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Brand New Friend
Finding friends is hard to do...When thirty-two-year-old Rob Brooks's long term girlfriend asks him to leave London and live with her in Manchester not only will it mean moving cities and changing the only job he's ever had, it'll also mean leaving behind his best mate in the entire world, Phil Clarke. Believing in love conquering all Rob takes the plunge and convinced of his ability to make new friends Rob tries his best to sort out the situation. But when six months in he still finds himself without even so much as a regular drinking buddy he begins to realise that sometimes making friends in your thirties can be the hardest thing to do. With this is mind Rob begins a strategy that though risky has the potential to deliver the one thing he wants: a brand new friend. His strategy? Advertising in a classified ad in a Manchester magazine. After three excruciatingly embarrassing "bloke dates" Rob begins to despair. But then his luck changes. He finds himself a brand new friend. But there's a problem. Apart from knowing less than nothing about music trivia, football and supermodels vital statistics Rob's new friend has one huge flaw. She's a girl.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2005
70 people are currently reading
849 people want to read
About the author
Mike Gayle
38 books2,266 followersI was born in the 70s — the 70s were great. I would recommend them to anyone.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
November 21, 2019
Well, I'm glad that's over.
March 2, 2011
'Do you want to hear an interesting fact?' said Jo. 'Eskimos apparently have over fifty different words for snow. Snow's really important to those guys - I suppose it's because sometimes the difference between one type and another can mean the difference between life or death.' She paused and laughed self-consciously. 'You know they've got words for dry snow and wet snow, fluffy snow and compact snow. They've got words for snow that comes down fast and for snow that comes down slow - they've thought of everything.'
'That's a lot of snow,' commented Rob as his eyes flicked to a scruffy-looking mongrel crossing the road in front of them, oblivious to the night bus hurtling towards it. It only narrowly missed being hit, but continued coolly on its journey to the bin outside the off-license, which it sniffed studiously, then cocked a leg against.
'So, what's your point?' asked Rob.
'Well, its like this,' replied Jo. 'If Eskimos can come up with fifty words for snow because it's a matter of life or death, why is it that we've only got one word for "love"?
One month later, Rob is writing a letter to Jo he knows he'll never send
...You asked me why we've only got one word for 'love' when Eskimos have got fifty for 'snow' and I"ve been thinking about it ever since. Maybe you're looking at it the wrong way. Yes, it would be easier if we sub-divided and categorized it down to specifics - but would it really be as much fun? The way I see it is, we may only have the one word for love, but what a word it is.
I love, love, love this book. The line on the cover always got me, took me a couple of months to finally buy it because I've never heard of the author... but when I started reading, I couldn't put it down! I instantly knew I would love it when I read "Rob tried to laugh but his heart wasn't in it. Instead he smiled politely as if it that was shorthand for genuine laughter and continued to scan the bar for more fantasy friends. He spotted some immediately - two guys at a table near the door. Rob wondered whether they were talking about the latest series of Alias, which had just started on cable, because that was a conversation he was dying to have with someone who actually cared." I was instantly reminded of two or three of my guy friends whom I would talk hours with about 24 or Lost, they'd even call me up to just ask what a certain character's name was because they forgot. Guy friends I'd talk to non-stop on the phone about absolutely nothing, or chat all day at work and still call or see each other after wards. I knew instantly that I was going to relate because Rob has a girlfriend and he didn't know how to tell his girl that he enjoyed another girl's company. And how some people just don't get it.
The book surprisingly doesn't have psycho of a girlfriend which makes it so much more better. I've slept with almost all my guy friends, literally sleeping OK, no touching, no kissing, just half spooning, on the couch, on a bed, didn't matter, didn't mean anything. Its just that sometimes guys don't like being alone too.
I've checked reviews when I bought it and even when the reviews said that the ending was nice and unpredictable, I must admit, I didn't believe them... most of the books I've read like this, I was disappointed with the ending...but this one...this one was bittersweet.
I'll stop now... you should just read the book, I highly recommend it. I know I'll be reading more of Mike Gayle's books.
Ok, I know I said that I'll stop but here's one more paragraph that I just loved..
The truth is, you and I were never going to work being just good friends. Not that it's impossible for men and women to be good friends and nothing more, but it's impossible for us. I'm sure I knew it when we first met but I didn't want to face up to it. I don't know what you and I are, Rob, but we're definitely not just good friends, are we?'
'No,' replied Rob.
'We're lovers with terrible timing,' Jo smiled. 'I can't help but think that if we'd met years ago - before you found Ashley - we'd have been perfect together. I know I could've made you just as happy as she makes you now.'
'But we didn't meet first,' replied Rob, unable to look at her. 'We met second.
p.s. i've read it three times now :D
'That's a lot of snow,' commented Rob as his eyes flicked to a scruffy-looking mongrel crossing the road in front of them, oblivious to the night bus hurtling towards it. It only narrowly missed being hit, but continued coolly on its journey to the bin outside the off-license, which it sniffed studiously, then cocked a leg against.
'So, what's your point?' asked Rob.
'Well, its like this,' replied Jo. 'If Eskimos can come up with fifty words for snow because it's a matter of life or death, why is it that we've only got one word for "love"?
One month later, Rob is writing a letter to Jo he knows he'll never send
...You asked me why we've only got one word for 'love' when Eskimos have got fifty for 'snow' and I"ve been thinking about it ever since. Maybe you're looking at it the wrong way. Yes, it would be easier if we sub-divided and categorized it down to specifics - but would it really be as much fun? The way I see it is, we may only have the one word for love, but what a word it is.
I love, love, love this book. The line on the cover always got me, took me a couple of months to finally buy it because I've never heard of the author... but when I started reading, I couldn't put it down! I instantly knew I would love it when I read "Rob tried to laugh but his heart wasn't in it. Instead he smiled politely as if it that was shorthand for genuine laughter and continued to scan the bar for more fantasy friends. He spotted some immediately - two guys at a table near the door. Rob wondered whether they were talking about the latest series of Alias, which had just started on cable, because that was a conversation he was dying to have with someone who actually cared." I was instantly reminded of two or three of my guy friends whom I would talk hours with about 24 or Lost, they'd even call me up to just ask what a certain character's name was because they forgot. Guy friends I'd talk to non-stop on the phone about absolutely nothing, or chat all day at work and still call or see each other after wards. I knew instantly that I was going to relate because Rob has a girlfriend and he didn't know how to tell his girl that he enjoyed another girl's company. And how some people just don't get it.
The book surprisingly doesn't have psycho of a girlfriend which makes it so much more better. I've slept with almost all my guy friends, literally sleeping OK, no touching, no kissing, just half spooning, on the couch, on a bed, didn't matter, didn't mean anything. Its just that sometimes guys don't like being alone too.
I've checked reviews when I bought it and even when the reviews said that the ending was nice and unpredictable, I must admit, I didn't believe them... most of the books I've read like this, I was disappointed with the ending...but this one...this one was bittersweet.
I'll stop now... you should just read the book, I highly recommend it. I know I'll be reading more of Mike Gayle's books.
Ok, I know I said that I'll stop but here's one more paragraph that I just loved..
The truth is, you and I were never going to work being just good friends. Not that it's impossible for men and women to be good friends and nothing more, but it's impossible for us. I'm sure I knew it when we first met but I didn't want to face up to it. I don't know what you and I are, Rob, but we're definitely not just good friends, are we?'
'No,' replied Rob.
'We're lovers with terrible timing,' Jo smiled. 'I can't help but think that if we'd met years ago - before you found Ashley - we'd have been perfect together. I know I could've made you just as happy as she makes you now.'
'But we didn't meet first,' replied Rob, unable to look at her. 'We met second.
p.s. i've read it three times now :D
April 3, 2018
A minha opinião em vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G4aY...
August 19, 2022
Ik geef het op, DNF. Vreselijk boek.
July 29, 2011
Like all of Mike Gayle’s books, this one gets a big fat 5 stars! I stayed up way too late reading this book because I just couldn’t put it down, and when I was done I could hardly sleep because my heart was aching and I was still crying.
I think this one hit home for me more than others because it’s a story about a guy who moves to another city to be with his girlfriend. He has no friends there and in his early 30’s he finds it incredibly difficult to make any. He’s lonely and feels out of place… until he meets Jo, his new friend who is a girl. It’s the story of a man and a woman who become friends, but can men and women JUST be friends?
Buy it, read it, and find out for yourself!
I think this one hit home for me more than others because it’s a story about a guy who moves to another city to be with his girlfriend. He has no friends there and in his early 30’s he finds it incredibly difficult to make any. He’s lonely and feels out of place… until he meets Jo, his new friend who is a girl. It’s the story of a man and a woman who become friends, but can men and women JUST be friends?
Buy it, read it, and find out for yourself!
March 31, 2024
Brilliant, I really enjoyed this! Love Mike Gayle, he really does write books that are good for your soul 🥰
May 3, 2023
A light, easy read which was funny at times, but overall a bit one-dimensional with a few uncomfortable parts.
February 10, 2023
This was a sexist, uncomfortable insight in a mans mind, full of "can I do that or is that too gay?" do not recommend 🤢
December 30, 2022
always good
I have not read a bad book written by Mike Gayle a really super author and this was no exception. I hope you carry on writing fabulous books looking forward to the next one
I have not read a bad book written by Mike Gayle a really super author and this was no exception. I hope you carry on writing fabulous books looking forward to the next one
October 16, 2017
When college is cancelled due to a storm it is the perfect time to read :) easy and enjoyable read!
January 30, 2019
What a sweet read that was, funny, clever and refreshing. I was gutted when it ended the way it did, but it was still perfect, nevertheless.
April 15, 2021
What a waste of time this one was.
September 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Not as much as Mike Gayle's other books I've read though.
August 4, 2023
Another classic Mike Gayle!
Loved it!
Loved it!
March 4, 2019
4.5 stars.
This was such a fun read!
This was such a fun read!
November 10, 2022
i dont think ive ever rooted against a friends to lovers so passioantely. but super good and articulated a lot of my thoughts on loneliness and friendships super well !! although mike gayle also kinda dragged me but anyway
April 15, 2023
A poor man’s Nick Hornby. An easy read with some funny observations, but it didn’t make me laugh out loud. Aspects of the book haven’t aged well, even though it’s not that old. And I disagreed with the author’s answer to the question about whether women and men can be friends. But! It was enjoyable, low-maintenance, harmless, and I’d probably read another by the author, especially if I’m not in the mood for anything too challenging.
August 26, 2018
This book was cute. I did like how it focused on a guy’s perspective to finding friends in a new town. Although slightly predictable, it was cute.
March 7, 2016
3 stars.
This book gutted me. I'm glad it ended as it did, but at the same time, I'm really not.
Update January 24, 2015:
I've reread this one twice since my first read, and I think I can say with absolute certainty that it deserves more than a 3.5. I love this book, and it's getting a 2 star bump from me.
This is one that will always stick with me, because it hits so close to home. Almost two years away from the most painful part of my "terrible timing", I appreciate this book so much more. I appreciate that Gayle made the friendship the most important aspect of this novel, but more than that, I appreciate that he didn't vilify the girlfriend OR Rob and Jo. This really is a story about navigating some tough adult choices, and I think it was done perfectly.
This book gutted me. I'm glad it ended as it did, but at the same time, I'm really not.
Update January 24, 2015:
I've reread this one twice since my first read, and I think I can say with absolute certainty that it deserves more than a 3.5. I love this book, and it's getting a 2 star bump from me.
This is one that will always stick with me, because it hits so close to home. Almost two years away from the most painful part of my "terrible timing", I appreciate this book so much more. I appreciate that Gayle made the friendship the most important aspect of this novel, but more than that, I appreciate that he didn't vilify the girlfriend OR Rob and Jo. This really is a story about navigating some tough adult choices, and I think it was done perfectly.
November 22, 2016
An interesting little book. Ian moves to Manchester, to be with his long term girlfriend Ashley. He leaves all of his friends behind. Now however, hes finding it very difficult to make friends as he works from home. He meets Jo, a woman at a party and subsequently 2 weeks later and they hit it off - as friends. But he doesn't tell his girlfriend that Jo is a woman and she thinks his new frend is Joe.
The book is about a friendship thats lovely but becomes slightly complicated. I enjoyed the aspects of Jo and Ian's friendship and how it develops. You get a feel for all of the characters and can imagine why there is some doubt about the friendship being just that. The ending was well wriiten too. 4 stars for me.
The book is about a friendship thats lovely but becomes slightly complicated. I enjoyed the aspects of Jo and Ian's friendship and how it develops. You get a feel for all of the characters and can imagine why there is some doubt about the friendship being just that. The ending was well wriiten too. 4 stars for me.
June 22, 2015
The thing I like about Mike Gayle's books is that all his characters feel real - like you could meet any of them at work or on a night out - and this book is no exception. Following the story of Rob, who leaves his close circle of friends behind to join his girlfriend who lives miles away in Manchester, we meet Jo, the brand new friend of the novel's title. Rob and Jo hit it off immediately but there is the slight issue that Jo is a girl... There are a few misunderstandings and mishaps and at one point the book seems to be taking a predictable turn but this is a false alarm. Another great book from the lovely Mike Gayle (who I have met and is indeed lovely!) - recommended.
July 27, 2011
I loved this book. It was about a guy moving in with his girlfriend, so that they could stop with the long distance relationship.By moving in he is now placed in a new city with no friends. So he goes on a search to find a new best friend, but has a hard time finding any guys he can get along with. So he ends up finding a female friend. I was interesting to read from a guys perspective on a relationship. The chapters were short and the book was divided into many parts, which added to the quirky story. I am looking forward to reading more books from Gayle and would pass this title on to many!
June 19, 2007
You can always count on Mike Gayle to present a unique take on life from a man's point of view, filled with funny punchlines and painfully acute observations. This book is for those who have friends-turned-lovers, those who have lovers-turned-friends and those who have platonic heterosexual friends who are still just-a-friend.
September 11, 2021
He’s written far better and funnier books . He’s a morrissey fan and always mentions a smiths/ morrissey lyric , song or album so it’s fun trying to spot them . The Lloyd Cole song is far better than this book
I like to read a book that involves a song title .
I like to read a book that involves a song title .
June 5, 2021
Didn't finish this one, so my rating is irrelevant. Found it boring and the characters lacking 🤷
January 28, 2018
“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” Elbert Hubbard
In this novel the author explores friendship. Rob is having a long distance relationship with his girlfriend Ashley. When she gets fed up with the commute she gives him an ultimatum, move to Manchester and live with her or stay in London and lose her. Rob loves Ashley but finds the prospect of leaving London and his friends daunting but after much prevaricating he moves North. However, once in Manchester he struggles to make friends. He eventually meets someone who has a very similar outlook as him and someone who he likes to spend time with talking about all the inane things that friends talk about. The only problem is-she's a girl. Can men and women be 'just good friends' or will 'sex' always get in the way?
The author explores this question by regularly looking at the question from Rob's and Jo's (his female friend) perspective.
Thirty years ago I moved from Cornwall to Derbyshire to be with my now wife and can sympathise with Rob's predicament to a certain extent but whereas I initially went to work in a factory Rob works from home making it more awkward to meet people. Strangely I actually found it easier to make friends up North than it was down South and have not had any contact with my former friends for a number of years.
The book looks at the genuine difficulties people face when they move in with their partners and the obvious changes this will make with their relationships with their friends even if they stay locally. This book is generally an easy and at times amusing read, capable of being read in one sitting or put down and picked up as you like. The characters are realistic as is the discussions that Ashley and her friends about Rob's and Jo's burgeoning friendship rings true - they are all convinced that there must be a sexual element in their friendship and certainly made me wonder how I would react to it if my wife told out she was friends with a man just as our own relationship was in it's early days. However, at times I also found Rob infuriating and wanted to scream at him to man up, join a gym or a club of some form if he was so desperate to meet people. An interesting read which I liked but didn't love.
In this novel the author explores friendship. Rob is having a long distance relationship with his girlfriend Ashley. When she gets fed up with the commute she gives him an ultimatum, move to Manchester and live with her or stay in London and lose her. Rob loves Ashley but finds the prospect of leaving London and his friends daunting but after much prevaricating he moves North. However, once in Manchester he struggles to make friends. He eventually meets someone who has a very similar outlook as him and someone who he likes to spend time with talking about all the inane things that friends talk about. The only problem is-she's a girl. Can men and women be 'just good friends' or will 'sex' always get in the way?
The author explores this question by regularly looking at the question from Rob's and Jo's (his female friend) perspective.
Thirty years ago I moved from Cornwall to Derbyshire to be with my now wife and can sympathise with Rob's predicament to a certain extent but whereas I initially went to work in a factory Rob works from home making it more awkward to meet people. Strangely I actually found it easier to make friends up North than it was down South and have not had any contact with my former friends for a number of years.
The book looks at the genuine difficulties people face when they move in with their partners and the obvious changes this will make with their relationships with their friends even if they stay locally. This book is generally an easy and at times amusing read, capable of being read in one sitting or put down and picked up as you like. The characters are realistic as is the discussions that Ashley and her friends about Rob's and Jo's burgeoning friendship rings true - they are all convinced that there must be a sexual element in their friendship and certainly made me wonder how I would react to it if my wife told out she was friends with a man just as our own relationship was in it's early days. However, at times I also found Rob infuriating and wanted to scream at him to man up, join a gym or a club of some form if he was so desperate to meet people. An interesting read which I liked but didn't love.
March 18, 2021
Rob has his group of mates, they understand one another, can count on each other, but while living in London Rob's girlfriend lives in Manchester. Tired of the commuting to maintain their relationship she gives Rob an ultimatum, move to Manchester or it's over. While reluctant to leave his mates, Rob finally agrees, but it is not long before he misses the association, and seeks some mates in Manchester. His girlfriend wanting to help but places an ad, but the results are not good, but when Rob meets the right mate there is a problem, the mate is a girl. That us when the complications begin, and they only become more complicated, with plenty of opportunity for humour.
The concept is fine and offers many possibilities, but what lets this down is the quality of the writing, if you look for prose that can be enjoyed in its own right it you won't find it here; in fact I found it a struggle to get through this so uninspired was the writing.
The concept is fine and offers many possibilities, but what lets this down is the quality of the writing, if you look for prose that can be enjoyed in its own right it you won't find it here; in fact I found it a struggle to get through this so uninspired was the writing.
March 28, 2023
I really enjoy Mike's writing as they're always so effortless books to read and the character's are so real as they are not shown to be perfect. I did really enjoy this book but I was disheartened that the whole premise was trying to show that men and women could be platonic friends yet Jo and Rob did end up falling in love with each other. Even though they didn't end up being with each other and running off as realised they were lovers at different times it was a bit disheartening. I loved their friendship and it was nice they could be their for each other at difficult times in their life. It was important as it showcased how difficult it can be to make friends when you're older and how you can sometimes feel alone and be overly dependent on others. I felt really sorry for Neil and Ashley as those two again were in the same situation but again Ashley and Rob had that special kind of love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
This is actually a reread of a book I read a long time ago. Well before Goodreads. And it was from a rather different time of life.
One day, browsing for something to read, I remembered Mike Gayle, but couldn’t find the book of his I’d first read (My Legendary Girlfriend) and found this instead. Couldn’t remember much about this one, so jumped right in. Took me back.
In fact I’d have been fine even with reading just the first half, since it felt so familiar and nostalgic. Forgot about it and went on with my life till I remembered I was still halfway through it and decided to finish it.
Don’t know if it’s a 5 because it took me back to a different and lighter time. Or because it hasn’t aged too much. But I do know that it left me with a smile on my face… and got me to write a review after months or even years.
One day, browsing for something to read, I remembered Mike Gayle, but couldn’t find the book of his I’d first read (My Legendary Girlfriend) and found this instead. Couldn’t remember much about this one, so jumped right in. Took me back.
In fact I’d have been fine even with reading just the first half, since it felt so familiar and nostalgic. Forgot about it and went on with my life till I remembered I was still halfway through it and decided to finish it.
Don’t know if it’s a 5 because it took me back to a different and lighter time. Or because it hasn’t aged too much. But I do know that it left me with a smile on my face… and got me to write a review after months or even years.
October 10, 2017
I have to admit to binge reading this book, once I'd got past a certain point. I don't want to give out spoilers but I spent time wondering which route this story was going to take and I genuinely wasn't even sure which one I was cheering for either.
You know that feeling you get once you're invested in a character, and often we have our favourites who we want to get the happy ending: well this book turned this theory upside down for me. However, I'm glad to say that I wasn't disappointed, it's a very clever ending and another great Mike Gayle book.
You know that feeling you get once you're invested in a character, and often we have our favourites who we want to get the happy ending: well this book turned this theory upside down for me. However, I'm glad to say that I wasn't disappointed, it's a very clever ending and another great Mike Gayle book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews