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Summary: A "Prairie Home Companion" in print...
Review: Hey, I love Garrison Keillor! The book was cute, witty, and sharply written. Keillor has a way with words, so much so that we feel pity and alliance with our "Wobegon Boy" from the start.If you have wanted to take a retaliatory stab at Political Correctness, make fun of your parents, and tell off your boss, read this book. You can do all, at least viscerally, through Keillor.
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Summary: Wobegon Boy (Audiocassette)
Review: I absolutely loved this book-on-tape and have listened to it five times. Keillor did not disappoint this fan's appetite for his vintage, vivid storytelling. His detailed storyline (sometimes characteristically tangential) and made-for-radio voice turned Wobegon Boy into a pleasurable listening experience. I laughed in spots, cried in others; but throughout, enjoyed the movement of the work and development of the characters. Lake Wobegon fans will much appreciate this intricate look into the life of one the hometown boys.
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Summary: Not all it's cracked up to be...
Review: I bought this book because of all the sparkling accolades America's critics have given it. However, all those lush comparisons to Mark Twain, Will Rogers and James Thurber are really rather unmerited. It wasn't until the end of the book that I actually began to laugh and get into the characters. But the last fifth wasn't good enough to save the first four. Perhaps this book would be more enjoyable if it had been marketed as what it really is: laments about age, art and family with the occasional absurdism thrown in for fun.
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Summary: first Keillor book for me
Review: I did enjoy this book, but I think that it takes a certain type of reader to appriciate it. The book is the first that I've read that really doesn't have a plot. It is a gathering of short stories strung together to tell the life of John Tollefson and his ancestors. The book really has no driving force to move it along, but it somehow still manages to move along quite enjoyably. I certainly will consider reading further works of Mr. Keillor's. If you are just looking for an easy, comfortable read then you ought to consider this.
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Summary: first Keillor book for me
Review: I did enjoy this book, but I think that it takes a certain type of reader to appriciate it. The book is the first that I've read that really doesn't have a plot. It is a gathering of short stories strung together to tell the life of John Tollefson and his ancestors. The book really has no driving force to move it along, but it somehow still manages to move along quite enjoyably. I certainly will consider reading further works of Mr. Keillor's. If you are just looking for an easy, comfortable read then you ought to consider this.
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Summary: A Prairie Home Companion Companion
Review: I found some wit and insight in Mr. Keillor's novel, although I think it helps if you've listened to "A Prairie Home Companion." Thus you'll be familiar with Lake Wobegon, Minn., the characters and the society he spoofs and worships at the same time. The book is certainly better than Mr. Keillor's Jesse Ventura satire, which I bought at the same time at a going-out-of-business book store in Dennis, Mass. That was a terribly disappointing book; I don't believe I would have bought this book if I had only purchased the Ventura novel. I recommend "Wobegon Boy" to fans of the show who are about the same age as the narrator (early 40s).
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Summary: I have not received the book as yet
Review: I have been unable to read the bbook as despite ordering it in November 1997, i has not arrived yet. The soft cover version is now for sale in Sydney Australia for $18 Australian ( which is now about 35 cents US, I believe). I am somewhat disappointed not receiving the book.
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Summary: Keillor is out of his element
Review: I have read five of Garrison Keillor's books and have been disapointed by all but one and a half of them. Although I thoroughly enjoy his program and have bought every tape he has made of his monologues, Keillor just isn't as funny, witty or dramatic without his wonderful voice animating the words. His latest book is merely a vehicle to rehash his old monologue stories by tying them together with an uninteresting plot involving a Lake Wobegon exile, John Tollefson. I was familiar with a good deal of the material in the book from his weekly program and I remember laughing heartily at most of the passages, but the translation to ink does not improve the effect or humor. It gives me no pleasure to say this, but Keillor should stick to what he does best, and thats radio. I know from some of his previous books and stories that he fancys himself a writer, and he has written some very good material. But on the whole, he is much more consistent within the genre of radio that allows him to augment his stories with dramatic pauses and inflections that only he can do so well. There is no doubt that Mr. Keillor is a very talented performer with incredible insight and humor. I just question the medium he uses to best showcase that talent. As Mr Keillor is so fond of saying, "The urge to perform is no indicator of talent". I wish he would take his own advice and continue entertaining us in the way he does best... through his weekly radio programs.
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Summary: a most satisfying read
Review: I liked this book even better than "The Book of Guys" and "Lake Wobegon Days", the two other books from him I've read and enjoyed. The lyrical writing includes images like old Norwegian bachelors gathered at the Sidetrack bar looking like "rock bass on a dock". A great combination of pathos and comedy!
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Summary: Too many stories detract from the main narrative
Review: I liked this book, despite it's rather obvious preachiness (political correctness bad. Okay, Mr. Keillor, I got it. Several times.). It was an engaging book that held my attention throughout. However, all of the stories told in the book became more and more of a distraction as the novel wore on. At a few points I felt like shouting, "get on with it already!". Don't get me wrong, some of the stories were very enjoyable to read. But not in the middle of a more interesting narrative, where they added little.
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