2 Copies (1 Reg Print, 1 Large Print)

I love Moore’s writing but as with others of her books, I got a little bored in the middle of the story. ( )

Arthur Opp is very obese, but his story is not his size; rather, it's his relationship with other humans, past and present, and how he interfaces with his world. This was an Audible purchase, and Arthur's first-person narrative was spot on. What called to me immediately and endearingly was the simplicity of his language; it reflected the (surface) simplicity of his life, and I don't think I've ever felt quite so warmly toward a character.

Kel Keller is a high school athlete. His story is his complicated relationship with his mother (very finely drawn by the author) and his hope of a pro baseball career - and also how he relates with others in his life, romantically, academically, and socially. Kel's life is anything but simple, which is jarring when the reader has already grown used to the gentle cadence and sedate pace of Arthur's life and words.

The first-person narrative alternates between Arthur and Kel, and eventually the paths of the two men converge. To say more would be to rob the reader of the full experience of this lovely story. ( )

This is a good book. No idea what the negative reviews are about. It is a character study, not an action novel, but as long as you go in knowing that, you should enjoy this book.

Some people's lives are just junk. That's it. There's no reason, no rationale, no "fairness" involved.

We can always ask why, but we won't get an answer.

This book doesn't even pretend to try to answer... it just explores a couple realities that a couple characters who represent societal misfits experience. ( )

What seemed unique in the beginning, the lethargic pace and copious back story and little if any engagement, this is disappointing to say the least. Characters are dull, plot drags and it became more of a chore with each chapter. With so many other titles to read, I'm adding yet another to the DNF pile, which grieves me having loved her first book! ( )