As usual, I’ve fallen a bit behind on book reviews so today I grabbed a big cup of coffee and sat down to put some thoughts together on some of the books I’ve finished in that past couple of weeks. Hope you’ll enjoy hearing about these books and maybe you’ll find your next read here. If you’ve read some of these I’d love to hear your thoughts too.
First, is Tomato Girl by Jayne Pupek. The author contacted me about her book and I’m so glad I got to read it. This is a heartfelt story about a very endearing eleven-year-old. Ellie is trying to keep things together in her life despite the fact that her mom is losing grip with reality, her father is losing sense of his priorities and amidst all of this, the tomato girl comes to stay with them further disrupting their precarious living situation. Here’s my review.
Author Pupek does an outstanding job with Ellie’s character. This book reminded me of the novels by Billie Letts and Fannie Flagg so if you love those authors make sure to pick up this book. Anna also recently posted her review so check it out too.
The Famous Writers School by Steven Carter is the story of Wendell Newton, the writer-in-residence, founder and director of the Famous Writers School correspondence course and his students. Through a quirky and smart story told via a series of letters we learn about Wendell, his students and writerly ambition.
I thought this story was a lot of fun and Wendell reminded me of Ignatius J. Reilly from A Confederacy of Dunces for some reason. I think it’s the self-aggrandizing talk and attitude Wendell portrays throughout the novel, even when his students are starting to figure him out. Here’s my review.
Finally, my review of The Automatic Detective by A.Lee Martinez. While it’s billed as a mix of sci/fi and noir, I thought it really was more sci/fi than anything else. Yes, there is a mystery but this book is clearly more focused on creating a strange world filled with some very odd inhabitants.
We read this one for our mystery book group and I think most people really enjoyed the beginning because it was quite out there from our usual reads but would have liked a bit more “detecting”. Still if you are a sci/fi reader you might enjoy this one. Here’s my review.
And, now I need to get back to my books from yesterday. I did finish one but ran out of coffee and time so that review will come up later. Hee.
I love both Billie Letts and Fannie Flagg a lot but I usually can’t read anything else for awhile after I finish something by them as I want to savor it. I just know I’ll have the same response with Tomato Girl so I’ve got to wait on reading that for awhile.
I finished Tomato Girl last week and loved it. One of my favorites, for sure.
I really want to read Tomato Girl. Glad to read you enjoyed it.
I’ve been hearing lot of great things about Tomato Girl. It definitely looks like I’ve to add this to my growing wishlist. 😉
Great review of the Famous Writers’ School which I’ve had on my shelves for ages and have been meaning to get around to!I’ll definitely pick it up now.
I’ve not read any of these but you make them sound so good! Tomato Girl has been making its rounds and is high on my list…I need to get my hands on it soon!
Ok, now I really need to get Tomato Girl. 🙂
I need to read Tomato Girl and Famous Writers’ School! Haven’t read anything by Fannie Flagg in years, and it would entertaining to read a novel in that vein by someone else.
Tomato Girl sounds like a really good read. The other two books that you read sounded interesting and I’ll have to check them out. Looks like you’ve been reading some good books 🙂
I like the sound of The Automatic Detective.
I keep seeing Tomato Girl all over the blogsphere – seems like popular title!
I didn’t really like Tomato Girl (too blow-after-blow for me), but I did enjoy Jayne Pupek’s writing. AND Pupek friended me on LibraryThing even after I left my iffy review there, so she got bonus points, heh. I’m definitely watching to see what she does next.
The Famous Writer’s School looks good, thanks for the rec!
I’ve heard so many good things about Tomato Girl – I’ve added it to my wish list.
The Famous Writers School sounds like a lot of fun — I enjoy reading about writers and I especially like novels told in letters, and it sounds funny, so I bet I’d like it!
Ladytink – I agree, those two authors really know how to tug at the heart strings don’t they? Good stuff.
Christina – Yay, glad to hear you enjoyed it too!
Joy – It’s got it’s rough moments but Ellie’s voice is what really makes the story. I hope you’ll check it out.
Melody – I know, our wishlists are out of control right? 🙂
Litlove – That was one of those books I had liked for its cover and had put back several times on the shelves. It was really witty and I’m so glad I finally read it.
Sandy – Tomato Girl & Famous Writers School were really my favorites. I had some issues with Automatic Detective but that could also be that I’m not very big on sci/fi!
Melanie – You’ll have to keep us posted when you read it 🙂
jenclair – Isn’t Fanny Flagg great? One of my all time favorites is still Daisy Fay & the Miracle Man. Such a sweet story.
Samantha – Glad to hear you are interested in those. I have been reading some good books but I do get lazy about writing those reviews sometimes 🙂
Nymeth – I’d love to hear your thoughts on that one. The beginning I really got into but about half way through the book I just wanted it over. I can’t tell you why either because I don’t want to spoil it but if you ever get to it we’ll have to compare notes!
Stephanie – It is a popular title isn’t it? Luckily it’s a good story too!
Karen – I totally understand what you mean. There was one scene I had a huge issue with and thought I can’t take it anymore! But, I kept going back to the beginning scene that sort of tells me everything will be alright. Anyway, too cool that you are a “friend” of Jayne’s!
Carrie K. – Yay, another add for Tomato girl 🙂
Dorothy W. – Wendell is a blast. Seriously he’s so full of himself but you still like the guy. I think that takes some talent to accomplish 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a genre-crossing novel like The Automatic Detective. I might have to check that one out. The Carter novel also sounds like it would be right up my alley, too.
Danielle – I know, kinda cool isn’t it. I wish he’d focused a bit more on the mystery part but you could tell this author probably had a blast making this world of his 🙂
I’ve heard so many good things about Tomato Girl. It’s on my wishlist so someday..
I enjoyed your review of Tomato Girl – that’s one that has been on my radar for some time. I’ll read it one of these days.
great reviews, i’ve been wanting to read Tomato Girl.
tanabata – It’s good. Lots of bad things happen but I liked the main character tons!
Tara – Thank you. I hope you’ll enjoy it when you get to it!
bookworm – Isn’t the cover great too? I’ve been thinking about this and actually sort of wish she had titled the book something else to be honest but Tomato Girl is probably more memorable than Ellie’s World or something like that 🙂
Thanks for linking to my blog! I added your link to my review. Glad you enjoyed the book. Ellie isn’t a character you can easily forget.