I normally do not read this type of novel, however I like to give some a go every so often, and I still love Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity all these years later. I have enjoyed much of his previous work but wasn’t completely enamoured with this book.

Lucy and Joseph's story was relatable albeit repetitive at times. I could sympathise with the characters and would enjoy picking up where my reading had left off. The ending was good, and I feel that I should ensure I read all of Hornby’s work that I may have missed over the years.

I was captivated by the first part of Just Like You. Lucy was spunky. Joseph was handsome and thoughtful . Their burgeoning relationship felt vivid. As I continued to read, my feelings shifted. it felt as though the colour was slowly fading from the story. The tension between Joseph and Lucy just wasn’t there. I wanted to like this. I wanted to feel something powerful. Anger, disgust, giddiness, joy... Instead, I was left with a beige feeling of blah.

This might be a good book for when the world feels too intense. Interesting enough to read but not poignant enough to make me force it upon all who I encounter.

Just Like You by Nick Hornby is about an age gap relationship complicated by racial differences and differing political opinions.

I loved Just Like You by Nick Hornby. It is warm, funny and insightful. It is the story of Lucy and Joseph who, despite having nothing in common, find a way to connect. It is set against the backdrop of London during the Brexit referendum and its aftermath and is so sharply observed – I recognised so many of the characters and their relationships and interactions were so realistic. Issues of race, class, education, difference in political beliefs, middle class privilege and the danger of echo chambers are all touched on in the story.

There seems to be a trend at the moment (in the books I have been reading recently) to make the main characters quite unlikeable. I am happy to say that this is not the case here. Lucy and Joseph are completely different characters but I really liked both of them. Irrespective of whether the story was dealing with them together or separately, I was rooting for each of them throughout. It is easy to see why Nick Hornby is such an accomplished screenwriter when you read this book because during scenes where the characters are conversing, it feels like you are watching them having a conversation rather than reading it. I could easily imagine this story adapted for the screen. At several points in the story, I found myself smiling while reading it. Needless to say, I loved it and would highly recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

I found this book really quite shallow. None of the characters came to life, neither those in the story's central relationship, nor those surrounding them.

There were some interesting topics lurking: race, politics, alcoholism,. drugs, parenting, but from every point of view I felt that Hornby only just scratched the surface.

Quite often in the dialogue I lost track of who was speaking so had to count back 'him, her, him, her' to make sense of it.

Given how respected this author is, this novel is a big disappointment.

I have got to say i found this book hard work! Not half as enjoyable as Nick Hornby other books, and i agree with others this would make a great TV Drama i just didn't enjoy it that much in book form, It will not however put me off reading Nick Hornby in the future.
Was given an advanced copy for an honest review by netgalley.co.uk

I have enjoyed Nick Hornby's previous fiction but this one left me wanting more. Or less (about BREXIT). It is very much a novel of its time and I don't think it will be one that is still being read in years to come like High Fidelity and Fever Pitch. Lucy and Joseph's story was well related but a bit to repetitious for me. I liked the ending. But it really did leave me wanting more from this author. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Really good read. Would recommend to friends and family. I could sympathise with characters (important for any fiction novel!) and looked forward to picking it up and reading the next few chapters! Interesting plot line and a good ending. Will look out for more novels by the author. Thank you.

I really like Nick Hornby's work but this wasnt my favourite of his book, but that is my personal opinion.

Lucy is in her early 40's, other of two boys and the Head of English and Hornby navigates her story along Joseph (not Joe) black, early 20's and who works a multitude of part time jobs including babysitting for Lucy.

Although the love story was lovely - everyone loves a love story.
BUT my main reason for not 'loving' Just Like You is the constant references to Brexit and politics.

Great writing from Nick.

I found myself more skim reading this book as I just couldn't get into it. It might be more suited to being a film/TV adaptation so you can invest more in the characters and the emotions behind the text you are reading.

Joseph is twenty-two and works part time in a local butchers. One of his many jobs in an attempt not to have a full time job that would mean selecting a career. One Saturday, whilst attempting to defeat a loud and flirty customers comments he notices that she has a quiet and good looking friend.

Lucy is a forty-two, mum of two, who is going through a divorce after her husband drank too much as well as taking drugs. She starts chatting to Joseph in the butchers and mentions that she is looking for a babysitter. Which Joseph offers his services.

A friendship forms between them but they both want more. However, is the age gap too big, would their respective friends approve of an interracial relationship? Along the way they have hurdles to get over, not to mention Brexit voting and the Trump election.

I persevered through the book but didn't feel that there was much chemistry between Joseph and Lucy. I feel it might come across more on screen than it does in the pages of the book.