This Old Stick

by Andrew Corin

This book tells the stories of the older people around us - stories which are at once familiar and extraordinary.
A range of delightful and challenging fictionalised characters are beautifully presented with warm-hearted and absorbing honesty.
'This Old Stick' is an enjoyable and entertaining read, and a tool to help heal the disconnection that exists in society between those considered healthy and functional, and those who are older and considered less so.
We all need to be reminded of the gifts and precious treasure the elderly bring to our community.

98 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2019

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Corin is a GP and what shines in this book is the life he breathes into the characters. Undoubtedly this is informed by his own copious experience. This Old Stick is a poignant collection of stories reminding us of the value of the elderly. When I was a 4th year, there was a patient on my geriatrics run who was 5 times my age, to meet a such a patient had been a goal of mine and I wasn't disappointed! The elderly in Corin's work, and in life, have a wisdom that comes with experience, and always carry an interesting story. They are no less deserving of our time and care.

[Jo Sheeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories Andrew has written has his signature, so much of him is evident as I read. I have cried while reading some of the stories as although this is a work of fiction, there is a sense of reality and experience behind them. I do think as humans we must have compassion for those around us, whether we have a personal relationship with them or the contact is brief. Andrew has captured a glimpse of those moments and brilliantly gives a sense of humanity to sometimes traumatic and at other times simple but momentous happenings.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best from a New Zealand writer. This Old Stick is beautifully and poignantly written. It had me laughing and it had me crying. The best comparison I can make is with James Herriot’s books.

A definite five stars.

[Andrew Corin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review from an independent source on behalf of NZ Booklovers

I could not help being impressed by this charming little book. It is a long time since I picked up a book to read from cover to cover in one sitting, completely absorbed. This is a great read for every generation. Each story is complete in itself which means the book can be picked up for a while and put down for later reading.


The author, a general practitioner, shows a warm-hearted sincerity while sharing his understanding of the fictional characters he portrays. Each vignette emphasises a feeling for humanity or “the gossamer of being human”, as a colleague expresses it in the foreword.


How many of us have heard a eulogy at a funeral for an elderly friend or relative and wondered why the facts outlined had not been known before? The elderly in our communities today are often little known by their neighbours or by the very busy young people around them. The older generation have lived full lives without fanfare but with wisdom and excitement of their own.


This book illuminates a need in our society to highlight the respect due to our elderly. Each individual has experiences of value if we just take the time to listen and to share.

This Old Stick tells the stories of older people who are around us – stories which are at once familiar yet extraordinary. The delightful and challenging characters are beautifully presented with honesty and warmth to create an entertaining read. It is a tool to help heal the disconnection that exists in our society between those considered healthy and functional and those who are older and appear less able.


We all need to be reminded of the beautiful treasures we have in our elderly communities.


This book is a great read. It will make a lovely gift to share, bringing a smile to whoever opens it.


Reviewer: Sonia Edwards