Fred Nixson

Advantages: great style of writing, characters came alive, funny and romantic read
Disadvantages: nothing

...I didn't read the book first written by Emlyn Rees and Josie Lloyd 'Come Together', so I didn't know what to expect from this novel 'The Boy Next Door'. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it was shown from the boys and girls point of view, and it was strange to know how boys think about things and then girls, obviously the girl worrying more because we are all do. Anyway to get back to talking about the book. PLOT Mickey Malone and Fred Roper grew up together in Rushton in the 70's/80's am not too sure what one again. They were very good friends but one day Fred moved a way and Mickey always wondered what had happened and why Fred had never tried to talk to her. Years later Mickey is in a small flat in London, owning a flower shop and also with a child. Fred is also in London and about to get married. In a Toy shop they both... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Romantic but in the right places
Disadvantages: Not sure

...Josie Lloyd and Emily Rees have written a story that brings two different voices together. This is a romantic story of first love and growing up, with a couple of tragic twists to the tale. The first involves the main male character, Fred and his father Miles.The second involves the forceful break up of the two young lovers Fred and Mickey. Some moments in this novel will bring a tear to your eye. The characters are well thought out and realistic. Freds character is succesful with the kind of life that many dream of, great career, beautiful fiance and an active social life. The personality of Fred is thoughtful and serious. We see as the story develops that Fred is increasingly unsatisfied with his model life. Mickey the female character is a single mother, disorganised with an ordinary job. Her character is funny and lacks some self... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: A fantastic enthralling read.
Disadvantages: Some strong language, dialect ( not a problem though ).

...The subect of the book is Fred Pass, a local author who was born in the 1940's , left school at the age of 15 years. Despite his talent for writning, he spent most of his working life in the scrapyards of Sheffield. After wring poetry booklets for charity, he wrote his first book, recalling the days of his childhood which was a huge success. This then, is his further recollections of that childhood. The title is, one would assume, is appropriate as the follow up to its predecessor, Weerz me dad?, but unlike wanting to know where his dad was, Fred states that he always knew where his mother was, for in those days, Fred knew exactly where his mother was, she was in the house which is where most working class mothers were in those days. Few mothers both worked and raised young families then, unlike the present day way of life. The book... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful