Pipe Dreams

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.

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?

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".

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.

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.

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.

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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.