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Contacts

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Contacts

By: Mark Watson
Narrated by: Mark Watson
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About this listen

One man’s last journey. One hundred and fifty-eight chances to save his life.

The unforgettable new book from award-winning writer and comedian Mark Watson!

'Mark Watson is one of my favourite writers and Contacts is by far his best book yet' Adam Kay
‘Witty, emotional and beautifully written’ Jill Mansell
‘It made me laugh, cry, reflect and want to check in on all my friends’ Emma Gannon
'This is such a great book, funny and serious and daring and humane' Richard Curtis

James Chiltern boards the 23:50 sleeper train from London to Edinburgh with two pork pies, six beers and a packet of chocolate digestives. At 23:55 he sends a message to all 158 people in his contacts, telling them that he plans to end his life in the morning. He then switches his phone to flight mode. He’s said goodbye. To him, it’s the end of his story – and time to crack open the biscuits.

But across the world, 158 phones are lighting up with a notification. Phones belonging to his mum. His sister. His ex-best friend. The woman who broke his heart. People he’s lost touch with. People he barely knows. And for them, the message is only the beginning of the journey.

Funny and wise, tender and deeply moving, Contacts is a beautiful story about the weight of loneliness, the importance of kindness – and how it’s never too late to reach out.

©2020 Mark Watson (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Dark Humour Family Life Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Mental Health Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Comedy Funny Heartfelt Inspiring Witty Thought-Provoking Feel-Good

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All stars
Most relevant
I’m a big fan of Mark Watson and this first of his books that I’ve listened to didn’t disappoint. It kept me hooked all the way through. One small thing I thought might have made me enjoy it more was a professional narrator, such as is used in the Wolf Hall series; sometimes when he was doing accents and they slipped a bit, I felt myself just imagining Mark in a sound booth. 😄. Excellent book though and I’ll read more of his work.

Really enjoyable book

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Mark Watson's kindness shines through. This is such a human story with no simple answers.

Once started, I couldn't stop

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Just one of the best books I’ve read. I raced the end desperate to hear what happened, but being moved along the way!

Brilliant

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Relatable characters and an easily paced narrative hide what is a sadly relevant and important story in our modern age about the importance of reaching out when you need help. I’d urge anyone to listen/read without judgement to help understand the struggles people around them may be having and the need to address their self justifications for sometimes devastating actions, and a timely reminder for those that are struggling that love and empathy can be found everywhere even in the darkest of times.

A thought provoking story

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possibly overrating this particular book, but just love Mark Watsons take on storytelling.
Insightful and empathetic

Read this author

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