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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
While I enjoyed the book and the plot, I found the main character and narrator, Alice, to be kind of annoying. I loved Frank. He was definitely my favorite character and the only reason I finished the book.
I found it interesting the way Frank is described. He seems to be on the autism spectrum, but the word "autism" was never mentioned nor any other type of diagnosis hinted at. He is simply "different".
At first I thought this was odd, it seemed that it might help alleviate some of the pressure off his mother, Alice, and himself if the teachers and principals at school had a medical term that helped explain some of is non-typical behaviors. Then, I realized that it's pretty cool that his is simply described as he is. He is not labeled so he never "becomes his diagnosis" he is simply Frank, and Frank is just a unique boy that's a little "different" from other kids his age and twice as smart as any adult.
I found it interesting the way Frank is described. He seems to be on the autism spectrum, but the word "autism" was never mentioned nor any other type of diagnosis hinted at. He is simply "different".
At first I thought this was odd, it seemed that it might help alleviate some of the pressure off his mother, Alice, and himself if the teachers and principals at school had a medical term that helped explain some of is non-typical behaviors. Then, I realized that it's pretty cool that his is simply described as he is. He is not labeled so he never "becomes his diagnosis" he is simply Frank, and Frank is just a unique boy that's a little "different" from other kids his age and twice as smart as any adult.
More often than not I fall in love with a story more so than I fall in love with the characters themselves but this is an exception. I loved frank from the very moment he was introduced. In a world where people struggle to be authentic, reading Franks story made me smile
Charming story of a young literary assistant from NYC (via Nebraska) who is sent to LA to care for a prize-winning author's young son (Frank) while the author completes her next book, many years after the first. Quirky characters but not annoying.
Audiobook highly recommended. Very much enjoyed the voice narrator gave to Frank.
3.5 stars. Pretty good when discussing the developing relationship between Frank and Alice but other than that not much “happens.”
I'm going to be frank with you, I was not ready for Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson to be over when I finished. In fact, I hope Johnson revisits these characters in a sequel. Alice is sent to Los Angeles to essentially babysit M.M. Banning (Mimi) until she finally completes her second novel. Her main job is to care for Mimi's 10 year old son, Frank. Mimi still remains a bit of enigma to me, but I think that's the point. The elusive, reclusive author remains so throughout the story. I really liked Alice and her relationships with her boss, Mr. Vargas and with Frank. But, the real star of this book is Frank. Without it being said in the book, it is clear Frank is on the autism spectrum, and his fascination with old movies and dressing the part was so endearing. I do wish more resolution would have come from the story line of the issues he was having at his school, especially with the principal. I think more could have been done to address the realities of autism because I am sure a parent of a child with autism would criticize the book for making autism look like something sweet, quirky, and easily managed. Even though I acknowledge this shortcoming of the book, I still loved Frank so much that it didn't affect my overall feelings towards the book.
emotional
funny
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:
Yes
So many things to love about this book. I was entertained every step of the way and Frank is a gem.
I won this via a Goodreads giveaway and it was a joy. I really liked the characters and totally pictured Cate Blanchett as Mimi as I read it. Hint hint if it were to be made into a movie. A sweet story and nice light read.
An engaging tale of offbeat characters who are a little weird and a lot wonderful ... you gotta love 'em!