Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 Years Old in Books
May 25, 2017
Think Adrian Plass but with octogenarians and this is the result. The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ Years Old is a years long journal beginning on 1st January 2013. Hendrik hates old people, an unfortunate predicament as he live in a home for the elderly. He set himself the task of writing a daily account about the “life of the inmates of a care home in North Amsterdam,” with the purpose of it being read after his death by readers, or “inmates” who wish to know what to expect in their old age.
Whether the contents of this diary are true or exaggerated does not matter, as what it produces is a laugh-out-loud story, a pleasure to read. From cake in the fish tank, to complaints about leaky nether regions, Hendrik provides a brutally honest account of the highs and lows of being an OAP.
The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ Years Old encompasses a selection of unique and presumably real characters. Readers are bound to discover someone who reminds them of an elderly relative, or even themselves! There is the diabetic, rude, gin loving Evert – Henrdik’s best friend of many years – who is never without a witty comeback for the bossy, self-important director of the home. On the other hand, levelheaded Eefje, who Hendrik is rather fond of, shows a completely different view of elderly mentality. Despite the stereotypes associated with care home patients, Hendrik and friends still have as much fun as possible; after all, they may be Old but not Dead.
Speaking of dead, Hendrik makes a number of jokes and references to euthanasia, which may seem like poor taste to some readers. However, when all the friends around you are literally living the final years of their lives, why not joke about it instead of worry? Naturally there are sad diary entries about the inevitable deaths of his contemporaries throughout the year, but Hendrik does not let it get him down for long. Hendrik and his close friends make the most of the time they have left, and if that involves speeding along the roads of Amsterdam on their souped-up mobility scooters, then that is exactly what they will do.
The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ Years Old is a gem of a book and comes highly recommended to readers of all ages. Hendrik ‘s effortlessly funny, sarcastic remarks stress what the average citizen is too polite to voice. Once you begin it is hard to put down. Unfortunately a year is not long enough and you will end up wanting more. Whatever the future holds for us, let’s hope we become someone like Hendrik Groen.
Little Ray Of Sunshine (41 KP) rated Fishing the Net in Books
Jan 11, 2019 (Updated Feb 10, 2019)
I felt for Gill as she just wanted someone to love and be loved back. You get through some of her dates thinking yes she found the one and there is always a flaw in their looks, habits or their personality.
It continues on with the stories of Ocra and Starfish and how they met online fell in love and married and Gill was jealous that they both found each other. But she starts to help her work friend Dory set up a online dating profile and help her find the real guys out there. But Dory is so picky and its a struggle to help her find the one. So Gill shows her that there is more then one site to find some men who would love to meet up in person.
I love how the authors put in the fishing names like Gill, Starfish and Dory. Gill is a fan of fishing so her intentions are to fish the net and find a decent catch. You are rooting for her to find the guy and while you reading through you expect her to find the guy she want but there are always let down. But this book shows the honest account of what it's like to find love in the 21st century. I am so happy that I found my man and never used the dating website as this book shows how men can be down right cheaters (I know not all of you men out there).
I wont say anymore as I would want you to go and buy this book and see what you think to it.
Thanks for reading.
Have you got any stories to tell about your experience with any of the dating websites?
I was given this by the authors of Fishing the Net I am grateful they sent it out for me to review on my blog. I want to thank Rod Wood and Jane Reeves for sending me this book.
Debbiereadsbook (1611 KP) rated Shadow and Light (Arizona Raptors #3) in Books
Mar 30, 2020
This is book three in the Arizona Raptors series. It says that it is not a stand alone and you should read books one and two first, however, I don't think its entirely NECESSARY, but it certainly would help. I have read those two books, and they were both solid 4 star reads.
THIS one, though, is a whole different kettle of fish!
I LOVED this book!
You feel for Henry. His life has taken a turn he didn't expect. The man who was using him, almost killed him. His money is all gone, and he is living in someone else's house, mansion, all by himself. His hockey is on the line, because of the accident and his mind is on a downward spiral.
Enter Apollo.
Apollo is the best friend of Adler, the man paying for the house, who is Henry's brother's friend. Apollo is at a loose end since Adler is all loved up, and Apollo needs some sun. So Apollo goes to Arizona to look after Henry while he gets backs on his feet and back onto the ice.
Apollo is just the kind of man Henry wants, but who would want a washed up hockey player who might go blind? Apollo clearly wants Henry, but he is supposed to be going home at the end of the summer. Can he let his heart take the break?
This one is my favourite of the three, it really is.
It had me crying in places, laughing in others. Shouting at the kindle, and cheering away. I wanted to wrap Henry up in cotton wool and I wanted to smack him upside the head. Apollo too!
There are numerous references to The Harrisburg Railers players and pop ups from all the major players and team from this series. I loved that.
The relationship between Apollo and Henry is slow and sweet, and I loved that. They grow into each other, you know, as the book progresses. It's beautifully written, and gave me so many feels!
Ryker Madsen is Henry's team mate, he plays the same line (although, to be honest, I have no idea what that actually means, I just thought someone MIGHT!) and HIS book was in the Owatonna U Hockey series. I did NOT like Ryker in that book. He does redeem himself in that series somewhat, but HERE? As Henry's best friend, that kid done good! So, as a totally irrelevent point, Ryker? I forgive you!
So, my favourite of the three so far, but I know there is one more out later this year.
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Schwangerschaft Lebensmittelampel PRO
Medical and Health & Fitness
App
Congratulations on your pregnancy! With this app we would like to give you a helpful tool, which...
Hands up alias charades and heads up activity game for fun friends company
Games and Entertainment
App
Hands up – Charades, Activity and Alias in one app! Exciting game for friends will make your party...
You Must Build A Boat
Games
App
*** App Store Best of 2015! *** So you think you are good at matching? Time to put those skills to...
Emoji for WeChat, Kik Messenger, Viber & WhatsApp...etc
Productivity
App
Emoji - Use 6250 Emojis & Animated Emoji in your WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, Instagram, WeChat, LINE,...
Animal Band ~ Music Time
Games and Music
App
Animal Band is a fun and easy music toy that encourages young children to explore music while...
Stickers for Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Viber & WhatsApp...etc
Lifestyle and Entertainment
App
*** Up to 50% off for 24 Hours *** Stickers - Use 6250 Stickers & Animated Stickers in your...
Village City: Island Sim Builder Farm Resident
Games
App
If you liked the early city building sims, you will definitely love this city building tycoon...


