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.
This made my Top 10 list for 2012 at #10 - really enjoyed it as well. Love the short concise review. Happy new Year
ReplyDeleteDiane ~ 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.
DeleteI've read several good reviews of this one. I need to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ Yep, you do! I think you'll love it.
DeleteI'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!!
ReplyDeleteStaci ~ 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.
DeleteStaci ~ 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.
DeleteI've been reading so many good things about this one so I'll have to add it to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteStacybuckeye ~ I listened to it, so I partial to the audio version Arthur. :) I think Moore does a fabulous job with characterization - period.
DeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteLes ~ Oh I hope you really love it. I have to keep my reputation intact. :)
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