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How to Be Second Best

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How to Be Second Best

By: Jessica Dettmann
Narrated by: Michala Banas
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About this listen

A hilarious and heartwarming novel about the complicated, messy, delightful struggles of modern life, for all fans of Marian Keyes, Holly Wainwright, and Zoe Foster Blake.

Going from one child to two is never all that easy for a family, but when Emma's husband simultaneously fathers a third child three doors up the street, things get very tricky, very fast.

No longer is it enough for Emma to be the best wife and mother - now she's trying to be the best ex-wife, and the best part-time parent to her ex's love child, and that's before she even thinks about adding a new bloke to the mix.

Set in an upwardly mobile, ultra-competitive suburb, this is a funny, biting, heartwarming modern comedy that looks at the roles we play, how we compete, and what happens when we dare to strive for second-best.

"Hilarious, heartwarming [and] all too relatable... Ultimate summer read" (Herald Sun)

"Sharp and crisp and funny. I was dazzled." (Mia Freedman)

"A refreshing and honest depiction of the delirium of modern family life...while it is undeniably laugh-out-loud funny, it is also incredibly heartwarming and real" (Better Reading)

"Heartwarming yet biting" (Sunday Telegraph)

"Full of funny moments, this debut takes a wry look at parenthood, divorce and the messy reality of blended families." (Who Weekly)

"Jessica Dettmann is a fine comic writer. She has an eye for the small details, irritations and inspirations of life which coupled with a truly original turn of phrase and great way with a gag makes for sparkling and heartwarming reading." (Ben Elton)

©2019 HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited
Contemporary Contemporary Romance Family Life Fiction Literature & Fiction Romance Women's Fiction Marriage Comedy Funny Witty Feel-Good Heartfelt

What listeners say about How to Be Second Best

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Absolute Gem

Being a parent of a young child, I generally like to listen to audiobooks about any other subject... but this book had me hooked from start to finish. Light and funny, but so very entertaining. Michaela Banas narration was spot on!

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1 person found this helpful

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THIS BOOK IS SO DAMN FUNNY

Please read this book! It’s so full of completely accurate reflections on real life, in such a way that gives perfect voice to how I have felt so many times but haven’t been able to - or even thought to - express. It is laugh out loud funny. The narration is brilliant, it’s like talking to your best mate over a bottle of wine. 10/10

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Loved it

Great story and wonderful narrator to bing it to life - I was often laughing out loud

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Amazing book! Laugh out loud!

A very funny and engaging tale depicting a modern day family ! With a humorous look at the most simple tasks very entertaining!

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Certainly NOT Second Best

A fabulous book to listen to, Michala Banas brought the characters to life. I kept thinking about the main Character Emma and how does she do it! She was flawed and so human completely relatable I didnt want it to end.

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Could not stop listening

What a great story
Narrator was amazing and the story line so real as soon as I finished I looked for another book from author but nothing on audible.
Found this thanks to audible daily deals otherwise wouldn’t have even found it.
A must read for a laugh fun and did not want it to finish
You want be disappointed

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Fun & easy

I really enjoyed listening to this book. It was a fun & easy escape. I enjoy Michala Banas as the narrator and really connected with the characters. I laughed out loud many times! Thank you.

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Hooked till the very end.

I picked this book up as a “you might like” and boy were they right. The story is new and exciting, I couldn’t help but drive around the block a few more time just to hear a minutes more! 11/10

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A great story

A great Australian author and story, very well narrative. A must listen! I'll miss the characters

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Loved it!

I love this book it was funny witty and hit all the points. Michaela's narration was superb.

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