The Actual One cover art

The Actual One

How I Tried, and Failed, to Remain Twenty-Something for Ever

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The Actual One

By: Isy Suttie
Narrated by: Isy Suttie
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About this listen

Performed by Isy Suttie, and featuring three songs from the book. This audio edition also includes an exclusive extra song and a unique introduction.

Isy woke up one day in her late 20s to discover that the invisible deal she'd done with her best mates - that they'd prolong growing up for as long as possible - had all been in her head. Everyone around her is suddenly into mortgages, farmers' markets and nappies rather than the idea of running naked into the sea or getting hammered in Plymouth with 80-year-old men.

When her dearest friend advises her that the next guy Isy meets will be the actual one, Isy decides to keep delaying the onset of adulthood - until a bet with her mother results in a mad scramble to find a boyfriend within a month.

From papier-mâché penguins to being stranded on a dual carriageway in nothing but a fur coat and trainers, The Actual One is an ode to the confusing wilderness of your late 20s alongside a quest for a genuinely good relationship with a man who doesn't use moisturiser.

©2016 Isy Suttie (P)2016 Orion Publishing Group Entertainment & Celebrities Women Celebrity Funny Feel-Good Heartfelt Witty

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All stars
Most relevant
Enjoyed the story as a little escapism, but the long slightly self deprecating introduction was unnecessary and stopping to describe the sketch of the scene you drew doesn't add more, it breaks the flow and I found it unhelpful.

Too much author

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incredibly funny, laughed (and cringed) throughout. I'm currently at drama school so loved the references!

brilliant 😊

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Charming narration (enjoyed the descriptions of the drawings more than the songs) laughed out loud lots and there were a few touching moments. I was a bit worried during the intro when she apologised in advance for all the sausage mentions that it might be too quirky but it wasn't. isy is a talented performer and writer, honest (probably) and likeable.

warm, funny and relatable

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If your door went and there, before you was your old mucker and she came in and regaled you with beautiful vignettes of life since your last school day friendship this is the best of these. She 'is' my friend she was beside me . Don't chomp in one hit but enjoy like a wonderful box of Chocolates a real joy.

It's like sharing the sofa with your prodigal best friend....an absolute treasure and an Audible must.

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SUMMARY: 100% recommended. Far exceeded my expectations. FANTASTIC narration, really brought it to life. Especially loved the songs!

Although I knew a little of Isy's work, I did not know her 'backstory' at all. She is 5 years older than me, so some of her music taste references are not my kind of stuff (I always found people who were into her kind of music 'not my kind of people' when I was young).

However, I really warmed to her depiction of a life that I remember, full of pubs and silly-but-harmless alcohol-fuelled fun (which sadly seems to have disappeared from mainstream culture). She is unbelievably honest, sharing details that I would personally find embarrassing. But she tells stories with aplomb, especially since she is reading it in her own voice.

I was a bit worried that some of the stories would have sad endings, or have tinges of regret. But I'm pleased to say that they were all positive (in the end) and incredibly life-affirming.

If you want to remember the 'fun days' of your single youth (especially around the 90's), whether you are male or female, this is a SUPERB book. Warm, happy, inclusive, positive yet teaches several life lessons along the way. The icing on the cake is Isy's accent and way of delivering the lines. So obviously comfortable in front of a microphone, a born performer, she brings it all to life. Superb!

Crazy but kind-hearted - a joy to listen to :-)

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