Scan barcode
psheeh28's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the author’s witty writing style throughout the book and I loved watching the characters develop.
mjb1013's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
taylorpetty_8's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ADORABLE! I laughed out loud and fell in love with each character. Such a good read when you need something refreshing.
a_l_deleon's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.0
Be Frank With Me is definitely a book well worth reading. We follow Frank, a 9 year old boy who is considered gifted, through the perspective of Alice, who has just been given the job of looking out for Frank while his mother writes. Be Frank With Me had some moments of levity and poignancy It is a rare gem that conceptually gets neurodivergence right and showcases the importance of supportive care for those struggling with mental health wellness.
dilchh's review against another edition
4.0
This has good to be one of those "feel good" books that I've read this year. I really didn't expect to like it. To be completely honest it was a matter of random choice when I picked this book up, but once I did, it was really hard to put it down.
To put it simply, this book is so simple. It is a story. Yep that's pretty much it. There were nothing elaborate about it. The simplicity is what made this book so enjoyable. Alice as the main character is not the perfect character you would have expect. The quiet ones with hidden arsenal that will change the course of life of the other characters. Nope, not Alice. Alice is like us. Alice is the people living in the background of our lives. But, that is why it was interesting to listen to Alice. That she is who she is, regardless of how imperfect she made herself to be, we never get the feel that she's actually perfect. She is imperfect. Just like Mimi is so annoying, even though she was such an acclaimed author. Just like Xander is a no good thing, even though he is supposed to be incredibly and extremely handsome.
The story is sweet, endearing, and bittersweet. But, above all, it is honest. You would expect that reading this book, some miraculous thing would happen, like maybe Frank will be accepted by his friends regardless of how different he is, or Mimi will love and accept Alice, or Xander will be responsible, or Alice finally made something of her life by the time the book ends. But, no. No such thing had happened.
But, it doesn't matter. Because not all stories has to have endings where everybody is happy and all problems seem to resolve itself. Just like life, stories can end abruptly. Whilst I was surprised by the time I read the last page (I really thought it was going to be something more), I ended up feeling the ending was the perfect ending. That just because a story ends, doesn't mean it is the final to everything. I love it.
Now, if just I would know what the story that Mimi wrote.
To put it simply, this book is so simple. It is a story. Yep that's pretty much it. There were nothing elaborate about it. The simplicity is what made this book so enjoyable. Alice as the main character is not the perfect character you would have expect. The quiet ones with hidden arsenal that will change the course of life of the other characters. Nope, not Alice. Alice is like us. Alice is the people living in the background of our lives. But, that is why it was interesting to listen to Alice. That she is who she is, regardless of how imperfect she made herself to be, we never get the feel that she's actually perfect. She is imperfect. Just like Mimi is so annoying, even though she was such an acclaimed author. Just like Xander is a no good thing, even though he is supposed to be incredibly and extremely handsome.
The story is sweet, endearing, and bittersweet. But, above all, it is honest. You would expect that reading this book, some miraculous thing would happen, like maybe Frank will be accepted by his friends regardless of how different he is, or Mimi will love and accept Alice, or Xander will be responsible, or Alice finally made something of her life by the time the book ends. But, no. No such thing had happened.
But, it doesn't matter. Because not all stories has to have endings where everybody is happy and all problems seem to resolve itself. Just like life, stories can end abruptly. Whilst I was surprised by the time I read the last page (I really thought it was going to be something more), I ended up feeling the ending was the perfect ending. That just because a story ends, doesn't mean it is the final to everything. I love it.
Now, if just I would know what the story that Mimi wrote.
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Digital audiobook performed by Tavia Gilbert.
M.M. “Mimi” Banning is a reclusive literary genius (and one-hit wonder) who has fallen prey to a Ponzi scheme and is flat broke. In order to keep her Bel Air mansion, she must now produce a new book. She reluctantly agrees to her publisher’s offer of an assistant, with stipulation: “No Ivy Leaguers or English majors. Must drive, cook, tidy. Computer whiz. Good with kids. Quiet, discreet, sane.” But when Alice Whitley arrives she’s put to work immediately as a companion / nanny to Frank, Banning’s 9-year-old son, a devotee of 1930s movies (with a wardrobe to match).
This is a delightful, engaging novel. The characters are complex and the author deftly handles the difficulties of dealing with such an unusual situation. To say that Alice has her hands full is an understatement. She almost never has a chance to interact with Mimi, whose assistant she is supposed to be, because Mimi locks herself away in her study “writing” while Alice is left to care for Frank.
Frank is a challenge – to say the least. Although no diagnosis is ever given, it seems clear that he is on the autism spectrum. He’s highly intelligent, but unable to understand other’s behavior. His chief coping mechanism is to lie down stiff as a board. He is very literal as well, so jokes and word play elude him. He’s also a pretty talented detective and thief. Frank is the catalyst for the book’s most hilarious … and heartbreaking … moments.
Rounding out the cast are Mr Vargas, Mimi’s publisher and Alice’s boss (and all-around good guy); Paula, the secretary at Frank’s school (and a person Frank can truly rely upon); and the mysteriously elusive Xander, Frank’s piano teacher and all-around handy-man, who comes and goes seemingly on a whim.
I thought this was headed for a Hollywood ending … but Johnson surprised me. I’m glad. I love it when a book leaves me wanting more. I can hardly wait to read what she writes next.
Tavia Gilbert does a superb job narrating the audiobook. Her voice for Frank is particularly effective. Brava!
M.M. “Mimi” Banning is a reclusive literary genius (and one-hit wonder) who has fallen prey to a Ponzi scheme and is flat broke. In order to keep her Bel Air mansion, she must now produce a new book. She reluctantly agrees to her publisher’s offer of an assistant, with stipulation: “No Ivy Leaguers or English majors. Must drive, cook, tidy. Computer whiz. Good with kids. Quiet, discreet, sane.” But when Alice Whitley arrives she’s put to work immediately as a companion / nanny to Frank, Banning’s 9-year-old son, a devotee of 1930s movies (with a wardrobe to match).
This is a delightful, engaging novel. The characters are complex and the author deftly handles the difficulties of dealing with such an unusual situation. To say that Alice has her hands full is an understatement. She almost never has a chance to interact with Mimi, whose assistant she is supposed to be, because Mimi locks herself away in her study “writing” while Alice is left to care for Frank.
Frank is a challenge – to say the least. Although no diagnosis is ever given, it seems clear that he is on the autism spectrum. He’s highly intelligent, but unable to understand other’s behavior. His chief coping mechanism is to lie down stiff as a board. He is very literal as well, so jokes and word play elude him. He’s also a pretty talented detective and thief. Frank is the catalyst for the book’s most hilarious … and heartbreaking … moments.
Rounding out the cast are Mr Vargas, Mimi’s publisher and Alice’s boss (and all-around good guy); Paula, the secretary at Frank’s school (and a person Frank can truly rely upon); and the mysteriously elusive Xander, Frank’s piano teacher and all-around handy-man, who comes and goes seemingly on a whim.
I thought this was headed for a Hollywood ending … but Johnson surprised me. I’m glad. I love it when a book leaves me wanting more. I can hardly wait to read what she writes next.
Tavia Gilbert does a superb job narrating the audiobook. Her voice for Frank is particularly effective. Brava!
ktaylorhurley's review against another edition
3.0
Pleasant enough, but kind of tumbled into an ending that felt too convenient and yet still unfinished. I enjoyed the interactions with Alice and Frank the most, but I wish we had learned a little more about what made Mimi tick, and what was ultimately driving some of the choices she made.
shareen17's review against another edition
4.0
This book is funny, touching and engaging- perfect summer read. A woman from a publishing company is sent to L.A. to babysit an eccentric author and her even more eccentric 10-year-old son. The audiobook reader is very good. The boy has a unique voice, so I think listening to it adds to the experience.
shilohstone's review against another edition
5.0
I fell in love deeply and quickly with the characters in this book, and I cried when it ended. Please give me more!