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mg_in_md_'s review
4.0
To be rated/reviewed after this month's book club mtg
I was completely charmed by 9-year old Frank, the son of the reclusive author M.M. "Mimi" Banning, whose debut novel won wild acclaim. After falling for a ponzi scheme, Mimi is flat broke and must write a new book -- her first in decades -- to recover some of her losses. Mimi's publisher has sent an assistant, Alice, to monitor Mimi's progress and is quickly assigned by Mimi to serve as a full-time companion to the eccentric Frank. Frank has the wit of Noel Coward, the wardrobe of a 1930s movie star, very little in common with his fellow fourth graders, and has a non-stop, creative mind. The story is more about Frank and the relationship that is forged between Frank and Alice than the mysterious Mimi. While the novel is told from Alice's point of view, the reader feels just as much affection for young Frank and cannot help but cheer for him to maintain his unique spirit. This one reminded me a bit of [b:Where'd You Go, Bernadette|13526165|Where'd You Go, Bernadette|Maria Semple|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1338822317s/13526165.jpg|17626728], which I loved, because of the memorable, quirky characters. I was curious to see how the story would unfold. While the ending was not necessarily tidy, I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and getting to know Frank.
In addition to being a book club read, I decided to use this for the 2017 PopSugar Reading Challenge -- it will either be for the basic prompt "book with a title that's a character's name" or the advanced prompt "a book with an eccentric character." I'll settle once I read another book that fits one of those categories, but am leaning towards using it for the advanced prompt since Mimi and Frank are both pretty eccentric...but in the best possible way :)
I was completely charmed by 9-year old Frank, the son of the reclusive author M.M. "Mimi" Banning, whose debut novel won wild acclaim. After falling for a ponzi scheme, Mimi is flat broke and must write a new book -- her first in decades -- to recover some of her losses. Mimi's publisher has sent an assistant, Alice, to monitor Mimi's progress and is quickly assigned by Mimi to serve as a full-time companion to the eccentric Frank. Frank has the wit of Noel Coward, the wardrobe of a 1930s movie star, very little in common with his fellow fourth graders, and has a non-stop, creative mind. The story is more about Frank and the relationship that is forged between Frank and Alice than the mysterious Mimi. While the novel is told from Alice's point of view, the reader feels just as much affection for young Frank and cannot help but cheer for him to maintain his unique spirit. This one reminded me a bit of [b:Where'd You Go, Bernadette|13526165|Where'd You Go, Bernadette|Maria Semple|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1338822317s/13526165.jpg|17626728], which I loved, because of the memorable, quirky characters. I was curious to see how the story would unfold. While the ending was not necessarily tidy, I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and getting to know Frank.
In addition to being a book club read, I decided to use this for the 2017 PopSugar Reading Challenge -- it will either be for the basic prompt "book with a title that's a character's name" or the advanced prompt "a book with an eccentric character." I'll settle once I read another book that fits one of those categories, but am leaning towards using it for the advanced prompt since Mimi and Frank are both pretty eccentric...but in the best possible way :)
sohxpie's review
5.0
Oh my goodness. What an amazing book! It was so beautifully written and captivating and the story was simply wonderful. I never quite knew where the story was going next but it wasn't overly tense or dramatic, it was just perfect. I have read some strong stories in the past and this is definitely near the top of the list. The characterisation was fantastic, the characters personalities were brilliantly written. It sounds clichéd but I couldn't put this book down yet I wanted to savour reading it for as long as possible. I expected to enjoy this novel but not as much as I did. Definitely going to recommend it to as many people as I can.
btronix's review against another edition
4.0
Not my usual style of book but I really liked this. Very sweet and engaging
rachael_reading's review
2.0
A few chuckles but mostly boring
A mostly boring story with self absorbed, selfish characters that I found hard to relate to. Also, a lot of the sarcastic jokes/descriptions of old time movies and actors went way over my head. The narrator was fantastic though and definitely made the story more enjoyable. I did have a few chuckles and there were a few heartwarming parts – but mostly I was ready for this book to be over.
A mostly boring story with self absorbed, selfish characters that I found hard to relate to. Also, a lot of the sarcastic jokes/descriptions of old time movies and actors went way over my head. The narrator was fantastic though and definitely made the story more enjoyable. I did have a few chuckles and there were a few heartwarming parts – but mostly I was ready for this book to be over.
erincataldi's review
4.0
A fun read with one of the most unforgettable characters I've read in a long time. When Alice is sent to California to assist the legendary and reclusive author, M. M. Banning in finishing her long awaited sophomore novel - she isn't sure what to expect. One thing she certainly wasn't expecting though, was having to be a full time nanny for the author's eccentric nine year old son. Frank is not like most kids - he dresses like a 1920s/30s movie star and has more knowledge of black and white movies than practically anyone living, has a tendency to steal or snoop through anything that isn't his and has nothing in common with kids his age. Eccentric is putting it mildly. But soon Alice finds herself growing to love Frank and developing feelings for Xander, the random fix it man who enters in and out of the house at will. If only she could get Mimi to like her or discover if she really even is writing behind her closed doors. Deeply real, flawed, and unique characters. The wit in this book is unmatched.
kristenremenar's review
4.0
I fell in love with debonair, quirky Frank. The bit of sex is not graphic, so fine to give to cool teens. Great realistic fiction.
barbaraskalberg's review
4.0
I'm going to miss Frank! This is one that I didn't want to end just yet. Frank reminded me of a young Don Tillman from the Rosie Project. Wonderful character.
hudsonpeeps's review
3.0
Idk - this book alright. I listened to it and sped it up to finish it faster.