Reviews

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney

dghoiem's review against another edition

4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm doing the PopSugar reading challenge and the premise sounded interesting for the prompt "A book that takes place over the course of 24 hours." Although, I don't really feel like it completely fits the prompt. Since it really covers the very interesting life of an octogenarian, the "action" does take place over the course of one night as she strolls through the city remembering notable moments from her past. If you're looking for high octane action, an intense love story or some compelling mystery, this might not be your cup of tea...but you will find elements of all three of those things in this well-woven tale. I read this over a snowy weekend in January and appreciated the comfortable steady pace. One of the reviews said it felt like when your grandma corners you and tells you stories about way back when. Exactly! The previous reviewer meant it as a negative, but to me the sweet reminiscing from an accomplished, sassy, female trailblazer was a most enjoyable journey and I am thankful to have taken it with Lillian.

punkasskid's review against another edition

5.0

I listened to this through Audible and I gotta say, I absolutely loved every minute of it. Lilian is such a great character, so delightfully flawed. At the beginning, it is easy to dislike her, she is clearly so prideful and stubborn. But as you continue on, you fall for her youthful charm(which has has plenty of for a woman who is in her 80's) as she navigates the streets she finds so familiar in New York in the year 1984(soon to be 85). This book helped me see the elderly in a new light. I think we are quick to write off older people and even quicker to judge them without getting to know them. But Lilian is a reminder than they are the same people they have been all along.

mtzbookworm64's review against another edition

4.0

85 year old Lillian Boxfish takes a walk on NYE of 1984 through New York and reminisces on her life. Based in part on Margaret Fishback, highest paid woman advertising copywriter for Macy’s in 1930s.

kerinl's review against another edition

3.0

Fans of the Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Frye will enjoy this book as it has a similar theme. Lillian Boxfish is a likable character, far from perfect, who spends New Years Eve walking around New York City. Her human failings are endearing and add much to the story. I can only give this book 3 stars due to the similarity of the unlikely pilgrimage (which I loved). I also found the ending a little flat and disappointing.

asfarkas's review against another edition

2.0

It took me almost 6 months to finish this read. Very slow, and there was no character growth. The only thing I enjoyed was that it took place in the big apple. I would not recommend this book.

deltadam's review against another edition

adventurous funny reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Witty elderly woman walks through NYC on NYE 1984-1985. She meets lots of people and remembers her life including her family and career as a writer for Macys.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Forced institutionalization and Suicide attempt

megantee's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

tatyanavogt's review against another edition

3.0

The Book was interesting but I didn't like it as much as I wanted to. Because their wasn't an obvious plot I did find myself loosing interest here and there. BUT I do think the idea of someone reminiscing on their past and telling their stories are interesting, which I did enjoy that aspect of it.

It was good but I dunno..

mlhanlon99's review against another edition

5.0

I loved Lillian. She is quite intuitive, witty and stubborn. I wish I could meet her and walk the streets of New York with her. I loved how she could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. She was lovely!

steen19's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective slow-paced

3.75

Literary fiction in the form of a faux memoir. 

While reflecting on her eventful lifetime in NYC on NYE, Lillian goes into different businesses and meets various city personalities, while stories of her life are folded in between.  

It’s a slow, low stakes, cozy story. I recommend the audiobook, as the narrator was precious.