My Legendary Girlfriend

My Legendary Girlfriend by Mike Gayle is full of self-loathing, indecisiveness, obsession and irrationality. This is why it's a good book. Will is immensely unfulfilled. He works a last resort job as a teacher. He lives in a pit. He cannot get over his ex-girlfriend. Mike Gayle has brilliantly painted a picture of a person who, while surrounded by people filled with light, is stuck in his own head. It takes a stranger, Kate, to bring him out and help him see the happiness available to him. Be aware. If you are looking for a novel that is full of action and a greatly dynamic main character, you will not find that here. Most of the action takes place in Will's home and head. But if you are a person who has ever experienced heartbreak or has ever felt like you were thrown into the world without a compass, you will sympathize and cheer for his success.

I fell head over heels in love with Mike Gayle's sophomore release MR. COMMITMENT, so when I stumbled across MY LEGENDARY GIRLFRIEND - which happens to be his first book, I had to read it! I was not disappointed! As usual Gayle takes his time when telling a story. There are many parts of the book that will have you screaming "hurry up!", but his well thought out characters and plot is what makes this book a hit! Will is the ill at ease, sarcastic protagonist in this delightful novel. It's been three years and he still hasn't gotten over the day his ex-girlfriend Aggi dumped him - on his 23rd birthday -- without rhyme or reason. There hasn't been a woman since who has come and knocked ol' Aggi down from that tremendously high pedestal Will has put her on. He obsesses over her day and night, and beats himself up trying to figure out what he could've done differently. He just cannot get her out of his system. That is until he gets a phone call from the girl who lived in his flat prior to him moving in. Could this stranger be the one who helps Will come to grips on the true meaning of love? In just one weekend, he learns what usually takes a lifetime for some. Maybe there is someone out there that can measure up to his "legendary girlfriend".

When I started reading this book it was easy to relate to the main character and hugely entertaining. I found the author's elaborate image of a male's romantic dispair to be uncommonly insightful and honest. The ending is where I became instantly dissapointed as it seemed stretched and a bit quaint; very different from the main story. However, upon reading the epilogue it immediately became the best book I have ever read. Cheers to Mr. Gayle. I would like to comment that reading the other reviews is a bit misleading: If you are a woman, this book is not for you. This text is exclusively consumable by males, and will not be appreciated unless you have experienced a true-love lost.

This book was labelled "The Male Bridget Jones", and i quite agree. However while Bridget Jones - the movie was enjoyed by a wide audience the book, i think was mainly read by girls. This book, is a classic, romantic and hilarious book - i could and have read over and over. William Kelly reminds me of any one of my friends after a severe dumping, and the books really opens up people's minds and shows an honest look at our frank selfishness.I loved it and i think any one who loves romantic comedies (like Jones' Diary) will love this.A MILLION THUMBS UP

I loved Mr. Commitment, the first novel from British author Mike Gayle that was published in the US, and I didn't think twice when I picked up My Legendary Girlfriend. I couldn't put it down! Mr. Gayle's insights on relationships are right on the mark!Will, the self-deprecating and cynical hero, has reached his 26th birthday -- also known as the three-year anniversary of the day his girlfriend, Aggi, dumped him. Will hasn't gotten over his ex, and none of the women he's met have measured up to his Legendary Girlfriend. But during the course of four days Will learns that love and relationships flourish in different ways.I love this novel. There are passages in the book that I have highlighted. It is a witty, thought-provoking and poignant novel! Looking for a great book to read? Pick up My Legendary Girlfriend!