A Song of Comfortable Chairs (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency)

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I enjoyed the larger role played by Charlie in this book. He is certainly beginning to mature. Just beginning mind you. I am happy that he has been introduced to tooth paste just in time to save his teeth! I found myself in total agreement with Mma Ramotswe about the importance in our lives of comfortable chairs and of sharing cups of tea and cake with our friends. It is all very cosy and reassuring. After his first- ever visit to the dentist, Charlie is dismayed to learn what will be needed to keep his teeth from falling out. As usual, he has numerous unsatisfactory interactions with Mma Makutsi, but somehow ends up becoming a mentor to a troubled young boy. This is such a comforting read with wonderful outcomes for all concerned. Yes, I confess, it did seem a bit fluffy, especially compared to some of my other grittier reads, however if I pay attention in my daily walk of life I notice that I am surrounded by people who reach out to others through small gestures of care and consideration that make their day just a bit brighter and their hearts a little lighter. My favorite quotes are about tea and comforting others:

Meanwhile, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi happen to meet Mma Makutsi's old friend Patience, who came to Gaborone from Bobonong. Thanks ##NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing (Pantheon) for a complimentary e ARC of #ASongOfComfortableChairs upon my request. All opinions are my own. A Song of Comfortable Chairs is installment 23 in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series and can be read as a stand alone. In this latest installment in the beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, Grace Makutsi encounters a pair of quandaries that will require all of her and Mma Ramotswe’s cleverness and generosity to resolve. As with the other 22 books in this series, this is an enjoyable read that combines humor, social commentary, mystery and well-developed characters. I enjoy the author's writing, so I enjoy this series.DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Knopf Doubleday via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Followers of this series are in it for the long haul as it’s like catching up with old friends. More often than not, it’s not the gentle story/investigation unfurling that draws you in, but rather the keen observations that make you smile, the pearls of wisdom that cause you to pause and ponder. Exuding gentleness and a philosophy many of us could learn from, Precious Ramotswe and friends remind us of the more important things in life. A Song of Comfortable Chairs is just that: time out in a comfy chair where the rhythms of Africa sweep over you. We could all do with a little more Botswana wisdom in our lives. I can’t wait for the next instalment - these books being an absolute treasure that I shall continue to read as long as Alexander writes them (please … keep writing them!) Coming to the main issues in the story, things don’t take off until the second half. The first half gathers information in bits and pieces, while the ‘solving process’ begins in the latter part. Of course, we know what and why already. It’s how that matters. One solution is simple, and the other is well… elaborate and dramatic. The teeny twist at the end adds a cheeky charm to the book. We shall change all that...because it is possible to change the world, if one is determined enough, and if one sees with sufficient clarity just what has to be changed.

I cannot tell you the complete and utter joy I get in opening up a fresh new tale from the ‘No.1 Ladies Detective Agency’ series. It is hard to believe this is the 23rd installment! Yes! You read correctly, twenty three .... and still going strong. Precious Ramotswe and her life in Botswana is a place I am always eager to curl up on the couch for. It is a pleasure to step out of the rat race and spend some time with old friends, intriguing mysteries and a journey to a satisfying conclusion. I love the gentle tone of this series. The characters are not perfect; they are constantly striving to be better. A Song of Comfortable Chairs was perfectly paced with two pro-bono, personal cases. I loved seeing more of Charlie in this one and seeing his vulnerability and growth. And one that we all learned to read without ever being specifically taught to do so. How many parents sat their children down and told them what these things meant? Very few, or none, she thought. stars. This is the 23rd book in the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency set in Botswana. I am happy to have read them all and am already anticipating the next edition. They make a charming and relaxing break from the many books of murder and mayhem I often read. They are steeped in kindness, common sense, and a gentle philosophy about leading one's best life, and of course added wisdom on how to be a successful detective from a well-read manual.

This is such a charming series. I enjoy this series so much because of the unique setting and because it is such a fresh take on the classic female detective stories. There is no end to the pleasure that may be extracted from these . . . books.” —Janet Malcolm, The New York Review of Books Now I see why the series is successful and much loved. The book doesn’t really fit any genre. The mysteries are not ‘mysteries’, but aspects of one’s life- things we see in society, issues someone has to deal with, and decisions people need to make. Year after year, fans of the easy reading and “uplit” series eagerly anticipate catching up with the characters and enjoy spending a few lovely hours in Botswana.

These scenarios make up the 'detective' parts of the book. The remainder of the novel is mostly about Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi going about their business; Mma Ramotswe's inner musings; and the characters drinking tea and having rambling conversations. The RRP is the suggested or Recommended Retail Price of a product, set by the publisher or manufacturer. and a firm called Twenty-First Century Chairs is selling new-age, adjustable seats at reduced prices. Unfortunately, Phuti can't compete. In these days of interminable conflict, deteriorating environment, and an endless stream of bad news, Alexander McCall Smith manages to bring us to a safe haven of solvable problems and lovable characters. In this latest installment of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, we are immersed in the lives of Mma Ramotswe, her husband JLB Matekoni, Grace Makutsi, Phuti Radaphuti, Madame Potokwane and the other familiar characters living in Gaborone, Botswana.

Grace and Mma Ramotswe meet Grace’s childhood friend Patience, who appears to be dealing with her own issues. Mma Ramotswe comes up with ideas that might solve both issues and provide a happy solution for all of them.

The novels of Alexander McCall Smith aren't yet prescribed on the NHS, but it might not be a bad idea' Daily Telegraph Alexander McCall Smith has managed once again to write another wonderful tale where our leading lady, Precious, encourages us to slow down and express gratitude. To many it might seem simplistic, yet truly speaking, it is the superb craftsmanship of Alexander that provides devoted readers with a gentle reminder to be more open minded and extend warmth to those around us. I even tried witching from ebook to audio (the Lisette Lecat's voice was sooo soothing, I kinda want her to read me bedtime stories). I appreciated this chance to hang out with good friends Precious Ramotswe, Grace Makutsi, and Mr J.L.B Matekoni and catch up on what has been happening in Botswana. I read about a furniture company that puts profit before quality and attempts to undercut Grace’s husband (Phuti) and drive him towards bankruptcy. I also read about Grace’s friend who has a troubled son. Both cases were solved with kindness, generosity and cleverness - the founding corners of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. I like the main character PI Mma Precious Ramotswe’s formal and polite speech and kind treatment of others. Her pragmatic way of approaching a problem makes her an excellent detective. She has worked with Grace Makutsi for several years. Grace can grate on the nerves with her attempts to appear to be in charge, but Precious has more patience than I ever would with the whole Grace situation!