Sunday, December 30, 2012

HEFT

Author:  Liz Moore
Genre:  Fiction, Standalone
Published:  2012
Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)
Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/
Kirby Heyborne & Keith Szarabajka
Yearly Count:  107


Arthur Opp is a 58-year-old, retired professor.  His weight has encouraged his reclusiveness and yet he still desires a life with others.  A once-upon-a-time friendship with Charlene (from his teaching days) continued through sparse letters is what keeps Arthur hopeful.  Charlene calls Arthur one day and tells him about her teenaged son Kel.  

I loved all parts Arthur!  I listened to the audio version and just loved him.  I didn't realize that Kel was the other focus in the book when I started listening to it (prior book knowledge minimalist that I am), so it was a surprise to delve into his life.  I learned to like him too, but always wanted to get back to Arthur.  

The flawed characters were not outlandish.  Their hearts were exposed and life befuddled them -- all of which made them feel very real and endearing.  Moore does an excellent job with both characters, and I look forward to reading more of her work.





My thanks go to W. W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for sending me this eGalley.

11 comments:

  1. This made my Top 10 list for 2012 at #10 - really enjoyed it as well. Love the short concise review. Happy new Year

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    1. Diane ~ I have several of your posts waiting in Google Reader for me to read. :) I look forward to your thoughts on this one. If Kel wasn't so prominent, I probably would have rated it higher (4.25/5). I really enjoyed it, though.

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  2. I've read several good reviews of this one. I need to give it a try.

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    1. Bermudaonion ~ Yep, you do! I think you'll love it.

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  3. I'm really excited that you liked this one so much!! I have the NetGalley copy on my Kindle and one of these days will read it!!

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    1. Staci ~ Thanks for the reminder of the NetGalley copy! I have it too, but forgot. I just fixed my post. :) I think you'll love this one, as well.

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    2. Staci ~ I just remembered that I wanted to mention to you that you should listen to Heft (even though you have the eBook). Hearing Arthur is perfect.

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  4. Anonymous9:38 PM

    I've been reading so many good things about this one so I'll have to add it to my wish list.

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    1. Stacybuckeye ~ I listened to it, so I partial to the audio version Arthur. :) I think Moore does a fabulous job with characterization - period.

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  5. I'm pretty sure I would've passed right over this book, had I not read your review! You have very rarely steered me wrong ;) so I'll be sure to add this to my audio queue just as soon as my library adds it to their database.

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    1. Les ~ Oh I hope you really love it. I have to keep my reputation intact. :)

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Happy Reading!