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jzerkee's review against another edition
5.0
Laugh-out-loud funny, and very genuine. I loved this book.
dozylocal's review against another edition
3.0
Sweet. Nothing strange or fantastic or particularly unrealistic.
deshanejt's review against another edition
4.0
This is quite a quirky and funny story... Frank Derrick may be 81 years old but his inner monologues are completely relatable and hilarious. This was an audiobook copy for me, and the narrator's voice and inflection, was PERFECT. He had me in stitches a few times!
**Possible spoiler**
So although the majority of this book was comical, it stood to remind me that life is precious. Don't ever let your age discourage you from forming new relationships, or trying new things. It was bittersweet to see what Frank's new friendship with his [nurse/home care aid] meant to him... While Kelly was a sweet soul, and cared for Frank, she was following the duties of her career, and I don't know for certain if she was aware of the monumental impact she made in his life. For the better. Which was another great reminder this book touched on: Be kind to others. The small appearance you make in someone's life can still be life-changing.
**Possible spoiler**
So although the majority of this book was comical, it stood to remind me that life is precious. Don't ever let your age discourage you from forming new relationships, or trying new things. It was bittersweet to see what Frank's new friendship with his [nurse/home care aid] meant to him... While Kelly was a sweet soul, and cared for Frank, she was following the duties of her career, and I don't know for certain if she was aware of the monumental impact she made in his life. For the better. Which was another great reminder this book touched on: Be kind to others. The small appearance you make in someone's life can still be life-changing.
kristianthinks's review against another edition
5.0
I am not as old as Frank Derrick.
Shocking yes.
I am actually just 19, and have very little to relate to Frank on.
However that did not stop me from not only enjoying but I think properly experiencing this novel. It is as beautiful as it is sad, it's as incredible as it is witty. It had me awkwardly laughing very loudly in public places to choking back tears in my own room. My heart feels like it has been simultaneously reborn as much as it feels as if a milk float had hit it.
Shocking yes.
I am actually just 19, and have very little to relate to Frank on.
However that did not stop me from not only enjoying but I think properly experiencing this novel. It is as beautiful as it is sad, it's as incredible as it is witty. It had me awkwardly laughing very loudly in public places to choking back tears in my own room. My heart feels like it has been simultaneously reborn as much as it feels as if a milk float had hit it.
fernweh85's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
From the start I was laughing and charmed by Frank Derrick, however as the book progressed it touched on some serious notes and real issues relating to pensioners and especially loneliness which for a couple of chapters I found genuinely depressing.
I find it rare that I'm moved so much by a book so funny and considering the simplicity of the plot, it definitely has a lot of ups and downs. I came into this book expecting a poor execution of The Hundred Year Old Man Who...but was pleasantly surprised.
From the start I was laughing and charmed by Frank Derrick, however as the book progressed it touched on some serious notes and real issues relating to pensioners and especially loneliness which for a couple of chapters I found genuinely depressing.
I find it rare that I'm moved so much by a book so funny and considering the simplicity of the plot, it definitely has a lot of ups and downs. I came into this book expecting a poor execution of The Hundred Year Old Man Who...but was pleasantly surprised.
kristenlovesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
snoakes7001's review against another edition
5.0
Are the best books the ones that reduce you to tears? I had to put this down at one point towards the end because I was about to sob my heart out. The main themes are old age and loneliness - being old and alone is way more terrifying than dying, isn't it? Frank is a fantastic character and one that will stay with me for a long time.
bitofabookworm's review against another edition
4.0
A fun and easy read about what it might be like to be old and lonely - after being run over by a milk float on his 81st birthday the book follows Frank Derrick's recovery, and the impact on his life on having a carer visit once a week - very enjoyable!