This book is great if you are looking for a light hearted easy read. Set in the pre internet/mobile phone age (also known as the 1980’s) it tells the story of Brian Jackson who leaves his mates at home in Southend and heads off to university full of hopes and aspirations. There he discovers they are putting a team together to enter the University Challenge TV quiz. From the beginning things never quite go the way he hopes. He is put in a house with a couple of guys who he has nothing in common with and falls head over heels for the wrong girl amongst other things.
A hilarious coming of age story that accurately portrays university life in England and is jam packed with the dry English humour that comes across so well in David Nicholls writing. There are some parts in the book which had me actually laughing out loud including when Brian is strutting his stuff on the dance floor and when he has a disagreement with the Captain of his University Challenge team.
Without a doubt one of the funiest books I’ve read. If you have ever experienced life in an English University or just want a laugh I recommend this book.
Overall: 83%