Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've been wanting to read this series for quite some time and I'm very happy to have finally read the first one. This was a really fun, enjoyable read. Definitely the calm, chill story I was looking for at the time. I love Dr. O'Reilly and the relationships he has with the villagers in his care, as well as their interactions. Plenty of serious moments and sub plots through the patients that are seen but also a healthy balance of humor. And what fantastic humor it is! Definitely had me laughing out loud a time or two. I could see this being a TV series and I'd love it if that came to be. I enjoy how Dr. Laverty came to understand why O'Reilly did what he did, built his own relationships with his patients, and the little romance was pretty good too. Didn't overtake the plot of Dr. Laverty becoming a part of the community, but added to it. I love the dialogue and when Barry experienced a mistake that could've been tragic, I was amazed at how well written the handling of this situation was. Honestly my favorite part and definately a quote worth holding onto.
I know this is a book beloved by many, but I found reading it to be a chore. I found some parts very enjoyable but had to force myself to read it.
This book was a light read that provided some really descriptive scenes when needed. I will definitely read the next in the series and see what happens with the characters. Recommend for a summer read! Or even a snow day stuck inside haha
It's nice to read a more slow paced, rural based book. There were some serious issues dealt with and a lot of bending of the rules that was amusing to me. I will continue the series.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
“James Herriot meets Maeve Binchy” in this charming story about a new doctor who signs on to be the assistant to an established GP in 1960s Northern Ireland. There isn’t one big drama in the plot of this story – the drama comes from everyday life in a small Irish village. The book follows Barry Laverty as he learns about practicing medicine, friendship, and love by working with the unique Dr. Fingal O’Reilly. Most importantly Barry discovers that some of the most important lessons in life don’t come from a book.
I enjoyed the character of Fingal who is kindhearted and caring behind his sometimes gruff exterior and unconventional methods of practicing medicine. Barry is an intelligent young man and a good person who wants to do the right thing. For the most part, I like his character, but he is quick to jump to conclusions over and over and doesn’t seem to learn to get all the facts first before making a judgment. In spite of his flaws, Barry is an interesting and likeable main character and I enjoyed this book that has a relaxing pace, but remains interesting from the beginning to the end.
I enjoyed the character of Fingal who is kindhearted and caring behind his sometimes gruff exterior and unconventional methods of practicing medicine. Barry is an intelligent young man and a good person who wants to do the right thing. For the most part, I like his character, but he is quick to jump to conclusions over and over and doesn’t seem to learn to get all the facts first before making a judgment. In spite of his flaws, Barry is an interesting and likeable main character and I enjoyed this book that has a relaxing pace, but remains interesting from the beginning to the end.
So I was finally able to pick up the first installment of Patrick Taylor's books on the fine folks of the rural Irish town Ballybucklebo. And I loved it just as much as all the others.
It's nice to finally see how it all began, how all the characters met up together and formed the long lasting friendships that carry them through the rest of the books. A wonderfully descriptive and quirky beginning to young Dr. Barry Laverty's career as the assistant and partner to one Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly, country G.P.
It's nice to finally see how it all began, how all the characters met up together and formed the long lasting friendships that carry them through the rest of the books. A wonderfully descriptive and quirky beginning to young Dr. Barry Laverty's career as the assistant and partner to one Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly, country G.P.
Did you see the tv series Ballykissangel? This is the medical version, just not quite as modern. Set in the 50s, newly minted Dr. Barry Laverty heads to the incredibly small town of Ballybucklebo to learn about being a GP from Dr. Fingal O'Reilly. Of course there are the usual "I can't believe you're doing/not doing that" moments, but by the end of three weeks (!!) he's proven himself to be a good doctor, been offered a permanent position (and eventual partnership), met a girl and generally made inroads in the life of the town. Three weeks seems awfully quick for this, but this is a work of fiction so who am I to quarrel?
Perfect for those that want an old-fashioned quiet read. Oh, and there are two sequels.
(Free copy obtained from publisher at ALA Annual)
Perfect for those that want an old-fashioned quiet read. Oh, and there are two sequels.
(Free copy obtained from publisher at ALA Annual)
I usually prefer some sort of journey or moral from my books but the accents and voices in this are just a fun detour hanging out in a different culture.
I could tell this wasn't written for Irish audiences because they'd periodically stick in definitions of slang and "I don't know why our American friends call it ..."
I enjoyed this. I'll come back to visit the series later when I need a fun interlude.
I could tell this wasn't written for Irish audiences because they'd periodically stick in definitions of slang and "I don't know why our American friends call it ..."
I enjoyed this. I'll come back to visit the series later when I need a fun interlude.