Something a friend wrote on Facebook reminded me of Adrian Mole’s youth again, to be exact one diary entry from his 13 and 3/4 years’ age diary. I don’t know why, but that book is stuck really deeply in my mind. I could suddenly quote many parts (see the stop coming home thing), even though i haven’t opened that book for years now, nor have i read it all that many times, and still, it’s here. I don’t want to spoil this part for anyone, simply because it’s a great turning point in the book. If you don’t care or have read the book, just read on…

Pandora and I are in love! It is official! She told Claire Nelson, who told Nigel, who told me. I told Nigel to tell Claire to tell Pandora that I return her love. I am over the moon with joy. I can overlook the fact that Pandora smokes five Benson and Hedges a day and has her own lighter. When you are in love such things cease to matter.

Sue Townsend: The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4