About a Boy by Nick Hornby

The novelist Nick Hornby has written several books, and what they have in common is his sharp observations of how people interact in modern society, all presented in a witty manner. He writes about sports and music, themes that most people can relate to. This is not so much the case in About a Boy, but the aimless behaviour of his main character is easily recognizable from his other novels.

Read what the publisher says about the book: "Too cool! At thirty-six, he's as hip as a teenager. He's single, child-free, goes to the right clubs and knows which trainers to wear. He's also found a great way to score with women: attend single parent's groups full of available (and grateful) mothers, all hoping to meet a Nice Guy.

Which is how Will meets Marcus, the oldest twelve-year-old on the planet. Marcus is a bit strange: He listens to Joni Mitchell and Mozart, looks after his mum and has never owned a pair of trainers. But Marcus latches on to Will - and won't let go. Can Will teach Marcus how to grow up cool? And can Marcus help Will just to grow up?"

This very entertaining and thought-provocing novel has been adapted for the screen by the same name starring Hugh Grant as Will.