So at times, it seems like he's telling the story a little fast: your mind starts swimming as he goes from quickly goes from one phase of life to another. At one point, he knows for sure he's going to be a medical doctor. But a mere six paragraphs later, before he even steps foot in med school, the seeds have already been planted towards a singing career. But that's how he's lived: by always moving forward. It's been said that the man has no reverse gear.
There's a roller coaster of sadness and success in his story. But there's also a lightheartedness that comes through his dry humor, a love of food, women, and pints of Guinness. Simply, he's achieved a lot, but he's still basically a normal man.
Tynan's writing style is British English, so you do have to pay a little more attention than usual. But the payoff is worth it. It's mind-boggling that this man can add one more accomplishment to his long list: author.
Let us all take a long look at the way we are now living and reread Halfway Home.