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author_d_r_oestreicher's review
5.0
For those not familiar with the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, it is in Gaborone Botswana. These books are the coziest cozy mysteries. For instance, in The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith, the lady detectives investigate four suitors perusing a rich lady entrepreneur, while also dealing with an incompetent auto repair shop and a high-pressure charity fundraiser. Note that these description sound more dangerous than the actual events.
If you are looking for a pleasant sojourn away from the stress and challenges of the world, I can highly recommend a delightful vacation to Botswana where the biggest concern is finding the next cup of bush tea.
For my book club report see: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-full-cupboard-of-life-by-alexander.html
If you are looking for a pleasant sojourn away from the stress and challenges of the world, I can highly recommend a delightful vacation to Botswana where the biggest concern is finding the next cup of bush tea.
For my book club report see: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-full-cupboard-of-life-by-alexander.html
phenomenal_woman's review
3.0
characters: Precious Ramotswe, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, Mma Makutsi, Mma Potokwane, Mma Holonga, Charlie, Mr. Bobologo, Spokes Spokesi
The blurbs on the back of the book say it all: the book is big-hearted and brims with old-fashioned charm. The book is gentle and funny and a lovely, quick read. AMS' lapses in to moralizing about modern society are even mostly charming, if at times verging on tedious.
The blurbs on the back of the book say it all: the book is big-hearted and brims with old-fashioned charm. The book is gentle and funny and a lovely, quick read. AMS' lapses in to moralizing about modern society are even mostly charming, if at times verging on tedious.
poojan's review against another edition
2.0
the only good thing about the book is how detailed description of daily life in Botswana makes you turn the next page! its very simple and subtle story. if thats your game , go for it.
allanvdh's review
3.0
A quick but enjoyable read of the antics of the Number 1 Lady Detective in Botswana. Not too many adventures in this book but keeps the story going so we can’t wait to read the next book.
nferre's review against another edition
4.0
Darn if I didn't take this book off the shelf and settled in to read it and around page 20 or so I realized I had already read it and forgotten to journal it.....
When I finally remembered the plot, I also remembered having once again enjoyed another book in this series.
When I finally remembered the plot, I also remembered having once again enjoyed another book in this series.
read_with_g's review
5.0
The fifth book in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Series is filled with delightful little observations on and insights into the differences between men and women and the nature of their relationships.
While most of these observations are humourous and described with wit, there are also subtle, meaningful messages regarding how people in a relationship should treat each other – for example, that in difficult situations it is best to be honest rather than skirt uncomfortable discussions.
There are also observations on human beings in general and the state of our society today. For example, Mma Ramotswe reflects:
“We do not talk about wise men or wise ladies any more, she reflected; their place had been taken, it seemed, by all sorts of shallow people – actors and the like – who were only too ready to pronounce on all sorts of subjects. It was worse, she thought, in other countries, but it was beginning to happen in Botswana and she did not like it. She, for one, would never pay any attention to the views of such people; she would far rather listen to a person who had done something real in life; these people knew what they were talking about.”
The books in the series, as I might have mentioned in my previous reviews, remind me to slow down, enjoy life and the things happening around me right now. They are funny and I find myself smiling every few pages. McCall Smith crafts very believable characters and his prose reads at a beautifully calming pace.
This book also had what I think was the best chapter title I have come across amongst all the books I have every read:
Chapter Eight
Tea Is Always The Solution
Oh how I loved that and wholeheartedly agree!
Finally, I enjoyed the little surprise with which the book ended.
While most of these observations are humourous and described with wit, there are also subtle, meaningful messages regarding how people in a relationship should treat each other – for example, that in difficult situations it is best to be honest rather than skirt uncomfortable discussions.
There are also observations on human beings in general and the state of our society today. For example, Mma Ramotswe reflects:
“We do not talk about wise men or wise ladies any more, she reflected; their place had been taken, it seemed, by all sorts of shallow people – actors and the like – who were only too ready to pronounce on all sorts of subjects. It was worse, she thought, in other countries, but it was beginning to happen in Botswana and she did not like it. She, for one, would never pay any attention to the views of such people; she would far rather listen to a person who had done something real in life; these people knew what they were talking about.”
The books in the series, as I might have mentioned in my previous reviews, remind me to slow down, enjoy life and the things happening around me right now. They are funny and I find myself smiling every few pages. McCall Smith crafts very believable characters and his prose reads at a beautifully calming pace.
This book also had what I think was the best chapter title I have come across amongst all the books I have every read:
Chapter Eight
Tea Is Always The Solution
Oh how I loved that and wholeheartedly agree!
Finally, I enjoyed the little surprise with which the book ended.
al27caro's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
shaekin's review
3.0
Still a fun quick read, but still not as good as the first one. I want more mysteries and less drama between the characters. Still planning to read more, because I keep hoping they get better.
reganross's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
brooke4131's review
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5