There’s Only Two David Beckhams – John O’Farrell

Football writer and England fan, Alfie Baker, lands his dream job at his paper, reporting on England’s tilt at the 2022 World Cup. But as the team progress, not without a glitch or two, through their qualifying group and into the final tournament in Qatar, Alfie begins to spot something odd about the crop of young players in the squad. They are good, but good in a way that is mildly disturbing. He starts to dig deeper.

Meanwhile his personal life is more straightforward but challenging in its own way. He is separated from his ex-partner and sees his son, Tom, only on a weekly basis. Football is key to their interaction, Alfie taking Tom to play for his under-8 team or to watch AFC Wimbledon. These are places to learn life’s lessons about winning and losing, and about sportsmanship and gamesmanship.

Alfie’s fatherly advice on these issues comes back to haunt him when, against expectations, England make the final of the World Cup in December 2022. At the same time, Alfie’s research finally bears fruit, and he is confronted with a dilemma: break the story of a journalistic lifetime and scupper England’s chances of glory; or spike the exclusive, be complicit, and savour a likely England triumph. What would he tell Tom to do?

Written with evident love for, understanding of, and frustration with the modern game, it is packed with knowledgeable jibes for the football fan. In addition, it has plenty to say about the responsibilities of fatherhood in the modern world, mostly funny with a dash of bittersweet.

Though the central premiss is spotted early, there is dramatic tension to the end and a splendid twist to finish. Great fun!

The Best of Me – David Sedaris

This collection of short pieces by the American humourist showcases his talent for observation, wit, pathos, and language. The ‘pieces’ (how else to describe them?) are neither short stories nor essays but share features of both.

While some are pure imagination, most are autobiographical, leaning on his sizeable family who are mercilessly mined for comic effect. He does not spare himself in that regard, self-deprecation abounds, and as gay, Jewish, and of Greek heritage, there is plenty to go at.

The tone is conversational. Those familiar with his broadcasts on BBC Radio 4 will be able to project his distinctive voice onto the page – otherwise think Billy Crystal delivering a Dave Allen monologue.

The quality of writing puts him up with the likes of Alan Bennet and Bill Bryson. Praise indeed but justified by a collection such as this.

The Farther Corner – Harry Pearson

Harry Pearson’s classic, The Far Corner, was published in 1994 and written as a journalist and recent returnee to the North-East. This follow-up, twenty-five years on, feels more personal than its predecessor.

The humour is still there, often laugh out loud in its observations of the characters who come together at a non-league football ground – players, staff, officials, and more memorably the spectators (generally too few to be termed a crowd). But in addition, Pearson shares elements of his changed circumstances and explores how and why just attending a game on a Saturday afternoon can provide solace, companionship, and a place to feel at home with other like-minded souls who have no better place to be.

As for the content, there are twenty-three games visited and many more referred to and reflected on. Facts (probably), figures, and anecdotes burst from the pages. Even when completed, the index provides a chuckle-filled bonus.

It is warm and funny, and for any follower of the beautiful game in its purest (or rawest) form, it is a gem.