First Time for Everything

More about the book

An unflinchingly honest, wickedly funny, and heartfelt debut follows a down-on-his-luck gay man navigating his place in the world, making up for lost time, and embracing life's possibilities. Danny Scudd believes he is fine. He dreamed of escaping his parents' small-town fish and chip shop for a journalism career in London. After five years, his career is decent, and his relationship with pretentious Tobbs is somewhat fulfilling, bolstered by his collection of limited edition Dolly Parton vinyls and numerous houseplants. However, a visit to the clinic reveals Tobbs's infidelity, claiming they never agreed to monogamy. To make matters worse, Danny is evicted by his flatmates who want to start a family. Newly single and homeless, he moves in with his best friend, Jacob, a flamboyant non-binary artist, and their vibrant group of friends in an East London commune. This sets off a colorful journey through modern queer life, dating, and therapy—territories Danny has long avoided. As he confronts his ignorance about himself and his sexuality, he stumbles through questionable decisions and relationships, relying on his enigmatic therapist and housemates to face the demons he has repressed for years. Is he truly fine after all?