Cover Image: Pipe Dreams

Pipe Dreams

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I found this book to be filled with relatable experiences, funny moments, and emotional highs and lows that made it an easy and enjoyable read. Like any memoir, James' book has its share of lighthearted moments and difficult topics. He introduces readers to a cast of unforgettable characters, but I found his wife especially relatable.
I found the writing style to be straightforward, which made following the plot a breeze. It's great to see that the author has taken up writing and I eagerly await their future works.

This book is a remarkable first effort. It is a non-fictional piece and, with just under 250 pages, is a fast read, making it ideal for the upcoming summer months!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the author, Ad Lib Publishers and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My brother is a master plumber, so I was intrigued by the synopsis of this book. This very funny collection of stories is not so much a memoir as a series of vignettes starring various characters the author encounters in the course of his work as a plumber and general odd-job man. I loved his dry and self-deprecating humor, and the fact that he did not whitewash his own shortcomings. The writing is quite personal, also involving his roles as father and husband, and gives a fascinating inside look at what tradespeople often have to put up with.

Was this review helpful?

Answer these questions: What makes this book different from all others? And why should anyone care?
Give enough info about the plot of a novel or the facts in a nonfiction book that they have a context for your opinions. Don’t give so much that your post turns into a book report instead of a review. And no spoilers! Be fair to your fellow readers.
Whenever possible, put the good things about a book or author up front.
Criticize the book, not the author, if you don’t like what you’ve read. Explain why.

I chose to read this book because of curiosity alone---and I was glad I was so curious! This is such a unique book! I loved reading about Nick's adventures in plumbing and the interesting situations he found himself in. I enjoyed the reading about his supportive family, the "Merry Misfits" he pieced together to work with, and seeing him achieve his big dream!
While there were parts that had words I tend to avoid in literature, I was not offended by them, because it just made sense that it was part of Nick's story, and his people. I truly found this to be a compelling read and I'm so glad I stumbled upon this gem on Netgalley---where I had the chance to get an advance look.
Sometimes the best reads are the ones we don't expect---and this was the case for me.

Was this review helpful?

A very cute memoir of a London plumber, a way to see the wackiness of going into people's homes and lives. Thanks for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely brilliant, I loved this. I was slightly concerned when the first two stories were a little samey, basically the author having to run to get a part before an epic flooding event, but thereafter the anecdotes were varied and quite frankly hilarious.
I love the easy style of writing, incredibly honest and with the laid back attitude of listening to a close friend retelling a story down the pub.
The intimacy of the client / plumber relationship really shone through as the customers shared their innermost secrets and ambitions with their trusty spanner wielder. It reminded me of the things you overhear when chatting to your hairdresser when you’re relaxed and the random life subjects you stray onto. This was further highlighted by Nick sharing details of his own family life and relationships and his take on life itself. Absolutely spot on and very cathartic to read.
Some of the individual recollections are laugh out loud hilarious, I particularly enjoyed the one about Jesus the dog and they’re thoroughly entertaining. Thank you for sharing, this book is such a gem as are all the very animated characters you introduce us to throughout. Full heartedly recommend to all, any chance of a follow up?

Was this review helpful?

Who doesn't love a niche memoir? They're about people and topics one would never be able to imagine as being captivating or insightful (mostly because one would never think of there being enough scope for a book) but, certainly, on content alone, they can be fascinating. Periodically, the writing is disappointing; this is understandable as the writer is a professional (anything other than a writer) but this is still a key element of a book and can be commented upon.

However, James is one of the few that has the expressive tone to convey his experiences with clarity to an audience. His book creates a 'leaning on a lamppost' Formby figure for the reader to follow through an array of entertaining jaunts. It's a thoroughly good time.

Was this review helpful?

Whilst I appreciated the humour in this book and liked how the honesty at the end resonated through, I found the layout and order of events and stories disjointed and disconnected

Was this review helpful?

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. I enjoy fly on the wall books about different professions, and this was an interesting and entertaining look at the world of a plumber.

Was this review helpful?

My thanks to NetGalley and Ad Lib for a copy of “Pipe Dreams “ for an honest review.

I usually enjoy reading books about people’s different professions but unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me.I tried but I couldn’t get involved in the book.I’ve just given it an average score because of this

Was this review helpful?

What an interesting book! I’ve always wondered the secrets that plumbers hold, and James’ stories are wonderful, funny, and endearing. The path he took to become a plumber is fascinating and it’s clear his passion for writing has paid off with this book.

Was this review helpful?

Cute book.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

Was this review helpful?

Sorry.........I just couldn't get into this book. I enjoyed the story about the dog and how he thought it was lost, I just found it dragged.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review
I love the picture on the cover of this book. And I enjoy reading about tradesmen and their profession. I was kind of expecting more stories about raw sewage and flooded basements but I was happy he focused on the strange but comical variety of customers he had. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments and some that made me say "aww, how sweet".

Was this review helpful?

Pipe Dreams by Nicholas James is an unexpected take on plumbing. No need to worry that you're going to be dowsed in the minitua of snaking a clogged pipe. Instead you're in for a character study in the foibles of people. James' writing is sharp and enjoyable. It's never mocking either. This is a fun read. Thanks to #AdLibPublishers and #netGalley for the opportunity to preview this book.

Was this review helpful?