Rating:  Summary: An entertaining romp ... Review: Brady Udall writes flavorful characters and memorable moments, but what seems to fall short is his lack of control over the length of this novel. About seventy five pages too long, and a bit over descriptive at times, his writer's hand begins to show through. Nonetheless, if anything, the first section of the novel is a very well written romp, full of dry wit, sarcasm and incredulous moments. Read the first 75 pages, and you won't be able to stop, because you'll want to know what happens to Edgar, but after the entire novel, you'll realize that the miracle was in the beginning and not how it ends.
Rating:  Summary: Hooked from the first line. Review: I didn't want this book to end as I learned about Edgar P. Mint from age 0 through age 28 but not quite in that order. His story is truly miraculous as he tries to make sense of his life while encountering some of the most fascinating characters throughout his journey. You won't want to put this one down.
Rating:  Summary: The Best Book I've Read This Year! Review: Ever so often a novel comes along that sweeps you off your feet and you fall in love with the characters. Brady Udall's masterpiece is one of those books. Edgar Mint is a funny, loveable, well-developed character that will live in your mind and heart long after you turn the last page. Actually I never wanted it to end. I haven't loved a novel (or character) so much since I first read John Irving's masterpiece "A Prayer for Owen Meany." Mr. Udall not only deserves all the praise that I'm sure he's receiving, but all the major literary awards as well. The best book I read in a long time.
Rating:  Summary: Best Since The Shipping News Review: This is the best novel I have read since The Shipping News! And to think this is the first novel by this talented author. I read it in 2 days and immediately passed it on to others who have since told me how wonderful they also thought it was. Poignant, horrifying, and fall down funny. A literary rollercoaster! I can't wait for Mr. Udalls next foray.
Rating:  Summary: What a marvelous story! Review: If you liked "Angela's Ashes," you'll love Edgar Mint. I spent nine years working for the Indian Health Service in the Southwest, including two years on the San Carlos Reservation, and Udall nails the look and feel of Reservation life on the head. Much like McCourt's "Ashes," the poverty, familial dysfunction, and quiet desperation of a child are offset by hope, plenty of humor, and the loving sacrifice of others. Don't be surprised if Udall collects more than a few awards for this remarkable effort.
Rating:  Summary: Tell everyone you know about this brilliant book Review: What a thrill it is to "discover" a young author on the cusp of a brilliant career. Brady Udall is definitely an author whose work will only get better and better.The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint is the most innovative, enthralling novel I have read in years. You will not be disappointed. If you love good books and are tired of the Grisham/Patterson/King genre, read The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint.
Rating:  Summary: Holden Caufield Redux Review: Any novel that begins with the lines: "If I could tell you only one thing about my life it would be this: when I was seven years old the mailman ran over my head..." has got me interested. Brady Udall ices the cake with a ragtag group of characters that contribute much to make this novel as satisfying as it becomes in the course of its' 400+ pages. In the tradition of authors like Henry Fielding (Tom Jones), Frank Mc Court (little Francis) and J.D. Salinger(Holden Caufied) comes Barry Udall's Edgar Mint. And like these others "The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint" caused me to laugh out loud and to ultimately care and respond to Edgar and his search for love and his place in the world. Udall plots the novel in the picaresque tradition as Edgar sets off on a journey and comes in contact with many people; some good for him, some not. But he always survives and he always perserveres. It is this survivor's instinct that we most admire and frankly grow to love in Edgar. The novel goes on too long but this is a minor transgression in what is really being accomplished here: Udall gets us to care about and feel protective of little Edgar. And when was the last time you could say this about any novel old or new?
Rating:  Summary: book of my year so far... Review: This is a wonderful, moving and inspirational book which owes a huge debt to John Iriving and Charles Dickens - which is no bad thing.The story of Edgar Mint who feels he has been 'chosen' for a specific purpose has numerous parallels with A Prayer For Owen Meany. One section of the book, set in a school for delinquents, contains a clear homage to Cider House Rules with all the children sitting down to watch King Kong. All comparisons aside, although it is important to make them, this is a stunning book. A tragi-comic story with a genuinely moving ending. Rich in characterisation and full of deftly executed events this is a big book which is a breeze to read. Some books you never want to end, this is one of them. I urge all John Irving fans to give it a go as it will not disappoint.
Rating:  Summary: the miracle life of edgar mint Review: a funny-tragic book---if stanley kubrick was still alive he would option this book and sit on it until he could find a young genius actor to play edgar mint ---buy it
Rating:  Summary: BEST BOOK I'VE READ IN 20 YEARS Review: I am not a young man and have read many books, but this book might be the best of them all. Reviewers have compared this book to The World According to Garp, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and Great Expectations. These comparisons are all justified. Can you imagine such a thing: a novel writtern by a 30 year-old man being justifiably compared to three great novels written in English? I don't think I can say anything else: this is a defining book, this is a beautiful book, an indespensible one. It will win awards and be included on college syllabi. Most importantly, it will take up an important place on your bookshelf.
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