“Drinking, Football, Women. A hilarious window into the world of blokes being blokes” is the message that is boldly displayed across the front of this book, and indeed the author comes very close to exceeding the expectations brought about by this strapline. The story is aimed most definitely at a lads audience, however the laddish humour can certainly be enjoyed by adventurous ladies too, particularly those who really want to know what happens when blokes get together. You have to be of a certain age to remember the pub vault culture, however many of us will appreciate the landscape where our local is the centre of the universe, and drinking, football, women and the craic all go hand in hand. And the characters too. Everyone knows someone who has, at one time or another, sold dodgy goods from the back of a van, or rushed from the birth of a child to be back in the pub with his mates, and this tale brings those personalities back to life with an artist’s creative flair. The plot develops at a good pace, and the whole piece is very easy to read, with necessary detail interspersed with hilarious moments all centred around a Manchester pub. The author professes to be a Man United fan, whilst the “hero” is a Man City fan, but allegiances are incidental as the football is played very much in the background. In fact, the most stick is probably reserved for Jamie, a Liverpool fan, who is on the wrong end of one of the funniest footballing quotes, not just in the book, but anywhere. There is, inevitably, plenty of drinking, some football, some sex, and a whole lot of humour within these pages, as the lads embark on an illicit stag weekend to Amsterdam. The drama unfolds exquisitely as the reader is taken on a journey that is hard to conceive, but entirely believable given the nature of the characters involved. The result is a kind of “Nick Hornby” meets “Shameless”, though the author is quite happy to set out his own genre. “I am told that there is no market for lads humorous fiction, and therefore no one writes this kind of stuff, and therefore there is no market. It’s a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy, and one that I am prepared to challenge,” said author Mike Madden. Judging by this debut novel I think that he has pitched it just about right. Now it is up to “the market” to prove him right or wrong. Stags! Is currently available in paperback on Amazon and also on Kindle. Like one of the previous reviewers, Stags is not my genre of choice, but this book was an entertaining read. For many blokes in their 30s, 40s and 50s, there will be more than one story that you can relate to your own or your friends' experiences. You will find yourself laughing out loud and cringing - often at the same time. Well worth a read. ***** Being a fan of thrillers and crime fiction this is not the sort of genre of book I tend to normally read. However I took a chance on the free Kindle sample and was hooked enough to pay full price to download the whole novel. It really is a page turner. You wouldn't think a story about planning the perfect stag night would be quite so gripping! I recommend that anyone who fancies trying a book that is different to most other books out there to give this a go. I don't think you will be disappointed! **** A hilarious peep into the antics of boys on tour, this happens to be a stag doo and ladies if you ever wondered what they get up to now is your chance to see for yourself that your intuitions were correct. Full of lol moments that sees probably for the first time the reds and blues of Manchester enjoying what they do best lies, deceit, sexist innuendo- all in good fun. Girls make sure you keep the tarantulas tucked away and watch out for grandma An author with great imagination or true life experience !!!!! You decide xx ***** I loved it! It took me back to the days of pub vault culture where your local was the centre of your universe and drinking, football, women and the craic went hand in hand. If you look deeper you can picture your own pals as characters in this book and the author has managed to put in to word the trials and turbulent times of lads weekends away without it becoming too predictable. It's a good read with plenty of banter and quality one liners. ***** Stumbled across this book by chance, thought I'd give it a go to prepare me for a mate's Stag Do later on in the year! The story moves at a decent pace and unfolds into a genius plot to get the groom to be to Amsterdam despite his over zealous fianceé having confiscated his passport in advance. The banter between the characters in the book is hilarious and spot on, and brought many a snigger to me. The scrapes and situations that the lads get into are, at times outrageous, but always believeable. Overall it's an entertaining read and has given me plenty of ideas for future do's - just don't let the Mrs read if you ever intend to get a pass out for a weekend away with the lads again! **** I enjoyed this book from the off, it started well and just got better! The author has managed to describe the banter that every bloke loves to have with his mates perfectly. It had a real 'been there, seen that, done that' feel about it and in many parts had me in stitches. I hope there are more books to come as Stags! was a great read. (also, I hope I never meet Bird on any stag do I go on, what a character). ***** Stags by Michael Madden was a great read! It brought back memories of a few messy trips I have made to the Dam and to a misspent youth vacating smoky back street pubs and bookies. The sad thing is that the next generation of drinkers won't have the benefit of this type of apprenticeship. I read this book in two days as it was full of laughter and top banter. I found myself in a few similar situations over the years and could laugh out loud at some of the pub dialogue. I loved it. ***** Not came across similar books previously, great to see this market is catered for and a great book! Lot's of banter and takes me back to stag do's I have been on previously, great read, very funny - recommend to anyone! ***** |