I’ve always wanted to be a sarcastic but sweet gay man in New York city, and this book allowed me to live that out – thank you Sidney Karger. Although I suspect a lot of jokes about living in different parts of America went over my poor little untravelled British head, I enjoyed the escapism of visiting different parts of New York for dates, food, and gossipping.
In Max and Carsten’s preparations for being Best Men on the big wedding day, there are plenty of fun episodes of swoon-worthy escapism: highlights include skinny dipping in the sea at Fire Island, with embarrassing consequences of washing up on the beach with a bare bum.
I particularly liked the relationship dynamic between Max and his best friend Paige (who is the one rudely getting married, even though Max is convinced it should have been him who settled down first) – their eccentric diner meals and in-jokes felt really grounded and believable of an ever-evolving bond. The chapters are also interspersed with cute little tidbit listicles like ‘Songs By the Smiths I’d Like Played at Paige’s Wedding That Also Kinda Describe a Gay Man’s Life In Chronological Order If You Think About It’.
An hour after meeting a hot stranger at a bar, Max is with him on the rooftop of his Manhattan apartment, making out.
Then comes hate.
Just five minutes later, Max is bolting back down twelve flights of stairs, hoping never to see him again.
Then comes your best friend’s wedding.
So the last person Max wants to turn up at his best friend’s wedding – where he is official Gay of Honour to the bride – is that very same hot stranger. Or for him to be a Best Man too – for the groom.
Now the co-Best Men are in a fight to the death over who will be the actual best. But although Max wants to keep his friend close, he discovers he wants to keep his enemy even closer…
'Made me laugh out loud and feel alive' AMY SCHUMER
'Brilliantly hilarious, with sharp-witted dialogue, charming, smart characters and tons of heart. A funny, clever, fresh take on modern romance. From start to finish, you won't stop laughing! I just loved it!!!!' MOLLY SHANNON
