How did I get the book? Magic Box Book
Genre: Contemporary
Synopsis: Luke is twenty-five and allergic to the sun. He is stuck in his bedroom, where the world comes to him through TV, the internet and Julie’s visits. Julie, meanwhile, is brilliant, kind and could be changing the world. Unfortunately she is too terrified of aeroplane crashes, road accidents and potentially life-threatening bacteria to leave her home town. When someone contacts Luke and claims that he can cure him, Luke and Julie have to deal with their fears and face the world outside. With four friends, wellies and a homemade space suit, they set off in a VW Camper van along Britain’s B-roads. It is a journey that might just change their lives.
200words (or less) review: This might sound a bit strange but reading Going Out was incredibly relaxing. The story was well thought out and wonderfully written.
There are a lot of characters in Going Out and while the main focus is on Luke’s sun allergy and Julie’s mission of helping him, I really enjoyed how each of their friends had their own little side story. There is a lot of humour in Scarlett Thomas’s narration, conversations between the characters. Little events such as Leanne’s approach to customer service or the spacesuit made me laugh aloud.
The ending felt a little rushed but Going Out was an entertaining book, packed full of interesting characters, friendships and a unique adventure.
I’ve retrieved The End of Mr Y from my library and will be reading it sooner rather than later after enjoying Going Out so much.
Recommend it?
Absolutely
Luna's Little Library 
I’ve read most of Scarlett Thomas’ books, but I haven’t read this one yet. After reading your review, I think I’m going to be adding it to my TBR pile. Although I enjoyed The End of Mr Y, I think PopCo is her best book to date.