The second book from acclaimed writer and journalist Joel Golby

'There's no one funnier than Joel Golby' GREG JAMES

'I love this book' DOLLY ALDERTON

How much of your life do you review? Books, TV, film, music - the reviewable things? Ever tried going a little further, reviewing the intangibles, the abstract, the 'weird': a houseplant; the sunlight on the pavement on a crisp spring day; being embarrassed; that strange wave you do at cars when they slow down at zebra crossings. A dead houseplant.

From almond croissants to the concept of life itself, Joel Golby embarks on a journey through modern living, leaving no stone unturned - no one thing unreviewed - to consider what it all really means; why we all care so much about opinions; and whether, deep down, it's better to live a life that's good rather than, well, five stars out of five.

A funny and absurd review of modern life from of one Britain's best-loved journalists

About the Author

Joel Golby is based in east London, but I think that goes without saying. His work has appeared in a number of magazines that do not exist anymore (NOT his fault) and a few that still just about do. He does not currently have a podcast but you have to assume one is in the works. Four Stars is his second book.

Reviews

'Funny, painful, relatable and honest. Full of the hidden depths and details that only Joel Golby can scavenge. I love this book' DOLLY ALDERTON

'Joel Golby at his best: darkly reflective, so, so funny, and life-affirming in quite an unhinged way. I loved it' MONICA HEISEY

'Joel can turn the most mundane aspects of life into something totally magnificent. I was laughing so much whilst reading this book I was shhh'd at on the Eurostar by a very stern woman - zero-star review for her' AMELIA DIMOLDENBERG

'As funny as you'd expect from Joel Golby, but also both moving and sincere. A joy to read' BELLA MACKIE

'Joel Golby's writing induces full-on jealousy in me. He's a horribly funny, silly, opinionated old cow, and yet his words are actually rather lovely to read' JACK ROOKE

'Nobody captures the torturous contradictions of being a sentient primate in the modern world quite like Joel Golby. FOUR STARS will make you laugh throughout, then it will rip your heart out, place it in front of you and say: "See. This is what I was writing about all along." Fantastic. Hard recommend' KONRAD KAY

'High Fidelity for the generation who could never afford a shop' ELLA RISBRIDGER

'Whether it's the ambitious construction and moving climax, emerging themes of millennials dealing with rudderless mortality or simply pound-for-pound laughs, I can't really think of anything else like this book. And that's a really good thing. Five stars' OOBAH BUTLER

'Funnier and more profound than a book has any business being' NATHAN FOAD

'Extremely funny and extremely charming, striking at the trivialities of our modern existence with razor-sharp clarity. Golby's voice, though acerbic, is cut through with a discreet optimism' RAVEN SMITH

Book Information
ISBN 9780008284091
Author Joel Golby
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Mudlark
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 720g
Dimensions(mm) 222mm * 141mm * 33mm