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Lessons from Ducks
How do you go on when everything you love is ripped away from you?
Anna Jenkins is sleepwalking through life. Once, she had everything she could ever want, but now she rattles away in her big old house where the silence doesn't just echo, it bounces off the rafters, slides down the window panes, rolls across the bench tops and skids across the floor.
With a job she hates and a manager who hates her, Anna divides her time between work, home and the cemetery. It's not much of an existence, even Anna can admit that. But then, she's spent a fair amount of time plotting ways to not exist at all, so it's the least of her worries.
Enter some ducks, a handful of eggs, an eight year old boy named after a Sesame Street character and his father who can't seem to keep his shirt on, and things are about to change. Whether Anna likes it or not.
Anna Jenkins is sleepwalking through life. Once, she had everything she could ever want, but now she rattles away in her big old house where the silence doesn't just echo, it bounces off the rafters, slides down the window panes, rolls across the bench tops and skids across the floor.
With a job she hates and a manager who hates her, Anna divides her time between work, home and the cemetery. It's not much of an existence, even Anna can admit that. But then, she's spent a fair amount of time plotting ways to not exist at all, so it's the least of her worries.
Enter some ducks, a handful of eggs, an eight year old boy named after a Sesame Street character and his father who can't seem to keep his shirt on, and things are about to change. Whether Anna likes it or not.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2015
14 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Tammy Robinson
22 books194 followersTammy Robinson is a contemporary author from the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. After years spent working her way around the world, Tammy settled back in New Zealand, where she met her husband. They now have three children and live on a farm. She published her first six novels through Amazon before she was signed to Hachette, who published DIFFERENTLY NORMAL and PHOTOS OF YOU, with several worldwide translations. PHOTOS OF YOU has been optioned for film by LA Production company MRC Film, to be produced by Elizabeth Cantillon. Tammy's ninth book, BACK TO YOU, will be published April 27th 2021 by Hachette.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 6, 2021
My first Tammy book and I have to say I haven't read a book this fast for ages.
Very unique way of writing which can only be described as beautiful. I didn't want to put it down. Just downloaded all her other books and looking forward to reading them.
Very unique way of writing which can only be described as beautiful. I didn't want to put it down. Just downloaded all her other books and looking forward to reading them.
May 21, 2015
Lessons from Ducks has to be the cutest sad story I’ve ever read.
I adored this story from start to finish and actually feel quite sad that it had to end. I’m already missing my daily encounter with the ducks and their “QUACKS”.
This is a heartbreaking tale of a woman going through various stages of grief, and not dealing with it very well. I felt I connected with Anna, probably because of her love of animals, gardening and walking.
Although it was sad experiencing Anna’s grief and loneliness, there was another side to this book that was so happy and hilarious it had me laughing out loud on many occasions. There is something special about animals. No matter what you’re going through, they have a way of melting your heart and somehow giving you hope that things are going to be all right.
I loved the characters of Matt and his 8-year-old son, Oscar too. In fact, some of Oscar’s comments had me giggling away. He seemed more grown up than the adults at times. I loved the way the friendship developed between Anna, Matt, Oscar and of course, the ducks.
My heart ached, I laughed, and I cried with both sadness and happiness throughout this beautiful and touching tale of grief and the magical ability of animals to heal those humans around them.
If you aren’t left with the intense urge to adopt a duck once you have finished this, then I think we can safely assume you’re not an animal person in any way whatsoever.
I highly recommend this to anyone with a heart, as it is a wonderful read, written in a visually descriptive, sometimes very emotional, and often witty way.
I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book, via THE Book Club, in exchange for an honest review, and wish her great success with this book. This definitely won’t be the last time I read a book by Tammy Robinson. I’m already eager to read more by her.
March 10, 2015
this is the second book ive read by this author and another 5 star read. as sad as this book is in parts it also had me laughing, especially parts including the ducks. cannot recommend this book highly enough, a wonderful novel which will have you laughing, crying and wanting to rush out and buy ducks!
May 30, 2015
I was looking forward to this book because I am crazy for ducks. Well, quite honestly, the ducks were really the only good thing about this book.
For starters, there were enough grammatical errors and typos to drive me bonkers. I found that distracting.
Secondly, I felt like Matt was everything a woman tends to hate about men. He pursues Anna in a way that can only be described as stalking: showing up at her house unannounced, inviting himself in after she has said no, even showing up at her place of work. Despite the fact that his 8-year-old son is always with him, he can't seem to keep his shirt on (even after she asks him to put it back on). Throughout the first 90% of the book, she sends him very clear "leave me alone" signals, and still he continues to pursue her. I seriously wanted to slap her when she kissed him. In what universe is it ever okay to treat a woman like that? Is there really no other way to gain a woman's affection than by treating her like a piece of meat?
And yet, my disdain for Anna is even greater than my dislike of Matt. She seriously manages to get in arguments with EVERYONE in this novel: her supervisor Judy, some guy at the grocery store, another patient in the waiting room of her doctor's office, a waiter at a restaurant, and her mother-in-law -- oh, and Matt, of course. In each and every scenario, she comes out of it the victor... but seriously, she is so catty and annoying that I wished just once, someone would put her in her place and shut her up. On top of that, she literally has full-on discussions with the ducks. As if they can reason and understand what she's saying. I talk to my cats all the time, but I don't tell them to fluff each other's pillows and clean each other's bowls, because I realize at some point it becomes ridiculous. And if that's not ridiculous enough, there is a scene in the novel shortly after she meets Matt in which she argues with air. That's right, AIR.
Honestly, the only characters I gave a rip about were the ducks, and perhaps that is because their only line in the book was "Quack."
For starters, there were enough grammatical errors and typos to drive me bonkers. I found that distracting.
Secondly, I felt like Matt was everything a woman tends to hate about men. He pursues Anna in a way that can only be described as stalking: showing up at her house unannounced, inviting himself in after she has said no, even showing up at her place of work. Despite the fact that his 8-year-old son is always with him, he can't seem to keep his shirt on (even after she asks him to put it back on). Throughout the first 90% of the book, she sends him very clear "leave me alone" signals, and still he continues to pursue her. I seriously wanted to slap her when she kissed him. In what universe is it ever okay to treat a woman like that? Is there really no other way to gain a woman's affection than by treating her like a piece of meat?
And yet, my disdain for Anna is even greater than my dislike of Matt. She seriously manages to get in arguments with EVERYONE in this novel: her supervisor Judy, some guy at the grocery store, another patient in the waiting room of her doctor's office, a waiter at a restaurant, and her mother-in-law -- oh, and Matt, of course. In each and every scenario, she comes out of it the victor... but seriously, she is so catty and annoying that I wished just once, someone would put her in her place and shut her up. On top of that, she literally has full-on discussions with the ducks. As if they can reason and understand what she's saying. I talk to my cats all the time, but I don't tell them to fluff each other's pillows and clean each other's bowls, because I realize at some point it becomes ridiculous. And if that's not ridiculous enough, there is a scene in the novel shortly after she meets Matt in which she argues with air. That's right, AIR.
Honestly, the only characters I gave a rip about were the ducks, and perhaps that is because their only line in the book was "Quack."
May 18, 2015
I love how Tammy writes, her stories are really quite simple and could be described as 'nice' but that doesn't do them justice. I liked how this book told a story of a character who at times was really quite unlikable, but was so understandable, especially once you learnt her heartbreaking history. As a reader I was rooting for her and hoping that she'd have a happy ending.
The ducks in the story add a quirky element, and help give the story it's heart. I really don't want to give too much away, just read the book, you'll enjoy it I'm sure.
I was given a copy of this book by the author through TBC in return for an honest review.
The ducks in the story add a quirky element, and help give the story it's heart. I really don't want to give too much away, just read the book, you'll enjoy it I'm sure.
I was given a copy of this book by the author through TBC in return for an honest review.
July 13, 2015
After reading Charlie and Pearl, I just had to read more of Tammy's books. While this is completely different in style, pace and storyline, it is just as lovely to read.
Tammy feeds the reader information chapter by chapter, which left me wanting to understand the main character more and more.
And yes, there's actual real ducks in this story, and yes I learnt a lesson too.
Utterly sweet and heartwarming book that I would definitely recommend.
Tammy feeds the reader information chapter by chapter, which left me wanting to understand the main character more and more.
And yes, there's actual real ducks in this story, and yes I learnt a lesson too.
Utterly sweet and heartwarming book that I would definitely recommend.
April 8, 2018
Lovely book
Loved this book, it carried me with it's characters all the way, I didn't want it to end. Moving, funny and right on the button about grief and managing to find a way through. Highly recommended, I read a lot and this is the first time I've felt moved to write a review. I read this on a day when I was very heart sore and it got me through. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Loved this book, it carried me with it's characters all the way, I didn't want it to end. Moving, funny and right on the button about grief and managing to find a way through. Highly recommended, I read a lot and this is the first time I've felt moved to write a review. I read this on a day when I was very heart sore and it got me through. Can't wait to read more from this author.
March 30, 2015
Very well written with some editing issues, not due to the differences between American English and New Zealand English. This is a stand-alone book with no cliffhanger.
This is a lovely story about a woman coming to the end of the grieving process. She doesn't know she's nearing the end. She's fighting hard to hang onto her grief, since that's all she has left of her family. The author does a great job of describing the inner cycle of anger, grief, guilt and denial while maintaining a façade of remote indifference.
Despite the subject matter, this book is filled with humor. The main character has a very sharp, dry wit that we mostly experience through her inner dialog, but she does let it loose on her officious boss.
This is a romance, although G rated. Not a traditional romance, but still worth your time.
Strongly recommended.
This is a lovely story about a woman coming to the end of the grieving process. She doesn't know she's nearing the end. She's fighting hard to hang onto her grief, since that's all she has left of her family. The author does a great job of describing the inner cycle of anger, grief, guilt and denial while maintaining a façade of remote indifference.
Despite the subject matter, this book is filled with humor. The main character has a very sharp, dry wit that we mostly experience through her inner dialog, but she does let it loose on her officious boss.
This is a romance, although G rated. Not a traditional romance, but still worth your time.
Strongly recommended.
May 14, 2015
Kindly given a copy for review, the book description did not inspire someone who dislikes the genre ROMANCE however, it is a beautifully crafted book that I have to admit to enjoying. The storyline is engaging and gives realistic insight into the diverse ways people employ to work through devastating life events.
This is a book filled with hope inspired by seeing beauty in everyday life and focusing on that instead of despair. It is sad and funny in almost equal measures and provided an entertaining respite from my usual dark fare. For me the romance bit didn't get in the way of a good story well written and I would certainly try another by the same author.
This is a book filled with hope inspired by seeing beauty in everyday life and focusing on that instead of despair. It is sad and funny in almost equal measures and provided an entertaining respite from my usual dark fare. For me the romance bit didn't get in the way of a good story well written and I would certainly try another by the same author.
December 31, 2015
This was a book I was delighted to beta read for the author, and I loved it as much as her previous books.
(I fell too far behind on my reviews and am only now getting round to writing them!)
The characters in this book are so well written. Each of them, and I include the ducks in this, jump out of the page with their characterisations, mannerisms, storylines etc
The story drew me into it almost immediately, and held me there throughout. I loved how the stories come together.
This is a sweet story which would appeal to almost anyone. Love the author, love the story, and can't wait to see what comes next!
(I fell too far behind on my reviews and am only now getting round to writing them!)
The characters in this book are so well written. Each of them, and I include the ducks in this, jump out of the page with their characterisations, mannerisms, storylines etc
The story drew me into it almost immediately, and held me there throughout. I loved how the stories come together.
This is a sweet story which would appeal to almost anyone. Love the author, love the story, and can't wait to see what comes next!
February 16, 2016
At the beginning of the novel, I feared I'd have to put it down; it was so sad. Instead, I decided to stick with it, and I'm glad I did. I loved the relationships that were built slowly and with great care unlike the novels where two people meet and jump into bed. These relationships went through an infancy and matured. The characters became people I wanted to get to know better. Although there are many typos and missing apostrophes, they should not prevent someone from reading this book. The story makes up for the mistakes. I hope you fall in love with the characters the way I did.
April 27, 2015
Fell in love with this book immediately - have to confess I have always wanted to keep white ducks! Sat reading this in a coffee shop and startled the couple next to me by going from laughter to tears in fairly quick succession. Loved the warmth of the weather and the scents of the garden - a beautifully told tale that really pulled me in!
August 2, 2015
This is the second book of Tammy's I've read. She has the ability to make her characters come alive. You feel as if you know them intimately. I fell in love with Anna, Matt, Oscar and Buddy. If you want a feel good story that's not soppy I would certainly recommend this.
February 15, 2015
another great book from a favorite new author (for me)
A rather sad book with a happy ending. A mother will never get over the death of her child. But it was rewarding to see her advance and start living again. Hated for this book to end. Wondrous! So glad I found this book.
A rather sad book with a happy ending. A mother will never get over the death of her child. But it was rewarding to see her advance and start living again. Hated for this book to end. Wondrous! So glad I found this book.
July 15, 2016
Great read
This was my favorite book by Tammy so far. Loved how the ducks were integrated into the story line. I also like how you knew something happened but it was not revealed until later in the book.
This was my favorite book by Tammy so far. Loved how the ducks were integrated into the story line. I also like how you knew something happened but it was not revealed until later in the book.
May 5, 2015
lovely book with great characters, so sad I had tears in my eyes and shed a few.
the ducks were great in the story, and really did bring something to the novel. Well written, and described.
the ducks were great in the story, and really did bring something to the novel. Well written, and described.
May 11, 2015
Such a lovely touching story, although finished far too quickly.
If only I had a garden for some ducks
If only I had a garden for some ducks
May 31, 2015
his is a delightful read by the author of Charlie and the Pearl. Short read but loved everything about it . . .5 stars.
November 9, 2015
Another excellent Book by Tammy Robinson. This story had me sad, worried , giggling and I couldn't put it down. I recommended it to everyone :)
November 1, 2015
It was a very good book.
April 24, 2019
Anna has closed down, her hurt too hard to bear. But the ducks living in her garden, and a small boy who is fascinated by them, open up a crack where she can begin to live again.
April 15, 2024
An ok holiday read but all the typos don’t comply with NZ spelling!
April 9, 2016
Heartwrenching and heartwarming
Perfect book loved the sadness and hope running alongside each other throughout the book. Now want to move to New Zealand after the wonderful scenic descriptions! Deserved 5 star review. Off to buy more from Tammy!
Perfect book loved the sadness and hope running alongside each other throughout the book. Now want to move to New Zealand after the wonderful scenic descriptions! Deserved 5 star review. Off to buy more from Tammy!
March 21, 2016
A lovely story tinged with sadness.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews