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Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie
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Publisher's summary

As summer blooms in Edinburgh's gardens, and Bertie Pollock's birthday appears on the horizon, all at 44 Scotland Street is not cake and sunshine. Newlywed Angus Lordie has been booked by his bride into what he must not call the loony bin; Bruce’s first encounter with hot wax brings more anguish than he bargained for; and Bertie's birthday dreams of scout camp and a penknife look set to be replaced by a game of Royal Weddings and a gender-neutral doll. But fate, an amorous Bedouin, and the Dubai Tourist Authority conspire to transport Bertie's mother, Irene, to a warmer--if not a better--place, and once again on Scotland Street the triumph of human kindness over adversity gives cause for celebration.

©2013 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2014 Recorded Books
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What listeners say about Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers

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comfort food

McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street series is the comfort food of audiobooks - something to listen to as you work through routine tasks that will bring a smile to your face.

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  • Overall
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Superb entertaining. Laugh out loud

Great comic relief in an all too serious world. Enter Bertie's world and prepare to be amused May McCall Smith continue to tell his tale.

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It just gets better

Would you listen to Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers again? Why?

I have been following Bertie and his family through the many books. I love that he has some freedom from his mother for now. Yeah Bertie.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable

Good listening material during long drives. The storyline is a good sequel to previous books.

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Love it! Keep them coming, A. McCall Smith!

Can't wait to see how Irene gets out of this pickle and if it changes her parenting attitude at all! I'm sure it won't, but I still love all the little mishaps and triumphs going on around 44 Scotland Street. As always, great and lively narration!

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Absolutely charming

44 Scotland Street is our favorite series. It was lovely to see Bertie finally getting some of the things he so wanted in Bertie's Guide To Life and Mothers.

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One of his best

Alexander McFall Smith has outdone himself with this tale of 44 Scotland Street, and Bertie finally becomes seven years old! The story has a bit of joy and a bit of karma for each of our favorite characters. It leaves a few characters free to continue their sometimes bumbling way through Edinburgh life! I look forward to MORE 44 Scotlsnd Street!

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Bertie turns seven!!!!

Oh the joy of visiting Edinburgh with McCall Smith as he observes the absurd, the kind, the lonely, the ridiculous and the obnoxious … all appropriate adjectives for the various characters who reside at, or are former residents of, 44 Scotland Street and its environs. If you have not read this series I strongly recommend that you begin at the beginning and learn to know and, at times, love the various personalities. Bertie seems to be trapped in amber as it has taken him much longer than the average child to reach the lofty age of seven ….. he has been six for years! Get out your Spode china, set a tray for tea (this will make sense as you read the book) and relax as you enter the other worldliness that exists in McCall Smith's Edinburgh … be prepared for laugh out loud moments, poignant moments, and the pure bliss of Cyril getting drunk!

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8 people found this helpful

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My Favorite Book in One of My Favorite Series

I haven't loved all the series McCall Smith has written but this one is fabulous. I don't know how it would be to read the books in print because Robert Ian MacKenzie is a genius at turning words into believable characters. I think he contributes as much as the author. It's the same with the Ladie's Detective series - Lissete Lecat makes the characters come to life.

I have already listened to this audiobook several times, it's that enjoyable.

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All should live our lives according to Bertie

A wonderful insight in the most delightful way into human nature, our needs, our flaws, refreshingly seen primarily through a 7 year old boy.

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