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trinity222's review
4.0
3.75 étoiles. L'histoire est divertissante et très bien écrite. Je suis par contre restée un peu sur ma faim en ce qui a trait au développement des personnages principaux. J'aurais aimé plus de profondeur, connaître un peu mieux l'intériorité de chacun. Au moins, le texte est truffé d'humour!
ajkremer's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
thebookishhomesteader's review against another edition
3.0
When we think of a “coming of age story” we don’t think of this one. Somehow it’s a little too real, a little too raw for what our minds can conjure up, but it happens.
Laurie is one of those kids that is growing up but somehow gets rushed through that process. At first, we think the story is all about her but then we meet her neighbor Cindy and we understand some maintenance is required. Cindy needs Laurie and her mother in ways that Laurie is still learning to manage. Laurie is sometimes struggling herself but understands that Cindy’s needs are greater. Over time she learns the balance of standing up for Cindy and being able to help her in the best way possible.
Laurie’s mother is so darn relatable, she’s my favorite character. She reads so many books and it feels like the author made her like that as a secret for the readers to share. A secret little “oh my gosh it’s me” crosses our mind. I could be her mother!
This book is a little sad, to be honest. It doesn’t have a fairytale ending but it’s a reality that many face. We only hope that Laurie’s influence on Cindy’s life will help her be better than the other examples she has growing up.
Laurie is one of those kids that is growing up but somehow gets rushed through that process. At first, we think the story is all about her but then we meet her neighbor Cindy and we understand some maintenance is required. Cindy needs Laurie and her mother in ways that Laurie is still learning to manage. Laurie is sometimes struggling herself but understands that Cindy’s needs are greater. Over time she learns the balance of standing up for Cindy and being able to help her in the best way possible.
Laurie’s mother is so darn relatable, she’s my favorite character. She reads so many books and it feels like the author made her like that as a secret for the readers to share. A secret little “oh my gosh it’s me” crosses our mind. I could be her mother!
This book is a little sad, to be honest. It doesn’t have a fairytale ending but it’s a reality that many face. We only hope that Laurie’s influence on Cindy’s life will help her be better than the other examples she has growing up.
mschrock8's review against another edition
3.0
May I please have a chance to love on Cindy?
Listening length five hr, 25 min
Listening length five hr, 25 min
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
A Tragicomic Delight!
SOME MAINTENANCE REQUIRED by bestselling storyteller Marie-Renée Lavoie, author of [b:Autopsy of a Boring Wife|44414583|Autopsy of a Boring Wife|Marie-Renée Lavoie|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1552386810l/44414583._SY75_.jpg|55664692] is a highly recommended quirky, emotional, thought-provoking, big-hearted, laugh-out-loud funny, and ultimately uplifting novel about love, loss, self-discovery, survival, and hope.
Exploring both the dark corners and hidden joys of life's journey –and the remarkable resilience of the human soul. In this tremendously moving novel, the author demonstrates how people trapped by life's circumstances can break free and find a place in the world where love is genuine and selfless.
Set in 1993, Laurie is eighteen and about to embark on her life into adulthood and enter college. A good student, and hard worker, she discovers she has a lot to learn and finds maturity comes with often tricky challenges.
Laurie has two wonderful parents who are both working class. Her mom, Suzanne (I adore her), is a voracious book reader and booklover. She travels like a globetrotter through books. (love all the book references), works in a hospital parking lot booth, 17 sq ft. She has a great attitude, intelligent, and everyone loves her. She surrounds herself with things she loves.
Her love and passion for reading have been passed down to her daughter, Laurie. Laurie now has decisions about college, apartments, jobs, car, finances, friendships, love, relationships, and what she wants to do with her life.
Her dad works at a garage, and Laurie now has a car she calls the Pony he attained for her. She works at a part-time bakery while in school and then gets a job at a restaurant, where she excels. She is often puzzled by life when things do not go as planned.
She often wonders how her mom can be happy with her life and be fulfilled working in a claustrophobic parking booth and never complains. And her dad at his dead-end job. They are lovely providers, and their life seems happy, and they want her to get a college education and a good job. With her friends, sometimes she is embarrassed by them and feels guilty about their vocations. Also, the people she meets in these types of jobs along her journey- how can they be happy? Do they not want more?
Her mom is the most beautiful person she knows. She wants more for herself. However, her mom has a positive attitude, caring, kind, and intelligent. When she gets sick, she is devasted, and life is so unfair.
Then we meet Laurie's latest project: her neighbor, a second-grader, foul mouth little girl named Cindy, curses like a sailor, has little food and clothes, and horrible parents, and finds her way into their hearts and home after Suzanne invites her in. Their home is now a safe haven for the little girl. (Lots of laugh-out-loud funny and whiny scenes). Cindy is like Laurie's bratty little sister.
Cindy's family is poor but they are not abusive but neglectful. She barely has anything to eat or wear. Instead of calling children's services for the neglect, and risking getting lost in the foster system, they decide to keep her close. Befriend her, take her under their wing to try and be a strong influence in her life in any way they can. Will they be able to save her from this environment?
Cindy is rough around the edges, pouty, with no role models. Laurie befriends her and sets the stage for travel through books, and teaches her things about life, school, manners, etc. Then the family moves without her knowing- she must find her. But whatever difficult times lie ahead, Laurie learns that although she can't fix everything for Cindy or herself, at least she's no longer alone.
Laurie faces many new challenges and emotions: death, grief, class, privilege, social injustices, work, dating, romance, career, and complex relationships. Her car and people in her life break; some maintenance is required. A PERFECT TITLE!
I LOVED the audiobook! Short (5 Hours, 25 Minutes) but big on life lessons and wisdom. Highly entertaining, narrated by the fabulous Hilary Huber. A perfect range of voices for all the full cast of diverse characters, their vulnerabilities, fears, and distinct personalities
My first book by the author. Love her insightful writing style! Bittersweet, sad at times, but sparkling and witty, heartfelt and clever—a story about finding your place in the world, no matter your age and how impossible it seems. I cannot wait to read the author's backlist.
For fans of authors: Elizabeth Berg, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Fredrick Backman, Anne Tyler, and Joyce Maynard (some of my favorites).
Readers will find friendship, community, and kindness on full display. The characters will tug at your heartstrings and it is hard not to root for Suzanne, Laurie, and Cindy! You will find yourself missing Laurie as the book ends and desire a follow-up to see where she landed and, of course, Cindy.
A perceptive journey, maneuvering this course we call life— from the eyes of an eighteen-year-old girl. An eye-opening, dazzling coming-of-age, mother/daughter, family drama novel meets humor and literary fiction. Think, This is Us.
In tragic and comic detail, the author cleverly renders the notion that every life—however blessed—has its share of loss, but those crushed hearts can be revived with the help of others. Sprinkled with literary influences, well-developed relatable characters, and beautiful writing—a 5 Star must-read for all booklovers! Makes you think about the little joys in life. One you will want to read more than once.
A stirring, insightful novel of tremendous warmth and humor that illuminates the kindness and cruelties of our daily lives.
A special thank you to #DreamscapeMedia and #NetGalley for an audiobook ARC to listen to, enjoy and review.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars ✨✨✨✨✨
Pub Date: July 5, 2022
July 2022 Must-Read Books List
SOME MAINTENANCE REQUIRED by bestselling storyteller Marie-Renée Lavoie, author of [b:Autopsy of a Boring Wife|44414583|Autopsy of a Boring Wife|Marie-Renée Lavoie|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1552386810l/44414583._SY75_.jpg|55664692] is a highly recommended quirky, emotional, thought-provoking, big-hearted, laugh-out-loud funny, and ultimately uplifting novel about love, loss, self-discovery, survival, and hope.
Exploring both the dark corners and hidden joys of life's journey –and the remarkable resilience of the human soul. In this tremendously moving novel, the author demonstrates how people trapped by life's circumstances can break free and find a place in the world where love is genuine and selfless.
Set in 1993, Laurie is eighteen and about to embark on her life into adulthood and enter college. A good student, and hard worker, she discovers she has a lot to learn and finds maturity comes with often tricky challenges.
Laurie has two wonderful parents who are both working class. Her mom, Suzanne (I adore her), is a voracious book reader and booklover. She travels like a globetrotter through books. (love all the book references), works in a hospital parking lot booth, 17 sq ft. She has a great attitude, intelligent, and everyone loves her. She surrounds herself with things she loves.
Her love and passion for reading have been passed down to her daughter, Laurie. Laurie now has decisions about college, apartments, jobs, car, finances, friendships, love, relationships, and what she wants to do with her life.
Her dad works at a garage, and Laurie now has a car she calls the Pony he attained for her. She works at a part-time bakery while in school and then gets a job at a restaurant, where she excels. She is often puzzled by life when things do not go as planned.
She often wonders how her mom can be happy with her life and be fulfilled working in a claustrophobic parking booth and never complains. And her dad at his dead-end job. They are lovely providers, and their life seems happy, and they want her to get a college education and a good job. With her friends, sometimes she is embarrassed by them and feels guilty about their vocations. Also, the people she meets in these types of jobs along her journey- how can they be happy? Do they not want more?
Her mom is the most beautiful person she knows. She wants more for herself. However, her mom has a positive attitude, caring, kind, and intelligent. When she gets sick, she is devasted, and life is so unfair.
Then we meet Laurie's latest project: her neighbor, a second-grader, foul mouth little girl named Cindy, curses like a sailor, has little food and clothes, and horrible parents, and finds her way into their hearts and home after Suzanne invites her in. Their home is now a safe haven for the little girl. (Lots of laugh-out-loud funny and whiny scenes). Cindy is like Laurie's bratty little sister.
Cindy's family is poor but they are not abusive but neglectful. She barely has anything to eat or wear. Instead of calling children's services for the neglect, and risking getting lost in the foster system, they decide to keep her close. Befriend her, take her under their wing to try and be a strong influence in her life in any way they can. Will they be able to save her from this environment?
Cindy is rough around the edges, pouty, with no role models. Laurie befriends her and sets the stage for travel through books, and teaches her things about life, school, manners, etc. Then the family moves without her knowing- she must find her. But whatever difficult times lie ahead, Laurie learns that although she can't fix everything for Cindy or herself, at least she's no longer alone.
Laurie faces many new challenges and emotions: death, grief, class, privilege, social injustices, work, dating, romance, career, and complex relationships. Her car and people in her life break; some maintenance is required. A PERFECT TITLE!
I LOVED the audiobook! Short (5 Hours, 25 Minutes) but big on life lessons and wisdom. Highly entertaining, narrated by the fabulous Hilary Huber. A perfect range of voices for all the full cast of diverse characters, their vulnerabilities, fears, and distinct personalities
My first book by the author. Love her insightful writing style! Bittersweet, sad at times, but sparkling and witty, heartfelt and clever—a story about finding your place in the world, no matter your age and how impossible it seems. I cannot wait to read the author's backlist.
For fans of authors: Elizabeth Berg, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Fredrick Backman, Anne Tyler, and Joyce Maynard (some of my favorites).
Readers will find friendship, community, and kindness on full display. The characters will tug at your heartstrings and it is hard not to root for Suzanne, Laurie, and Cindy! You will find yourself missing Laurie as the book ends and desire a follow-up to see where she landed and, of course, Cindy.
A perceptive journey, maneuvering this course we call life— from the eyes of an eighteen-year-old girl. An eye-opening, dazzling coming-of-age, mother/daughter, family drama novel meets humor and literary fiction. Think, This is Us.
In tragic and comic detail, the author cleverly renders the notion that every life—however blessed—has its share of loss, but those crushed hearts can be revived with the help of others. Sprinkled with literary influences, well-developed relatable characters, and beautiful writing—a 5 Star must-read for all booklovers! Makes you think about the little joys in life. One you will want to read more than once.
A stirring, insightful novel of tremendous warmth and humor that illuminates the kindness and cruelties of our daily lives.
A special thank you to #DreamscapeMedia and #NetGalley for an audiobook ARC to listen to, enjoy and review.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars ✨✨✨✨✨
Pub Date: July 5, 2022
July 2022 Must-Read Books List
megan_prairierose's review against another edition
4.0
I will happily read anything Marie-Renée Lavoie writes. A beautifully written novel.
magsisreadingagain's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
pomoevareads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is my third book by this author and I love the way she writes characters. In Some Maintenance Required we meet Laurie, a young woman of about 18 or 19 years old. She lives in Quebec with both of her parents who work blue collar jobs. Laurie is working at a bakery and taking college classes and spending time with her friend Sonia when a young girl moves in next door. The scruffy little Cindy has no manners and is not well cared for her by her parents. Laurie and her mother Suzanne offer Cindy a respite from home in their own home where Suzanne makes pancakes and desserts and Laurie sets up imaginary getaways for Cindy. Laurie gets hired to work in a restaurant and gets her first car which is often requiring maintenance but thankfully her father works at a garage. This is 1993 and pinup calendars adorn the garage walls and the men working there are crude to say the least but it shows that they care for Laurie too.
This is a coming of age story about an average person and her family. There is nothing particularly extraordinary about them and yet Lavoie makes them come so clearly off the page. The author infuses some humour into her dialogue and scenes here and there and adds some sadness to keep the reader unsettled.
Reflecting the early 90s well, I found myself remembering the crude comments men would make at the time and how far we have come since then. Laurie is ahead of her time and mature for her age. Her mother Suzanne is an avid reader who only wants the best for her daughter. She urges her to go to school and encourages her to fall in love.
I am buddy reading this book with the #booktwinbuddyreads group for a discussion this month. I really enjoyed this one, perhaps not as much as Autopsy of a Boring Wife, but close and recommend this author to others.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Misogyny, and Death of parent