Twelve-year-old Norman Foreman had never had any friends – until bad boy Jax came along. Then they were so close that in Norman’s eyes, the best thingTwelve-year-old Norman Foreman had never had any friends – until bad boy Jax came along. Then they were so close that in Norman’s eyes, the best thing about having a best friend was Jax. Norman and Jax were a comedy duo in preparation for the big time. Their plan was for their appearance in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in five years’ time and they worked toward it every day. In between going to school and having the best fun.
But when Jax suddenly died, Norman was bereft. He was desolate and his mum Sadie did all she could to help Norman, although she was grieving herself. When she saw Norman staring at the five year plan the two boys had laid out (slightly altered after Jax died), she found herself promising Norman, she would get him to the Festival, as well as try to find his father for him. And with the help of the elderly Leonard, cleaner at the place Sadie worked, they proceeded to do just that.
The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is a delightful debut novel by Aussie author Julietta Henderson which was lots of fun; filled with laughter and tears, hope and gravitas, Norman and his psoriasis would find the way. Along with Norman, Sadie and Leonard were beautifully crafted characters. I feel Ms Henderson will be an author to watch. Recommended. (and thanks to GR friend Carolyn for her recommendation)
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
When the bank robber realized the bank he was trying to rob was a cashless one, he felt like an idiot. He ran, trying to escape what his folly had cauWhen the bank robber realized the bank he was trying to rob was a cashless one, he felt like an idiot. He ran, trying to escape what his folly had caused and when he raced to the top of a staircase (where is he likely to escape from there?) and charged through an open door, the room was filled with people viewing the apartment with a real estate person. Suddenly they were hostages, and the bank robber was in even more trouble. As the robber/hostage taker tried to work out what to do next, the people – including an elderly couple and a pregnant lady – began talking and arguing with each other; getting to know one another.
Two police officers – Jack and Jim – were in charge. Jack was the son of Jim, and while they shouldn’t have been working together (it was obvious why when reading the story) they tried. As the hostage crisis moved forward, the building surrounded by police and journalists and a negotiator on the phone – hours away and stuck in traffic, the hostages were hungry. After pizza was delivered and everyone was satisfied, the bank robber/hostage taker knew he would let the hostages go. What would be the outcome for him?
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is filled with anxious and uncertain people; of people who’ve made mistakes and people who try to amend those mistakes. There are also people who are kind and empathetic, who do their best for people whether they know them or not. I enjoyed the “actual story” which was poignant and moving - and showed us the meaning of the bridge... But, while many others have laughed out loud at this book, my sense of humour doesn’t seem to fit with Fredrik Backman books. For those who are Backman fans, go for it – you’ll love it! Recommended.
With thanks to Ariele Fredman, Atria Books/Simon & Schuster via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Emma was shocked and devastated when her husband Troy admitted to fathering another child around the same time as their daughter Freya was born. When Emma was shocked and devastated when her husband Troy admitted to fathering another child around the same time as their daughter Freya was born. When he left to live with Helen and daughter Lola, he left Emma as a single mother to Tim and Freya. But it was them moving three doors down from Emma, then having her look after Lola with her two while both Troy and Helen worked, that slowly ate at Emma’s confidence. She was being used – big time – and she didn’t realise it. She was in effect, a single mother of three children…
As Emma tried to be the best at everything she did – mother, ex-wife, step-mother, sister, daughter, editor – she concluded (with much prompting from her Dad and sister Laura) that this wasn’t the life she wanted. But could she change it? What would it take to make Emma take stock of her life?
How to be Second Best by Aussie author Jessica Dettmann is an intriguing, at times laugh out loud, heartwarming debut novel which I quite enjoyed. Set in Sydney in an exclusive suburb where being competitive was as natural as breathing, the author has created an amusing, dramatic story, with much angst and “drama queen” moments while showing the ups and downs of modern parenting. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Hendrik Groen is 85 years of age in this, his second episode of life in the slow lane, living in the care home in Amsterdam and writing in his diary dHendrik Groen is 85 years of age in this, his second episode of life in the slow lane, living in the care home in Amsterdam and writing in his diary daily with his various exploits. The Old-But-Not-Dead Club is still going strong, although one or two members have left – a couple of new things have also been added to their agenda. Going to different restaurants every three weeks for a culture change; and the planning of a trip away, where the eight elderly members will stay overnight in a hotel for two nights.
Hendrik and his best friend Evert continue to get up to mischief – their stirring of trouble delights the group. Well something has to brighten their day, doesn’t it! With death getting closer to them all, a lot of the residents spend time going to funerals. But Hendrik no longer goes – he’ll be at his own soon enough he thinks!
Light-hearted and humourous as well as sad and sometimes depressing, Hendrik shows everyone that age is only a number – live each day to the fullest (then rest the next day to catch up before starting all over again) On the Bright Side is an entertaining and enjoyable follow-up to The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old which I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review. ...more
Miss Lucy Anne Trotter was finally leaving the orphanage and she was ecstatic to be going into the employ of Lord Sedley of Rudhall Manor to be t2.5★s
Miss Lucy Anne Trotter was finally leaving the orphanage and she was ecstatic to be going into the employ of Lord Sedley of Rudhall Manor to be the governess for the two young children there. The day Lucy was among the crowd of onlookers to spy a hot air balloon descending with Lord William Adair on board was the day her life changed once again.
Returning to the Manor she was struck by the fuss and chaos of the inhabitants – and when she spied Lord Adair in the parlour as well, she was almost struck dumb. With the jewellery having been stolen and Lord Sedley murdered, the household immediately decided Lucy was the person who had both murdered and stolen – never mind why she would return after a day out…
Though Lord Adair had said he would uncover the truth, Lucy decided she would clear her name by herself. But the mixture of a resident ghost, some pugs as well as various other animals and the animosity of the household; both staff and residents – Lucy was sure she was in over her head. What was she to do?
Murder at Rudhall Manor by Anya Wylde is both absurd and humorous. Light hearted and at times quite ridiculous, the characters that surrounded Lucy had little to no sense whatsoever. Peter seemed quite apart from the rest of his family; gentle and kind, but looked down on by everyone around him. I had thought Murder at Rudhall Manor would be similar to the author’s previous work I’ve read and enjoyed – The Fairweather Sisters series (starting with Penelope); The Wicked Wager – but it’s completely different. A light, cosy mystery which will be enjoyed by lovers of that particular genre.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review. ...more
The speeding car, the disorientation, the torn stockings and the bird’s-cage in her mouth had Amber completely confused – where was she, why was she hThe speeding car, the disorientation, the torn stockings and the bird’s-cage in her mouth had Amber completely confused – where was she, why was she here, and most importantly; why was she with her sister?! Sage wasn’t someone Amber spent a lot of time with; she was the complete opposite to Amber’s meticulous, sensible and organised self – but as the memories gradually returned, she was struck with a horrid slide-show of the previous night…
Sage had “kidnapped” Amber, determining she needed a change in her life and the road trip with a tag-along tour group to Alice Springs was just the thing. But Amber was used to hot showers, her morning coffee from a nearby café and shopping. How would she do camping – in a tent; AND with her sister? But when Sage mentioned Amber’s father – the man she had never met – and the fact that their mother had made the same trip where she’d met him twenty eight years previously, Amber finally and grudgingly agreed…
Nothing seemed to go right for Amber right from when they met up with the tag-along group in the little town of Denman in NSW. Each and every member of the group thought Amber was either crazy, or an alcoholic. And the more Amber tried to get it together, the more it all fell apart. Would their long road trip make things better or worse? Would Amber find her father? And was it possible that she and Sage could be close again?
Amber and Alice is a laugh out loud journey through Central Australia from Sydney to Alice Springs, with towns like Dunedoo, Coober Pedy and Uluru along the way. Aussie author Janette Paul has written a wonderful novel about finding your inner self, and the trouble you can get into along the way. I loved it! I found myself having to smother my laughter quite a number of times – it was such fun! Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read and review. ...more
Hendrik Groen is spending his final years in a care home in Amsterdam – he still doesn’t like the elderly; complaining, whinging lot – and he’s 83 ¼ hHendrik Groen is spending his final years in a care home in Amsterdam – he still doesn’t like the elderly; complaining, whinging lot – and he’s 83 ¼ himself. His best friend is the mischievous troublemaker Evert – between the two of them the fish in the aquarium are destined to live a short life; the stuffy boss of the home is determined to discover the culprits but Evert and Hendrik think themselves safe.
When one of the residents passes away, the room is taken by Eefje. She is a quiet, thoughtful woman – and Hendrik is smitten. He smartens himself up, nervously hosts a get together over cups of tea with both Eefje and Evert and wishes he’d met her half a century sooner.
As we move through the day by day diary entries of Hendrik, we learn about the Old But Not Dead Club which he formed – the activities and antics, day trips and support which the members offer each other. There is heartache and tragedy, laughter and fun, all of which makes the days so much better than the usual monotony of sitting gazing out the windows. The envy of the other residents is obvious...
Hendrik Groen is a grumpy, cynical old man, determined not to go quietly – the laugh out loud anecdotes had me chuckling right from the very start. A year in the life of an elderly nursing home resident – how could it possibly be of interest you'd think? But it’s funny, heartbreaking, uplifting and filled with wonderful characters that are surrounded by all the aged suffer from – dementia, lack of family to visit, their bodies failing them and death.
I have no hesitation in recommending The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ Years Old as an uplifting, at times hilarious though heartbreaking read.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Elsa lived in the big house with Mum and George; her Granny lived upstairs and Elsa spent most of her time with her Granny. Living in the house i3.5★s
Elsa lived in the big house with Mum and George; her Granny lived upstairs and Elsa spent most of her time with her Granny. Living in the house in the different apartments were Alf, Britt-Marie and Kent, Maud and Lennard and the lady in the black skirt. Some were nice, some were not. But Granny took Elsa to the Land-of-Almost-Awake most days – filled with fairy tales and dreams, Elsa loved visiting the Kingdom of Miamas. Elsa only had one friend at almost eight years old and that was Granny who was seventy seven years old. She could run really fast; getting away from the bullies at school because she was different was how she learned to run...
Elsa’s Mum was pregnant – Halfie (they didn’t know if it was a boy or a girl) made Elsa feel out of sorts – jealous. Dad lived with Lisette and her two children; she stayed with Dad every other weekend. But when Granny died Elsa was shattered; how could Granny leave her? Why did she have to die?
Elsa had been given the task of a treasure hunt right before Granny died – the form of letters which Elsa had to find, first one then the next. Granny’s apology letters led to Elsa’s biggest adventure yet – she loved the wurst and the monster that she found – but hiding them was a different matter. As Elsa’s adventures broadened she found out things about her neighbours and wondered at the connection with them to her Granny. Would she find these answers? Would she stop missing her Granny so much?
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman is the next story after the blockbuster A Man Called Ove which I loved. I’m afraid I didn’t love this one as much – it took me quite some time to get into as I got used to Elsa’s voice. Narrated by an almost eight year old child was certainly different, and her constant use of Wikipedia was amusing. She is an extremely smart child, but very naïve as well. Her heartfelt grief at losing her beloved Granny who had been her champion all of her life – protecting her from life’s bullies; supporting her in all ways that Grannies do was incredibly well done. The fairy tales were long and frequent. There will be many who will love this fantastical story as much as A Man Called Ove – I wish I had. But I still have no hesitation in recommending it to all.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review. ...more
When Private Investigator Bruce Bilger was approached by Ken Wallis, manager of AFL club the Centralian Galahs, he had no idea he was about to become When Private Investigator Bruce Bilger was approached by Ken Wallis, manager of AFL club the Centralian Galahs, he had no idea he was about to become involved in a mystery involving the strange occurrence of fullback Brad Spammin performing a couple of drop kicks in a game which hadn’t allowed drop kicks in at least thirty years. They had lost that particular game to the Cats by only a few points, and with Port Power as opposition in the near future, Ken was desperate to solve the issue of their fullback’s strange actions, and within the club – no media attention would also be good…
But Bilger’s investigation was turning up some strange and bizarre problems – Brad would only say, and keep saying “the mambo made me do it” – which meant nothing to Bilger. Where would this investigation lead him? And would he achieve the results Ken was looking for, without media attention or the knowledge of the AFL board?
This is a light, enjoyable debut mystery by Aussie author Peter Tonkin which centres around the Aussie Rules football game – the story takes place in Adelaide with mention of many places I know and have been to, so it was very easy to visualise. There’s some light humour in this novella and I don’t mind recommending it to mystery lovers who enjoy a quick, easy read.
With thanks to the publisher for my copy to read and review. ...more
As newly graduated Doctor Barry Laverty struggled to find his way to the small village of Ballybucklebo, the wilds of the blackthorn hedges had him baAs newly graduated Doctor Barry Laverty struggled to find his way to the small village of Ballybucklebo, the wilds of the blackthorn hedges had him baffled. The roads just had to lead there, didn’t they? With vague directions from a young man on a bicycle, he finally made it to his interview with five minutes to spare. His meeting with his prospective employer however, didn’t start too well. The bellow of a voice as it was directed at a poor unfortunate fellow who landed in a bush had Barry stepping back a little, wondering what he had in store for himself.
Doctor Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly was the man in question, and as Barry came to know the older physician, he wasn’t sure how to take him. Some of his methods seemed questionable to say the least, but gradually Barry discovered a kind and compassionate man under the bluster. And Barry also discovered a passion for the countryside, its quaint but wonderful people, the reliable Mrs Kincaid (Kinky) and her delicious cooking and of course his medicine. He was happy.
I loved this absolutely delightful story! I thoroughly enjoyed the humour, the lifestyle, the quirks of the people, O’Reilly and his friends, plus I loved the little village of Ballybucklebo! Highly recommended. ...more
Frank Shaw was a corporate lawyer – he wrote contracts for a living. But after his dreadful car accident when he was lying prone in hospital, in pain,Frank Shaw was a corporate lawyer – he wrote contracts for a living. But after his dreadful car accident when he was lying prone in hospital, in pain, drifting in and out of consciousness, he couldn’t remember anything of his work, nor his family or his wife Alice. With family members all around him, telling him he would be fine, all he could think was that he didn’t even know these people who were telling him that he would be fine.
When he finally went home from hospital he tried to recollect events from his “past life” – his life before the accident. With his brother Oscar, who was also his boss at Shaw & Sons, he began to gently insinuate himself back into his job – but it didn’t work. He needed more time. Alice was acting very strangely as well – he wasn’t liking the way things were turning out; it didn’t seem like life pre accident had been a good one. The one sense of sanity he felt was the constant emails he received from his other brother Malcolm, who had rejected the family business and was travelling the world.
I had some trouble getting into this book – but once I did I found I enjoyed the story, with Frank’s dilemma a constant throughout. I also found it hard to get attached to the characters – there was definitely humour throughout, and the fine print at the bottom of the pages needs to be read otherwise the story wouldn’t be as it’s meant to be.
I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads program and was very excited to receive my copy. ...more
This was a quick easy read, but a disappointing one for me. The humour just didn't come across as funny to me, though I did laugh a few times. But cerThis was a quick easy read, but a disappointing one for me. The humour just didn't come across as funny to me, though I did laugh a few times. But certainly not the amount of times I thought I would.
Basically it's short chapters about bits and pieces of Ellen's life, things she likes and dislikes. It's pretty much a lot of blather and babble, and definitely not an autobiography.
In my opinion, I think that Ellen should remain on the TV, entertaining everyone with her chat show...I enjoy that. But her book (and I haven't read the first two she wrote) went close to becoming one of the few I haven't finished, and even though I skimmed a little, I did finish it. ...more