The Flip Side

The Flip Side
By James Bailey
Published by Michael Joseph
Available in paperback and ebook

If you're looking for something uplifting, that will make you laugh to see you through to the start of the new year then James Bailey's debut novel, The Flip Side is just want you need.

New Year's Eve, London Eye, Champagne, truffles, a ring, the feeling of being at the top of the world. Josh's life is about to change - New year, new fantastic life. 

Yet, when he steps off, he has lost his girlfriend, his job and flat. New year, no life.

Told from the point of view of Josh, he has hit rock bottom - 28 and moving back in with his family in Bristol, no one wants to employ him and he doesn't know what he wants to do with his life - a quarter life crisis has hit him and he doesn't trust his own judgement. Its time to put his faith in fate and for every decision to be made by the flipping of a coin. It starts off as banter for this friends and to help him through a series of disastrous dates but when he comes across a girl in a gallery will the coin let them be together.

James Bailey's cast of characters ranging from his friends and to his family are full of compassion and warmth as they try to help Josh through his tough year. Friendship and close knit families really shine through his book and really give it an uplifting, supporting read and also makes the romance a subplot to Josh's antics. He starts off the year alone in London but ends the year with his family and friends. I particularly liked the dynamic between Josh and his Grandfather and the warmth between these characters and how his Grandfather pushes him to find this mysterious girl from the gallery.

I really love the message that this book gives to readers - turning failure around and using it to forge a new direction in your life. Josh comes to realise that a coin shouldn't take responsibility and that only he can be in charge of his life.

If you're nostalgic for classic rom-coms or enjoyed High Hornby's High Fidelity then you're going to enjoy this book. I'm looking forward to see what James writes next. You can buy The Flip Side from your favourite bookshop.

Thank you to Midas PR for providing me with a review PDF.