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hannah_bookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Bloody gorgeous. Laughed more times than I could count. Never have I been proud to be Yorkshire lass.
Shout out to the lad who said "Miss, it's cold enough to freeze t' flippers off a penguin this morning" in a '90s school inspection because that's my new favourite phrase.
Shout out to the lad who said "Miss, it's cold enough to freeze t' flippers off a penguin this morning" in a '90s school inspection because that's my new favourite phrase.
spacebornfew's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
canadianbookworm's review
3.0
I've had this on my shelf for a while, but it was a quick read once I got started. Phinn writes about his experience as a school inspector in Yorkshire. This book begins with Phinn's interview for the inspection position, and continues through the first few months of his job.
His work requires travel, diplomacy, and sometimes physical exertion. There is a lot of humour, a great deal of insight, and lots of good stories.
Phinn clearly loves his job, and enjoys the variety of interactions his job entails. I found this book a feel-good one, with a positive outlook. I am looking forward to the books that follow this one.
His work requires travel, diplomacy, and sometimes physical exertion. There is a lot of humour, a great deal of insight, and lots of good stories.
Phinn clearly loves his job, and enjoys the variety of interactions his job entails. I found this book a feel-good one, with a positive outlook. I am looking forward to the books that follow this one.
sandyd's review
4.0
A book I saw in "The Common Reader" catalog and then made my library get through inter-library loan.
Imagine a cross between James Herriot & that Mitford series by Jan Karon - this is the story of an "Inspector of Schools" in Yorkshire. There are lots of "cute things kids say" in it, and some interesting descriptions of the area. Not too much drama or excitement, but I don't always want that (or heartbreak) in my books.
Here's an excerpt I liked (a yow is a female sheep, btw, and its one of the schoolkids talking):
"Its a word which describes a yow when she's heavy pregnant, so heavy you see, she falls over on her back and just can't move, she's helpless. Sticks her legs in t'air and just can't shift. It's called 'rigged', proper word is 'riggwelted'. Me dad comes in from t'fields and flops on t'settee and says, 'I'm fair riggwelted'."
Imagine a cross between James Herriot & that Mitford series by Jan Karon - this is the story of an "Inspector of Schools" in Yorkshire. There are lots of "cute things kids say" in it, and some interesting descriptions of the area. Not too much drama or excitement, but I don't always want that (or heartbreak) in my books.
Here's an excerpt I liked (a yow is a female sheep, btw, and its one of the schoolkids talking):
"Its a word which describes a yow when she's heavy pregnant, so heavy you see, she falls over on her back and just can't move, she's helpless. Sticks her legs in t'air and just can't shift. It's called 'rigged', proper word is 'riggwelted'. Me dad comes in from t'fields and flops on t'settee and says, 'I'm fair riggwelted'."
jodilynclayton's review
4.0
Definitely shades of James Herriot here. Not laugh out loud funny like Herriot, but sweet and enjoyable. Phinn describes his first year as school inspector in Yorkshire. His love of Yorkshire echoes Herriot's and I long to visit the dales and see it for myself. I also appreciate Phinn's love of children and his ability to capture the eccentric. I will definitely continue this gentle series.
raehink's review
3.0
The author tells of his experiences in the Yorkshire Dales as a county inspector of schools. His interactions with children are witty and sweet. The people he encounters daily are definitely Yorkshire folks. A heart-warming and gentle read.
pageturner92's review
5.0
On re-reading this for the umpteenth time the "James Herriot of schools" never disappoints. Gervase Phinn's insight into the schools of the Yorkshire Dales is heartwarming, witty, and full of wisdom, and he writes in such a way that you are there with him, surrounded by the variety the Dales has to offer. I never go into the book without feeling a little like an "off-cum'ed un" but within a few pages it is like being at home, enveloped in all the comfort and warmth you'd expect on a cold night from a cozy blanket and a mug of hot chocolate (of course, I was reading this on a warm day inside whilst hiding from the pollen).
That however doesn't matter. It will be the right and gentle book to read when you need it. Luckily, I'll always need a book like this and it reminds me of why I wanted an education-based career in the first place.
That however doesn't matter. It will be the right and gentle book to read when you need it. Luckily, I'll always need a book like this and it reminds me of why I wanted an education-based career in the first place.
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