Helpful Score: 8
Oh I loved this book, mostly because I love a good schlub!! The main character, Smithy, is great. He's an "overweight, friendless, chain-smoking forty-three year old drunk..."...just from that description I was hooked, and had to read the book. It did not disappoint. The story was quirky, moving, sad, joyous, and all things in between, as poor Smithy sets off on his bicycle across the country on a personal mission. Enroute, amid the stories of the people and landscapes he encounters along the way, he reflects back to tell the story of his childhood and youth, his prom, his Vietnam experiences, etc., all the while revealing how his parents and his sister (and one pivitol neighbor) were so instrumental to his life. I love to read "debut novels"--since I believe these are the books that burned the longest in the writer's soul, and this was a debut novel. I highly recommend it, and will definitely seek out others since written by Mr. McLarty.
***** Five stars!
***** Five stars!
Helpful Score: 6
Great story. The pace of the book was like the ride of the main character, slow and steady but very interesting.
Helpful Score: 4
I absolutely loved this book, the story of Smithy Ide's bike trip across the United States to claim the body of his deceased, long-lost sister. Along the way we learn about Smithy's tragic family and his life and the series of unfortunate incidents that seem to befall him on a regular basis. Nonetheless, it is a hopeful story of indiviual redemption and you really cheer for our protagonist.
Helpful Score: 4
This book started off slowly, and I thought it was odd...but a few chapters in it grabbed my attention and I couldn't put it down. The plot twists and turns were fantastic, and I really cared about the characters. It reminded me of Forrest Gump in a way...a man on a quest.
Helpful Score: 3
This was a great book. It was interesting and quirky. Just the way I like it.
