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Frank 'n' Stan's Bucket List #1
TT Races
Frank's had better days... The doctor gave him the news he didn't want and Frank's discovered the worst kept secret in Liverpool; that his wife's fitness instructor is providing her services that extend beyond the gym. With time a dwindling commodity, Frank decides it's time to do something he wants to do. With a little encouragement from his oldest friend, Stan, the first destination for his 'bucket-list' is the Isle of Man TT Races. They were content to just spectate, but fate had other ideas.
254 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2018
311 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Williams
22 books64 followersJ C Williams is an author from the Isle of Man.
He's delighted to advise his hilarious new book, the Crafternoon Sewcial Club is now available on Amazon.
His books are for those who don’t take life too seriously and are funny, poignant and ultimately uplifting.
He writes books both for the little ankle-biters and also the older audience. They're written with delightful humour and will leave you with a huge smile on your face.
He presently has seventeen titles and all are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle with some now also available in Audio format.
He'd love to hear from you!
Email - authorjcwilliams@gmail.com
You can follow him on Facebook at @jcwilliamsauthor
You can also subscribe to his newsletter by visiting his website www.authorjcwilliams.com
He's delighted to advise his hilarious new book, the Crafternoon Sewcial Club is now available on Amazon.
His books are for those who don’t take life too seriously and are funny, poignant and ultimately uplifting.
He writes books both for the little ankle-biters and also the older audience. They're written with delightful humour and will leave you with a huge smile on your face.
He presently has seventeen titles and all are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle with some now also available in Audio format.
He'd love to hear from you!
Email - authorjcwilliams@gmail.com
You can follow him on Facebook at @jcwilliamsauthor
You can also subscribe to his newsletter by visiting his website www.authorjcwilliams.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 13, 2018
If Terry Pratchett wrote about the TT
Terry Pratchett has been reborn in this author, the joy of the TT dripped from it's pages, via the people
Terry Pratchett has been reborn in this author, the joy of the TT dripped from it's pages, via the people
March 19, 2018
FRANK N STANS BUCKET LIST.
I loved this book
It made me laugh and cry. It left me wanting to read more so looking forward to reading
The Lonely heart attack club.
I loved this book
It made me laugh and cry. It left me wanting to read more so looking forward to reading
The Lonely heart attack club.
October 3, 2022
Although Frank’s hair is now grey with age, and Stan’s is only black from an application of dye, the pair’s friendship has endured since their schooldays. Together they have established an impressive fleet of taxis in Liverpool, North West England, which they operate with the assistance of the formidable coordinator, Stella.
‘Frank ‘n’ Stan’s Taxis’ provides our two protagonists with a comfortable income, but all is not well: on the same day that Frank interrupts a daytime tryst between his self-indulgent wife, Helen, and her fitness instructor, he discovers that he has terminal cancer.
Recalling blissful childhood holidays on the Isle of Man, Frank and Stan decide that a trip to the island to experience the TT Races should be the first entry on a bucket list. Meanwhile, with the help of homeless Irishman, Lee Watson, they establish a charity to help others who are living on the streets.
On the ferry from Liverpool to the Isle of Man, they meet a gregarious Dutchman called Henk who offers accommodation at his home, and soon after landing, Frank and Stan also stumble across sidecar racers, Dave and Monty, whom they sponsor in return for promoting their charity.
Tension builds as the hapless Dave and Monty tackle one thorny obstacle after another, not least of which is getting their motorcycle-with-sidecar roadworthy. Their sponsors are distracted, as they receive information to suggest that somebody is going to steal the money from their fledgling charity.
This character-based drama, the first in a series, unfolds at a brisk pace, capturing not only the excitement of the TT Races but something of the uniqueness and beauty of the Isle of Man.
The relationship between Frank and Stan is engaging, but my favourite character is Stella. ‘She was a considerable unit, with a prodigious neck that all but absorbed her chin. Her hair was a natural perm, wrapped so tight that it looked like Velcro. She could chastise a tardy driver one moment and, in an instant, turn on the elegant charm to answer the phone which rang incessantly.’
I find the writing style of J. C. Williams pleasant and you don’t need to be a fan of motorsports to appreciate the trip to the races. The pages are packed with humour, much of it bawdy, and characters regularly throw out an expletive. We seem to be surrounded by the ‘perpetually offended’ nowadays, so I would choose carefully to whom I recommended this novel.
‘Frank ‘n’ Stan’s Taxis’ provides our two protagonists with a comfortable income, but all is not well: on the same day that Frank interrupts a daytime tryst between his self-indulgent wife, Helen, and her fitness instructor, he discovers that he has terminal cancer.
Recalling blissful childhood holidays on the Isle of Man, Frank and Stan decide that a trip to the island to experience the TT Races should be the first entry on a bucket list. Meanwhile, with the help of homeless Irishman, Lee Watson, they establish a charity to help others who are living on the streets.
On the ferry from Liverpool to the Isle of Man, they meet a gregarious Dutchman called Henk who offers accommodation at his home, and soon after landing, Frank and Stan also stumble across sidecar racers, Dave and Monty, whom they sponsor in return for promoting their charity.
Tension builds as the hapless Dave and Monty tackle one thorny obstacle after another, not least of which is getting their motorcycle-with-sidecar roadworthy. Their sponsors are distracted, as they receive information to suggest that somebody is going to steal the money from their fledgling charity.
This character-based drama, the first in a series, unfolds at a brisk pace, capturing not only the excitement of the TT Races but something of the uniqueness and beauty of the Isle of Man.
The relationship between Frank and Stan is engaging, but my favourite character is Stella. ‘She was a considerable unit, with a prodigious neck that all but absorbed her chin. Her hair was a natural perm, wrapped so tight that it looked like Velcro. She could chastise a tardy driver one moment and, in an instant, turn on the elegant charm to answer the phone which rang incessantly.’
I find the writing style of J. C. Williams pleasant and you don’t need to be a fan of motorsports to appreciate the trip to the races. The pages are packed with humour, much of it bawdy, and characters regularly throw out an expletive. We seem to be surrounded by the ‘perpetually offended’ nowadays, so I would choose carefully to whom I recommended this novel.
August 6, 2018
I can't sing the praises of this book enough it made me laugh and cry all at the same time. I haven't laughed out loud at a book for a while now but this one certainly made me. It's a simple read with a story of human nature and spirit.
Frank and Stan are two friends who own a taxi business, they've been friends since they were boys and this continued into adulthood. The logo for their taxis is a green Frankenstein monster ( Frank n Stan) this cliche made me giggle.
Without spoiling the story Frank receives some bad news from then on his life changes, he starts by leaving his wife who he dislikes with a vengeance as she's having an affair, then turning to his selfish daughter who he tells a few home truths to as well.
The two friends then head off on a journey to the Isle of Man TT races which is hilarious from start to finish. Yes the story is tinged with sadness at times but it doesn't depress you at all. The banter between the two friends is hilarious, however the closeness of the friendship is well depicted.
If Terry Pratchett had written a story about the TT races you'd think this was it as it has elements of Pratchett's humour.
I gave this books 5 stars and can't wait to read more books by this author too
August 31, 2020
I loved this book!
I love the TT and a big fan and have been round the track...in a car though, many years ago.
So the descriptions of the track had me hearing the motorbikes roaring in my ears.
I just love the characters of Frank and Stan, they made me laugh out loud and shout out.
I really can't wait to read about the ongoing adventures of Frank and Stan.
A very enjoyable book. Both funny and sad but uplifting too.
It's the first time I've read a book by J. C. Williams but I shall read more, just hope they are in the same vain as this one.
I would recommend this book to any fan of the TT races or anyone that just fancies a laugh and a chuckle.
Its not just a blokes book. :)
I love the TT and a big fan and have been round the track...in a car though, many years ago.
So the descriptions of the track had me hearing the motorbikes roaring in my ears.
I just love the characters of Frank and Stan, they made me laugh out loud and shout out.
I really can't wait to read about the ongoing adventures of Frank and Stan.
A very enjoyable book. Both funny and sad but uplifting too.
It's the first time I've read a book by J. C. Williams but I shall read more, just hope they are in the same vain as this one.
I would recommend this book to any fan of the TT races or anyone that just fancies a laugh and a chuckle.
Its not just a blokes book. :)
September 26, 2021
Isle Of Man TT Here I come
A very pleasant read with developing characters that I hope to learn more about in the following series.I initially picked this book for its motorcycling title and can safely say that there was sufficient bike reference to feed my passions yet not so much as to deter a potential reader with other interests.
The humour may be a bit uncomplicated at times but was right up my alley.
The book is either too short or I enjoyed it so much I read it faster,faster,faster.
I will now be reading the second instalment third, up into fourth then drop down into third....right corner etc,etc.
A very pleasant read with developing characters that I hope to learn more about in the following series.I initially picked this book for its motorcycling title and can safely say that there was sufficient bike reference to feed my passions yet not so much as to deter a potential reader with other interests.
The humour may be a bit uncomplicated at times but was right up my alley.
The book is either too short or I enjoyed it so much I read it faster,faster,faster.
I will now be reading the second instalment third, up into fourth then drop down into third....right corner etc,etc.
June 9, 2019
Really lovely to read this during the TT week whilst keeping up-to-date with the results via iomtt.com. The story is a whimsical one with plenty of laughs and absurd interactions. The love of the TT and the Isle of Man comes through in James' writing. I'll certainly seek out the next couple of books in the series. Recommended.
June 12, 2018
Loved this book.
Can't remember the last time I snorted out loud while reading, due to the comical dialog between the two main charterers.
Frank 'n' Stan are two blokes that I would love to have a pint with and learn more about them, therefore really looking forward to the next one.
Can't remember the last time I snorted out loud while reading, due to the comical dialog between the two main charterers.
Frank 'n' Stan are two blokes that I would love to have a pint with and learn more about them, therefore really looking forward to the next one.
July 22, 2018
Good laugh.
This book was a good laugh.And a heartwarming account of the human spirit of adventure,trust,loyalty,and compassion for fellow beings thanks.
This book was a good laugh.And a heartwarming account of the human spirit of adventure,trust,loyalty,and compassion for fellow beings thanks.
July 28, 2018
Great quick read
What a magical tale, read this after recently losing my TT virginity. Covers all the emotions and really puts a smile on your face.
What a magical tale, read this after recently losing my TT virginity. Covers all the emotions and really puts a smile on your face.
March 21, 2021
Enjoyable easy to read and become immersed in the atmosphere of TT races on the Isle of man. Recommended highly
April 25, 2021
Sublime!!
Absolutely loved this book! So funny! A real feel good book to read. Can't wait to read the second one.
Absolutely loved this book! So funny! A real feel good book to read. Can't wait to read the second one.
November 22, 2021
Larger than life characterisation!
The chuckles just keep on coming, a wonderful dose of laughter. Frank n Stan are great role models for every man.
The chuckles just keep on coming, a wonderful dose of laughter. Frank n Stan are great role models for every man.
April 5, 2024
This one was not a first choice for myself, as it is not a type of book I read alot of. Sports, particularly racing, is not a favorite of mine, but this looked intriguing so I gave it a try. So glad I did! This tale surprised me in so many ways, and by the end I was invested in Frank and Stan's dreams to come true. A tale of perspective, friendship, and living your life for yourself - I will be reading the next one!
November 6, 2024
TT Races (Frank 'n' Stan's Bucket List #1) by J.C. Williams is a quirky and heartfelt adventure that introduces readers to two lovable characters, Frank and Stan, who are on a mission to tick off items from their bucket list. This lighthearted novel takes readers on a journey as Frank and Stan, both of whom have unique, often humorous perspectives on life, navigate their way through a series of daring, out-of-the-box challenges. What begins as a fun exploration of adventure and friendship quickly evolves into a deeper story about living life to the fullest and the importance of cherishing every moment.
The heart of the book lies in the bond between Frank and Stan. Their friendship is central to the plot, with both characters bringing their own quirks, flaws, and humor to the story. Their shared experiences—sometimes hilarious, sometimes touching—highlight the beauty of companionship and how a good friend can push you to take risks, face fears, and challenge yourself. The concept of a bucket list lends itself well to personal growth, and through their various escapades, Frank and Stan are forced to confront not just their bucket list goals, but their own identities, past regrets, and future hopes.
Williams's writing is lively, filled with humor and emotional depth. While the story is lighthearted, it also delves into themes of aging, loss, and the importance of living a life full of meaning, adventure, and love. TT Races is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of humor, heart, and a dash of self-discovery. It’s an uplifting and feel-good read that reminds us all to embrace life’s opportunities, no matter how big or small, and to make the most of the time we have.
The heart of the book lies in the bond between Frank and Stan. Their friendship is central to the plot, with both characters bringing their own quirks, flaws, and humor to the story. Their shared experiences—sometimes hilarious, sometimes touching—highlight the beauty of companionship and how a good friend can push you to take risks, face fears, and challenge yourself. The concept of a bucket list lends itself well to personal growth, and through their various escapades, Frank and Stan are forced to confront not just their bucket list goals, but their own identities, past regrets, and future hopes.
Williams's writing is lively, filled with humor and emotional depth. While the story is lighthearted, it also delves into themes of aging, loss, and the importance of living a life full of meaning, adventure, and love. TT Races is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of humor, heart, and a dash of self-discovery. It’s an uplifting and feel-good read that reminds us all to embrace life’s opportunities, no matter how big or small, and to make the most of the time we have.
September 1, 2020
Great tale of 2 lifelong friends
Frank and Stan have been friends since boyhood. They stuck together through everything and always have had each other's backs. They started a cab company with one cab, and grew it into a major business. Frank goes to see his doctor & the news isn't good. Rather than trying to understand, his wife ans daughter are upset that he wasn't there to pick her up from the hospital after her breast enhancement surgery. He lives in an ostentatious house that he bought for her. His daughter has her own posh apartment in the penthouse part of the house. His wife is humping her fitness instructor - which has been going.on for a while - but sje thinks he doesn't know. He goes home, packs up a few th8ngs and takes them to Stan's place, walks in on the 2 of them gping at it, informs them he has known about their affair for a while, and tells his wife he wants a divorce, something he will have no problem with under the circumstances. He tells her she can have the house & tells his daughter she can stay in her posh, free apartment. He makes the arrangements. Then he tells Stan the whole thing...except no particulars about his diagnosis or treatment, plus tells him he'll be moving in with Stan until he finds a new place to live.
The 2 men take a walk, and end up by the ferry that goes to the Isle of Man, remembering holidays their families took together, holidsys he knows they struggled to afford. Since h9s diagnosis, Frank has started a program of vouchers usable only for meals, given to the homeless. An accidental hero, a homeless man, ends up helping them. This s9on blossoms as another homeless accidental hero is brought in by the first, and the project of fundraising gets off the ground by ingenious methods.
As this is all developing, Stan tells Frank they need a bucket list, & je intends to share Frank's. The idea of going to the Isle of Maan for a holiday ends up in a plan to watch the TT motorcycle races that will soon commence. This blossoms into quite am advwnture, and ends up with them getting far more involved than they had planned, plus coming home early because of the threat of a robbery of not just the business's profits, but the charity funds as well. They do make it back for the senior races, though.
My favorite character, though, was Stella. By far she is the most awesome character to escape annauthor's pen and make it to paper. That's saying something, because the book is full of colorful characters who add mirth to the entire proceedings. And the motorcycle races, which would jave seemed blah to me in the context of just saying some sort of motorsport racing was a thing, became a spectacle full of drama & humor, mostly humor, that heloed me understand the draw of the sport a bit better.
There are, I believe, 2 sequels. If they keep up with this one, they'll be delightful; I don't know if they can get much better - but if they do, then a great service has been done for humankind, because in this present environment, people need to laugh so they quit tearing the workd apart.
Frank and Stan have been friends since boyhood. They stuck together through everything and always have had each other's backs. They started a cab company with one cab, and grew it into a major business. Frank goes to see his doctor & the news isn't good. Rather than trying to understand, his wife ans daughter are upset that he wasn't there to pick her up from the hospital after her breast enhancement surgery. He lives in an ostentatious house that he bought for her. His daughter has her own posh apartment in the penthouse part of the house. His wife is humping her fitness instructor - which has been going.on for a while - but sje thinks he doesn't know. He goes home, packs up a few th8ngs and takes them to Stan's place, walks in on the 2 of them gping at it, informs them he has known about their affair for a while, and tells his wife he wants a divorce, something he will have no problem with under the circumstances. He tells her she can have the house & tells his daughter she can stay in her posh, free apartment. He makes the arrangements. Then he tells Stan the whole thing...except no particulars about his diagnosis or treatment, plus tells him he'll be moving in with Stan until he finds a new place to live.
The 2 men take a walk, and end up by the ferry that goes to the Isle of Man, remembering holidays their families took together, holidsys he knows they struggled to afford. Since h9s diagnosis, Frank has started a program of vouchers usable only for meals, given to the homeless. An accidental hero, a homeless man, ends up helping them. This s9on blossoms as another homeless accidental hero is brought in by the first, and the project of fundraising gets off the ground by ingenious methods.
As this is all developing, Stan tells Frank they need a bucket list, & je intends to share Frank's. The idea of going to the Isle of Maan for a holiday ends up in a plan to watch the TT motorcycle races that will soon commence. This blossoms into quite am advwnture, and ends up with them getting far more involved than they had planned, plus coming home early because of the threat of a robbery of not just the business's profits, but the charity funds as well. They do make it back for the senior races, though.
My favorite character, though, was Stella. By far she is the most awesome character to escape annauthor's pen and make it to paper. That's saying something, because the book is full of colorful characters who add mirth to the entire proceedings. And the motorcycle races, which would jave seemed blah to me in the context of just saying some sort of motorsport racing was a thing, became a spectacle full of drama & humor, mostly humor, that heloed me understand the draw of the sport a bit better.
There are, I believe, 2 sequels. If they keep up with this one, they'll be delightful; I don't know if they can get much better - but if they do, then a great service has been done for humankind, because in this present environment, people need to laugh so they quit tearing the workd apart.
August 31, 2020
Low-brow amusement. Frank and Stan (Frank 'n Stan, Frankenstein) had lowly origins, but climbed to great financial success running a taxi service. Frank finds out he has a terminal illness and gets his BFF Stan to join him in fulfilling a bucket list. One of the items is to return to the Isle of Mann where they vacationed as kids. They arrive there when the TT Races are taking place. I looked it up. These motorcycle races are real and apparently hugely popular and extremely dangerous. They include a side-car competition, which is nothing like the sidecars I've ever seen. The author must love the event because he waxed rhapsodic in great detail. I watched a couple YouTube videos of it and thought it looked pretty stupid, but then I am neither a motorcycle nor a racing fan. The humor was along the lines of "“Frank, you ever notice bowel movement sounds like a symphony?” he continued dreamily. “Bowel Movement in A Minor. What do you reckon? Heavy on the horn section, I expect.” I think the pair continues to go back to the TT Races in future books of the series, so I won't be reading them.
July 17, 2021
A delightful, lovely, good-hearted book. It's set in Liverpool, so expect some humorous situations and characters - but also set in the Isle of Man for the TT races. The whole story oozes with affection for people, love for the motorbike racing, and the impact bad health news can have on someone's life.
Mostly I like police procedural stories, but this was very different and in a class of its own - I loved it and will be reading more of the author's "Frank'n'Stan" tales!
Mostly I like police procedural stories, but this was very different and in a class of its own - I loved it and will be reading more of the author's "Frank'n'Stan" tales!
June 3, 2023
Seemed appropriate to read this book as theTT is on at the moment and hubby and son are over there. I loved this book from the very beginning. From going to the TT myself I read every word with the love and passion it was written with. Highly recommend reading even if you don’t go to the TT yourself. Such a lovely relationship have these two men got for each other. I can’t wait to read more of Fran N Stans bucket list.
February 23, 2020
Unexpectedly enjoying read
As a fan of the TT I thought I would give this a go thinking it would be about someone's adventures racing in the TT. What I ended up reading was something entirely different. Comical antics of Frank and Stan who choose to go watch the TH in a childhood whim and get very much involved. Great read and looking forward to the next one
As a fan of the TT I thought I would give this a go thinking it would be about someone's adventures racing in the TT. What I ended up reading was something entirely different. Comical antics of Frank and Stan who choose to go watch the TH in a childhood whim and get very much involved. Great read and looking forward to the next one
June 15, 2020
Spirit of the TT
Reading this book brought back the TT and its spirit, sadly cancelled this year because of the lockdown. In reading it I could see all the places they visited, making the memories flood back.
Absolutely loved the humour in it as well. Top read.
Reading this book brought back the TT and its spirit, sadly cancelled this year because of the lockdown. In reading it I could see all the places they visited, making the memories flood back.
Absolutely loved the humour in it as well. Top read.
October 18, 2020
Old School
Thoroughly enjoyable, as a biker from Liverpool and having holidayed in the Isle of Man I associated with this book. JC Williams has a fine talent for writing books which take you back to fun days. I fully intend to read all of his other books.
Thoroughly enjoyable, as a biker from Liverpool and having holidayed in the Isle of Man I associated with this book. JC Williams has a fine talent for writing books which take you back to fun days. I fully intend to read all of his other books.
January 1, 2019
Loved this book
January 28, 2019
I have been to the TT and could relate to the narrative. Very enjoyable.
May 14, 2020
Frank n Stan's bucket list
Loved this book. Laughed til I cried over their crazy adventures. It made me feel good and Frank and Stan were lovable characters.
Loved this book. Laughed til I cried over their crazy adventures. It made me feel good and Frank and Stan were lovable characters.
August 3, 2020
Again a very funny book from this author
September 21, 2020
Very lighthearted and funny about 2 seniors and their bucket list.
November 9, 2020
Excellent
Deserving of that 5 stars. Thoroughly enjoyable read. Easy to imagine all the scenarios. Can't wait to read the follow ups
Deserving of that 5 stars. Thoroughly enjoyable read. Easy to imagine all the scenarios. Can't wait to read the follow ups
September 17, 2021
This book captures some of the excitement and ambience of the Island during the TT Races and is keenly observed and descriptive, although I’ve never known a sidecar race to be held on the same day as the Senior.
The characters are unrealistic and clichéd; the attempts at humour are forced; the banter between the characters is simplistically predictable and juvenile; and the scenarios are ludicrously stilted. I do like a laugh but I found this to be banal as I only smiled occasionally, at the most.
The author is obviously pandering to the lowest common denominator, and the PC Brigade with his ‘food vouchers for the homeless’ gimmick. Yeuck! He also repeatedly proves that he doesn’t know the difference between ‘sat/sitting’ and ‘stood/standing’. What a poor example of English he is setting, especially when his books are selling abroad!
The characters are unrealistic and clichéd; the attempts at humour are forced; the banter between the characters is simplistically predictable and juvenile; and the scenarios are ludicrously stilted. I do like a laugh but I found this to be banal as I only smiled occasionally, at the most.
The author is obviously pandering to the lowest common denominator, and the PC Brigade with his ‘food vouchers for the homeless’ gimmick. Yeuck! He also repeatedly proves that he doesn’t know the difference between ‘sat/sitting’ and ‘stood/standing’. What a poor example of English he is setting, especially when his books are selling abroad!
September 3, 2020
A madcap book of middle aged besties, facing end of life decisions, but not wanting to go out without some meaning in their lives. They go from their home base in Liverpool to the Isle of Man for racing. Characters that truly are characters and larger than life. Social action/justice also a part of this book. Fun read with fun characters, that you’d just want to have a pint with in real life (and that is going some, as I don’t drink). My favorite line in the book was “he’s got a face you wouldn’t tire of slapping with a trout”. Come on, best line ever, right?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews