elste's review
5.0
Right off the top, I must confess that I hold a special place in my heart for stories that magically, profoundly, and brilliantly, bring together a collection of people that “normal” society has labeled “misfits”. Brown shriveled leaves, blowing with wild abandon and caught up in a maelstrom of loneliness and isolation. Emotionally crippled with the impossible reality of Never ... Never finding that place of belonging. No denying, Billie Letts has a special way of gathering these lost souls. Reverently placing them on the puzzle board of misshapen hearts, and having them fit together as the “Powers That Be” always intended.
Society would have you blinded of there existence, let alone be troubled by having to acknowledge that they too have a right to be seen. Ah yes ... Most feel safe in the illusion that everyone is equal, but the ugly truth of it is that our “perfect society” is divided into - the ones that count, and the ones that don’t. If you happen to be of the latter ... Then sadly, you are nothing but grains of sand sifted through the bottomless cracks of society - totally, unreservedly - forgotten. Until ... That magic moment.
For me, this is the true uncovering of fantasy. That magical moment of creating something immensely beautiful from all the discarded broken pieces that have been carelessly, cruelly, and arbitrarily pushed aside, or worse, rendered invisible, through the countless eyes of - The beautiful people.
Billie Letts masterminds this extra ordinary collision at The Honk & Holler Opening Soon. Nothing more than a rundown diner in the middle of nowhere, USA. Sparsely populated by a motley collection of wounded souls going about the business of survival in the best way they can. Suddenly, this seemingly insignificant hole-in-the-wall transforms an endless existence into a meaningful life, by uncovering that mystical place where the wandering misfit belongs. Unconditionally accepted and cherished for the misshapen puzzle piece that you are. Because you finally fit. You are finally “seen”. You found that special place called home. Impossible Magic.
Society would have you blinded of there existence, let alone be troubled by having to acknowledge that they too have a right to be seen. Ah yes ... Most feel safe in the illusion that everyone is equal, but the ugly truth of it is that our “perfect society” is divided into - the ones that count, and the ones that don’t. If you happen to be of the latter ... Then sadly, you are nothing but grains of sand sifted through the bottomless cracks of society - totally, unreservedly - forgotten. Until ... That magic moment.
For me, this is the true uncovering of fantasy. That magical moment of creating something immensely beautiful from all the discarded broken pieces that have been carelessly, cruelly, and arbitrarily pushed aside, or worse, rendered invisible, through the countless eyes of - The beautiful people.
Billie Letts masterminds this extra ordinary collision at The Honk & Holler Opening Soon. Nothing more than a rundown diner in the middle of nowhere, USA. Sparsely populated by a motley collection of wounded souls going about the business of survival in the best way they can. Suddenly, this seemingly insignificant hole-in-the-wall transforms an endless existence into a meaningful life, by uncovering that mystical place where the wandering misfit belongs. Unconditionally accepted and cherished for the misshapen puzzle piece that you are. Because you finally fit. You are finally “seen”. You found that special place called home. Impossible Magic.
greatcatsby's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
marryallthepeople's review against another edition
3.0
This was a book that took me on a nice, winding journey. "Nice" being the optimal word. I didn't find it particularly amazing but there was SOME character development and the bad guy got his/her comeuppance.
The Brenda storyline left me unsatisfied though, and while I released that not everything can be tied up in a nice tidy package, there were bits that didn't ring true for me - for example, the introduction and picture of my mind of Vena really didn't match up with eh outcome at the end of the book.
I found Bui delightful though! Fav character by far.
The Brenda storyline left me unsatisfied though, and while I released that not everything can be tied up in a nice tidy package, there were bits that didn't ring true for me - for example, the introduction and picture of my mind of Vena really didn't match up with eh outcome at the end of the book.
I found Bui delightful though! Fav character by far.
imzadirose's review
3.0
Not my cup of tea but not awful like the last book I tried to read for this task. Written ok, really really unlikable characters, ok story. Nothing to write home about.
carolime630's review
3.0
The Honk and Holler Opening Soon is a spirited novel about a run-down dirty spoon in Oklahoma that turns around when a mysterious stranger arrives, revitalizing both the diner as well as its clientele. While I enjoyed the quirky characters, the plot is very "Hallmark movie-esque" at times. Nevertheless, "Honk" is a quick, mostly entertaining read. 3 solid stars.
zoeyzebra's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, I have no excuse for some of the language in the book. It was published in 1998, and I'm reading it in 2021, and regardless of those dates, I have always and will always hate when the word "Oriental" is used to describe people or even anything. However, reading this gave me similar vibes to reading Fannie Flagg, and I have quite an affinity for books like these: slice of life novels that have rich characters who feel real and who are just trying to make it through life's ups and downs.
ecoandi's review
4.0
Sugary sweet (which may be bad for most people, but I love it), but not as enjoyable for me as "Where the Heart Is". Thought the early chapters were really good but it fell apart at the end- it seemed like everything needed to get tied up with a happy bow far too quick.
msjoanna's review
3.0
Pure fluff of the Southern/rural fiction variety. A good mix of interesting characters, a sickly-sweet heartwarming ending, and enough plotlines to hold the story together. There's nothing spectacular about this book, but it's among the top of the genre - good descriptions, decent writing, solid and true emotions. An enjoyable bit of light entertainment for times when you just want escapist reading, not deep thinking.