In this debut novel from C.C. Howard, and one which runs at a tasty 177 pages, well, firstly, I love that one of my all-time favourite musicians Richard Jobson (The Skids) is quoted as saying that the warmth of the book wraps itself around you like the best Hornby or Doyle and that he was hooked with all the music, football, love and kindness! I mean, seriously, just that kudos alone is a massive go-to for me having read this new novel, and I hope will also be for everyone else out there a fan of Jobson and his works. But, and getting smartly back on track, So Very Mental as a whole, as a sit-down, get comfy and read entity is one of those books where you become engaged with the characters from the off, in their individual and collective humour and thus find it hard to break away from (hence the ease of a two-day binge read through these 177 pages). Cleverly and oh-so incisively written, So Very Mental: A Novel is told in three parts, three chapters if you will, and thus the storyline is brought forth with near perfect timing from start to finish. In conclusion, So Very Mental is a warm, quirky and inclusive story, and one which shows us that when it comes to this crazy thing we call life, we’re all in it together. FULL REVIEW: https://annecarlini.com/ex_books.php?id=357 ~ Exclusive Magazine, Review

Professionally researched and well portrayed of the characters that are on the spectrum. Author C.C.Howard hits the mark and go Arsenal! Autistic people are special and have their own way of communicating. This review is dedicated to my nephew CW who proves each and every day that he is smart, handles school and can do anything if he tries. Fran Lewis/Just Reviews FULL REVIEW > https://tillie49.wordpress.com/2022/06/27/so-very-mental/ ~ Just Reviews, Review

There's a warmth in C.C. Howards debut that wraps itself around you like the best of Hornby or Doyle. Music, Football, love and kindness - I was hooked. ~ Richard Jobson, singer-songwriter for Skids, filmmaker, TV presenter and author of Into The Valley

A fun, fast-paced geeky romp. C.C. Howard’s debut is as engaging as it is challenging. I loved it! ~ Melanie Cantor, author of Death and Other Happy Endings

A deliciously funny take on male ineptitude and brotherly love. As surprising as it is beguiling, this is an astonishing debut novel from a clever and incisive writer. ~ Eoin O'Callaghan, award-winning film producer of Five Minutes of Heaven and The Truth Commissioner

We’re all in life together. If you enjoy Nick Hornby/Roddy Doyle, you’ll enjoy this quirky, heartwarming tale. Football, music, romance & above all, acts of kindness. If you’ve fallen in love, been chucked… Listened to a song and forgot all your troubles, visited East End Park, Dunfermline (other football grounds are available) on a Saturday afternoon, then this story is for you. Fast paced, with Howie (the central character) evolving as you follow his journey with Ben who is autistic. You may not always like Howie, his decisions, opinions & swearing, but you’ll identify with him one way or another. This is a touching, rollicking read & one I’d recommend. ~ Colin Steer, Twitter @colinphoenix