A debut that took Great Britain by storm, My Legendary Girlfriend introduced the world to the loveable, lovestruck Will Kelly. It’s been three years since his heartthrob, Agnes, wrecked his life with a chat that started, “It’s like that song. ‘If you love somebody, set him free.’” But no matter how much time goes by, Will doesn’t feel very free. He still makes lists of each birthday present Aggi ever gave him, has gymnastic fantasies about a perfect reunion night with her, dwells on the first words she uttered to him. How long can a person stay down in the dumps after being dumped? And how much longer before Will dumps Martina, the sweet but clingy girl he’s seeing? Will anyone ever measure up to his Legendary Girlfriend? Fresh, endearing, and full of humor, My Legendary Girlfriend tells a story that will ring true for everyone who’s ever tried to mend a broken heart. Adult/High School-Having gotten dumped by his girlfriend on his 23rd birthday, Will Kelly has a severe case of post-breakup blues. He dwells in a land of what-ifs and tortures himself by reliving the fantastic moments of their relationship; but three years later, it seems as though Will is slowly starting to put his life back together. After much intermittent employment, he has moved to London and has a job. His paycheck doesn't relieve him from having to write to his student-banking adviser pleading for yet another overdraft extension, but at least he has a steady income. And he is seeing someone whose self-esteem is possibly lower than his. Still, in the course of four days, he reveals just how far he is from being over his "legendary girlfriend." It isn't often that one gets to read about a man's heartache over the end of a romance. The author of this charming tale brings readers to a sympathetic understanding of the protagonist, even when his behavior is at its most pathetic. Even rarer is the occasion to read a book that can make misery seem so funny. Readers feel Will's anguish but can't help laughing at it, perhaps seeing something of themselves in his behavior. After all, love can make one act in the craziest of ways. Teens will enjoy this novel and relate to Will's story. Julie Dasso, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. It's billed as a male Bridget Jones, so you get the picture. The burning question in this debut a huge hit in Britain is whether Will Kelly can ever get over the vaunted Agnes and learn to love again. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Readers might be surprised to learn that Gayle's novel takes place over only four days, the majority of them spent in hero Will Kelly's messy hovel of an apartment. Will is about to turn 26, and he's none too happy about it. He's still mourning his breakup with his dream girl, Aggi, despite the fact that it happened three years earlier. His best friend, Alice, is supportive and thoughtful, but the revelation that another friend, Simon, has betrayed him devastates Will. Depressed by his job as a teacher, his clingy girlfriend, his hilariously horrific studio apartment, and his impending birthday, Will can't imagine things getting bleaker. When Kate, the previous renter of his apartment, starts calling to track down a paycheck, the two begin to commiserate over their bad breakups and the woeful apartment. Sparks fly, and soon Will is certain it's love. But will he ever be able to get past Aggi and start a new relationship? Romance and humor mix brilliantly in this winning novel from the author of Mr. Commitment (2000). Kristine Huntley Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved "A delicate blend of realism and whimsy...funny and clever." - The Guardian "Funny, sharply observed, and right in tune with aging adolescents desperately clinging to the wreckage of their youth." - Marie Claire "Isn't it nice to be reminded that men face the breakup blues, too? This book delivers all the testosterone laden details with enough humor to keep you turning the pages." -iVillage "Mike Gayle has carved a whole new literary niche out of the male confessional novel. He's a publishing phenomenon." - Evening Standard "Romance and humor mix brilliantly in this winning novel from the author of Mr. Commitment." -Booklist "If you have ever faced the agony of a breakup, My Legendary Girlfriend is for you...[It] will strike a chord with hopeless romantics everywhere." - Heart and Soul "A book for anyone who has ever been dumped, dumped on, or just needs a good laugh." - Chicago Tribune "Gayle writes the kind of sparkling conversations everybody wishes they were witty enough to have in real life...hugely enjoyable, touching, and funny." - Publishing News A debut that took Great Britain by storm, My Legendary Girlfriend introduced the world to the loveable, lovestruck Will Kelly. It s been three years since his heartthrob, Agnes, wrecked his life with a chat that started, It s like that song. If you love somebo