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South Pacific Shenanigans #3
The Pomegranate Busker: A Travel Adventure in Search of New Zealand Rock Stardom
When London boy Simon dreams of becoming a New Zealand rock star, he has no idea he'll duet with a suspected murderer, model for posters with a dairy cow, accidentally present the weather on the radio and be upstaged by an apple crumble.
As he struggles to impersonate Elvis, forgets the most important birthday song and scares away a hen party, will he ever realise his rock star ambitions, or will he have to pack away his guitar and abandon his dreams forever?
As he struggles to impersonate Elvis, forgets the most important birthday song and scares away a hen party, will he ever realise his rock star ambitions, or will he have to pack away his guitar and abandon his dreams forever?
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2022
32 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Simon Michael Prior
14 books35 followersSimon Michael Prior experiences constant adventures, hazards and exciting situations as a marine rescue skipper and a commander of rescue operations.
Although Simon is absolutely nothing like Murph, Redcliff Marine Rescue’s burly, grumpy coxswain, many of the scenes in his stories are inspired by events he encounters during his duties.
Simon has also lived on two boats and sunk one of them; sold houses, street signs, Indian food and paper bags for a living; visited almost fifty countries and lived in three; qualified as a scuba diving instructor; nearly killed himself learning to wakeboard and built his own house without the benefit of an instruction manual.
He now lives in it by the sea with his wife and twin daughters, where he spends his time regurgitating his experiences on paper before he has so many more that he forgets them.
Although Simon is absolutely nothing like Murph, Redcliff Marine Rescue’s burly, grumpy coxswain, many of the scenes in his stories are inspired by events he encounters during his duties.
Simon has also lived on two boats and sunk one of them; sold houses, street signs, Indian food and paper bags for a living; visited almost fifty countries and lived in three; qualified as a scuba diving instructor; nearly killed himself learning to wakeboard and built his own house without the benefit of an instruction manual.
He now lives in it by the sea with his wife and twin daughters, where he spends his time regurgitating his experiences on paper before he has so many more that he forgets them.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 24, 2022
Simon Michael Prior has done it again. Another fabulously witty and well-told story from his South Pacific Shenanigans series. In Pomegranate Busker, the third in the series, Simon tries his guitar plucking hand at being a rock star in the wilds of west coast New Zealand. Thoughts of Wembley stadium fill his head in between becoming a father (to a calf) and fighting off his fans.
Will Simon’s dreams come true? You’ll have to read to find out but I can only say it will be worth it. Simon’s writing just gets better. His descriptions are, as ever, quirky word pictures: ‘the rain paused for a lunch break’. His dialogue is fast paced and believable, his characters drawn beautifully in just a few well-placed words.
I’m already looking forward to book four.
Will Simon’s dreams come true? You’ll have to read to find out but I can only say it will be worth it. Simon’s writing just gets better. His descriptions are, as ever, quirky word pictures: ‘the rain paused for a lunch break’. His dialogue is fast paced and believable, his characters drawn beautifully in just a few well-placed words.
I’m already looking forward to book four.
December 16, 2022
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the author's two previous memoirs I was looking forward to reading this sequel and it didn't disappoin - from Simon's trademark cliff-hanger chapter endings (just willing you to turn the page to find out What Happens Next) to his very vivid use of language taking the reader on a virtual movie as events unfold detailing everyday life peppered with extraordinary moments and dramas. Despite life's ups and downs the memoirs always have a feel good factor to them and are an absolute pleasure to read. Looking forward to the next one in the series!
June 15, 2022
I was given an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review - thank you Simon!
The Pomegranate Busker is the third book in the South Pacific Shenanigans series, and it did not disappoint, each of these books has got better than the last. This has been a very enjoyable series with many laughs and surprises along the way.
The story continues where book two left off and in this episode Simon decides to try and fulfill his dreams of becoming a rock star. Billed as “London Musician Simon Michael Prior” he begins his new career by getting himself booked to sing and play guitar in the local pubs and birthday parties around Hokitika, New Zealand, where he lives on his girlfriend’s Dad’s farm.
With his positive attitude, Simon seems to be able to successfully turn his hand to pretty much anything he attempts, but he gives himself a pep talk on the night before his first gig:
“This is it.
You’re a guitar hero.
You’re a rock legend.
You’re a superstar.”
This book is a breath of fresh air with some hilarious characters introduced among its pages. I loved the Yorkshireman complaining about the proximity of his hotel bed to the window and the lack of proper Yorkshire tea in his room. The lady in the travel agency with a list of requirements for her trip to America also made me chuckle. I wonder if her husband managed to encounter bears in the wild as he so desired!
There are plenty of heart warming moments on the farm as Simon takes part in the annual calving season and also some tear jerkers - boy calves are of no use to a dairy farm.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing where Simon is going to take us next!
The Pomegranate Busker is the third book in the South Pacific Shenanigans series, and it did not disappoint, each of these books has got better than the last. This has been a very enjoyable series with many laughs and surprises along the way.
The story continues where book two left off and in this episode Simon decides to try and fulfill his dreams of becoming a rock star. Billed as “London Musician Simon Michael Prior” he begins his new career by getting himself booked to sing and play guitar in the local pubs and birthday parties around Hokitika, New Zealand, where he lives on his girlfriend’s Dad’s farm.
With his positive attitude, Simon seems to be able to successfully turn his hand to pretty much anything he attempts, but he gives himself a pep talk on the night before his first gig:
“This is it.
You’re a guitar hero.
You’re a rock legend.
You’re a superstar.”
This book is a breath of fresh air with some hilarious characters introduced among its pages. I loved the Yorkshireman complaining about the proximity of his hotel bed to the window and the lack of proper Yorkshire tea in his room. The lady in the travel agency with a list of requirements for her trip to America also made me chuckle. I wonder if her husband managed to encounter bears in the wild as he so desired!
There are plenty of heart warming moments on the farm as Simon takes part in the annual calving season and also some tear jerkers - boy calves are of no use to a dairy farm.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing where Simon is going to take us next!
July 30, 2023
fun books
More fun with Simon and Fiona! This time, Simon finds his groove as London Musician: Simon Michael Prior. Lots of laughs and a few snags, but always good.
More fun with Simon and Fiona! This time, Simon finds his groove as London Musician: Simon Michael Prior. Lots of laughs and a few snags, but always good.
July 8, 2022
What a fabulous book
I loved this book! I love the cover-LOVED the man with guitar, and cow sketches between chapters! Fab! Brilliant use of song titles to reflect the happenings. They’re cleverly selected, without giving away any spoilers. These musical refs have me singing, and thinking the book sort of has a musical soundtrack…….and it actually does!
At the beginning of this third book in the series, Simon and Fiona are still boyfriend and girlfriend, not married yet. So, the music was, he says, a way to make some extra money, to save for their future, and he's still helping with the milking and farming tasks during the day. In the evenings he's honing his craft as a musician; playing the pubs and clubs; sussing out the audiences; gaining experience.
This was another fab and fun read. Plenty happens and there's tons of giggles. Love these books! A feel-good read which makes you smile. Many times. Another cracker from Simon Michael Prior. Appeals as it has all my favourite memoir ingredients: animals, travel, moving abroad, music-and Simon Michael Prior adds a good dose of humour in for good measure.
Another fabulous book. They just get better! Loved this.
I loved this book! I love the cover-LOVED the man with guitar, and cow sketches between chapters! Fab! Brilliant use of song titles to reflect the happenings. They’re cleverly selected, without giving away any spoilers. These musical refs have me singing, and thinking the book sort of has a musical soundtrack…….and it actually does!
At the beginning of this third book in the series, Simon and Fiona are still boyfriend and girlfriend, not married yet. So, the music was, he says, a way to make some extra money, to save for their future, and he's still helping with the milking and farming tasks during the day. In the evenings he's honing his craft as a musician; playing the pubs and clubs; sussing out the audiences; gaining experience.
This was another fab and fun read. Plenty happens and there's tons of giggles. Love these books! A feel-good read which makes you smile. Many times. Another cracker from Simon Michael Prior. Appeals as it has all my favourite memoir ingredients: animals, travel, moving abroad, music-and Simon Michael Prior adds a good dose of humour in for good measure.
Another fabulous book. They just get better! Loved this.
June 29, 2022
What do Sheryl Crow, Alex James of Blur & London Musician Simon Michael Prior have in common?
Air guitar; hairbrush for a mic; we have all dreamed of being famous, but London Musician Simon Michael Prior followed his dreams and sought rock stardom on the West Coast. The West Coast of New Zealand, that is, which involved a lot of cows. And sheep. Obviously – it’s NZ after all.
You might think stage fright would be the hardest aspect for an aspiring musician to conquer. But then there was the incident with the jet boat and the bulls...
Simon takes us on an honest, heart-warming and humorous journey through All Venues Great and Small, including ones with no electricity – or no audience. He battles the weather, small town politics, and the West Coast’s affinity for Kenny Rogers with a repertoire that is more Cranberries than Coward of the County. I loved the nostalgia of the 90’s music referenced throughout, although the book left me with an ear worm that the author might prefer to forget. Who the F is Alice?
This book is a feel-good page turner from start to finish. Although it is part of a series, it stands alone – I have read one of Simon’s other books, The Coconut Wireless, although I shall definitely be reading more!
So, if you were wondering what Sheryl Crow, Alex James of Blur and London Musician Simon Michael Prior have in common, now you know. It’s cows. Although Simon Michael Prior did it first…
Air guitar; hairbrush for a mic; we have all dreamed of being famous, but London Musician Simon Michael Prior followed his dreams and sought rock stardom on the West Coast. The West Coast of New Zealand, that is, which involved a lot of cows. And sheep. Obviously – it’s NZ after all.
You might think stage fright would be the hardest aspect for an aspiring musician to conquer. But then there was the incident with the jet boat and the bulls...
Simon takes us on an honest, heart-warming and humorous journey through All Venues Great and Small, including ones with no electricity – or no audience. He battles the weather, small town politics, and the West Coast’s affinity for Kenny Rogers with a repertoire that is more Cranberries than Coward of the County. I loved the nostalgia of the 90’s music referenced throughout, although the book left me with an ear worm that the author might prefer to forget. Who the F is Alice?
This book is a feel-good page turner from start to finish. Although it is part of a series, it stands alone – I have read one of Simon’s other books, The Coconut Wireless, although I shall definitely be reading more!
So, if you were wondering what Sheryl Crow, Alex James of Blur and London Musician Simon Michael Prior have in common, now you know. It’s cows. Although Simon Michael Prior did it first…
June 25, 2022
I can't believe how Simon's books just keep getting better. I loved the first two, but he's outdone himself with this one. From world traveler to dairy farmer, Simon now sets out to achieve his ambition for rockstardom. He has a good repertoire of songs from the 60s to the 90s, but can he cater for the New Zealanders' appetite for country music? I've read a lot of reviews for this book, but none have mentioned one of the things that makes this book great. The chapter headings. Each one is a song title, and pertinent to the subject of the chapter. Very clever. Very apt. And the cartoons at the end of each chapter are so endearing. Simon's writing is sublime. I read this in two days, because I couldn't put it down. There's a little hook at the end of each chapter, begging you to read the next. I loved the characters he meets on his quest for stardom. The man who thought London was a made up place, like Star Trek, was a gem. And the lady demanding a sea view in an Orlando hotel was a hoot. I love the way this reads almost like a novel, and from hints dropped during the book I have the feeling Fiona will not be content to stay in New Zealand forever, so I'm hopeful for new adventures on the way. Soon please!!
August 1, 2022
What a Fabulous read, Funny and Highly Entertaining
I have followed Simon and Fiona's travels and loved every one of them, this is the third one in the series, and, in my opinion, my favourite one so far.
Simon lives with his girlfriend on her parent's farm where his day work involves feeding and milking the cows, Simon dreams of one day becoming an internationally famous rock star. Soon the need arises to make extra money so he tries his hands at making his dreams come true, making a living as a rural rock star. Travelling far and wide performing gigs at bars, clubs, private events, basically anywhere that will give him a chance, it is all a learning and experience-making curve.
His nirvana comes when he is asked to perform at the Westland Agricultural and Pastoral Show. Taking to the stage he performs in between various displays and shows but his finest hour comes when he closes the show, belting out tunes to an appreciative audience...his own Live Aid...he is in his element.
I love the guitar man and cow drawings at the beginning of the chapters. Another fast-paced and action-packed adventure. Thank you Simon for another delightful read and I look forward to the next chapter in your adventures.
I have followed Simon and Fiona's travels and loved every one of them, this is the third one in the series, and, in my opinion, my favourite one so far.
Simon lives with his girlfriend on her parent's farm where his day work involves feeding and milking the cows, Simon dreams of one day becoming an internationally famous rock star. Soon the need arises to make extra money so he tries his hands at making his dreams come true, making a living as a rural rock star. Travelling far and wide performing gigs at bars, clubs, private events, basically anywhere that will give him a chance, it is all a learning and experience-making curve.
His nirvana comes when he is asked to perform at the Westland Agricultural and Pastoral Show. Taking to the stage he performs in between various displays and shows but his finest hour comes when he closes the show, belting out tunes to an appreciative audience...his own Live Aid...he is in his element.
I love the guitar man and cow drawings at the beginning of the chapters. Another fast-paced and action-packed adventure. Thank you Simon for another delightful read and I look forward to the next chapter in your adventures.
June 23, 2022
In the first two books in Prior’s “South Pacific Shenanigans” series, the author sets off on a quest to find the Queen of Tonga, gets stranded on a desert island, eats beetle larvae, walks on a glacier, and finds the hilarity in rural New Zealand life, from milking cows to clearing brush.
In this new installment in the series, Prior finds himself posing for publicity photos with a cow named Gladys as he attempts to make a name for himself as a one-man rock band. He dreams of performing at a huge, outdoor concert like Live Aid, or at least the local Wild Foods Festival, even though his early gigs in such venues as the Brunner Working Men’s Club leave him asking himself "Why did I ever want to be a musician?"
Yet Prior perseveres through a never-ending gauntlet of challenges: unappreciative pub owners and patrons, litigation, a perilous river crossing, visa problems, and a nemesis determined to thwart his dreams.
I won’t give away the ending except to say that Prior leaves readers curious about what will happen next as he sets off on another quest. They won’t have to wonder long. Book 4 in the series is due out in 2023. This reader can hardly wait!
In this new installment in the series, Prior finds himself posing for publicity photos with a cow named Gladys as he attempts to make a name for himself as a one-man rock band. He dreams of performing at a huge, outdoor concert like Live Aid, or at least the local Wild Foods Festival, even though his early gigs in such venues as the Brunner Working Men’s Club leave him asking himself "Why did I ever want to be a musician?"
Yet Prior perseveres through a never-ending gauntlet of challenges: unappreciative pub owners and patrons, litigation, a perilous river crossing, visa problems, and a nemesis determined to thwart his dreams.
I won’t give away the ending except to say that Prior leaves readers curious about what will happen next as he sets off on another quest. They won’t have to wonder long. Book 4 in the series is due out in 2023. This reader can hardly wait!
June 23, 2022
A fast-paced, entertaining read
Could a London Boy become a New Zealand Rock Star? That is the big question as we welcome back Simon and his hilarious travel adventures. I loved the first two books in this series, but this third book is even better.
“The entertaining real-life story of a wannabe rockstar. With, erm, some cows thrown in for good measure.”
With a stage name of “London Musician Simon Michael Prior” we follow Simon as he books lots of gigs in the local pubs and clubs around his adopted hometown in New Zealand. I loved his first hesitant steps onto the stage, playing for a less than enthusiastic crowd. The book charts his slow rise to some form of stardom in the sleepy towns of the rural middle of nowhere, with plenty of laughs along the way. Simon is self-deprecating in his honest assessment of his attempts to find fame and fortune – or at least a proper stadium booking – but will he actually ever settle down on the farm with his girlfriend and her family?
A very funny and entertaining book - recommended!
Could a London Boy become a New Zealand Rock Star? That is the big question as we welcome back Simon and his hilarious travel adventures. I loved the first two books in this series, but this third book is even better.
“The entertaining real-life story of a wannabe rockstar. With, erm, some cows thrown in for good measure.”
With a stage name of “London Musician Simon Michael Prior” we follow Simon as he books lots of gigs in the local pubs and clubs around his adopted hometown in New Zealand. I loved his first hesitant steps onto the stage, playing for a less than enthusiastic crowd. The book charts his slow rise to some form of stardom in the sleepy towns of the rural middle of nowhere, with plenty of laughs along the way. Simon is self-deprecating in his honest assessment of his attempts to find fame and fortune – or at least a proper stadium booking – but will he actually ever settle down on the farm with his girlfriend and her family?
A very funny and entertaining book - recommended!
June 25, 2022
The sign of a really good book is when you always want to know what happens next. This is the case at the end of every chapter of Simon’s story and certainly at the end. There must be more to follow. The humour makes you smile throughout but it is Simon’s endearing naivety that propels the story as he positively goes from audience to audience feeling these next people will send him to stadium tour stardom. The characterisation is warm and well observed in glorious Technicolor. I love the story of him playing a Springsteen length set to ‘one man and his dog’ and then the midnight audience arrive to berate him for only ‘doing ten minutes’. For a Lancastrian like myself the story of the Yorkshire couple is priceless. As someone else has noted the book is well written and precisely edited. Except – In Yorkshire (and Lancashire) ‘the’ is spelt 't’ and pronounced as a child would in primary school - just saying. Simon is ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ although he doesn’t sing it. Will he return? – I am certain his readers are hoping so.
December 19, 2022
This is the third in a memoir series by Simon Michael Prior and it certainly lived up to expectations. I was curious to learn how he would progress in New Zealand. We witness his progressive capabilities in rural life and see him fulfilling a long-held dram of rocking crowds with his voice and guitar. Living alongside a father-in-law who appears to know everyone in the country and who is popular and respected among many, proves helpful on more than one occasion. He may be a farmer but he proves useful to the author in many ways other than preventing him from making a fool of himself when handling the cows. A court case is proof enough to demonstrate that he will not be put down or cowed (no pun intended) by anybody until justice is done. While Simon is living out his dream, his girl, Fiona is itching for something different and is restless. The memoir leaves the reader wondering whether Simon is wasting his time in procuring permanent residency. I await the next book with great anticipation.
June 26, 2022
This humorous and fast-paced memoir reads like a train. Actually, it reads like a tour bus. We are taken along the rural West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island on front row seats to discover and participate in the music scene of the nineties with elements of life at a dairy farm sprinkled in.
Prior offers a glimpse behind the scenes of an inspiring musician that had me entertained, in awe, and on edge. I have a lot of respect for musicians - being able to sing and/or play an instrument, especially in front of a crowd, is very brave, special, and rewarding. The author’s passion for performing shines through and his (initial) nervousness is recognizable for most of us.
Just like in the other books of his South Pacific Shenanigans series, Prior’s witty writing style and talent for story telling make this a fun read that you will not want to put down. It doesn’t hurt that his playlist contains some of my favorite eighties and nineties music.
Prior offers a glimpse behind the scenes of an inspiring musician that had me entertained, in awe, and on edge. I have a lot of respect for musicians - being able to sing and/or play an instrument, especially in front of a crowd, is very brave, special, and rewarding. The author’s passion for performing shines through and his (initial) nervousness is recognizable for most of us.
Just like in the other books of his South Pacific Shenanigans series, Prior’s witty writing style and talent for story telling make this a fun read that you will not want to put down. It doesn’t hurt that his playlist contains some of my favorite eighties and nineties music.
June 24, 2022
Simon Michael Prior has done it again. A laugh out loud funny travel memoir that is brilliant from start to finish.
Aided and abetted by his girlfriend’s father Simon has his sights on a musical career. His mission? To become a sell-out rock star and to see his name in lights. The ambitions are big but the start is small playing in pubs and local parties, and the journey is long peppered with more than a few mishaps on the way.
I like the way that characters and places are introduced with writing so descriptive that the pages come alive and feed the imagination. This page turner is the third in Simon’s series of South Pacific shenanigans and follows the same style as the ones before in that it is well written, the story flows, and is interspersed with amusing anecdotes. A very enjoyable read and another 5* from me.
Aided and abetted by his girlfriend’s father Simon has his sights on a musical career. His mission? To become a sell-out rock star and to see his name in lights. The ambitions are big but the start is small playing in pubs and local parties, and the journey is long peppered with more than a few mishaps on the way.
I like the way that characters and places are introduced with writing so descriptive that the pages come alive and feed the imagination. This page turner is the third in Simon’s series of South Pacific shenanigans and follows the same style as the ones before in that it is well written, the story flows, and is interspersed with amusing anecdotes. A very enjoyable read and another 5* from me.
August 6, 2022
Yet another great read in the South Pacific Shenanigans series. I was delighted when book 3 of this series came out, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a continuation of Simon’s adventures in rural New Zealand, but with a twist. In addition to adjusting to the new life on his girlfriend’s dad’s dairy farm, Simon tries to make a little extra money by playing in local bars and other venues. Like any young musician, he dreams of the big stage and stardom, which contrasts with the places where he actually performs. Some failures and disappointment in his musical career are inevitable, but I enjoyed the humour and good spirit of the narrative. Like the other books in the series, the writing is full of comedy and heart-warming descriptions. I love the setting and the variety of characters. I can’t wait to read what happens next.
June 24, 2022
This is the third of Simon’s memoirs that I have thoroughly enjoyed. His amusing writing style has kept me captivated as he and Fiona travelled from London, via Tonga, to her family home on New Zealand’s South Island, where he enthusiastically entered into the world of dairy farming.
The Pomegranate Busker finds Simon seeking fame and fortune, as he sets out to entertain the good people of New Zealand in his nascent musical career. The story flows nicely, and Simon’s many amusing anecdotes provide laugh-out-loud moments along the way.
Throughout the book, it is clear that Fiona is getting itchy feet, so I’m already looking forward to book four, to discover where their travels take them next!
July 2, 2022
He has done it again. A great story of leaving London with his girlfriend from NZ because her visa is running out. The end up on her family farm and nothing is to much for him—anything they need help with he is game. Simon wants to be a dad (birthing a cow) and it is so funny how he fulfills this. Simon also wants to be famous for playing his guitar and is able to book himself into several pubs and with the help of his (future—maybe) father in law he gets to play at an outdoor gig the day he has to fly out of NZ as his visa is expiring. As usual the book ends when you don’t want it to so he says the next one comes out in 2023–sooo long to wait!! I recommend this series but you can read this book alone also.
June 23, 2022
In the author's signature style, The Pomegranate Busker will make you laugh out loud while also making you feel completely connected to the story and to all of the characters. This third book in the South Pacific Shenanigans Series continues the adventures of Simon and Fiona. I found myself fully invested in Simon's mission to become a rock star. And as always, Simon takes us all on many unexpected adventures along the way and is not afraid to reveal his hilarious and sometimes embarrassing stories! The book is well written, entertaining, fun, endearing, and will have you head-banging to the beat and playing along with your air guitar.
June 23, 2022
Have you ever wanted to be famous?
I know I have. I think a lot of people dream of being well-known and Simon Michael Prior is no different. He dreams of being a rockstar.
I’ve been rejected in my past and it brought me to tears. But, like me, Simon doesn’t let it stop him but instead he pushes harder to fulfill his dreams. There is never a dull moment in this action-packed book that will have you falling off your seat with laughter and rooting for Simon to make it big.
I couldn’t stop turning the pages of The Pomegranate Busker to see if Simon would rock on or have to face stone cold rejection.
I know I have. I think a lot of people dream of being well-known and Simon Michael Prior is no different. He dreams of being a rockstar.
I’ve been rejected in my past and it brought me to tears. But, like me, Simon doesn’t let it stop him but instead he pushes harder to fulfill his dreams. There is never a dull moment in this action-packed book that will have you falling off your seat with laughter and rooting for Simon to make it big.
I couldn’t stop turning the pages of The Pomegranate Busker to see if Simon would rock on or have to face stone cold rejection.
June 23, 2022
This book was a real treat, and a nostalgic read that took me back to the days of dancing in pubs to a local band. There were some absolute laugh out loud moments as Simon traversed the Westcoast of New Zealand's South Island with his guitar, facing a fair few hiccups along the way. I loved the detail and descriptions of characters, expressions and settings, making the book come to life in my imagination. The finer details of radio music of the time, current events, food and popular television enhanced the story. Another 5 star read from this author, look forward to the next installment in the series.
July 6, 2022
What can be better than a book with a soundtrack? Not only did this gem have me humming along as I read, it also had me reaching for Google to seek out sound clips as I indulged in a bit of music nostalgia of my own.
Simon Michael Prior once again delights with his youthful round-the-world adventures, this time as an aspiring rock star. The farm flavours I loved in his previous book, The Scenicland Radio, are still present, but the focus is very different. Now he’s carting his sound equipment around the pubs and community halls of New Zealand’s South Island in search of his big break. This was a thoroughly entertaining read, and I’m already looking forward to the next in the series.
Simon Michael Prior once again delights with his youthful round-the-world adventures, this time as an aspiring rock star. The farm flavours I loved in his previous book, The Scenicland Radio, are still present, but the focus is very different. Now he’s carting his sound equipment around the pubs and community halls of New Zealand’s South Island in search of his big break. This was a thoroughly entertaining read, and I’m already looking forward to the next in the series.
March 14, 2023
Congrats to Simon Michael Prior for another exceptional read. Simon’s inclusion of his candid thoughts throughout the book are hilarious because-let’s face it- we identify with them! His fascinating descriptions of the characters in the book, including his lovable and unconventional future father-in-law make for absorbing reading. Watching someone reinvent himself after hitting a zero balance in a seemingly impossible job market is gratifying. And holding it all together: a blossoming love story.
October 21, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Simon and Fiona are quite happy on Fiona's parent's farm on the South Island of New Zealand, but it's time for Simon to earn some money, so he begins his new career as a solo performer. There are some hilarious incidents, irritating people to deal with, and not everything goes as expected.
A very enjoyable memoir told with a unique touch of humour; I can highly recommend it.
Simon and Fiona are quite happy on Fiona's parent's farm on the South Island of New Zealand, but it's time for Simon to earn some money, so he begins his new career as a solo performer. There are some hilarious incidents, irritating people to deal with, and not everything goes as expected.
A very enjoyable memoir told with a unique touch of humour; I can highly recommend it.
July 29, 2022
I am The One and Only
Except that should read "Simon Prior is the one and only".
Simon has done it again - I was glued to this book for 2 sessions in one day - perhaps not "4 seasons in 1 day". It will be a Crowded House the day this book ever sells out...
Yet another hit from the master - and I look forward to the next in the Opus.
Simon's writing gets better and better.
Except that should read "Simon Prior is the one and only".
Simon has done it again - I was glued to this book for 2 sessions in one day - perhaps not "4 seasons in 1 day". It will be a Crowded House the day this book ever sells out...
Yet another hit from the master - and I look forward to the next in the Opus.
Simon's writing gets better and better.
May 18, 2023
I’m really enjoying this series about Simon and Fiona's travels. They have now settled in New Zealand with Fiona's family. While helping around the farm is very satisfying, Simon needs to earn some money. He has always enjoyed playing his guitar and singing, so starts playing at local pubs and events.
June 26, 2022
Simon takes you on his adventurous journey of becoming a rockstar in New Zealand.
This book had me in laughter. It’s filled with humour and is very well written.
A nice added touch are photos to go along with the book, which are on the author’s website.
This book had me in laughter. It’s filled with humour and is very well written.
A nice added touch are photos to go along with the book, which are on the author’s website.
October 24, 2022
This is another winner from Simon Michael Prior in his South Sea Shenanigans Series. Lighthearted and fun, Simon has a great knack of engaging the reader with his tales! I have laughed and sang along to this memoir. I had to admire his determination to get his name out there as a singer. It takes a good deal of courage to get out there and perform, especially in some of the unlikely venues and rather less than appreciative audiences. All this to earn some extra money so he and Fiona can get married and have a little money behind them. At the same time he is still helping on her father's farm with all the hard work that entails. I particularly enjoyed his genuine delight at helping with the calving. From start to finish this is a terrific read. I do hope there will be more from Simon.
December 19, 2022
An enterprising young Londoner tries to make it as a singer to stay in New Zealand, his girlfriend’s home country. But the punters in the pubs on the wild West Coast of the South Island are a picky lot, especially the bowls club. Simon Michael Prior quickly learns that Oasis covers just don’t cut it in the back of beyond, and if he wants to make it there, he’d better know some Country & Western.
The author is at the top of his game in The Pomegranate Busker, his third book in the South Pacific Shenanigan’s travel series. This book has not one but two arch-villains, both of whom seem determined to knock down this outsider. But Simon handles his rejection with grace and pulls himself back up, even when it seems the odds are stacked against him. His delightful writing style and gentle wit perfectly capture the rhythms of rural life in a story of one man’s quest to become almost famous.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
The author is at the top of his game in The Pomegranate Busker, his third book in the South Pacific Shenanigan’s travel series. This book has not one but two arch-villains, both of whom seem determined to knock down this outsider. But Simon handles his rejection with grace and pulls himself back up, even when it seems the odds are stacked against him. His delightful writing style and gentle wit perfectly capture the rhythms of rural life in a story of one man’s quest to become almost famous.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
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