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Frank Derrick #2
Frank Derrick's Holiday of A Lifetime
Frank Derrick is eighty-two. And apparently that makes him old. But he just doesn't feel old. Sure, his limbs ache, he can't sleep more than a few hours a night and it takes him a while to get going in the morning. But he's still Frank. A dad, a granddad, a friend to Bill the cat.
So when he receives a phone call from Los Angeles with news that his grown-up daughter's life is falling apart, his natural instinct is to drop everything to be with her. Unfortunately for Frank, that means using his life savings and putting himself in danger of losing his home. But then, Frank's never been one for long-term plans. He can sort out where he and Bill the cat will live when he's back.
And so Frank gets on a plane for the first time in his life. He was never much good at helping his daughter through crises when she was growing up. He left all that to his wife Sheila, who died nearly ten years ago. Now it's time to step up to his role of father to Beth. Joining forces with his determined granddaughter Laura, they begin The Reunion Project in an attempt to bring some happiness back into Beth's life and to bring the family back together again for one happy family holiday.
Filled with moments of great sadness, joy and humour Frank Derrick's Holiday of A Lifetime reminds us all to make the most of every day and to appreciate those closest to us.
So when he receives a phone call from Los Angeles with news that his grown-up daughter's life is falling apart, his natural instinct is to drop everything to be with her. Unfortunately for Frank, that means using his life savings and putting himself in danger of losing his home. But then, Frank's never been one for long-term plans. He can sort out where he and Bill the cat will live when he's back.
And so Frank gets on a plane for the first time in his life. He was never much good at helping his daughter through crises when she was growing up. He left all that to his wife Sheila, who died nearly ten years ago. Now it's time to step up to his role of father to Beth. Joining forces with his determined granddaughter Laura, they begin The Reunion Project in an attempt to bring some happiness back into Beth's life and to bring the family back together again for one happy family holiday.
Filled with moments of great sadness, joy and humour Frank Derrick's Holiday of A Lifetime reminds us all to make the most of every day and to appreciate those closest to us.
- GenresFictionContemporaryHumor
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2015
9 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 3, 2019
Four and a half stars.
Eighty two year old Frank Derrick lives alone except for his cat Bill. Though his bones ache and creak and times, Frank still feels young on the inside and takes an interest in the world. His daughter Beth and his granddaughter Laura are living in America. One day Frank receives a phone call that tells him Beth has more than a few serious issues to deal with. One is that she and her husband Jimmy have split up and the other is a cancerous lump. Frank's first instinct is to make plans to fly over from England to America to see Beth. After a bit of sorting out he is able to find a way to do just that. Laura meanwhile, has a plan to re-unite her mother and Jimmy but she needs Frank’s help.
I had not read the first book about Frank but it did not matter a bit, I soon warmed to him and became involved in his story. The three main characters are all well drawn and even the cat Bill is portrayed well. I liked the inclusion of Bill’s unspoken thoughts at the changes and indignities he feels he is made to suffer.
This is a charming, story about relationships. The relationship between Laura and her grandfather was lovely. The story did get a little bogged down at times with all the movie references. But, all in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read with some moments of sadness but many more of humour. A delightful book to while away a bit of time, leaves you feeling good inside.
Eighty two year old Frank Derrick lives alone except for his cat Bill. Though his bones ache and creak and times, Frank still feels young on the inside and takes an interest in the world. His daughter Beth and his granddaughter Laura are living in America. One day Frank receives a phone call that tells him Beth has more than a few serious issues to deal with. One is that she and her husband Jimmy have split up and the other is a cancerous lump. Frank's first instinct is to make plans to fly over from England to America to see Beth. After a bit of sorting out he is able to find a way to do just that. Laura meanwhile, has a plan to re-unite her mother and Jimmy but she needs Frank’s help.
I had not read the first book about Frank but it did not matter a bit, I soon warmed to him and became involved in his story. The three main characters are all well drawn and even the cat Bill is portrayed well. I liked the inclusion of Bill’s unspoken thoughts at the changes and indignities he feels he is made to suffer.
This is a charming, story about relationships. The relationship between Laura and her grandfather was lovely. The story did get a little bogged down at times with all the movie references. But, all in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read with some moments of sadness but many more of humour. A delightful book to while away a bit of time, leaves you feeling good inside.
May 31, 2016
Frank Derrick’s Holiday of a Lifetime is the second book in the Frank Derrick series, and the third novel by British author, J. B. Morrison (aka musician Jim Bob). Frank Derrick is eighty-two and a half. A widower whose last friend died eighteen months ago, he lives with Bill, his cat, in the only house with stairs in Fullwind-on-Sea. His daughter Beth rings him regularly, if not often, from Los Angeles, and they keep in touch by email when Frank gets to the library.
But the latest phone-call has Frank worried: not only has Jimmy (the only decent fellow that Beth ever dated) left her, but Beth has lump in her breast. Beth tries to reassure her father that every will be OK, and Frank just can’t afford to visit her in America. But then he is given chance, and jumps at it: after all, it may be the last time he sees his daughter.
In the lead up to his holiday of a lifetime, his twenty-year-old granddaughter, Laura keeps him posted on her mother’s condition and moods by email, and tries to enlist him in her grand plan: to reunite Beth and Jimmy. He’s not sure her methods will be effective, but he can’t fault her intentions.
This book is set some 18 month after The Extraordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Aged 81, and Morrison gives the reader enough recap that it can be read as a stand-alone. Whereas the first book concentrated mainly on Frank’s plight after his accident, this one fills in some of his back story: the reader learns a lot more about his wife, Sheila, about Beth, Laura and Jimmy.
Again, Frank’s observations about ageing are both insightful and humorous: “He was eighty-two years old. He had to scroll down to the very bottom of the drop-down menus on the auction website that he’d registered on to find his year of birth. He was almost too old to be considered alive or at least to be using the Internet”. He refers to all those bothersome salespeople who ring his doorbell as “door-to-door spam”.
Frank is still giving people he encounters (amusing) Sioux names; his passage through check-in and security at the airport is hilarious; the remarks he imagines that Bill would make, if only he could speak, are sardonic; his inner monologue is filled with dry wit; and his manner of dealing with the telemarketer who rings Beth’s house is laugh-out-loud funny.
In addition to plenty of humour, Morrison’s tale has moments of sadness and also reminds the reader of the importance of communication with those we love and care about. Another heart-warming read that will have readers wondering if there is more to come for Frank Derrick.
But the latest phone-call has Frank worried: not only has Jimmy (the only decent fellow that Beth ever dated) left her, but Beth has lump in her breast. Beth tries to reassure her father that every will be OK, and Frank just can’t afford to visit her in America. But then he is given chance, and jumps at it: after all, it may be the last time he sees his daughter.
In the lead up to his holiday of a lifetime, his twenty-year-old granddaughter, Laura keeps him posted on her mother’s condition and moods by email, and tries to enlist him in her grand plan: to reunite Beth and Jimmy. He’s not sure her methods will be effective, but he can’t fault her intentions.
This book is set some 18 month after The Extraordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Aged 81, and Morrison gives the reader enough recap that it can be read as a stand-alone. Whereas the first book concentrated mainly on Frank’s plight after his accident, this one fills in some of his back story: the reader learns a lot more about his wife, Sheila, about Beth, Laura and Jimmy.
Again, Frank’s observations about ageing are both insightful and humorous: “He was eighty-two years old. He had to scroll down to the very bottom of the drop-down menus on the auction website that he’d registered on to find his year of birth. He was almost too old to be considered alive or at least to be using the Internet”. He refers to all those bothersome salespeople who ring his doorbell as “door-to-door spam”.
Frank is still giving people he encounters (amusing) Sioux names; his passage through check-in and security at the airport is hilarious; the remarks he imagines that Bill would make, if only he could speak, are sardonic; his inner monologue is filled with dry wit; and his manner of dealing with the telemarketer who rings Beth’s house is laugh-out-loud funny.
In addition to plenty of humour, Morrison’s tale has moments of sadness and also reminds the reader of the importance of communication with those we love and care about. Another heart-warming read that will have readers wondering if there is more to come for Frank Derrick.
October 16, 2017
Having enjoyed 'The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Aged 81' so much I was really keen to move on the sequel. This book might not have been as perfect as the first, but it's pretty close.
We catch up with Frank a year later, so this story does work well as a standalone.
What I practically liked about this was unlike the first being about old age and loneliness the focus this time is all about reconnecting with loved ones.
Frank gets the opportunity to visit he's daughter who he hasn't seen for years in America.
A trip to Los Angeles as means plenty of movie references, which was one of my favorite aspects of the first.
Frank is such a likable character, so it's nice to see him have some happiness. This would be a fitting end to the series, but I'm hopeful of more!
We catch up with Frank a year later, so this story does work well as a standalone.
What I practically liked about this was unlike the first being about old age and loneliness the focus this time is all about reconnecting with loved ones.
Frank gets the opportunity to visit he's daughter who he hasn't seen for years in America.
A trip to Los Angeles as means plenty of movie references, which was one of my favorite aspects of the first.
Frank is such a likable character, so it's nice to see him have some happiness. This would be a fitting end to the series, but I'm hopeful of more!
June 12, 2015
Frank Derrick's Holiday of a Lifetime is one of those books you just don't want to put down, it's such a pleasure to read. At the age of 82 Frank is, by anyone's definition, an old man but he certainly doesn't feel that way in his mind if not his body. He hates being pigeonholed as someone who is past his best and doesn't like to talk about things from years gone by in case it makes him sound ancient and decrepit! This was such a funny book that I found myself laughing out loud at Frank's antics or thoughts. A scene where he is mistaken for Lady Gaga sticks in my mind in particular, along with his going through security at the airport. Who couldn't identify with Frank who, "at some point in his life ... had neglected to tick a box on an order form and now everybody had his address". But Frank isn't a eccentric character, he is just a normal man who is heading to America to visit his ill daughter and spend time with his family. His vision of America has been formed mostly through films and he is delighted when he hears people say what he thinks are stereotypically American phrases like 'pop the trunk' instead of open the boot.
The relationships in this story are very much a focal point. The relationship between Frank and his granddaughter Laura is particularly touching. Despite their age difference, they really get on well and seem to be on each others wavelength. Even more poignant perhaps though is when we hear about Frank's relationship with his late wife. They have obviously been a very close couple and Frank love for her shines through his memories.
I highly recommend this as a real feel-good book. If you liked A Man Called Ove or The 100 Year Old Man, I think you will enjoy this too. It is full of gentle humour and very well written. I hadn't read the previous Frank Derrick book, though I will make sure to now, and I really hope we hear more about Frank's adventures.
The relationships in this story are very much a focal point. The relationship between Frank and his granddaughter Laura is particularly touching. Despite their age difference, they really get on well and seem to be on each others wavelength. Even more poignant perhaps though is when we hear about Frank's relationship with his late wife. They have obviously been a very close couple and Frank love for her shines through his memories.
I highly recommend this as a real feel-good book. If you liked A Man Called Ove or The 100 Year Old Man, I think you will enjoy this too. It is full of gentle humour and very well written. I hadn't read the previous Frank Derrick book, though I will make sure to now, and I really hope we hear more about Frank's adventures.
August 10, 2015
I have recently read the first book, The Extraordinary life of Frank Derrick Age 81. So couldn't wait to read this one.
As the first one, it is a fun but interesting read. It was great following again the antics of Frank.
He really is a loveable character.
I read this book in one sitting, that is something I have not done for a long long time, but I really couldn't help it, I wanted to know what Frank was going to get up to next. And it's such a simple but brilliant story line, it was just easy to carry on reading.
On holiday in America, visiting his daughter and granddaughter. Frank is having the time of his life. Frank organises his holiday with no thought whatsoever of what he is going to do after his holiday. I think if Frank thought things through too much then it wouldn't be such fun reading about him.
This is the second book to feature Frank Derrick but could easily be read as a stand a lone, but if you are anything like me, then I feel having Franks background helps with the story.
A brilliantly simple fun read.
As the first one, it is a fun but interesting read. It was great following again the antics of Frank.
He really is a loveable character.
I read this book in one sitting, that is something I have not done for a long long time, but I really couldn't help it, I wanted to know what Frank was going to get up to next. And it's such a simple but brilliant story line, it was just easy to carry on reading.
On holiday in America, visiting his daughter and granddaughter. Frank is having the time of his life. Frank organises his holiday with no thought whatsoever of what he is going to do after his holiday. I think if Frank thought things through too much then it wouldn't be such fun reading about him.
This is the second book to feature Frank Derrick but could easily be read as a stand a lone, but if you are anything like me, then I feel having Franks background helps with the story.
A brilliantly simple fun read.
December 24, 2020
I have to admit, I totally judged this book by its cover. I thought it would be slow and cheesy. But that's exactly what you need in winter during a global pandemic, right? And it didn't disappoint...
I soon fell into step with the steady pace, appreciating an insight into the daily life of an 82 year old man on his own, which pulled at the heart strings - and make me chuckle quite a lot.
This is a story about family, culture and growing old. It is cheesy but more mature cheddar than a brie. It may not be Hollywood in style, but it's definitely "feel good".
I soon fell into step with the steady pace, appreciating an insight into the daily life of an 82 year old man on his own, which pulled at the heart strings - and make me chuckle quite a lot.
This is a story about family, culture and growing old. It is cheesy but more mature cheddar than a brie. It may not be Hollywood in style, but it's definitely "feel good".
July 12, 2015
Dull, dull. Enjoyed the first book, an engaging and sad story of the life of an old man but this was gimmicky and not realistic enough to interest.
March 13, 2017
I loved this book. Great shortish read, loved the main character.
June 14, 2015
Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
I've been dying to revisit Frank Derrick, ever since reading The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Age 81 back in 2014 (you can find my review here). Despite thoroughly enjoying being introduced to Frank Derrick in his first novel, I found that Frank Derrick's Holiday of a Lifetime had me laughing and snorting just that little bit more, so much so that my partner had to tell me to 'be quiet' because he was trying to get to sleep and I was crying tears of laughter into my pillow. The more I tried to contain my amusement, the worse it became.
As you can probably guess from the title Frank Derrick's Holiday of a Lifetime follows Frank as he takes his first ever flight to America, more specifically to Los Angeles, to spend time with his troubled daughter Beth and his clever granddaughter Laura. After having loved Frank's first story, along with his hilariously funny antics and matter-of-fact yet amusing way of speech, I couldn't wait to see what scenarios Frank would be faced with next. Frank's views on the world, on cold-callers and window cleaners, as well as his neighbours and the local charity shop's staff, had me absolutely roaring with laughter. I believe that what Frank says is what a lot of people think but wouldn't actually say out loud. Along with his passive-faced cat, Bill, Frank really was the most genuine, side-splitting, and completely down-to-earth character that I immensely enjoyed spending time with. I loved travelling with Frank, being beside him when he stepped onto American soil, hearing his reactions when seeing everything that Los Angeles had to offer for the very first time. It was just such a pleasing, delightful way for me to be reintroduced to Frank since leaving him the last time, and I had a feeling, almost as soon as I began reading, that what lay ahead would most definitely leave me smiling.
Despite the constant laughs, there was a serious undertone to Frank's adventures in Frank Derrick's Holiday of a Lifetime. This time round, Frank's daughter Beth is recovering from cancer, as well as dealing with a break-up, and all in all, she's going through a hell of a lot and could quite clearly do with some support. We're also told more about Frank's wife Sheila who passed away, and the memories Frank thinks about are incredibly touching, also emphasising how alone he really is. I found it difficult not to find Frank endearing, despite his outspoken thoughts. It moved me to think of the time before Frank became alone, when he was surrounded by his family and had a companion in his wife. I was thrilled when the thought of going to Los Angeles hit Frank, and cheered him on towards making his final decision in doing so. Beth needed him, his granddaughter Laura had a plan, and I didn't want Frank to be alone any longer.
I absolutely loved Frank's time spent in Los Angeles. It added such a fantastically upbeat and exciting tone to the book, and I adored how much he wanted to stay when it came to flying back home. It was a completely different world in Frank's eyes, and his opinions on everything that he saw had me giggling constantly. Frank's dress sense and long, white hair only added to my love for him, and I wanted desperately for him to experience everything that he possibly could, all with his family beside him. It wasn't only an adventure for Frank, it was an adventure for me to, and one of my favourites, come to think of it.
All in all, Frank's Holiday of a Lifetime was fantastic! Full of new and exciting places for Frank to visit, and moments that had my eyes brimming with tears, this was a true delight to lose myself within. Keep an eye out for the woman who works in the charity shop, by the way, with the south-west eyes!
Becca's Books is awarding Frank Derrick's Holiday of a Lifetime with FIVE OF MY SCRUMMY CUPCAKES! I really cannot tell you how good it felt to be reunited with one of my favourite characters, and to jet off to Los Angeles with him as my companion, and Bill the passive-faced cat, of course!
I've been dying to revisit Frank Derrick, ever since reading The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Age 81 back in 2014 (you can find my review here). Despite thoroughly enjoying being introduced to Frank Derrick in his first novel, I found that Frank Derrick's Holiday of a Lifetime had me laughing and snorting just that little bit more, so much so that my partner had to tell me to 'be quiet' because he was trying to get to sleep and I was crying tears of laughter into my pillow. The more I tried to contain my amusement, the worse it became.
As you can probably guess from the title Frank Derrick's Holiday of a Lifetime follows Frank as he takes his first ever flight to America, more specifically to Los Angeles, to spend time with his troubled daughter Beth and his clever granddaughter Laura. After having loved Frank's first story, along with his hilariously funny antics and matter-of-fact yet amusing way of speech, I couldn't wait to see what scenarios Frank would be faced with next. Frank's views on the world, on cold-callers and window cleaners, as well as his neighbours and the local charity shop's staff, had me absolutely roaring with laughter. I believe that what Frank says is what a lot of people think but wouldn't actually say out loud. Along with his passive-faced cat, Bill, Frank really was the most genuine, side-splitting, and completely down-to-earth character that I immensely enjoyed spending time with. I loved travelling with Frank, being beside him when he stepped onto American soil, hearing his reactions when seeing everything that Los Angeles had to offer for the very first time. It was just such a pleasing, delightful way for me to be reintroduced to Frank since leaving him the last time, and I had a feeling, almost as soon as I began reading, that what lay ahead would most definitely leave me smiling.
Despite the constant laughs, there was a serious undertone to Frank's adventures in Frank Derrick's Holiday of a Lifetime. This time round, Frank's daughter Beth is recovering from cancer, as well as dealing with a break-up, and all in all, she's going through a hell of a lot and could quite clearly do with some support. We're also told more about Frank's wife Sheila who passed away, and the memories Frank thinks about are incredibly touching, also emphasising how alone he really is. I found it difficult not to find Frank endearing, despite his outspoken thoughts. It moved me to think of the time before Frank became alone, when he was surrounded by his family and had a companion in his wife. I was thrilled when the thought of going to Los Angeles hit Frank, and cheered him on towards making his final decision in doing so. Beth needed him, his granddaughter Laura had a plan, and I didn't want Frank to be alone any longer.
I absolutely loved Frank's time spent in Los Angeles. It added such a fantastically upbeat and exciting tone to the book, and I adored how much he wanted to stay when it came to flying back home. It was a completely different world in Frank's eyes, and his opinions on everything that he saw had me giggling constantly. Frank's dress sense and long, white hair only added to my love for him, and I wanted desperately for him to experience everything that he possibly could, all with his family beside him. It wasn't only an adventure for Frank, it was an adventure for me to, and one of my favourites, come to think of it.
All in all, Frank's Holiday of a Lifetime was fantastic! Full of new and exciting places for Frank to visit, and moments that had my eyes brimming with tears, this was a true delight to lose myself within. Keep an eye out for the woman who works in the charity shop, by the way, with the south-west eyes!
Becca's Books is awarding Frank Derrick's Holiday of a Lifetime with FIVE OF MY SCRUMMY CUPCAKES! I really cannot tell you how good it felt to be reunited with one of my favourite characters, and to jet off to Los Angeles with him as my companion, and Bill the passive-faced cat, of course!
July 9, 2015
4.5/5
Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
I read J.B Morrison's first book, The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Age 81 this time last year and thought it was brilliant. I had no idea that a second book would come out, so was pleasantly surprised and was looking forward to reading about what he was up to this time.
I can't believe I had forgotten just how much I liked Frank Derrick. I love his dry sense of humour and positive spin he puts on things. If you have read the first book, you will know that Frank's daughter and grandaughter live in America, whereas Frank lives in Fullwind-on-sea in West Sussex England with his cat Bill. Since Frank's carer Kelly Christmas left and his best friend died, Frank has been feeling the acuteness of loneliness. So when Frank gets given a sum of money to leave his home, he takes the chance to go and see his family, ignoring the fact that he will have no home to go to after the two week holiday...
I enjoyed this almost as much as the first one. Morrison's writing style and humour makes this a really easy, funny read and manages to turn ordinary every day life into a brilliant, captivating story. He has also created a brilliant array of easily likeable characters, which of course adds to the enjoyment of the story. Bill is definitely one of the funniest fictional cats I have come across in fiction, he never fails to amuse me with his supposed thoughts.
Reading about Frank and his time in Los Angeles and it has made me want to go back there. Despite the lightness to this story there is a serious aspect to it, which makes the story all the more touching and like real life. I really really wanted Frank to stay in LA with his family and felt for him like he was my own Grandad.
This was once again a brilliant read, Frank Derrick is definitely one of my favourite characters, I could happily lose myself in his stories again and again.
Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
I read J.B Morrison's first book, The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Age 81 this time last year and thought it was brilliant. I had no idea that a second book would come out, so was pleasantly surprised and was looking forward to reading about what he was up to this time.
I can't believe I had forgotten just how much I liked Frank Derrick. I love his dry sense of humour and positive spin he puts on things. If you have read the first book, you will know that Frank's daughter and grandaughter live in America, whereas Frank lives in Fullwind-on-sea in West Sussex England with his cat Bill. Since Frank's carer Kelly Christmas left and his best friend died, Frank has been feeling the acuteness of loneliness. So when Frank gets given a sum of money to leave his home, he takes the chance to go and see his family, ignoring the fact that he will have no home to go to after the two week holiday...
I enjoyed this almost as much as the first one. Morrison's writing style and humour makes this a really easy, funny read and manages to turn ordinary every day life into a brilliant, captivating story. He has also created a brilliant array of easily likeable characters, which of course adds to the enjoyment of the story. Bill is definitely one of the funniest fictional cats I have come across in fiction, he never fails to amuse me with his supposed thoughts.
Reading about Frank and his time in Los Angeles and it has made me want to go back there. Despite the lightness to this story there is a serious aspect to it, which makes the story all the more touching and like real life. I really really wanted Frank to stay in LA with his family and felt for him like he was my own Grandad.
This was once again a brilliant read, Frank Derrick is definitely one of my favourite characters, I could happily lose myself in his stories again and again.
June 27, 2015
I have a strong suspicion that the author may be related to Mary Poppins, as this book is practically perfect in every way.
From the instant I saw the cover I knew I’d love it, and found myself audibly snorting at the perfectly-timed one-liners, taking myself and passers-by quite by surprise! The consistently snort-worthy quips in every chapter raised my spirits. And I’m sorry if that sounds corny, but everything about it is hilarious, whilst being incredibly endearing.
Journeying through the story, the characters with their flaws and oddities approached difficult situations head on - all balanced with a quirky humour.
The author’s acute people observation skills helped to deliver unique witticisms galore. Even the cat interjects with his own dry monologues, passing comment on the absurdity of the situations his owner finds himself wading into; his owner is the widowed Frank Derrick, 82 years young from Fullwind-on-Sea, who plans to see his daughter in LA and experiences everyday events, which, by some twist of fate, become unexpectedly extraordinary.
The pure nature of Frank Derrick's capers, and his interaction with his family the other side of the ‘pond’ is just priceless.
This is a feast of a book, which I devoured greedily. It’s one I would highly recommend without any hesitation.
(My thanks to the publisher for providing a paperback copy for review purposes)
From the instant I saw the cover I knew I’d love it, and found myself audibly snorting at the perfectly-timed one-liners, taking myself and passers-by quite by surprise! The consistently snort-worthy quips in every chapter raised my spirits. And I’m sorry if that sounds corny, but everything about it is hilarious, whilst being incredibly endearing.
Journeying through the story, the characters with their flaws and oddities approached difficult situations head on - all balanced with a quirky humour.
The author’s acute people observation skills helped to deliver unique witticisms galore. Even the cat interjects with his own dry monologues, passing comment on the absurdity of the situations his owner finds himself wading into; his owner is the widowed Frank Derrick, 82 years young from Fullwind-on-Sea, who plans to see his daughter in LA and experiences everyday events, which, by some twist of fate, become unexpectedly extraordinary.
The pure nature of Frank Derrick's capers, and his interaction with his family the other side of the ‘pond’ is just priceless.
This is a feast of a book, which I devoured greedily. It’s one I would highly recommend without any hesitation.
(My thanks to the publisher for providing a paperback copy for review purposes)
February 25, 2016
Literally just finished this book, it seriously made me cry. Jim Bob seriously knows how to make me weep. I don't think I've ever cried at a book before. I preferred this one to the first 'Frank Derrick' book. I wanted to shout out loud once Frank was on the plane home, I wanted Laura and Beth to keep him in a America with his family. The first book showed us how lonely elderly Frank was, I wanted a fairytale ending for him and Bill so badly alas the happy ending of him being in frequent contact to his family via the tablet that was gifted to him by his Son in law made me smile. (Happy tears!)
I look forward to the possibility of there ever being more Frank Derrick books or anything else written by Jim Bob.
I look forward to the possibility of there ever being more Frank Derrick books or anything else written by Jim Bob.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Frank doesn't really feel old, but apparently he is! Living in quiet Fullwind, England with his friend Bill the cat, Frank finds his daughter and granddaughter need him - in Los Angeles! Frank meets the challenge in his own inimitable style and his journey is comical and poignant. J.B. Morrison has a unique writing style and his characterization is powerful and right-on. A quietly intriguing book well worth reading. Recommended.
Frank doesn't really feel old, but apparently he is! Living in quiet Fullwind, England with his friend Bill the cat, Frank finds his daughter and granddaughter need him - in Los Angeles! Frank meets the challenge in his own inimitable style and his journey is comical and poignant. J.B. Morrison has a unique writing style and his characterization is powerful and right-on. A quietly intriguing book well worth reading. Recommended.
November 5, 2017
It's rare that you read a book that's able to so effectively mix joyful life-affirming humour with genuinely touching moments of sadness and self-reflection. Morrison achieves it effortlessly for the second book in a row as we catch up with the wonderful, vivid and eerily familiar Frank once more. In a style that fans of the author will recognise, Holiday of a Lifetime delivers social commentary and the driest of wit - under the camouflage of a heart-warming page turner.
December 11, 2018
Frank Derrick is going to Hollywood, not just to pay homage to his much beloved film industry, but to see his daughter Beth, who is recovering from cancer. He's also going to help his granddaughter Laura with her plan to get Beth back together with her husband Jimmy. Read my review of this delightful novel here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2015/06/2...
February 6, 2017
Het tweede boek over Frank Derrick. Het eerste boek vond ik niet geweldig, maar ik ben blij dat ik deel twee toch een kans heb gegeven. Een onderhoudend, grappig boek. Een perfect tussendoortje.
November 18, 2017
This is a sequel to The Extraordinary Life of Frank Derrick and it certainly didn’t disappoint!
An 82 year old man goes on a holiday of a lifetime to visit his daughter and granddaughter who live in USA.
Funny, warm and uplifting, it’s a great book and it would be wonderful if there were more in the series.
An 82 year old man goes on a holiday of a lifetime to visit his daughter and granddaughter who live in USA.
Funny, warm and uplifting, it’s a great book and it would be wonderful if there were more in the series.
June 16, 2015
This follow up is consistently gently amusing and sentimental. I'm rarely a fan of positivity or feel-good tales yet I found both of Mr. Derrick's adventures acceptably moving. Well done J.B. Morrison.
July 15, 2015
Another delightful saga of Frank Derrick and his cat Bill, this time on a holiday of a lifetime in Los Angeles visiting is daughter and granddaughter.
Funny, sad, thought provoking. Made me realise that I need to keep in touch with my parents in the UK more frequently.
Funny, sad, thought provoking. Made me realise that I need to keep in touch with my parents in the UK more frequently.
June 8, 2015
https://lindasbookbag.wordpress.com/2... for a no spoilers review of a witty, charming and brilliant read.
June 9, 2015
Another good book from Jim bob. May not be as good as the first, but still a great read
October 18, 2016
A wonderful, funny, sad, thought provoking follow up. Frank Derrick and his cat Bill are an entertaining duo who I hope to meet again as I'm 'missing them already'
July 14, 2017
Storia godibilissima!
Difficilmente il secondo libro supera il primo eppure in questo caso è sicuramente così.
Divertente, dolce, impossibile non amare Frank e provare per lui una immensa tenerezza, anche se il filo nascosto tra le pieghe umoristiche della storia rimane sempre la malinconia, l'ineluttabile certezza che la solitudine alla fine avrà la meglio.
Difficilmente il secondo libro supera il primo eppure in questo caso è sicuramente così.
Divertente, dolce, impossibile non amare Frank e provare per lui una immensa tenerezza, anche se il filo nascosto tra le pieghe umoristiche della storia rimane sempre la malinconia, l'ineluttabile certezza che la solitudine alla fine avrà la meglio.
April 5, 2020
A one day read, Frank Derrick brought humour and sadness to my lock-downed world. Beautifully written and a perfect follow up to the Extraordinary Life, JB has given me the opportunity to follow the life of this wise cracking, charming character as he looks after his family the best way he knows how. Loved every page.
July 16, 2021
This time, 82-year-old Frank fears that he will never see his daughter Beth again. She has been living in America for 10 years. He makes a characteristically poor life decision in order to afford a holiday to Los Angeles to visit her ... during which very little happens. I enjoyed the first book, but felt this one dragged.
May 20, 2017
Skvělé, vtipné a mohu říci, že určitě zkrátí dlouhou chvíli. Kniha se mi četla téměř sama a skoro každá její stránka mě neskutečně pobavila. Mohu vřele doporučit. Recenze této knihy vyjde v brzké době na stránkách portálu Chrudimka.
June 19, 2018
A short, cute novel covering not only long distance family challenges but also the subjects of old age and loneliness. The book isn't a big read and doesn't contain any ah ha moments but it is a gentle and engaging read. Great for a short trip or on the beach.
July 11, 2017
4 stars
October 18, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this second novel about Grank Derrick. Though it is sad. Makes you think about your own parents. If you enjoyed a man called Ove, this is in a similar vein.
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