essentially a miserably bad time, into the funniest book I have read in a while!
Love the comment about the size of Grahams ego…
January 6, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book
I could see the places and characters coming to life off the pages of the book throughout the story. It took you on a journey that was light hearted and serious at the same time.
I was lucky to have been able to read the book prior to its release and thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it.
I could see the places and characters coming to life off the pages of the book throughout the story. It took you on a journey that was light hearted and serious at the same time.
I was lucky to have been able to read the book prior to its release and thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it.
February 16, 2015
Great fun, very entertaining, full of witty, dry, pithy, sobering and sometimes moving truisms. Plus a few good belly laughs. Way too many parallels with my own break up (except for finding a gorgeous Amy - where is mine???!!), and capped off perfectly by the late-in-the-day revelation of the ex's name, which just happens to be the same as mine. My ex's that is, not mine....!
July 28, 2015
Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I can't exactly put my finger on why I enjoyed Ben Adams' debut novel as much as I did, but make no mistake that "Six Months to Get a Life" is a thoroughly enjoyable read. I suppose what sets it apart from many other books in this genre (what does one call this genre anyway? coming-of-age books for middle-aged men?) is the following: Imagine that a book's qualities are a series of dials like those you see on a stereo system, the ones for adjusting the treble, bass, balance, volume, etc. It's essential for each genre of music to get the levels exactly right to maximize the listening experience, but stereos nevertheless come with dials because the "right" level can vary from genre to genre and even song to song. With a book, those dials represent things like humor, sentimentality, plot (some books are more plot-driven than others), intelligence, flow, and possibly other features I'm neglecting. Ben Adams has set all of the dials to the absolute perfect mix, especially in the second half of "Six Months to Get a Life". I laughed out loud often, and chuckled a different kind of laugh too, while the book never lost sight of its heart. It was touching without being schmaltzy. Plot-driven without too much reliance on "events" (though one could argue that the big event that occurs to one of the characters is a tad too contrived. Everything else feels more constrained by comparison.) It was a super-easy read without feeling dumb, probably because of the diary style and the breeziness of the narrator's voice.
Perhaps most importantly, Graham Hope, the main character, just feels like a regular guy going through some regular guy stuff. Adams nails his character, as well as the secondary and tertiary characters, perfectly. None are two-dimensional, none are all good or all bad, everyone just ... is. The way people are in real life. It was remarkable how easy it was to put myself in Graham's shoes, and how much I enjoyed doing so despite the nattiness of said shoes.
OK, so why 4 stars and not 5? Two reasons: 1-The first half of the book was not quite as perfect as I make it all sound above. At no point did I consider putting the book down, but I certainly wasn't in a rush to get through it either. Graham's situation in the beginning is not a great one and so you can understand why this is a tougher slog, and I am absolutely not recommending that we get to the more positive stuff earlier. That would make the payoffs less rewarding. I would like to see the author find a way to pep up this half, perhaps with a bit more humor (more dialogue with Graham's ex might do the trick, or more sidebar interactions like one with Katie/Bryan). 2-The aforementioned big event. I understand why Adams went this way, and I believe completely in how it helped accelerate Graham's development. I simply think that there must be another way to get to the same place without such a monumental plot device. I want to believe that Graham could have - would have - gotten there even without the thing that happened. It was the one thing that felt a little bit less than "real world" to me.
All in all, mark me down as a fan of Ben Adams. He knows that unlike what you see on television and in the movies, it's 40-something year old men, not high school boys, who finally (hopefully) learn how to grow up.
I can't exactly put my finger on why I enjoyed Ben Adams' debut novel as much as I did, but make no mistake that "Six Months to Get a Life" is a thoroughly enjoyable read. I suppose what sets it apart from many other books in this genre (what does one call this genre anyway? coming-of-age books for middle-aged men?) is the following: Imagine that a book's qualities are a series of dials like those you see on a stereo system, the ones for adjusting the treble, bass, balance, volume, etc. It's essential for each genre of music to get the levels exactly right to maximize the listening experience, but stereos nevertheless come with dials because the "right" level can vary from genre to genre and even song to song. With a book, those dials represent things like humor, sentimentality, plot (some books are more plot-driven than others), intelligence, flow, and possibly other features I'm neglecting. Ben Adams has set all of the dials to the absolute perfect mix, especially in the second half of "Six Months to Get a Life". I laughed out loud often, and chuckled a different kind of laugh too, while the book never lost sight of its heart. It was touching without being schmaltzy. Plot-driven without too much reliance on "events" (though one could argue that the big event that occurs to one of the characters is a tad too contrived. Everything else feels more constrained by comparison.) It was a super-easy read without feeling dumb, probably because of the diary style and the breeziness of the narrator's voice.
Perhaps most importantly, Graham Hope, the main character, just feels like a regular guy going through some regular guy stuff. Adams nails his character, as well as the secondary and tertiary characters, perfectly. None are two-dimensional, none are all good or all bad, everyone just ... is. The way people are in real life. It was remarkable how easy it was to put myself in Graham's shoes, and how much I enjoyed doing so despite the nattiness of said shoes.
OK, so why 4 stars and not 5? Two reasons: 1-The first half of the book was not quite as perfect as I make it all sound above. At no point did I consider putting the book down, but I certainly wasn't in a rush to get through it either. Graham's situation in the beginning is not a great one and so you can understand why this is a tougher slog, and I am absolutely not recommending that we get to the more positive stuff earlier. That would make the payoffs less rewarding. I would like to see the author find a way to pep up this half, perhaps with a bit more humor (more dialogue with Graham's ex might do the trick, or more sidebar interactions like one with Katie/Bryan). 2-The aforementioned big event. I understand why Adams went this way, and I believe completely in how it helped accelerate Graham's development. I simply think that there must be another way to get to the same place without such a monumental plot device. I want to believe that Graham could have - would have - gotten there even without the thing that happened. It was the one thing that felt a little bit less than "real world" to me.
All in all, mark me down as a fan of Ben Adams. He knows that unlike what you see on television and in the movies, it's 40-something year old men, not high school boys, who finally (hopefully) learn how to grow up.
January 14, 2015
A short time ago, I was browsing in my local bookstore when it was suggested that I was a lover of “quirky, contemporary fiction”. Not knowing that this was a subgenre, I still wholeheartedly agreed. Think The Rosie Project, The Full Ridiculous or Amy Falls Down, to name just a few.
Let’s face it, in this wild and crazy world there are times when you just want to sit down to a fun, playful read. One that makes you laugh out loud, but still offers food for thought in comfortably sized bites.
Ben Adam’s debut novel, Six Months to Get a Life, is that and more. Because, you see, while I was having fun with this playful book, something else happened: I developed a bit of an attachment to the protagonist and his circumstances.
At a time in life when most of us hope to be financially independent, there’s Graham Hope, back in his childhood bedroom and sharing a bathroom with his parents. When he comes up with a six-month plan to turn it all around, he got my attention. Really? That’s all he needs? Six months?
Anyone who’s been through a divorce knows how much of a mine field it can be. Family, friends, children – they’re all affected and they all have something to say. Loyalties can be called into question, sides are drawn, and the behavior gloves come off. There are winners and there are losers, and that’s all before you start dating. Adams brings it all together effortlessly, mixes it up, and sprinkles it all around Graham’s six-month quest.
One thing that makes it all so palatable is the narrative voice. Graham is writing in a journal, but it’s as if he’s talking to a close buddy–and that’s you, the reader. He is friendly and frank, when he could easily be whiney and bitter. He is a sort of twenty-first century, middle-aged “boy next door”.
Of course, with that comes empathy. Even as a woman, I couldn't help but feel bad for him when he admits to having a small penis and a big ego. If he had just admitted to a big ego, well, who would really like him? But throw in the small penis, and how can you help yourself? And then there’s the twerking episode …
Which is to say that there is a good helping of humor throughout, and it’s at its best when Graham is either trying to date or when he’s parenting his two boys, Sean and Jack. I couldn't help but wonder though if I was missing some of it, being Canadian and sadly lacking in a knowledge of current ‘Britishisms’ and the British Premier League (I hear that’s a football thing).
But really, rather than taking away from my experience as a reader, it charmed me. I don’t understand everything they say in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones, or Downton Abbey, but that doesn't make me love them any less.
As the climax of the novel approaches, Adams throws in a few surprise twists that made me sorry it was coming to an end. And that’s the great thing. It really doesn't. He leaves us with a tease—an excerpt from a sequel he’s calling Six Lies. I, for one, am looking forward to it.
Let’s face it, in this wild and crazy world there are times when you just want to sit down to a fun, playful read. One that makes you laugh out loud, but still offers food for thought in comfortably sized bites.
Ben Adam’s debut novel, Six Months to Get a Life, is that and more. Because, you see, while I was having fun with this playful book, something else happened: I developed a bit of an attachment to the protagonist and his circumstances.
At a time in life when most of us hope to be financially independent, there’s Graham Hope, back in his childhood bedroom and sharing a bathroom with his parents. When he comes up with a six-month plan to turn it all around, he got my attention. Really? That’s all he needs? Six months?
Anyone who’s been through a divorce knows how much of a mine field it can be. Family, friends, children – they’re all affected and they all have something to say. Loyalties can be called into question, sides are drawn, and the behavior gloves come off. There are winners and there are losers, and that’s all before you start dating. Adams brings it all together effortlessly, mixes it up, and sprinkles it all around Graham’s six-month quest.
One thing that makes it all so palatable is the narrative voice. Graham is writing in a journal, but it’s as if he’s talking to a close buddy–and that’s you, the reader. He is friendly and frank, when he could easily be whiney and bitter. He is a sort of twenty-first century, middle-aged “boy next door”.
Of course, with that comes empathy. Even as a woman, I couldn't help but feel bad for him when he admits to having a small penis and a big ego. If he had just admitted to a big ego, well, who would really like him? But throw in the small penis, and how can you help yourself? And then there’s the twerking episode …
Which is to say that there is a good helping of humor throughout, and it’s at its best when Graham is either trying to date or when he’s parenting his two boys, Sean and Jack. I couldn't help but wonder though if I was missing some of it, being Canadian and sadly lacking in a knowledge of current ‘Britishisms’ and the British Premier League (I hear that’s a football thing).
But really, rather than taking away from my experience as a reader, it charmed me. I don’t understand everything they say in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones, or Downton Abbey, but that doesn't make me love them any less.
As the climax of the novel approaches, Adams throws in a few surprise twists that made me sorry it was coming to an end. And that’s the great thing. It really doesn't. He leaves us with a tease—an excerpt from a sequel he’s calling Six Lies. I, for one, am looking forward to it.
March 25, 2016
Ben Adams went to grade-school, then college, and eventually grew up. With that, he got a responsible job, house, and a family. As time went on he had a mid-life crisis. Thinking that life was becoming too serious, Ben took up writing. First he wrote for his kids, but eventually began writing for adults. He writes for people who have lived, loved, worked, strived and suffered – people like himself. He finds humor where others just find pain. Currently Ben lives in London with his two boys, his dog, and constant stream of girlfriends.
The story follows Graham, a 42 year old recent divorcee. After 15 years married, two sons, and a dog, the couple decides to call it quits on their relationship. Graham leaves out of the family home and moves in with his parents. In a moment of reflection, Graham points at places where he has went wrong in life. He decides to get his life in order before his 43rd birthday.
One of the first goals that Graham had was to move into a place by himself. Living with parents at any time can be challenging. Graham sought to find a flat that worked with his son’s routine and places he wanted to be around. Throughout the entire book, Graham is most concerned with his sons Jack and Sean. Graham always did plenty of things with his sons, so he thought continuously of ways to interact with the boys.
Another area that Graham wanted to work on was his love life. He starts by meeting up with his buddies in neighborhood pubs. Though they don’t really help much in his troubles, they give him an outlet to relax with. Graham also attends several dinner dates with couples that he knew mutually with his ex-wife. Though somewhat successful, Graham meets a woman named Julia. After she makes a move on him, they have a one night stand.
While working towards a different quest towards is getting in shape, Graham takes his dog Albus on a walk. During one of their walks, he meets Amy. Amy is recently divorced herself. While discovering their interest in one another, they take their time to show their emotions. Both interactions with women after Graham’s marriage helped him gain better perspective of who he was and what he wanted from life.
Graham also decides that he needs to change his boring desk job. As a sign itself, his company undergoes restructuring and he finds out he will be stacked. He puts greater energy into refreshing his resume and applying to jobs. Eventually he secures a job that easily replaces his former company.
In the book Graham informs readers through diary format. It gave readers a clear perspective to be able to connect with and understand why people do certain things. In Graham’s case, he learns the depth of companionship and love. He reconnects with living for a brighter future for his sons and sharpens his self-confidence. Ultimately Graham sought and claimed a portion of his worth in life after a divorce.
For more information about Ben Adams, visit http://blog.benadamsauthor.com.
The story follows Graham, a 42 year old recent divorcee. After 15 years married, two sons, and a dog, the couple decides to call it quits on their relationship. Graham leaves out of the family home and moves in with his parents. In a moment of reflection, Graham points at places where he has went wrong in life. He decides to get his life in order before his 43rd birthday.
One of the first goals that Graham had was to move into a place by himself. Living with parents at any time can be challenging. Graham sought to find a flat that worked with his son’s routine and places he wanted to be around. Throughout the entire book, Graham is most concerned with his sons Jack and Sean. Graham always did plenty of things with his sons, so he thought continuously of ways to interact with the boys.
Another area that Graham wanted to work on was his love life. He starts by meeting up with his buddies in neighborhood pubs. Though they don’t really help much in his troubles, they give him an outlet to relax with. Graham also attends several dinner dates with couples that he knew mutually with his ex-wife. Though somewhat successful, Graham meets a woman named Julia. After she makes a move on him, they have a one night stand.
While working towards a different quest towards is getting in shape, Graham takes his dog Albus on a walk. During one of their walks, he meets Amy. Amy is recently divorced herself. While discovering their interest in one another, they take their time to show their emotions. Both interactions with women after Graham’s marriage helped him gain better perspective of who he was and what he wanted from life.
Graham also decides that he needs to change his boring desk job. As a sign itself, his company undergoes restructuring and he finds out he will be stacked. He puts greater energy into refreshing his resume and applying to jobs. Eventually he secures a job that easily replaces his former company.
In the book Graham informs readers through diary format. It gave readers a clear perspective to be able to connect with and understand why people do certain things. In Graham’s case, he learns the depth of companionship and love. He reconnects with living for a brighter future for his sons and sharpens his self-confidence. Ultimately Graham sought and claimed a portion of his worth in life after a divorce.
For more information about Ben Adams, visit http://blog.benadamsauthor.com.
August 22, 2021
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include SIX MONTHS TO GET A LIFE by BEN ADAMS in the library of Awesome Indies'
Badge of Approval
recipients.
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment :
Graham Hope is a man who finds it difficult to live up to his name – he seems to have little hope. Newly divorced after over 15 years of marriage, he’s 6 months shy of his 43d birthday, and has vowed to get a new life by that time. Graham’s problem, though, is he hasn’t really done much with his old life, making him hardly capable of taking on anything new. He lost custody of his sons, Jack and Sean, had to take the dog, Albus, and has to live with his aged parents.
Six Months to Get a Life by Ben Adams is a set of diary entries written by Graham as he details his quest to ‘get a life.’ This book is truly funny in some parts, and a deep dive into human nature in others, but in a form that, at nearly 300 pages, is a slog to read. Dialogue is scarce – quite effective when it occurs, but it just doesn’t occur often enough. Graham is a character that you find yourself rooting for at times, and at other times, you’re wanting to give him a swift kick in the rear for his total lack of – oh, just about everything, but mostly grit.
The main theme of Six Months seems to be the futility of it all, but I found the ending a bit flat and uninspiring. It sort of fit with the type of character Graham seems to be – someone who quits when things get to hard. The book just stopped, so if that was the author’s way of reinforcing just how much of a loser Graham is, he succeeded. While the book is well formatted and edited, that lackluster ending sort of left me cold. There’s also the issue of missing days in the diary entries with nary a clue as to why. Maybe these were days when nothing of consequence happened. If so, a sentence, or a couple of words would clarify it.
Adams is a competent wordsmith, but, in this case, he could have gotten his point across in about 50 to 75 fewer pages. I give Six Months four stars for the effective prose and a good theme. Had it had a more interesting ending, I could easily give it five stars.
I received this book free of charge from the author in return for an honest review.
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment :
Graham Hope is a man who finds it difficult to live up to his name – he seems to have little hope. Newly divorced after over 15 years of marriage, he’s 6 months shy of his 43d birthday, and has vowed to get a new life by that time. Graham’s problem, though, is he hasn’t really done much with his old life, making him hardly capable of taking on anything new. He lost custody of his sons, Jack and Sean, had to take the dog, Albus, and has to live with his aged parents.
Six Months to Get a Life by Ben Adams is a set of diary entries written by Graham as he details his quest to ‘get a life.’ This book is truly funny in some parts, and a deep dive into human nature in others, but in a form that, at nearly 300 pages, is a slog to read. Dialogue is scarce – quite effective when it occurs, but it just doesn’t occur often enough. Graham is a character that you find yourself rooting for at times, and at other times, you’re wanting to give him a swift kick in the rear for his total lack of – oh, just about everything, but mostly grit.
The main theme of Six Months seems to be the futility of it all, but I found the ending a bit flat and uninspiring. It sort of fit with the type of character Graham seems to be – someone who quits when things get to hard. The book just stopped, so if that was the author’s way of reinforcing just how much of a loser Graham is, he succeeded. While the book is well formatted and edited, that lackluster ending sort of left me cold. There’s also the issue of missing days in the diary entries with nary a clue as to why. Maybe these were days when nothing of consequence happened. If so, a sentence, or a couple of words would clarify it.
Adams is a competent wordsmith, but, in this case, he could have gotten his point across in about 50 to 75 fewer pages. I give Six Months four stars for the effective prose and a good theme. Had it had a more interesting ending, I could easily give it five stars.
I received this book free of charge from the author in return for an honest review.
May 18, 2015
Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
Graham Hope is a newly divorced 42-year-old with two teenage sons who is trying to pick up his life now he is once again single and living with his parents. While he enjoys nothing more than spending time with his sons Jack and Sean, Graham knows he has to get back in the game and make something of his new life. He decides to give himself six months, until his 43rd birthday, to cross off several things on his to-do list, such as finding his own place to live and a job that he actually enjoys. He also decides to keep a diary during these six months, writing about his life and the changes he hopes to make before his next birthday.
I've seen some other readers labelling this novel as 'lad lit', which is a label I can definitely understand. Yet, with or without a label, 'Six Months to Get a Life' is a great read which I really enjoyed and definitely a promising debut by author Ben Adams. I really like the diary format for books; it provides the reader with a personal look into the protagonists life and in this case it's an easily likeable protagonist in the form of Graham Hope. I straight away warmed to Graham and his mission to change his life around within just six months (quite ambitious, if you ask me!) held my interest from start to finish.
Ben Adams' writing style is really easy to read and flows well, with the occasional funny remark that managed to make me laugh out loud. The diary format of the book results in numerous relatively short entries/chapters, which makes this a great and easy read to pick up, whether you have only 10 minutes to read or an hour. Next to a great main character, the secondary characters all add something essential to the story as well, such as Graham's teenage sons Sean and Jack, his ex-wife, and his friends. Overall, 'Six Months to Get a Life' is a fun, entertaining and realistic story about a forty-something man trying to turn his life around in just six months; a promising debut novel that's worth picking up!
Graham Hope is a newly divorced 42-year-old with two teenage sons who is trying to pick up his life now he is once again single and living with his parents. While he enjoys nothing more than spending time with his sons Jack and Sean, Graham knows he has to get back in the game and make something of his new life. He decides to give himself six months, until his 43rd birthday, to cross off several things on his to-do list, such as finding his own place to live and a job that he actually enjoys. He also decides to keep a diary during these six months, writing about his life and the changes he hopes to make before his next birthday.
I've seen some other readers labelling this novel as 'lad lit', which is a label I can definitely understand. Yet, with or without a label, 'Six Months to Get a Life' is a great read which I really enjoyed and definitely a promising debut by author Ben Adams. I really like the diary format for books; it provides the reader with a personal look into the protagonists life and in this case it's an easily likeable protagonist in the form of Graham Hope. I straight away warmed to Graham and his mission to change his life around within just six months (quite ambitious, if you ask me!) held my interest from start to finish.
Ben Adams' writing style is really easy to read and flows well, with the occasional funny remark that managed to make me laugh out loud. The diary format of the book results in numerous relatively short entries/chapters, which makes this a great and easy read to pick up, whether you have only 10 minutes to read or an hour. Next to a great main character, the secondary characters all add something essential to the story as well, such as Graham's teenage sons Sean and Jack, his ex-wife, and his friends. Overall, 'Six Months to Get a Life' is a fun, entertaining and realistic story about a forty-something man trying to turn his life around in just six months; a promising debut novel that's worth picking up!
May 1, 2015
Is there is such a thing as man-lit? If not, this is it. Although, that isn't exactly true, because as a woman, I very much enjoyed Ben Adam's debut, Six Months to Get a Life.
I was truly genuinely surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. Told in diary form from the perspective of Graham, a forty-two year old divorced father of two, I wasn't sure how much real life details could be given when one is essentially talking to themselves. But, Adams' smooth writing style gives a refreshing spin on this unique storyline.
Sometimes brutally honest and not so likable tale of life after divorce, Graham Hope finds himself stuck in a rut and unhappy with where his life has led. Working a job that seems to be going no where, living with his parents and bitter over the split and shared visitation arrangements of the kids with his ex-wife, he sets about to make changes and gives himself six months to get his life back together. Included in those goals is to dip his toes back into the dating pool.
While at times, Grahams self-loathing could be annoyingly frustrating, I also found his uncertainty to be endearing and truly believable. He's had some setbacks, some of which make him bitter, but he's man enough to recognize it and push forward to try and work past his issues. You can't help but like him and find yourself reading on because you want to see how his story ends.
I hate giving away spoilers, I do, but I just have mention that there was one aspect of the story that really irked me. Throughout the book, Graham never mentions his ex's name and always refers to her as "my ex." This is just one of those pet peeves that really annoys me. So, I was beyond happy to see this addressed at the conclusion of the story and loved how Adams ties it in and addresses it.
A well written, enjoyable, contemporary drama of life after divorce, told in a witty and honest perspective, it's a light and relaxing read that will leave you with a smile at the end.
A complimentary copy was received in exchange for an honest review.
I was truly genuinely surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. Told in diary form from the perspective of Graham, a forty-two year old divorced father of two, I wasn't sure how much real life details could be given when one is essentially talking to themselves. But, Adams' smooth writing style gives a refreshing spin on this unique storyline.
Sometimes brutally honest and not so likable tale of life after divorce, Graham Hope finds himself stuck in a rut and unhappy with where his life has led. Working a job that seems to be going no where, living with his parents and bitter over the split and shared visitation arrangements of the kids with his ex-wife, he sets about to make changes and gives himself six months to get his life back together. Included in those goals is to dip his toes back into the dating pool.
While at times, Grahams self-loathing could be annoyingly frustrating, I also found his uncertainty to be endearing and truly believable. He's had some setbacks, some of which make him bitter, but he's man enough to recognize it and push forward to try and work past his issues. You can't help but like him and find yourself reading on because you want to see how his story ends.
I hate giving away spoilers, I do, but I just have mention that there was one aspect of the story that really irked me. Throughout the book, Graham never mentions his ex's name and always refers to her as "my ex." This is just one of those pet peeves that really annoys me. So, I was beyond happy to see this addressed at the conclusion of the story and loved how Adams ties it in and addresses it.
A well written, enjoyable, contemporary drama of life after divorce, told in a witty and honest perspective, it's a light and relaxing read that will leave you with a smile at the end.
A complimentary copy was received in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2015
At the beginning of Six Months to Get a Life I found Ben Adams’ novel a relaxed easy read, of the type you might find in a Women’s magazine, except that this story is told from the point of view of a man. A man in the middle of a mid-life crisis, his marriage is over, he is living with his parents and spending weekends looking after his sons.
Graham Hope works in a boring office, earns barely enough to fund the maintenance of his ex-wife and sons, and longs for a new relationship. Writing in the form of a diary, he decides to take a positive attitude, intending that on his 43rd birthday in exactly 6 months he will have a more interesting job, his own place to live, a social life and a good relationship with Sean and Jack.
At first we are forced to despair of Graham. He lacks confidence, relies on others and is indecisive. A blind date introduces him to “Miss Putney” but is this the promise of sexual satisfaction and companionship that he seeks? He may be forced to find another job quicker than he intended and increasing tension in his parent’s house, partly caused by his amiable but messy dog Albus, means an alternative residence is becoming urgent.
I enjoyed the fact that the novel is rooted in the present day with detailed references to last year’s football World Cup and mention of current events. Jack & Sean are charming, yet normal, boys at the outset of their teenage years. Although it is not easy to empathise with “the Ex” wife, Graham does allow us to understand her point of view. There is a delightful, very British, ironic humour running through the story.
As soon as things begin to improve for Graham, disaster strikes and he is forced to face up to his feelings and intentions for the future. The book takes a more serious turn, and I found myself reading well into the night to reach the denouement. This would make such a good TV serial but in the meantime I recommend that you read the book!
Graham Hope works in a boring office, earns barely enough to fund the maintenance of his ex-wife and sons, and longs for a new relationship. Writing in the form of a diary, he decides to take a positive attitude, intending that on his 43rd birthday in exactly 6 months he will have a more interesting job, his own place to live, a social life and a good relationship with Sean and Jack.
At first we are forced to despair of Graham. He lacks confidence, relies on others and is indecisive. A blind date introduces him to “Miss Putney” but is this the promise of sexual satisfaction and companionship that he seeks? He may be forced to find another job quicker than he intended and increasing tension in his parent’s house, partly caused by his amiable but messy dog Albus, means an alternative residence is becoming urgent.
I enjoyed the fact that the novel is rooted in the present day with detailed references to last year’s football World Cup and mention of current events. Jack & Sean are charming, yet normal, boys at the outset of their teenage years. Although it is not easy to empathise with “the Ex” wife, Graham does allow us to understand her point of view. There is a delightful, very British, ironic humour running through the story.
As soon as things begin to improve for Graham, disaster strikes and he is forced to face up to his feelings and intentions for the future. The book takes a more serious turn, and I found myself reading well into the night to reach the denouement. This would make such a good TV serial but in the meantime I recommend that you read the book!
February 1, 2015
What I Thought:
This was a brilliant book, in so many ways. I have seen people in similar situations, where they had the life they thought they wanted, and then it all fell apart. We watch as a typical man, a typical person, falls apart and truly heads toward a midlife crisis. However, he shows strength, though it may not all be consolidated from the start. We follow him as he battles through each of his goals, some easy, some harder than we might think.
Throughout the book, we are met with comedic, stark and real insights into what he is going through, with a side of frank wise-ass remarks to give us a wee giggle. He is honest and true to what it really is like to lose everything, but on the flip-side he is brave and strong for setting himself goals and a message, to recreate a life he wants. No longer are the days when we fall apart as our life does. Now we look it in the face and tell it to P**s Off! We know what we want and we are going to get it, no matter how hard it is to get there.
I loved that this was written as a diary. It adds to the real, emotional nature of the story. I also love that the author does not hold back. We see our character's life as it truly is, through to the bare bones.
I found myself connecting with this story on so many levels. I may not be in the same situation or the same age, but an illness has shifted me into a recent mid-mid-life crisis, and after reading this, I'll be setting my own goals and keeping a diary - I can wade through the crap and recreate myself too!
No, this isn't your average self-help, fluffy, love yourself and love life, but this book is the most real version of a self-help book I have ever read. It's harsh. It's real. It's more inspiring than any other help book I've ever read. I highly recommend this book to everyone! We've all got something in our lives brining us down. This book shows you how to kick it and have a thousand chuckles doing so. I loved it.
This was a brilliant book, in so many ways. I have seen people in similar situations, where they had the life they thought they wanted, and then it all fell apart. We watch as a typical man, a typical person, falls apart and truly heads toward a midlife crisis. However, he shows strength, though it may not all be consolidated from the start. We follow him as he battles through each of his goals, some easy, some harder than we might think.
Throughout the book, we are met with comedic, stark and real insights into what he is going through, with a side of frank wise-ass remarks to give us a wee giggle. He is honest and true to what it really is like to lose everything, but on the flip-side he is brave and strong for setting himself goals and a message, to recreate a life he wants. No longer are the days when we fall apart as our life does. Now we look it in the face and tell it to P**s Off! We know what we want and we are going to get it, no matter how hard it is to get there.
I loved that this was written as a diary. It adds to the real, emotional nature of the story. I also love that the author does not hold back. We see our character's life as it truly is, through to the bare bones.
I found myself connecting with this story on so many levels. I may not be in the same situation or the same age, but an illness has shifted me into a recent mid-mid-life crisis, and after reading this, I'll be setting my own goals and keeping a diary - I can wade through the crap and recreate myself too!
No, this isn't your average self-help, fluffy, love yourself and love life, but this book is the most real version of a self-help book I have ever read. It's harsh. It's real. It's more inspiring than any other help book I've ever read. I highly recommend this book to everyone! We've all got something in our lives brining us down. This book shows you how to kick it and have a thousand chuckles doing so. I loved it.
June 5, 2015
Reviewed for Chick Lit Central www.chicklitcentral.com
Having been married (and divorced) myself, I know the experiences and situations I've dealt with on a personal level. It’s not an easy road to walk on. Graham Hope offered me a glimpse into the male psyche. What’s divorce like from a man’s perspective? I enjoy reading a book that lets me see the other side of the coin, the side we don’t often get to see when dealing with something as traumatic and emotional as a divorce, a separation of family. Ben Adams writes about this and throws in comedic timing to perfection!
I love how Graham refers to his ex-wife as merely that. "The ex." He refuses to say her name because in his eyes, what he’s writing down in his own private journal isn’t about her. It’s obvious he’s still reeling from the split. I appreciate how much he loves his children, how important it is for him to get to see them, even if the ex gets in the way of that at times. He’s trying everything he can (well, he’s a definite type B personality, so he’s not trying as hard as he could be) to get back on his feet, to move out of his parent’s house, to provide for his kids as best he can. All while wondering if there’s someone out there for him to love, and someone who will love him in return.
I thought Six Months to Get a Life would be a comedy full of childish jokes, late night beer fests and a lot of mishaps. While this book has plenty to offer in those categories, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there’s a lot of touching moments mixed in there, too. Character growth is very important to me; Graham did not disappoint. There is a transformation that occurs, and what’s great is how gradual it is. Nothing overnight. He’s a relatable, real-to-life character who you might grow weary with at times and wonder why he can’t get his life together, but he weaves his way in and won’t let go. It’s part of his charm.
Having been married (and divorced) myself, I know the experiences and situations I've dealt with on a personal level. It’s not an easy road to walk on. Graham Hope offered me a glimpse into the male psyche. What’s divorce like from a man’s perspective? I enjoy reading a book that lets me see the other side of the coin, the side we don’t often get to see when dealing with something as traumatic and emotional as a divorce, a separation of family. Ben Adams writes about this and throws in comedic timing to perfection!
I love how Graham refers to his ex-wife as merely that. "The ex." He refuses to say her name because in his eyes, what he’s writing down in his own private journal isn’t about her. It’s obvious he’s still reeling from the split. I appreciate how much he loves his children, how important it is for him to get to see them, even if the ex gets in the way of that at times. He’s trying everything he can (well, he’s a definite type B personality, so he’s not trying as hard as he could be) to get back on his feet, to move out of his parent’s house, to provide for his kids as best he can. All while wondering if there’s someone out there for him to love, and someone who will love him in return.
I thought Six Months to Get a Life would be a comedy full of childish jokes, late night beer fests and a lot of mishaps. While this book has plenty to offer in those categories, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there’s a lot of touching moments mixed in there, too. Character growth is very important to me; Graham did not disappoint. There is a transformation that occurs, and what’s great is how gradual it is. Nothing overnight. He’s a relatable, real-to-life character who you might grow weary with at times and wonder why he can’t get his life together, but he weaves his way in and won’t let go. It’s part of his charm.
February 5, 2015
first things first,
i share my birthday with Graham of this story and when i got this book i am in the middle of a tornado (yeah you read it right), my life is in cross roads and i cann't tell you here what and all i was going through. so looking at the title itself i thought this book must help me.
Now to the book:
Some times its good if you talk to yourself when you are down as you are the best person to judge/understand yourself. and what best way to do it other than writing a dairy.
what i liked the most when i started to read is, Ben has started straightaway from the point of his divorce and no-nonsense and i felt by 5th page, its a book worth a read.The initial parts of it has subtle humor and certain sentences made me read twice just to main the smile on my face, as i continued reading by middle i felt a little dragging, especially during the Julia s episode which i can imagine how it is going to end. The references about both the kids Sean and Jack are almost throughout the book if not on every page so first thing i felt after completing the book i felt Graham has achieved his first goal (Be a good dad) without a second thought.I liked the part where he refuses the job offer from his company when his hr knows short skirt sally taking off for some time and asks him if he would like to continue with his current job.
The Amy part also was guessable until the accident. The true love you will realize only when you actually go through something like that i guess :)
The Prologue was heart touching until that time never thought Davids mom is his step mom, yeah though this has nothing to do with actual plot or Graham except that Graham might have to take care of David until he is back to his elements.
i share my birthday with Graham of this story and when i got this book i am in the middle of a tornado (yeah you read it right), my life is in cross roads and i cann't tell you here what and all i was going through. so looking at the title itself i thought this book must help me.
Now to the book:
Some times its good if you talk to yourself when you are down as you are the best person to judge/understand yourself. and what best way to do it other than writing a dairy.
what i liked the most when i started to read is, Ben has started straightaway from the point of his divorce and no-nonsense and i felt by 5th page, its a book worth a read.The initial parts of it has subtle humor and certain sentences made me read twice just to main the smile on my face, as i continued reading by middle i felt a little dragging, especially during the Julia s episode which i can imagine how it is going to end. The references about both the kids Sean and Jack are almost throughout the book if not on every page so first thing i felt after completing the book i felt Graham has achieved his first goal (Be a good dad) without a second thought.I liked the part where he refuses the job offer from his company when his hr knows short skirt sally taking off for some time and asks him if he would like to continue with his current job.
The Amy part also was guessable until the accident. The true love you will realize only when you actually go through something like that i guess :)
The Prologue was heart touching until that time never thought Davids mom is his step mom, yeah though this has nothing to do with actual plot or Graham except that Graham might have to take care of David until he is back to his elements.
February 22, 2015
Graham Hope’s basic story is one that’s played out an innumerable number of times. A couple gets divorced and now both halves of the former couple have to figure out how to adapt to seeing their kids much less than before, new living arrangements for at least one, and how this is going to change their lives in other ways. Plus, you know, that sex thing (or lack thereof). It’s a story that’s been done before. (Most commonly in women’s fiction or chick-lit from the viewpoint of the female.)
This basic story can take two directions, a serious look at the difficulties (those are the women’s fiction) or a more humorous take, which is where the chick-lit version typically comes in. Ben Adams takes the humorous route. At times farcical, yet never going so far that the underlying seriousness of the issues the protagonist Graham is facing are ignored. Anyone who has struggled with the aftermath of a divorce will recognize themselves in Graham with more than one knowing chuckle escaping as they’re reading Six Months to Get a Life.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
This basic story can take two directions, a serious look at the difficulties (those are the women’s fiction) or a more humorous take, which is where the chick-lit version typically comes in. Ben Adams takes the humorous route. At times farcical, yet never going so far that the underlying seriousness of the issues the protagonist Graham is facing are ignored. Anyone who has struggled with the aftermath of a divorce will recognize themselves in Graham with more than one knowing chuckle escaping as they’re reading Six Months to Get a Life.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
February 14, 2015
I received this book for free through Story Cartel. I was initially interested for two reasons - one, I have enjoyed books written through the perspective of journal entries or other forms of communication in the past, and two, I liked the idea of a book from a man's perspective, as so many of the books I read have women as the main character.
It took me a few tries before I really got into the story, but once I did, it was easy to read in one sitting. This was good, because there are no chapters or sections, just daily entries that are only a page or two long. No good stopping place, but the story flows along quickly so you really don't need to stop.
The plot wasn't anything spectacular, as it is about a newly divorced man figuring out how to live his new life and trying to improve his situation. I thought the writing was good, and I liked the quick pace of the story. At first I was a little bored with the main character, as he sat around drinking beers, but he grew on me as the book went on.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
It took me a few tries before I really got into the story, but once I did, it was easy to read in one sitting. This was good, because there are no chapters or sections, just daily entries that are only a page or two long. No good stopping place, but the story flows along quickly so you really don't need to stop.
The plot wasn't anything spectacular, as it is about a newly divorced man figuring out how to live his new life and trying to improve his situation. I thought the writing was good, and I liked the quick pace of the story. At first I was a little bored with the main character, as he sat around drinking beers, but he grew on me as the book went on.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
May 3, 2015
Humorous View of a Life-Changing Crisis from A Man's Perspective
It was refreshing and enlightening to read a book about a man facing a life-changing crisis, written by another man. This novel could be referred to as ‘lad-lit’ which explores the male psyche, especially issues such as friendship, relationships, love, and sex.
At first, I didn’t think I’d like Graham very much, but he gradually grew on me as he faced the challenges of life after a divorce. I felt sorry for him as he struggled to understand his responsibility in the event, and tried to move forward into a new life at forty. I loved the way his relationship with his children is so important to him and develops throughout the novel. It’s very engagingly written as a diary. I especially enjoyed the humorous way it was told, which makes it so easy and pleasant to read.
It was refreshing and enlightening to read a book about a man facing a life-changing crisis, written by another man. This novel could be referred to as ‘lad-lit’ which explores the male psyche, especially issues such as friendship, relationships, love, and sex.
At first, I didn’t think I’d like Graham very much, but he gradually grew on me as he faced the challenges of life after a divorce. I felt sorry for him as he struggled to understand his responsibility in the event, and tried to move forward into a new life at forty. I loved the way his relationship with his children is so important to him and develops throughout the novel. It’s very engagingly written as a diary. I especially enjoyed the humorous way it was told, which makes it so easy and pleasant to read.
January 31, 2015
According to his ex Graham Hope has a big ego and a small penis. Graham is 42 newly divorced and living at home with his parents. He has given hisself 6 month to get a better life. Some of his goals are to be a better dad, get a place of his own, and find romance again. Well he is somewhat successful in this but some things don't come out the way he planned. He's an ok guy but to me seems to be quite the wimp sometimes. He seems to be a good guy who has basically given up on life until he's single again then he's worried about talking to women again after 15 years. Not a bad book and I will grab up book 2 when it's ready.
February 1, 2015
Interesting story about a divorced British man trying to get his life together after his divorce. I like that he was working on goals and improving his life. What I didn't connect with is his personal choices nor his morals. He'd probably have his life a bit more put together if he was more into problem solving than he was into drinking and burning bridges.
I suppose the biggest issue I had with this book was the language. I'm an American and had no idea what some British words and phrases meant. To me chuffed sounds negative. Context in this book tells me it's positive. I didn't bother looking it up though.
I suppose the biggest issue I had with this book was the language. I'm an American and had no idea what some British words and phrases meant. To me chuffed sounds negative. Context in this book tells me it's positive. I didn't bother looking it up though.
February 20, 2015
*I received this book for free from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.*
I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book, but I did. It was refreshing reading from a man’s point of view, for a change. I found the book to be fun, engaging, witty, and well-written. I read it in one sitting, as I couldn’t put it down! I kept wondering if it was non-fiction (a real diary) or a novel; it was that real to me. I could picture everything happening in the book and visualize the characters. Now I want to know what happens with Amy and her daughter – will there be a sequel? I recommend this book for men and women alike.
I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book, but I did. It was refreshing reading from a man’s point of view, for a change. I found the book to be fun, engaging, witty, and well-written. I read it in one sitting, as I couldn’t put it down! I kept wondering if it was non-fiction (a real diary) or a novel; it was that real to me. I could picture everything happening in the book and visualize the characters. Now I want to know what happens with Amy and her daughter – will there be a sequel? I recommend this book for men and women alike.
January 25, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Six months in the life of a recently divorced man are chronicled in diary form. Graham Hope writes about his struggles with adapting to the changes in his life as well as his relationships with his family and friends and achieving goals before his birthday. While it took me some time to become interested in the story, by the midpoint I began to become absorbed. The book was a pleasant read and I look forward to reading more from author Ben Adams.
Six months in the life of a recently divorced man are chronicled in diary form. Graham Hope writes about his struggles with adapting to the changes in his life as well as his relationships with his family and friends and achieving goals before his birthday. While it took me some time to become interested in the story, by the midpoint I began to become absorbed. The book was a pleasant read and I look forward to reading more from author Ben Adams.
January 30, 2015
The humor and wit shined and I found myself laughing at good guy Graham's outlook on life. I would have liked to have seen more “real time” descriptions of his life events than introspection about it after the fact, however, and that is where the book lost points with me. A fair start from an author I hope to see more of in the future. Full review here at SeeKikiRead.com.
January 27, 2015
I downloaded this book because it was promoted as similar to one of my favorite authors, Nick Hornby. This is one of the few times I was not disappointed by a comparison to an established author. The characters start out one dimensional, by design, and develop well through this "coming of age" story for a middle aged divorced man. It pulls off that odd mixture of being a comic novel while handling deftly handling deeper relationship issues. Enjoyable read.
March 2, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the title and the synopsis of this book. When I started to read however, I didn't get past the introduction. I didn't find my way into the story and didn't finish the book.
I was intrigued by the title and the synopsis of this book. When I started to read however, I didn't get past the introduction. I didn't find my way into the story and didn't finish the book.
June 23, 2015
Graham had a wife and a life. Now he is divorced, sharing custody of his two sons and living with his parents. He wants to "get a life' by his birthday that is 6 months away. .
It is a story I enjoyed. The story was believable.
It is a story I enjoyed. The story was believable.
July 16, 2015
A nice easy read. I wanted to keep turning the pages although wondered where the story was going to go at one point....
I'm glad it took a sudden change of direction to add a bit more interest!
I did enjoy it though!
I'm glad it took a sudden change of direction to add a bit more interest!
I did enjoy it though!
January 19, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and funny yet thought-provoking. Graham is a loveable character despite putting his foot in his mouth quite often! It was great to see the character development. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
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