A review by shelleys_book_nook
Frank and Red by Matt Coyne

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad fast-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

5.0

 It was the most irritated and happy he had ever been. Funny how kids could make you feel both at the same time.

This book was everything I love about reading. It was sad, funny, engaging and had a wonderful cast of characters. I know it's only March but this will be on my top books of 2024, for sure. The book's chapters alternate between showing Frank's point of view and Red's point of view and I loved getting to know the innermost thoughts of these special guys.

Frank and Red are new neighbours and complete opposites. Frank is a widowed older man who likes to keep himself to himself. Red is a six-year-old boy who is chatty and excitable. When Red moves in next door to Frank their worlds collide in a most extraordinary way and both Frank and Red learn you are never too old or too young to make new friends or need your community.

This was such a roller coaster ride of emotions and it was such a joy to be on that ride with Frank and Red. As their friendship grows the two friends learn a lot about each other and themselves. This is the type of book you hug when you're finished. I have read some reviews stating that the book reminded the reader of A Man Called Ove and I get that, BUT Coyne makes this uniquely his own and lovers of Ove will definitely enjoy this as well. I can't believe this is Matt Coyne's debut novel. All. The. Stars.