Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers (44 Scotland Street Series)

Set in Edinburgh, the ninth book in "The 44 Scotland Street" series by Alexander McCall Smith, humorously yet seriously highlights the character's foibles and resolves situations – until the next installment.

All old friends visited, with new stories that entertain. We meet new, interesting, varied characters who easily fit. Thankfully, Cyril Lordie escaped his potential trouble and best of all is looking forward to Angus' wonderful poem which softens the sadness of leaving good friends behind for awhile.

Usually love his books and look forward to reading them. This one is kind of a hodge podge of characters and plots that make no sense and then the book ends. Disappointing to say the least. Waste of time.

I love reading about the folks at 44 Scotland Street. Good to catch up on all of them and looking forward to the next one.
Can't wait to see what's next for Bertie and all the others. When is the next one being published?
I will be in line to get a copy.
Regards to Alexander McCall Smith
Jan Jenicek

Alexander McCall Smith is always engaging and Bertie is such a sweet character. I always enjoy reading about Bertie Alexander McCall Smith is always engaging and Bertie is such a sweet character. I always enjoy reading and his family as well as the rest of the gang.

I LOVE this series. I am always disappointed when I come to the end of a 44 Scotland book - I can't wait to find out what happens next to all of the characters that I have grown to love despite their many faults. Wonderfully imaginative - this has to be one of my favorites in the series.

A fascinating, clever, and deeply intuitive little boy copes with a very neurotic mother who takes him to a psychotherapist(then hogs the conversation) to yoga and Italian lessons and gets herself donated to an Eastern European charity and captured by Bedouin. Bertie's efforts to run away to Glascow, have himself adopted, and sell himself on eBay are thwarted by his inexperience.

A most enjoyable read, with a bevvy of interesting characters! The author shows a fun understanding of human foibles, with little to no malicious intent. Modern life is shown to have much kindness, but also such incredible foolishness.

If you like Alexander McCall Smith's other books, you'll love this one. He brings back all our favorite people, Bertie of course, Irene, Stuart, Elsbeth, Matthew, Pat, etc. There is a great deal of kindness and wisdom brought forth in the stories of these people. I can't wait for the next book.

My favorite book in this series so far, although I've enjoyed them all. I read that McCall Smith had received many comments about the sadness of Bertie's life and it affected him. So he raises our spirits with this! Cliffhanger ending--but that's ok!!

Charming. McCall Smith is so observant of human nature. His characters remind you of someone you know. Wonderful sense of humor. Great story telling. I did not want the book to end. Now I have to wait until the next book is written.