A charming, nostalgic teenage rites of passage (Five Stars)

"This is a charming and hugely enjoyable read as Will navigates from the simplicity of childhood, with its straightforward certainties like the heroes and villains of his beloved movies, into the murkier and more nuanced adult world. There's plenty of '80s period detail that anyone of a certain age will relish, as well as references to classic films, and what the magic of the silver screen (or Super 8 projected on to a bedroom wall) means to us all."  

Andrew V - 20th April 2026

A touchingly nostalgic read that will transport you back in both time and mind (Five Stars)

"Full disclosure, I initially bought this book as a favour to proof read for the author and quite unexpectedly got completely immersed. On the surface this book might appear whimsical and nostalgic, but there's actually a real depth to it that transports you back, not only in time, but also to an often forgotten and important phase of emotional development, when anything new and interesting that came into our lives was amplified through the lens of teenage hyper focus. Somehow, it manages to achieve this without ever getting too heavy, as the chapters are well paced and cleverly punctuated with comic relief throughout, that will have you constantly tittering. The sweet spot for readership will obviously be for those in their late 40's or 50's that experienced the era in their youth, but I suspect the book is accessible to all in the same way that the 'Secret Diary of Adrian Mole' crossed generational divides. For a first novel, this shows immense promise, so I can't recommend it highly enough!"

Matt R - 24th April 2026

 Nostalgic, funny & very entertaining (Five Stars)

Nostalgic, funny and very entertaining… for people of the right age this book has echoes of Gregory’s Girl & Grange Hill - but is more sarcastic, sharply observed & genuinely moving. Matt Wakefield’s writing evokes an analogue world which is both endearing & familiar yet layered with anxiety & humour. It’s sparingly written with acute teenage angst, yet manages to evoke bigger themes & emotions with authenticity & warmth. Thoroughly recommended.

Amazon customer - 17th May 2026