Surgically Enhanced

by Pam Ayres

In Surgically Enhanced Pam Ayres tackles a range of subjects great and small - kissing, raising teenagers, adopting a dog, learning to ski and many more - with her trademark wit and perception.

Among the many delights are favourites from Pam's stage shows like The Packing Poem and They Should Have Asked My Husband. This paperback edition also includes I Am Ready, Mr Prescott and other brand new poems.

Genres: Poetry, Biography

166 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2006

About the author

Pam Ayres is a poet and published author of children's books. Some of her published credits include Guess Who, Guess What, Piggo and the Fork Lift Truck.

Reviews

[Louise Bath · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been *years* since I read anything by Pam Ayres, so it was nice to come across this book and "catch-up," as it were. Naturally, Pam's subject matter has evolved over the years to encompass her experiences as she's grown older, so some poems and short prose pieces have a slightly darker tone than I remembered. But her work is still light and fun, although there's one poem that might have flown in 2007, but probably wouldn't now, unless it's meant to be read ironically. She writes vividly and evocatively about disastrous narrowboat holidays, ski-ing trips, plastic surgery, and glorious childhood days in the Vale of the White Horse in Oxfordshire.

A gentle read.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Pam Ayres poetry and this is some of her best. She is a seasoned liver of life and teller of poetic tales. I love to pick it up and read it just to lighten a dreary day. Great for sharing with others too.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've adored Pam Ayres' poetry since I was a teenager.

I hadn't read this volume, but as much of it has to do with growing older, it struck a lot of chords with me.

Witty, and laugh out loud funny at times.

Pam Ayres should be the UK's poet laureate.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really quite delightful,
You should definitely try it.
You'll be tinkled pink and giggle,
Like I was, it's such a riot!

[Steven Godin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walking to Falkirk

During the last century Highland cattle, having reached maturity on the island of Skye, would be taken to the cattle markets of Falkirk on the mainland. The only way for them to get there was to walk and when they reached the intervening stretch of water, they were made to swim. A rope passing beneath the tongue was secured around the lower jaw and the animals were towed behind rowing boats to reach the mainland.
I like Highland cattle with their thick fringes, wide horns and ponderous faces, and I think they would have found this treatment a serious affront to their dignity . . .

[Lisa - *OwlBeSatReading* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike other poetry books I've read, this one stands out because Pam gives an insight into what inspired her to write the poems. From amusing moments to poignant thoughts, I read this in one sitting. Highly enjoyable.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pam Ayres at her best. This book had me laughing aloud. Just wish I could do her accent when I read the poems.

[Alison Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful! collection of short prose pieces and poems. The content is quite often sad or whistful, but they're always a telling comment on modern life. I'm an Ayres fan.

[Jane(Janelba) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great poetry and prose from the delightfully amusing Pam Ayres. Lives up to expectations in every way.

[Angie Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ideal for the gloomy weather, so very funny, Pam seems to get better with age, a pure delight!

[Dane Cobain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pam Ayres is an interesting poet with a lot to say, mostly on the more mundane topics that poets have historically overlooked. We’re talking about poems about going skiing with her sons or how her husband annoys her.

The cool thing about this book is that it’s a mixture of poetry and prose, with the prose often introducing the poetry or talking about the stories behind the poems’ creation. That made for a pretty interesting little read, and I’m glad that I picked it up. In fact, Ayres is now on my “I want to complete” list

What was funny about this is that I read it all in Ayres’ voice, probably because it’s not been too long since I listened to a vinyl record of one of her live performances. For some reason, though, I always thought she was a northerner, but she was actually from Oxfordshire.

[Colin Murtagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm aware of Pam Ayres, but don't really know her work. I've really only come across her as a panel member on things like Just A Minute. So it was about time I lifted one of her books.
I don't think she's really for me. The books a mixture of prose and poetry, and while some of the poetry is touching, the majority just really doesn't do anything for me.
It's Ski-holidays, and kids growing up, Plastic surgery and narrowboat trips. Maybe it's just I can't connect to any of it.
I'm glad I tried it, but probably won't be going any further

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently Pam is a British stalwart, everyone seems to know about her! She first came to my attention on BBC radio 4 Woman's Hour and I can't get enough of her. Funny poems and amusing stories to accompany. A quick and entertaining read.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Appropriately enough, this had a lot of filler. It took me back to noughties TV with the subject matter, like arguments over reading maps in the car and weirdoes who care about the new thing called Global Warming. The poetry was more entertaining than the prose.

[Suze McCullagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a lot of the language and themes sound quite dated to modern ears, Pam's writing does induce the occasional chuckle when tackling the eternal themes of relationships, aging and teenagers

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved all of Pam it will never fail to amuse ..

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always entertaining and some of the stories are laugh out loud funny. Pam’s the best by quite a measure, for services to poetry she’s a “national treasure”

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

enjoyable and perceptive but probably too blasé for me.