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OLD FARTS ON A BUS
What happens when you put 30 Senior Citizens who don’t know each other on a bus in a foreign country?
Quite a lot actually. And it’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys!
OLD FARTS ON A BUS is an insightful, humorous and sometimes poignant look at the challenges and eccentricities of growing older.
Quite a lot actually. And it’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys!
OLD FARTS ON A BUS is an insightful, humorous and sometimes poignant look at the challenges and eccentricities of growing older.
554 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2022
220 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Hocking
11 books17 followersI am a Bestselling Independent Author and have been writing since I was six years old. It's what I do and how I define myself. My works range from powerful family sagas and dark dramatic fiction to light hearted romance, children's fiction, short stories and poetry, with an occasional foray into screenwriting. My books sell all over the world, with three translated into Mandarin and now selling in China.
I was born in South Australia and have lived both rural and city lifestyles in many parts of Australia, which is reflected in the various settings of my work. I've had some good times, some bad times, made some wrong turns and some right turns, had some awful jobs in order to keep the money coming in whilst writing in my spare time, raised a family and become a grandmother. I am now living the blissful writer's life (at last) with my husband and laptop in Canberra, Australia.
I was born in South Australia and have lived both rural and city lifestyles in many parts of Australia, which is reflected in the various settings of my work. I've had some good times, some bad times, made some wrong turns and some right turns, had some awful jobs in order to keep the money coming in whilst writing in my spare time, raised a family and become a grandmother. I am now living the blissful writer's life (at last) with my husband and laptop in Canberra, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 22, 2022
Disappointing. Based on the title, I expected it to be funnier. I was looking to laugh a lot. Not that I was going to, but after reading this, I would never visit Egypt.
May 29, 2022
Can you guess why I picked up this book to read? You've got to admit, that title is intriguing. In the back of my mind I was probably thinking senior citizen mystery or something akin to that given that it popped up in the midst of blurbs for cozy mysteries. Instead, it's the author's remembrance of a guided tour she (and her husband) made to Egypt. It was both humorous and insightful into both the joys and angst of "old fart" travel and guided tours. I've never been on a true guided tour but it did bring back memories of taking advantage of cruise ship excursions, riding a bus with a driver whose stories to entertain us were memorable, and rubbing elbows with until then total strangers. The author, who does write mysteries, I later discovered, does a fun job of showing both the joys and angst of such trips, not glossing over the added difficulties of age on travelers.
There were lots of laughs but also moments of sadness as the travelers adjusted to the behavior of an Alzheimer diminished fellow traveler and the foibles of each other. Having dealt with that horrid disease in my own family, I felt sympathy pangs for the duo involved. The group also learned not to drink the water in Egypt. Oh, boy, did they. The author's tale of her plane ride home was, well, rather a stark reminder of what happens when you forget that caution. Along the way, however, she backed up my belief that photos are perhaps best left to point-and-shoot cameras that do it all for you, and the need to read the "instructions" usually provided on what to wear and pack. Let's just say, as one of their group discovered to her dismay, Egypt is not the place to worry about showing off fancy heels.
A sense of family developed between tour group members and it was reassuring to see them rise to the occasion and help in dire situations just as they learned what made each other behave as they did. And, oh, did I mention the shopping? I'm not particularly into shopping but I'd have loved to have seen the colors and swirl and movement so often described. The visits to the various temples and tombs sound fascinating. You'll even learn a bit about the fine art of haggling down prices. If you're looking for a fun, quick read that has some depth, not to mention a lovely virtual tour of Egypt, give this one a try.
There were lots of laughs but also moments of sadness as the travelers adjusted to the behavior of an Alzheimer diminished fellow traveler and the foibles of each other. Having dealt with that horrid disease in my own family, I felt sympathy pangs for the duo involved. The group also learned not to drink the water in Egypt. Oh, boy, did they. The author's tale of her plane ride home was, well, rather a stark reminder of what happens when you forget that caution. Along the way, however, she backed up my belief that photos are perhaps best left to point-and-shoot cameras that do it all for you, and the need to read the "instructions" usually provided on what to wear and pack. Let's just say, as one of their group discovered to her dismay, Egypt is not the place to worry about showing off fancy heels.
A sense of family developed between tour group members and it was reassuring to see them rise to the occasion and help in dire situations just as they learned what made each other behave as they did. And, oh, did I mention the shopping? I'm not particularly into shopping but I'd have loved to have seen the colors and swirl and movement so often described. The visits to the various temples and tombs sound fascinating. You'll even learn a bit about the fine art of haggling down prices. If you're looking for a fun, quick read that has some depth, not to mention a lovely virtual tour of Egypt, give this one a try.
February 6, 2023
Nit what I expected
Well written if you’re interested in reading someone’s travel diary over their shoulder. Characters are clearly described, but what little plot occurs resolves quickly. Great book for tips if you’re planning an Egyptian tour group. Otherwise, it mostly reminds me of a travelogue complete with mildly snarky descriptions of her fellow travelers - didn’t enjoy the very descriptive ending, didn’t really believe an intelligent woman can’t remember names to the point of only using things like Ms. Miseryguts and Mr and Mrs Red Pants. I really wanted to like this book. I end it with no more interest in touring Egypt.
Well written if you’re interested in reading someone’s travel diary over their shoulder. Characters are clearly described, but what little plot occurs resolves quickly. Great book for tips if you’re planning an Egyptian tour group. Otherwise, it mostly reminds me of a travelogue complete with mildly snarky descriptions of her fellow travelers - didn’t enjoy the very descriptive ending, didn’t really believe an intelligent woman can’t remember names to the point of only using things like Ms. Miseryguts and Mr and Mrs Red Pants. I really wanted to like this book. I end it with no more interest in touring Egypt.
August 13, 2023
Not a fan. will not try any other books by this author. i did not appreciate their sense of humor. basically, i find it difficult to read a book when i have a strong dislike for the main character, who by the way is the author.
I would have scored it lower, but it wasn't horrendous. that is the nicest thing i can say about it. it seemed grammatically competent.
I do not like character and people who look down at other people. The author seems to view the world from a lofty perch only dropping down to mortal level when there is a need to show how humorously she can treat her own limited foibles.
I would have scored it lower, but it wasn't horrendous. that is the nicest thing i can say about it. it seemed grammatically competent.
I do not like character and people who look down at other people. The author seems to view the world from a lofty perch only dropping down to mortal level when there is a need to show how humorously she can treat her own limited foibles.
June 20, 2025
I had never heard of this book until it was the book club pick hosted by my local library. I wanted to like it and expected it to be more funny, but I was let down.
I thought that I might find it a bit relatable in that I was fortunate enough years ago to have gone on a two week bus tour in a foreign country with a bunch of old farts, so I was keen to see if my observations of old farts was similar to Hocking’s own experience as an old fart observing other old farts. It was not. The personalities on the bus I was on were much more subdued and easier to get on with than those who Hocking seems to have encountered.
Hocking is very judgmental about others, especially their looks, which got tedious to read. Especially when her characters have nicknames instead of fake names, so we get to read about “Ms Fat ‘n Loud” or “Ms Miseryguts” (because she’s both miserable and has unsightly fat rolls showing through her bad taste in clothing). It made me think our author was miserable and pretending not to be.
Maybe I would have liked this if I were the target age, but it just made me want to make sure to grow up as a nice person and try to see the best in everybody.
I thought that I might find it a bit relatable in that I was fortunate enough years ago to have gone on a two week bus tour in a foreign country with a bunch of old farts, so I was keen to see if my observations of old farts was similar to Hocking’s own experience as an old fart observing other old farts. It was not. The personalities on the bus I was on were much more subdued and easier to get on with than those who Hocking seems to have encountered.
Hocking is very judgmental about others, especially their looks, which got tedious to read. Especially when her characters have nicknames instead of fake names, so we get to read about “Ms Fat ‘n Loud” or “Ms Miseryguts” (because she’s both miserable and has unsightly fat rolls showing through her bad taste in clothing). It made me think our author was miserable and pretending not to be.
Maybe I would have liked this if I were the target age, but it just made me want to make sure to grow up as a nice person and try to see the best in everybody.
January 22, 2024
Better than I expected
The writing was fluid and the story was entertaining and kept my interest. Quite a bit of humor, at least I thought it was funny! A great perspective on many situations that I found interesting and entertaining simultaneously. Again, I went in with pretty low expectations and was very pleasantly surprised. Genuinely enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.
The writing was fluid and the story was entertaining and kept my interest. Quite a bit of humor, at least I thought it was funny! A great perspective on many situations that I found interesting and entertaining simultaneously. Again, I went in with pretty low expectations and was very pleasantly surprised. Genuinely enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.
April 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this story about the author and her hubby doing a bus tour of Egypt. She has trouble remembering names, so all the people on the bus are called by their foibles and personalities. There’s a bit of adventure, a bit of heartache and a lot of shopping. Well worth the read. I hope the author writes more of this type of books.
November 4, 2022
Old Farts On A Bus
I loved this book! I mean I could not put it down until I finished! And laughed out loud, I laughed out loud and really hard! I hadn't thought about, but I guess my husband and I are old farts! After reading this great book, you know it doesn't matter! The narrator of the story was wonderful!
I loved this book! I mean I could not put it down until I finished! And laughed out loud, I laughed out loud and really hard! I hadn't thought about, but I guess my husband and I are old farts! After reading this great book, you know it doesn't matter! The narrator of the story was wonderful!
January 11, 2023
Fun book...especially the first couple of chapters. After those, the character scetches were excellent. I always like how Ms Leigh resolves peoples' idiosyncracies and personality quirks, and smooths them out into a cohesive group.
February 8, 2023
very entertaining!
Great book about the experiences of seniors on a bus trip. Very funny but I wished the author had continued her experiences for the next two tours on their agenda.
Great book about the experiences of seniors on a bus trip. Very funny but I wished the author had continued her experiences for the next two tours on their agenda.
June 23, 2023
Such fun!
Would love to travel with folks like this! Probably not the book for young folks but we oldies can understand every situation. Heart goes out to the red pants couple and all like them who battle the terrible mind rubbing dizeas
Would love to travel with folks like this! Probably not the book for young folks but we oldies can understand every situation. Heart goes out to the red pants couple and all like them who battle the terrible mind rubbing dizeas
December 26, 2023
Nicely told
She writes about tours well. Describing the good,the bad ,the ugly. Senior citizens tour told from an Australian viewpoint. The things one should strive for on a tour of Egypt.
She writes about tours well. Describing the good,the bad ,the ugly. Senior citizens tour told from an Australian viewpoint. The things one should strive for on a tour of Egypt.
July 30, 2025
Fabulous read!!!
What a side-splittingly absurd narrative that tickles the funny bone with its uproarious charm and wit, leaving readers in stitches of uncontrollable laughter which any of us old farts can relate too.
Be proud Old Farts, we've earned it 🤗
What a side-splittingly absurd narrative that tickles the funny bone with its uproarious charm and wit, leaving readers in stitches of uncontrollable laughter which any of us old farts can relate too.
Be proud Old Farts, we've earned it 🤗
June 2, 2022
A Fun Book
This is a fun narrative with characters we’ve all met at one time or another. Enjoy your trip to Egypt.
This is a fun narrative with characters we’ve all met at one time or another. Enjoy your trip to Egypt.
August 30, 2022
Such a fun book. I’m sure I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much 10 years ago but I could surely relate to this book now.
October 6, 2022
Funny
I truly enjoyed reading this book. The names she gave the other travelers was great. Now I want to go on a tour.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. The names she gave the other travelers was great. Now I want to go on a tour.
March 2, 2023
loved it. Would like to find more books like this.
March 8, 2024
An entertaining book .
8 liked the way the characters had such unique personalities, didnt want 8 DIDNT WANT IT TO END, WOULD LIKE MORE BOOKS KIKE THIS
8 liked the way the characters had such unique personalities, didnt want 8 DIDNT WANT IT TO END, WOULD LIKE MORE BOOKS KIKE THIS
May 28, 2024
This got a little tedious after awhile but I finished it!
July 16, 2025
As an old fart myself, I could truly relate to it.
Read
September 27, 2025GReat book
I loved loved
This booK was such a fun read. I wish it didn't end I'm recommending to all my friends
.
I loved loved
This booK was such a fun read. I wish it didn't end I'm recommending to all my friends
.
April 29, 2022
Very good book 2 with lots of laughs!!
May 20, 2023
I loved this book. I am 80 and could relate. I laughed a lot
April 13, 2023
Very funny! Being an old fart myself I could identify with the old farts on the bus!!
March 27, 2022
Although this wasn't quite what I expected, I did enjoy it a lot! I liked how the author used descriptive names for the various passengers -- easier for THIS Old Fart to keep track of who was who.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews