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Summary: Attention Writers: More Stories Like This
Review: My 17-year-old daughter gave me this book after she loved it and though it's not what I'd normally select for myself, I thought it was terrific. A nice break from my work and a crazy world. A reminder of what's important in life. I stayed up until 3 AM saying "just one more chapter". Having dealt with the death of my own father and my mother starting to date again, I could TOTALLY relate to Bernard's anxieties! And I loved it when he was worried about the sleeping arrangements exactly the way I was.
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Summary: Delightful Coming of Age Novel
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, the first that I've read by this author. I must say that I had a difficult time putting it down. It's definately one that I'll recommend.
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Summary: the real midwest
Review: It is nice, no, a relief, to see a small town NOT completely inhabited by "quirky" characters, and teenagers hanging at the 7-11, waiting to make their escape. And also not to have to endure a picture of the supposed 1950s hokey midwest of all potluck suppers and helping each other when the barn burns down. I salute Beginner's Luck for having people that are no more weird or normal than anywhere else, though in the family where Hallie takes up residence the matriarch could definitely be considered eccentric or bohemian, though "politically active" is probably a better description. Anyway, I enjoyed this book immensely. It's a refreshing break from what's out there in almost every way. The tone is upbeat and it leaves you smiling and wanting more. I know my friends will like it and that's why they'll be getting a copy for Christmas.
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Summary: Timeless, Ageless, Tons of Fun
Review: Destined to go down as one of those favorites that never go out of style like "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" or "To Kill A Mockingbird." Though this has the humor of an episode of "Will & Grace" and the quick pace of a movie. There is lots of small town sweetness (and some pettiness too). Several great characters, though the bohemian Olivia Stockton is the favorite (check out her parking meter collective where she puts money in meters about to expire - not popular with the local police who depend on the revenue). Best of all she undertakes to rehabilitate an alcoholic chimpanzee, much to the chagrin of her son. Looking forward to the sequel especially to see what happens to Hallie.
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Summary: The Meaning of Life!
Review: I've never done one of these before but just had to say this is the best book I've ever read. Great story about life, friendship, and family. Also VERY funny. Definitely read it!
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Summary: Hilarious, Timeless
Review: Terrific fast read. Actually my teenage daughter (19) was laughing out loud in the car on vacation and so I picked it up when she finished. Great fast read for any age. Tons of fun, optimistic. A nice change from the doom and gloom that's out there. Will be a wonderful movie. Now my 90-year-old mom is reading "Beginner's Luck" and she loves it too.
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Summary: Truly Original!
Review: I stock our local library and rarely come across a work of fine, fun fiction such as this that can't be traced back to some other novel. BEGINNER'S LUCK isn't about plot. There is one and moves forward nicely, but it's primarily a vehicle for the wonderful characters and ideas, and those are rich and memorable. I'm surprised this hasn't already been made into a movie. A great part for a talented older actress like Carol Burnett, Meryl Streep or Susan Sarandon. Ruth Gordon is surely sorry to have missed this one. May she laugh in peace.
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Summary: Read if you want to laugh and feel good!
Review: Before writing I looked at some of the other recent reviews and was surprised to see that one said that Hallie, the main character, doesn't wrestles with her emotions. If you read the book carefully it's obvious that she faces and reacts to many difficulties -- she's upset to be given the cold shoulder by people in town after the money is missing, is confused and downbeat by an ultimatum from her boyfriend, and she regularly worries over where the relationship with her mother went wrong. Not only that, she's trying to figure out what to do with her life, like so many of us. Meantime the character of Bernard is wrestling with the demise of his father, whom he's obviously had some difficulties because his father never knew he is gay, and also the uncomfotable prospect of his mother dating other men. I think that a lot of people like depressing books about difficult childhoods and abuse and that's fine. Look at the list picked for Oprah's book club -- almost all involving some sort of major dysfunction. Obviously this sells. HOWEVER, if you want a book that's sweet, fun and life affirming but still honest, read BEGINNER'S LUCK. Despite the above emotional conflicts it's a thoughtful and heartwarming story. And Rocky the alcoholic chimpanzee is hilarious!
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Summary: well-intentioned coming-of-age novel risks, reveals little
Review: Laura Pedersen's placid "Beginner's Luck" attempts to illuminate the enormous struggle an alienated, creative teen-aged girl confronts as she attempts to not only understand her life, but gain a sense of its purpose and direction. Unfortunately, Pedersen's good intentions crumble under the weight of a predictable plot and characters who dutifully inspire but sadly never achieve full believability. Despite possessing all the ingredients necessary for a delicious concoction, "Beginner's Luck" tastes much the same as many other similar novels.Irreverent and brash, Hallie Palmer chafes under the restrictions of school and family life. A capable gambler who succumbs to an ill-advised bet, she seizes upon employment as a yard person in the home of town eccentric Olivia Stockton and her gay son, Bernard. During the course of a year's residence, Hallie sheds her edge while discovering the core values of her life. Assisting her is the redoubtable Olivia, champion of every liberal cause, who, in her sixties, has the energy and temerity of a woman three times younger than she. One of the weaknesses of the novel is that Pedersen seems content that Olivia never attain a true dimension in her character. Olivia teeters on the edge of stereotype throughout. This same weakness plagues her son, Bernard, a bon vivant who excels in the kitchen. Successful in the antique business, Bernard is most at home creating meals that would blow away the greatest chefs. How the residents of the Stockton household can pack away his creations with no effect on their waistline is an even more perplexing mystery than that of stolen money Pedersen inserts to keep her shopworn plot moving. Bernard and his lover Gil are so honorable, ethical and dependable that they may well be nominated for "Most Acceptable Gay Figures in Literature." "Beginner's Luck" does not need to have grim tragedy or trendy dysfunction to stimulate interest. It should have, however, charfacters who stumble, agonize and thrash about with their lives. Much is made of the clutter of the Stockton household, where members seem to find order, not only in the home, but in their own emotional relationships with each other. The novel, itself, could have used some emotional clutter and mess in which Hallie expresses confusion, makes errors, and comes to grips with her own ill-defined notions of family. Although Pedersen honorably extols "connectedness...as a result of the stirrings within our own hearts" and praises loving bonds between people "whether we are near to one another or far apart," she never provides dramatic tension through which this epiphany is achieved. As a result, "Beginner's Luck" is neither a book about gambling with life or creating a recipe for meaning and coherence. Instead, Laura Pedersen offers scoop after scoop of sweetness and light, the result of which is a yearning for something more substantial. Young women like Hallie genuinely suffer loneliness and existential anguish; they deserve something far more than a sojourn in a dream castle.
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Summary: I FOUND THE SEQUEL!
Review: I LOVED this book when it came out six months ago and have just found out that it's supposed to become a movie with Brittany Snow as Hallie (adore her on "American Dreams" on Sunday night) and also THERE IS A SEQUEL! I read the first chapter at LauraPedersenBooks.com
It's a hoot and I can't wait for the rest. The Stocktons should definitely have their own sitcom.
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