My First Book Review

I've just finished reading a WONDERFUL book series that I want the world to know about, and so I thought I'd take the idea from my friend Corrie and write a book review on my blog. Mine won't be nearly as intelligent as hers are, but here goes.

The first book in the series is called The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, and that is what the series is also known as. Delightful might sound a little cheesy, but it's really the best word I can think of to describe these books! They're written by Alexander McCall Smith, a white man who grew up in Zimbabwe, but the books are set in Botswana. The main character is Precious Ramotswe, a heavyset Batswana lady who is a refreshing combination of wisdom, honesty, and hilarity. Her father passed away, leaving her a large inheritance, so she decided to open up her own business - a detective agency. This is where the first book opens, and we get to follow her misadventures as she gets the agency off the ground. Will anyone actually hire a woman to solve their mysteries? What does she do with the difficult cases that come along? Any respectable business needs a secretary, but can she afford to keep one? How will she stop the chickens from roosting in her office? She also has plenty of adventures in her personal life, and some of her friends are pretty unique characters! For example, look at Mma Potokwane, the pushy matron of the town's orphanage, who can talk pretty much anyone into anything. She'll captivate you with a large slice of her fruitcake, and then while you're in its raptures, you'll say yes to whatever she asks! Then, of course, there's her oldest and most faithful friend: her tiny white van that notoriously leans toward the driver's side - a testament to Mma Ramotswe's "traditional build."

So far there are 7 books in the series: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Tears of the Giraffe, Morality for Beautiful Girls, The Kalahari Typing School for Men, The Full Cupboard of Life, In the Company of Cheerful Ladies, and Blue Shoes and Happiness. I can't wait for him to write more!

You can ask Justin, who was beside me while I read most of these books - I laughed out loud on numerous occasions! These books probably connected with me so deeply because I spent 2 years living in Africa, and they hit the nail on the head when it comes to African culture. But I'm sure that anyone would enjoy the delightful and funny prose that entertains you, while still dealing with some pretty deep and thought-provoking questions of life. If you want to be entertained with light and funny reading, then check out these books!