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schray32's review against another edition
3.0
Cut easy read. I loved the character Frank. 3.5 stars. This was a Bookclub pick that I enjoyed.
readingnightandday's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my goodness. I loved Frank. He reminds me so much of Owen Meany.
The audiobook is wonderful.
I highly recommend this book.
The audiobook is wonderful.
I highly recommend this book.
meghan111's review against another edition
4.0
I was provided a free copy of this title from Edelweiss and the publisher.
Thoroughly enjoyable, reminded me both of [b: Where'd You Go Bernadette|13526165|Where'd You Go, Bernadette|Maria Semple|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338822317s/13526165.jpg|17626728] and [b: The Rosie Project|16181775|The Rosie Project (Don Tillman #1)|Graeme Simsion|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1371651741s/16181775.jpg|22084678].
Alice goes to work for a reclusive and unpleasant author in LA. This author published one major work of fiction 30 years ago - a short, much-beloved novel. She never published another book, but now has a contract and a deadline. Alice has been sent by the publisher to do whatever necessary to make sure the book gets written. This entails looking after the author's son, an eccentric genius of a 9-year-old named Frank.
Frank is the heart of the book - he dresses immaculately in vintage clothes, loves old movies, and monologues facts to Alice all day. Their relationship is depicted really well.
I liked this book a lot - it wasn't a totally light read, but it was very charming.
Thoroughly enjoyable, reminded me both of [b: Where'd You Go Bernadette|13526165|Where'd You Go, Bernadette|Maria Semple|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338822317s/13526165.jpg|17626728] and [b: The Rosie Project|16181775|The Rosie Project (Don Tillman #1)|Graeme Simsion|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1371651741s/16181775.jpg|22084678].
Alice goes to work for a reclusive and unpleasant author in LA. This author published one major work of fiction 30 years ago - a short, much-beloved novel. She never published another book, but now has a contract and a deadline. Alice has been sent by the publisher to do whatever necessary to make sure the book gets written. This entails looking after the author's son, an eccentric genius of a 9-year-old named Frank.
Frank is the heart of the book - he dresses immaculately in vintage clothes, loves old movies, and monologues facts to Alice all day. Their relationship is depicted really well.
I liked this book a lot - it wasn't a totally light read, but it was very charming.
camichristine's review against another edition
3.0
I would describe this as a cute story with some lovable characters. This book started out really strong for me, but lost some momentum toward the end. Frank is definitely the most vivid character, if not a bit OVERLY remarkable, to the point where I had to tell myself to just go with it. I was interested in the journey of all of the characters, but found the main character to be the weakest, oddly enough. Her personality didn't shine through very well, but the others were pretty distinctive. The ending was not particularly satisfying for my taste. I turned the last page, but didn't feel anything, which was a little sad. Overall, I would say a cute story and a quick read.
growlcat's review against another edition
3.0
Quite entertaining, didn't pan out as I'd expected, ended somewhat abruptly.
kategci's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe 3 1/2 stars. A literary agent's assistant is assigned to babysit the famous, reclusive author who cannot seem to finish her second novel. Alice Whitley is sent from New York to LA to make sure M.M. Banning is actually working on the novel she has promised. Banning's son Frank is quite the character, probably on the Asperger/autism spectrum, as he dresses like old film stars and really has a hard time with change, transitions and surprises. Frank made the book for me, his mother Mimi is only redeemed by her love for her son. She is nasty to Alice for no reason and Alice at age 24, takes Mimi's moods and behaviors. The author is in her 50s and should have realized that Mimi was just too old to be that obnoxious. The other characters were flat and filled out the narrative. I needed something light and Frank made me laugh, so this worked on that level for me. I would read the author's next work, as I think she captured Alice and Frank's realationship beautifully.
machadofam8's review against another edition
3.0
Fun - neat characters all around. Loved all the movie references.