Charlie Lewis - now middle-aged - reminices on his youth and in particular on that particular summer in 1997 when everything changed for him.

It was definitely a summer of firsts and this started with falling in love with the first time - with Fran Fisher. It lead to reading Shakespeare for the first time, a first kiss, a first adventure into acting, and many more.

Due to Charlie finishing high school that summer, it also meant a lot of changes. New friends, new life choices, new mistakes and new feelings.

And it all ends with Charlie being middle-aged and content, happy even.

David Nicholls has written an absolutely brilliant story which lets you be a part of Charlie's life. Every aspect of this story - whether it is his love story with Fran, his difficult relationship with his mother who left the family for a new one, or his struggle with his depressed father - is a whirlwind of emotions.

I enjoyed this story immensely and once it ended, I wished it didn't have to. I would give this story 4.5 stars. The only reason why it is not a full 5 star review from me is that while I was absolutely touched by Charlie and his story, I didn't experience the feeling of not being able to put the book down. I don't know whether this was of the bulky format or because there was something missing at this point so feel free to read this as either a 4.5 or 5 star review.

In any case, if you enjoy life storys, the sensation of a first love that is as all consuming as it is new (with Romeo and Juliet quotes in between), relationships with friends, family and said first love that don't always work out as one would want them to, then this is definitely the book for you.