My Book Reviews (Our Lad Ricky - The continuing Story)

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My Book Reviews

My daughter, who is married to a serving member of the REs, gave me all three books for my birthday. I am half way through 'Our Lad Ricky' and have been unable to put it down! I was at Southwood Camp Cove in 1954 and reading this book brought back so many, memories that I was almost back in basic training again! Can't wait to finish it, but don't want it to end! Thanks, Michael, for a very enjoyable book. Will comment on the other two in due course! All the best,John

John Gregory, Frimley

I have read both books, and thoroughly enjoyed both, the memories they brought back of the age we grew up in and the Army we joined back then consumed me from start to finish. What grabbed me initialy was the fact that you were in spider 10, so was I, from June 1969 until November 1969, but unlike you I did go back, as an instructor in the SAAW(wpns). It was still in Southwood camp, I left in January 1979 and the Regt moved to Gibraltar Barracks in the May, nothing stays the same. Get back to me when 'Ricky - Green Beret becomes available!
Dave Moffatt, Chatham, Kent
An absolute riot! Thanks for the laughter Michael.
From an Ex-Army Nurse

Jan Robertson, British Columbia, Canada

My son who's in the RAF bought me 'Our Lad Ricky ' for Christmas and I'm writing to say how much I enjoyed it.I'm bad on dates but I must have been at Cove in 1967/68 and my number's 241*****. It's etched on my mind. I'm really looking forward to hearing about your exploits after Cove so are these in 'The Early Years' or is there another book in the pipeline. An excellent read.

Paul Narramore, Maidstone, Kent

I could visualise you with your hands in your pockets jumping into the puddle.. right up to your bottom lip. The tears were flowing at this stage as I tried to contain my laughter. Much of the rest of the book was just as funny. As soon as 'Ricky The Early Years' was completed, I was compelled to begin 'Our Lad Ricky' which I read in a day. Having joined the REs myself in 1966 and submitted to the same 'Basic Training', the adventures you recall in the book afforded me the opportunity to bring to mind many of the funnier things that occurred during those 19 weeks which, as you say, have no Civvie Street comparison. You put them over so well I felt transported to 1TRRE.I'm looking forward to Ricky - Green Beret with huge anticipation.

Dave Huffen, York

Hi Michael, I have just finished reading 'Our Lad Ricky' which I bought from you when you were at Newport Library rececently. This book took me right back to my initial training during my time in the RAF, 8 weeks in 1952, it was word for word exactly as I remember it and I have enjoyed recounting my memories, many thanks for that!

Finished the second book a few weeks back and can't wait for the next instalment!
Bob Williams, Newport
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not finish after only three books! Keep on writing as I love to find out what Ricky gets up to! I find myself cringing as I just know he's always going to get himself into trouble.
I love the books!

Mark Prockter

I really wanted to congratulae Michael on the book.
Our Lad Ricky was one of those books you just cant put down. I usually read the first few pages of a book to see if I like it and then read the rest later, however with this book I found myself just reading on, much to the annoyance of my husband who kept saying "turn the light off". I thought it was well written and very funny - the laugh out loud type. I especially liked the story when 'Ricky' needed an injection and the needle just went straight through - skinny fella that he was (evidently) and the stories referring to the antics with his siblings. It also reminded me of my childhood when we put bread bags in our shoes to stop our feet getting wet in the winter and how i would sleep under the duvet (what i refer to now as doing an eski') because our house was soooo cold - life before central heating and double glazing hey. Many Thanks and cant wait for the next book.

Keri Eagle, Taunton

I enjoyed your book. It brought back many happy memories of my days in the Army in the 50s & 60s

Peter Corder, Ryhl

Once I started reading this book, I couldnt put it down, really enjoyable read, with some parts that made me laugh out loud, earning me funny looks from work colleagues or passengers on the train, can't wait for the next installment, Well done Michael!

Rob West, Reading

I have finished reading your book really enjoyed it, very funny couldn't put it down. Looking forward to reading your next one.

Rachel Norris, Tipton

Well - it looks like you have a best seller on your hands. I have read your book along with several of The Royal Oak regulars, who have all commented on how thoroughly enjoyable the book is. I myself certainly agree and can't wait for the next installment.
Well done Mick.

Phillip, The Black Country (Gods country!)

Myself, June and Josh have only read Four chapter's and we just can't stop laughing. Brilliant, Well done Michael.

Dave, Tipton, West Midlands

A really good read, really funny, I really enjoyed the book, [times were hard but by golly there was fun times too] GOOD LUCK WITH IT!

Pam Vernon, Newport, Shropshire

What can I say! Absolutely Brilliant!! Have laughed my socks off. Cant wait for Ricky the Early Years to be published. In my opinion there both set to be bestsellers!!!

Theresa Beard, Rugeley, Staffordshire

Haven’t had chance to read it yet myself, but it kept Linda quiet for two whole evenings (apart from the regular laughter outburst). So your book has to be really good. Well done and congratulations on getting it published. Can’t wait for my turn to read it!!

Len Downton, Rugeley

Excellent book, well written and amusing. Read it in one evening,
I can recomend this book to anyone, could become a best seller.
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

Dave Morgan-Williams, Newport

Fantastic book so funny and wrote so well really enjoyed it!

Mandy Thomas, Newport, Shropshire

Can't wait to read the book! I am so happy for you Uncle Mike. Best Wishes from Lloyd, Rita and Matt. (Maybe a future Movie in the making, eh?)

Rita Goldberg, SF, California

I've read the medical story on your web page..and im going to buy your book.

Yvonne Ruston, Tipton, West Midlands

Hilarious, even though I've heard some stories before it still made me giggle out loud. Can't wait to buy the book.

Denise Astbury, Newport, Shropshire

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