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dmchesher's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
alidottie's review against another edition
3.0
3 and a half stars for this nicely written, sweet book about "Emily Alone"'s husband, Henry.
The problem I had with this book was not the writing or the characters, but the fact that I kept waiting for something to happen. It was like when you open a diary thinking you will read something secret and it's just day after day what the weather was like and what they ate for dinner! That's pretty much what happens in this book--almost nothing.
The problem I had with this book was not the writing or the characters, but the fact that I kept waiting for something to happen. It was like when you open a diary thinking you will read something secret and it's just day after day what the weather was like and what they ate for dinner! That's pretty much what happens in this book--almost nothing.
sum1tookmyshoes's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
libwinnie's review against another edition
4.0
Henry's life is one of simple pleasures--family gatherings, lake vacations, puttering around the house, walking his old dog. In this quiet, contemplative novel, there is only the grace and frustration of everyday life, unwinding peacefully as Henry reflects on a life filled with bitter and sweet memories and complicated relationships. A companion piece to O'Nan's Wish You Were Here and Emily, Alone, this title can also be read as a standalone. Authentic and gentle, it will appeal to fans of Kent Haruf and Wally Lamb.
dr_tree's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a book that I probably wouldn't have picked up, but it came to me as a "Blind Date with a Book" purchase. It moves slowly, reflectively, and I think you have to be at least a particular age to appreciate it, but I did find the small moments described in the book charming and the family dynamics relatable. So sweet, but not a life-changing read for me. The ending was especially abrupt.
tradertynebettendorf's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
margaretmechinus's review against another edition
4.0
This book is about nothing...and everything. A year in the life of 75 year old Henry. Marriage, parenting, family drama, family traditions, growing old... I thought the writing was excellent.
amycrea's review against another edition
3.0
This is a very introspective book. While I appreciate reading books from an older person's point of view, the details tended to bog down, much like when someone (not necessarily elderly) gives you a step-by-step of a boring golf game or fixing a leaky pipe. It's important to the teller, but can be a trial to the listener.
stmchester's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book, but I'm not sure I would recommend it to anyone under the age of 60! I could relate to the main character and his extended family and looked forward to picking up the book and entering his world. I can see that not all younger readers would be interested in his every thought and the minute details of his life. This is a "prequel" to the author's two earlier books, and I liked this enough to go back and read the earlier books. It will be like spending time with old friends!
bibliobethica's review
5.0
A brilliantly simple novel told from Henry's point of view. Henry goes through every day events as each chapter is an episode from his life in 1998. His 74 years have taught him a lot about himself and the people around him. The reader can't help but see themselves or those they know in the stories. The chapter about the church garage sale and his mother's grapes really hit home for me. It a book about every day struggles and small victories. Readers of Anne Tyler, Ann Patchett and Elizabeth Strout will enjoy Henry, Himself.