Dinner for Two, the fourth novel from Mike Gayle, is, like its predecessors, a "blokes can be sensitive too" gander at the complicated lives of late twenty/thirtysomething Londoners. Dave Harding is a "serious music" journalist for Louder magazine, a publication "staffed by pro-faced boys who think that the more obscure the band is the cooler they are". When Louder folds Dave finds himself penning articles for Femme, a women's glossy edited by his beloved wife, Izzy, and then lands a job as the agony uncle of Teen Scene, a boy-band saturated magazine for adolescent girls. (Gayle was himself a jobbing journalist and agony uncle and in the interest of realism (or economy) re-purposes some of his own pieces for Cosmo etc. here.)

"Love Doctor" Dave finds, to his immense surprise, he rather enjoys his new career, soon he's dispensing romantic advice to correspondents, friends and colleagues with gay abandon. Since Izzy's recent miscarriage however, Dave has been obsessed with one thing: babies. At 31, he wants, more than anything else, to become a father, that is until he receives an astonishing letter from Nicola, a 13-year-old Teen Scene reader. Nicola claims that Dave is her Dad. After a few clandestine meetings in McDonalds and Burger Kings he's convinced but should he tell Izzy anything? True to his gender he dithers with predictably catastrophic, well, to be completely honest, mildly (and only briefly) unfortunate results.--Travis Elborough

Gayle is a brilliant novelist as justified by reading "Dinner for Two", 16 Dec 2007
"Dinner for Two" proves Mike Gayle brilliance as a novelist. The comment can be fairly and righteously claimed on the basis on a few novels I read in recent months. "Dinner for Two" shines like gold. Literally, this mean that the novel reviewed is the finest piece of prose written by the author compared to previous literature pieces.

The novel though is noticeably based on the author's personal experience. The character in question works in freelance journalism in various magazines and as an agony uncle and his wife works for a prestigious women magazine. The novel follows the life of this couple aged in their thirties. A happily marriage couple with stable job and a modern flat, but unexpected past event threatens to ruin everything and life struggles to be the way used to be. That is the general gist of the story.

"Dinner for Two" consists of a well structured plot and credible characters, to really entice you to the novel. The theme is similar to previous novel written by Gayle, but embarks on a new perspective. That adds originality and diversity in a novel, rather than exhaust readers. Mike Gayle novels are a real delight to read, due to it light nature and its tackling of life in a modern society. Dinner for Two is Gayle finest literacy piece about adulthood.




Great read, 26 Jul 2006
An easy to read very entertaining book. Its warm, funny romantic and sad, a great holiday book. This is my first Mike Gayle novel and I will certainly read his others.

Excellent, 06 Jul 2006
As soon as I read the first page of this book I was enthralled and I couldn't wait to read another chapter, so much so that my sleep pattern was interuppted, as I generally read just before going to bed, but found I had to read another and another chapter. The author's words are so down to earth and you can relate to the characters. It has been a while since I read a good book and this is truly exceptional. I would take great delight in reading this book, again and again. Please add this to your collection, the storyline is not a Jackie Collins or a Danielle Steele, but is very unique, this book will have you laughing, crying and smiling. Mike Gayle is a very modern author - that you can easily read and truly enjoy.

A light and enjoyable read., 17 Mar 2006
Mike Gayle has a friendly fluid style which really helps you relax after a hard day at work. This novel may not be highbrow literature but it is certainly an enjoyable read. I got through this book in a couple of nights and would recommend it to anyone who fancies something which is light and funny, yet poignant in parts.

Dinner for Two, 17 Oct 2005
On the heels of finishing `MR. COMMITMENT' also by Mike Gayle I rushed out to buy one of his other critically acclaimed novels with high hopes of it being equal to or better than `MR. COMMITMENT'. Having read some of the reviews on Amazon I settled on `DINNER FOR TWO' which had an overall five star rating, and while I did enjoy it very much it was not quite up to the standard set by the previous novel. I still felt the same freshness when reading `DINNER FOR TWO' since it too is written from the male perspective which Gayle seems to be right on the money with, however, my problem with this book was that the ending seemed to be a little rushed. I feel as though, especially in a situation as complex as the one in this book, more than two pages is needed to wrap up the story.

Dave Harding always knew he wanted a family but being that his wife Izzy was never quite ready he knew that he loved her enough to wait. But when Izzy calls him one day and informs him that she is "late" he is through the roof. Although they try to contain their excitement until later in the pregnancy they cannot help but discuss baby names and imagine what their future is going to be like. That is until Izzy miscarries. Now their world is turned upside-down and much to Dave's chagrin Izzy decides that she cannot take that pain again and wants to hold off on trying again...indefinitely. Dave reigns in his now overwhelming desire to be a father in respect for his wife's feelings but when he receives a letter from a young girl claiming that he is her biological father he cant help but to want it to be true. As he grows closer to this beautiful thirteen-year-old girl the gap between he and Izzy grows as well and while he loves his wife more than anything he cannot deny his daughter whom he as grown to love just as much. Trying to make up for lost time Dave and his daughter keep their relationship a secret until it becomes a burden and everyone they love can no longer be kept in the dark.

`DINNER FOR TWO' was funny in parts and touching in others. Mike Gayle definitely has a flare for giving insight to the various aspects of the male mind and had the ending been a little fuller this would have easily been another five star book.

Mike Gayle's previous novels My Legendary Girlfriend and Mr Commitment have already wittily chronicled living and loving among the twentysomethings at the end of the 20th century. As time marches on, Gayle's latest novel Turning Thirty deals with what happens when his characters reach that most dreaded of moments--the big three-o. Matt Beckford is reaching that time of life. At the age of 29 he thinks he has answered those two crucial questions you ask yourself as a teenager: "What am I going to do with my life?" and "Will I ever get a girlfriend?" Living as a computer expert in New York with the lovely Elaine, Matt thinks he's cracked life. But then both he and Elaine suddenly realise that their relationship isn't working. They split up amicably, realising that "biology is telling us there's no point in crying over spilt milk", and Matt heads back to his friends and parents in Birmingham. As his 30th birthday looms, Matt meets Ginny Pascoe, an old flame, or more accurately "a girl who was also a friend who I sometimes snogged", and things get more complicated as he realises that he's falling for Ginny--again. The transatlantic love triangle that develops between Matt, Ginny and Elaine is funny and refreshing, and lacks the usual angst you would expect from such a situation. As Matt enjoys the nostalgia of going out with old friends and loves, he also realises he needs to sort out his life, as 30 beckons. Turning Thirty is another sharp, funny and astute offering from Gayle, that won't disappoint his growing army of fans. (This review refers to the hardcover edition of this title.) --Jerry Brotton Mike Gayle's previous novels My Legendary Girlfriend and Mr Commitment have already wittily chronicled living and loving amongst the twentysomethings at the end of the 20th century. As time marches on, Gayle's latest novel Turning Thirty deals with what happens when his characters reach that most dreaded of moments-- the big three-o. Matt Beckford is reaching that time of life. At the age of 29 he thinks he has answered those two crucial questions you ask yourself as a teenager: "What am I going to do with my life?" and "Will I ever get a girlfriend?" Living as a computer expert in New York with the lovely Elaine, Matt thinks he's cracked life. But then both he and Elaine suddenly realise that their relationship isn't working. They split up amicably, realising that "biology is telling us there's no point in crying over spilt milk", and Matt heads back to his friends and parents in Birmingham. As his thirtieth birthday looms, Matt meets Ginny Pascoe, an old flame, or more accurately "a girl who was also a friend who I sometimes snogged", and things get more complicated as he realises that he's falling for Ginny--again. The transatlantic love triangle that develops between Matt, Ginny and Elaine is funny and refreshing, and lacks the usual angst you would expect from such a situation. As Matt enjoys the nostalgia of going out with old friends and loves, he also realises he needs to sort out his life, as 30 beckons. Turning Thirty is another sharp, funny and astute offering from Gayle, that won't disappoint his growing army of fans. --Jerry Brotton

Gayle is a brilliant novelist as justified by reading "Dinner for Two", 16 Dec 2007
"Dinner for Two" proves Mike Gayle brilliance as a novelist. The comment can be fairly and righteously claimed on the basis on a few novels I read in recent months. "Dinner for Two" shines like gold. Literally, this mean that the novel reviewed is the finest piece of prose written by the author compared to previous literature pieces.

The novel though is noticeably based on the author's personal experience. The character in question works in freelance journalism in various magazines and as an agony uncle and his wife works for a prestigious women magazine. The novel follows the life of this couple aged in their thirties. A happily marriage couple with stable job and a modern flat, but unexpected past event threatens to ruin everything and life struggles to be the way used to be. That is the general gist of the story.

"Dinner for Two" consists of a well structured plot and credible characters, to really entice you to the novel. The theme is similar to previous novel written by Gayle, but embarks on a new perspective. That adds originality and diversity in a novel, rather than exhaust readers. Mike Gayle novels are a real delight to read, due to it light nature and its tackling of life in a modern society. Dinner for Two is Gayle finest literacy piece about adulthood.




Great read, 26 Jul 2006
An easy to read very entertaining book. Its warm, funny romantic and sad, a great holiday book. This is my first Mike Gayle novel and I will certainly read his others.

Excellent, 06 Jul 2006
As soon as I read the first page of this book I was enthralled and I couldn't wait to read another chapter, so much so that my sleep pattern was interuppted, as I generally read just before going to bed, but found I had to read another and another chapter. The author's words are so down to earth and you can relate to the characters. It has been a while since I read a good book and this is truly exceptional. I would take great delight in reading this book, again and again. Please add this to your collection, the storyline is not a Jackie Collins or a Danielle Steele, but is very unique, this book will have you laughing, crying and smiling. Mike Gayle is a very modern author - that you can easily read and truly enjoy.

A light and enjoyable read., 17 Mar 2006
Mike Gayle has a friendly fluid style which really helps you relax after a hard day at work. This novel may not be highbrow literature but it is certainly an enjoyable read. I got through this book in a couple of nights and would recommend it to anyone who fancies something which is light and funny, yet poignant in parts.

Dinner for Two, 17 Oct 2005
On the heels of finishing `MR. COMMITMENT' also by Mike Gayle I rushed out to buy one of his other critically acclaimed novels with high hopes of it being equal to or better than `MR. COMMITMENT'. Having read some of the reviews on Amazon I settled on `DINNER FOR TWO' which had an overall five star rating, and while I did enjoy it very much it was not quite up to the standard set by the previous novel. I still felt the same freshness when reading `DINNER FOR TWO' since it too is written from the male perspective which Gayle seems to be right on the money with, however, my problem with this book was that the ending seemed to be a little rushed. I feel as though, especially in a situation as complex as the one in this book, more than two pages is needed to wrap up the story.

Dave Harding always knew he wanted a family but being that his wife Izzy was never quite ready he knew that he loved her enough to wait. But when Izzy calls him one day and informs him that she is "late" he is through the roof. Although they try to contain their excitement until later in the pregnancy they cannot help but discuss baby names and imagine what their future is going to be like. That is until Izzy miscarries. Now their world is turned upside-down and much to Dave's chagrin Izzy decides that she cannot take that pain again and wants to hold off on trying again...indefinitely. Dave reigns in his now overwhelming desire to be a father in respect for his wife's feelings but when he receives a letter from a young girl claiming that he is her biological father he cant help but to want it to be true. As he grows closer to this beautiful thirteen-year-old girl the gap between he and Izzy grows as well and while he loves his wife more than anything he cannot deny his daughter whom he as grown to love just as much. Trying to make up for lost time Dave and his daughter keep their relationship a secret until it becomes a burden and everyone they love can no longer be kept in the dark.

`DINNER FOR TWO' was funny in parts and touching in others. Mike Gayle definitely has a flare for giving insight to the various aspects of the male mind and had the ending been a little fuller this would have easily been another five star book.

Its sad to admit but its true!, 24 May 2008
New to Mike Gayle I had no preconceptions about this book and have come out the other end raring to go on more of his work.

Im not a million miles from thirty myself, but thats not the reason i was reading it - despite the impression that casual observers of the cover might get that this is some kind of self help title! It keeps striking home with little snippets of reality all the way through, moments where you can think - ive been there, im there now or possibly the worst, im becoming that now! The narrative flows wonderfully and is intersperesed by 'breathers' in this case email transcripts between two characters - I found myself really looking forwards to them.

Overall a great story that can scare a youngun, and made anyone around or past 30 grin to themselves in quiet contemplation!

30 is a State of Mind, 28 Jan 2008
Matt believes he has it all with a great job in New York and a live-in girlfriend who he thinks will be the one. Not the one for life perhaps, but certainly the one that will be with him when he turns 30 in a few short months. Matt's life plan has always been to be settled down by 30, but this plan slips when his girlfriend leaves him and he decides to return to Blighty. With 3 months until his new job starts in Australia, Matt finds himself 29 years old and living with his parents. To keep himself amused he decides to rekindle old friendships with his school pals. Will Matt be able to find someone to spend his 30th with and will he ever manage to get his life together?

`Turning Thirty' is another quintessential lad lit book from Mike Gayle. The entire book is incredibly laid back and has an effortless feel to it. This means that it is an easy and pleasant read, but it never does anything to inspire the reader or make it stand out from the pack. Matt is a likable enough character, although like in many of this type of book he thinks far too much rather than getting on with life. I do enjoy this type of novel on occasion as something different, however, even though the plot of `Turning Thirty' is meant to resonate with me I found it rarely did. A nice enough read for a couple of nights, but nothing to write home about.


Terrible, 05 Jan 2008
Worst book I have ever read by quite a margin, stuck with it to see if it improved it didn't just got worse.

Don't try this at home, 20 May 2007
Too many rough edges and too many smooth plot lines (does every have a great time at mass reunions?) for it to compare with the more realistic writing of Mr Hornby.

The novel does demonstrate starkly show the downside of this modern invention of 'relationships. No-one quite knows what they are; when they start; when they end;and what the rights and responsibilities are.

People feel unable to 'commit' to other people in their twenties because they can go on having sex without being tied down by children. The sad result of more non-marital cohabitation, as this story shows, is that more people end up living alone. Sustaining any subsequent marriage is made more difficult by the memories of previous cohabitations - at least, that's what the stats show.

Hey kids, don't copy the people in this book.

Turning thirty, 06 Apr 2007
I have just bought this book from my local Asda as part of a 2 for £2 deal - I paid £1 for this book!!!!!

Let's not get snobbish about it - a great read. I've been reading it to and from work on public transport and finished it in just over 2 days. Sometimes hoping for a traffic jam so I could read a bit more. The premise is one that most men of 30+ can relate to.

Man (Matt) approaches 30 and takes stock of his life. He splits with his (younger) American girlfriend (Elaine) and returns to his roots for a 3 month "sabbatical" before heading off to Australia for a new life/job. During his return home (to his parents initially) he meets up with his oldest, bestest friend (Gershwin) and at this stage nostalgia takes a hold. He plans to get the old "gang" back together - a further 5 teenage mates from older, "better" times (Ginny, Pete, Katrina, Elliot and Bev) .

He retains contact with his recent ex-girlfriend via email - a nice touch and you find yourself waiting for the next message! I'll not spoil the story by divulging any more - just go out and buy it.

If you love Nick Hornby you'll love Mike Gayle.

Gayle is a brilliant novelist as justified by reading "Dinner for Two", 16 Dec 2007
"Dinner for Two" proves Mike Gayle brilliance as a novelist. The comment can be fairly and righteously claimed on the basis on a few novels I read in recent months. "Dinner for Two" shines like gold. Literally, this mean that the novel reviewed is the finest piece of prose written by the author compared to previous literature pieces.

The novel though is noticeably based on the author's personal experience. The character in question works in freelance journalism in various magazines and as an agony uncle and his wife works for a prestigious women magazine. The novel follows the life of this couple aged in their thirties. A happily marriage couple with stable job and a modern flat, but unexpected past event threatens to ruin everything and life struggles to be the way used to be. That is the general gist of the story.

"Dinner for Two" consists of a well structured plot and credible characters, to really entice you to the novel. The theme is similar to previous novel written by Gayle, but embarks on a new perspective. That adds originality and diversity in a novel, rather than exhaust readers. Mike Gayle novels are a real delight to read, due to it light nature and its tackling of life in a modern society. Dinner for Two is Gayle finest literacy piece about adulthood.




Great read, 26 Jul 2006
An easy to read very entertaining book. Its warm, funny romantic and sad, a great holiday book. This is my first Mike Gayle novel and I will certainly read his others.

Excellent, 06 Jul 2006
As soon as I read the first page of this book I was enthralled and I couldn't wait to read another chapter, so much so that my sleep pattern was interuppted, as I generally read just before going to bed, but found I had to read another and another chapter. The author's words are so down to earth and you can relate to the characters. It has been a while since I read a good book and this is truly exceptional. I would take great delight in reading this book, again and again. Please add this to your collection, the storyline is not a Jackie Collins or a Danielle Steele, but is very unique, this book will have you laughing, crying and smiling. Mike Gayle is a very modern author - that you can easily read and truly enjoy.

A light and enjoyable read., 17 Mar 2006
Mike Gayle has a friendly fluid style which really helps you relax after a hard day at work. This novel may not be highbrow literature but it is certainly an enjoyable read. I got through this book in a couple of nights and would recommend it to anyone who fancies something which is light and funny, yet poignant in parts.

Dinner for Two, 17 Oct 2005
On the heels of finishing `MR. COMMITMENT' also by Mike Gayle I rushed out to buy one of his other critically acclaimed novels with high hopes of it being equal to or better than `MR. COMMITMENT'. Having read some of the reviews on Amazon I settled on `DINNER FOR TWO' which had an overall five star rating, and while I did enjoy it very much it was not quite up to the standard set by the previous novel. I still felt the same freshness when reading `DINNER FOR TWO' since it too is written from the male perspective which Gayle seems to be right on the money with, however, my problem with this book was that the ending seemed to be a little rushed. I feel as though, especially in a situation as complex as the one in this book, more than two pages is needed to wrap up the story.

Dave Harding always knew he wanted a family but being that his wife Izzy was never quite ready he knew that he loved her enough to wait. But when Izzy calls him one day and informs him that she is "late" he is through the roof. Although they try to contain their excitement until later in the pregnancy they cannot help but discuss baby names and imagine what their future is going to be like. That is until Izzy miscarries. Now their world is turned upside-down and much to Dave's chagrin Izzy decides that she cannot take that pain again and wants to hold off on trying again...indefinitely. Dave reigns in his now overwhelming desire to be a father in respect for his wife's feelings but when he receives a letter from a young girl claiming that he is her biological father he cant help but to want it to be true. As he grows closer to this beautiful thirteen-year-old girl the gap between he and Izzy grows as well and while he loves his wife more than anything he cannot deny his daughter whom he as grown to love just as much. Trying to make up for lost time Dave and his daughter keep their relationship a secret until it becomes a burden and everyone they love can no longer be kept in the dark.

`DINNER FOR TWO' was funny in parts and touching in others. Mike Gayle definitely has a flare for giving insight to the various aspects of the male mind and had the ending been a little fuller this would have easily been another five star book.

Its sad to admit but its true!, 24 May 2008
New to Mike Gayle I had no preconceptions about this book and have come out the other end raring to go on more of his work.

Im not a million miles from thirty myself, but thats not the reason i was reading it - despite the impression that casual observers of the cover might get that this is some kind of self help title! It keeps striking home with little snippets of reality all the way through, moments where you can think - ive been there, im there now or possibly the worst, im becoming that now! The narrative flows wonderfully and is intersperesed by 'breathers' in this case email transcripts between two characters - I found myself really looking forwards to them.

Overall a great story that can scare a youngun, and made anyone around or past 30 grin to themselves in quiet contemplation!

30 is a State of Mind, 28 Jan 2008
Matt believes he has it all with a great job in New York and a live-in girlfriend who he thinks will be the one. Not the one for life perhaps, but certainly the one that will be with him when he turns 30 in a few short months. Matt's life plan has always been to be settled down by 30, but this plan slips when his girlfriend leaves him and he decides to return to Blighty. With 3 months until his new job starts in Australia, Matt finds himself 29 years old and living with his parents. To keep himself amused he decides to rekindle old friendships with his school pals. Will Matt be able to find someone to spend his 30th with and will he ever manage to get his life together?

`Turning Thirty' is another quintessential lad lit book from Mike Gayle. The entire book is incredibly laid back and has an effortless feel to it. This means that it is an easy and pleasant read, but it never does anything to inspire the reader or make it stand out from the pack. Matt is a likable enough character, although like in many of this type of book he thinks far too much rather than getting on with life. I do enjoy this type of novel on occasion as something different, however, even though the plot of `Turning Thirty' is meant to resonate with me I found it rarely did. A nice enough read for a couple of nights, but nothing to write home about.


Terrible, 05 Jan 2008
Worst book I have ever read by quite a margin, stuck with it to see if it improved it didn't just got worse.

Don't try this at home, 20 May 2007
Too many rough edges and too many smooth plot lines (does every have a great time at mass reunions?) for it to compare with the more realistic writing of Mr Hornby.

The novel does demonstrate starkly show the downside of this modern invention of 'relationships. No-one quite knows what they are; when they start; when they end;and what the rights and responsibilities are.

People feel unable to 'commit' to other people in their twenties because they can go on having sex without being tied down by children. The sad result of more non-marital cohabitation, as this story shows, is that more people end up living alone. Sustaining any subsequent marriage is made more difficult by the memories of previous cohabitations - at least, that's what the stats show.

Hey kids, don't copy the people in this book.

Turning thirty, 06 Apr 2007
I have just bought this book from my local Asda as part of a 2 for £2 deal - I paid £1 for this book!!!!!

Let's not get snobbish about it - a great read. I've been reading it to and from work on public transport and finished it in just over 2 days. Sometimes hoping for a traffic jam so I could read a bit more. The premise is one that most men of 30+ can relate to.

Man (Matt) approaches 30 and takes stock of his life. He splits with his (younger) American girlfriend (Elaine) and returns to his roots for a 3 month "sabbatical" before heading off to Australia for a new life/job. During his return home (to his parents initially) he meets up with his oldest, bestest friend (Gershwin) and at this stage nostalgia takes a hold. He plans to get the old "gang" back together - a further 5 teenage mates from older, "better" times (Ginny, Pete, Katrina, Elliot and Bev) .

He retains contact with his recent ex-girlfriend via email - a nice touch and you find yourself waiting for the next message! I'll not spoil the story by divulging any more - just go out and buy it.

If you love Nick Hornby you'll love Mike Gayle.

good at the end, 29 Oct 2008
found that this book really didnt get going until the last few chapters when something actually happens. good when you get to it, but by the time you do, the book is nearly over.


Frothy But Fun, 02 Oct 2008
I know I liked this book as I finished it in one day whilst travelling long distance on a variety of trains. So that must say something about its appeal.

Gayle writes blokish kind of books that seem to wrap you up inside them. They are very simply written with relationships the key. This one surrounds three thirty something blokes trying desperately to re-live their youth in Crete. But with them goes all the trappings and angst of their age. They feel out of place in the youth culture, but somehow try to hold onto what they once had.

The problem is they have taken a considerable amount of baggage with them and this is always going to put their friendship at risk. It is a well crafted book. Again its lack of literary merit is more than made up for by the enjoyment it gives.

Wish you were here, 31 Aug 2008
This is the first Mike Gayle book I have read and I thought it was terrible!! Shallow, boring and dull! Charlie seems a very boring person, and there weren't many (any?) laughs. Could have been a really funny read if done by the likes of Tony Parsons or Nick Hornby, someone with a lighter touch and more insight, but this was drivel.

Mike's done it again!!, 12 Aug 2008
Having read the majority of Mike Gayle's books I have to say that Wish You Were Here didn't dissappoint. He has a way of writing that makes me want to keep reading and reading way past bed time!! Very good xx

Great as an undemanding read, 09 Aug 2008
Charlie, Andy and Tom have been friends since college and are now in their early-mid thirties. Each has reached a juncture in their life; Charlie has just come out of a long term relationship; Andy is getting married and Tom has a health scare; which is how they come to be on holiday together.

The majority of the book is set whilst they are on holiday in Crete and most of what happens is instantly recognisable to anyone who has done one of the cheap package deals to the Med; the themed bars; the regular haunt for breakfast; the groups of people you meet; the lack of anything even vaguely foreign!

I have read other Mike Gayle books and this did seem fairly typical to me. He writes well about male friendships and their complications without things ever getting too heavy, and even though they are described as lads-lit, I still find them very enjoyable.

Great beach reading.