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  • It's Always Summer Somewhere

  • A Matter of Life and Cricket
  • By: Felix White
  • Narrated by: Felix White
  • Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (293 ratings)

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It's Always Summer Somewhere cover art

It's Always Summer Somewhere

By: Felix White
Narrated by: Felix White
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Summary

A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week and Sunday Times best seller

Felix White, for reasons often beyond him, has always been deeply in love with cricket. His passion for the game is at the fore on the BBC 's number one cricket podcast and 5Live show, Tailenders, which he co-presents with Greg James and Jimmy Anderson. It's Always Summer Somewhere is his funny, heartbreaking and endlessly engaging love letter to the game.

Felix takes us through his life growing up in South West London and describes how his story is forever punctuated and given meaning by cricket. Through his own exploits as a slow left arm spinner of 'lovely loopy stuff', to the tragic illness of his mother, life with The Maccabees and his cricket redemption, Felix touches on both the comedic and the tragic in equal measure. Throughout, there's the ever-present roller coaster of following the England cricket team. The exploits of Tufnell (another bowler of 'lovely loopy stuff'), Atherton, Hussain et al, are given extra import through the eyes of a cricket-obsessed youth. Felix meets them at each signposted moment to find out what was really behind those moments that gave cricket fans everywhere sporting memories that would last forever, sending the book into an exploration of grief, transgenerational displacement and how the people we've known and things we've loved culminate and take expression in our lives. 

It's Always Summer Somewhere is an incredibly honest detail of a life lived with cricket. It offers a sense of genuine empathy and understanding not just with cricket fans, but sports and music fans across the world, in articulating our reasons for pouring so much meaning into something that we simply cannot control.

Culminating in the heart-stopping World Cup Final in 2019, the book finally answers that question fans have so often asked...what is it about this game?

©2021 Felix White (P)2021 Octopus Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"Felix White's beautifully, elegantly and passionately written book reminds me why I love cricket so much. And reading, come to that." (Stephen Fry)

"The love of cricket is both communal and individual. Felix has a wonderful knack of evoking both in a book full of life, joy and resilience." (Gideon Haigh) 

"Whether you love cricket or are still confused by the rules of the game, you'll love this. Felix's writing is warm and witty. A joy to read." (Cariad Lloyd) 

What listeners say about It's Always Summer Somewhere

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such a honest, deep but lovely book, thanks Felix

Amazingly honest and deep book read by Felix with such comfort. I felt his journey and feelings. A must for tailenders with a wider look into Felix's life. #tailendsoftheworlduniteandtakeover

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Beautifully done.

I can't imagine even you would be reading the 253rd review of your memoir, Felix.....but just in case you are, I'd like to say a massive 'thank you' for this. I loved it. It's great to have you in the cricketing world. Go well!

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Lovely loopy listening!

A beautiful life affirming book on life's highs & lows through Felix's love of cricket. Loved listening to his life journey so far. A story of becoming, belonging & keeping going. Having grown up with The Maccabees from 2005, I felt part of his story through some gigs/shows he recalls in the book. Not a big fan of reading but have purchased the book & loved listening to Felix recite tales about childhood and his family. He finds the words to describe the scene and paints the picture so eloquently, making you feel like you are there with him in both his most triumphant and hardest moments. A wonderful book that really takes you his journey from start to finish.

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Simple straightforward sentimental

Really enjoyed the book. Honest, cathartic and filled with decency. Like a pair of warm gloves on a winter day or an ice cold beer on a summer's day. Just what's needed.
Felix should be really proud of what he has published.
Was half hoping the bloke in a chilli costume would jump out though! #tailendersuniteandtakeovertheworld

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A hopeful and sad reflection on life and passions

An honest journey back through the author’s life. At times it is sorrowful and brought up wells of emotion and at other times expressed a childlike sense of joy.

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Magnificent

What a book, my two favourite passions music and cricket. A must listen book. Enjoy.

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Just sublime

such an honest and open portrayal of coming to terms with grief and all the world throws at you, all to the back drop of the ups and downs of the Maccabees and English cricket. Niche but completely necessary. AWESOME.

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cricket 🏏 perfection and beauty of the game

cricket 🏏 perfection and beauty of the game I love along with life's challenges

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Beyond a memory

A sometimes heartbreaking tale of grief and loss and how we survive. At times I wanted to reach into the book and give the author a hug. It goes without saying that the narration is beautiful.

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Beautiful book

Simply superb book. Funny, moving and strangely familiar. Great reading from Felix really bringing it to life. Cannot recommend enough.

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