We have a precious, finite life on this planet and I've spent a healthy percentage of it masturbating and watching Coronation Street.Reader Meet Author is a semi-autobiographical novel set in Manchester in the 1970s and 1980s. Through sincere, adept observations and humorous recollections, the young protagonist tries to come to terms with dysfunctional family life and two life shattering blows: the death of his mother and the infidelity of his girlfriend. Beyond what appears to be a light-hearted rant at society, is a tale of depth and fragility. With humour, insight and pathos, the author conveys the story of an adolescent searching for stability and belonging.