Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
353rd out of 527 books
—
350 voters
The Understory
by
Elizabeth Leiknes (Goodreads Author)
Story Easton knows the first line of every book, but never the last.
She never cries, but she fakes it beautifully.
And at night, she escapes from the failure of her own life by breaking into the homes of others, and feeling, for a short while, like a different, better person.
But one night, as an uninvited guest in someone's empty room, she discovers a story sadder than her...more
She never cries, but she fakes it beautifully.
And at night, she escapes from the failure of her own life by breaking into the homes of others, and feeling, for a short while, like a different, better person.
But one night, as an uninvited guest in someone's empty room, she discovers a story sadder than her...more
Hardcover, 254 pages
Published
June 1st 2012
by Bancroft Press
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
560)
This is a story about the interconnectedness of the human condition and how words can be the catalysts that cause some of the greatest elevations of the human soul.
Story Easton is a woman so eager to shed the tattered rags of her life that she slips stealthily into the lives of others in the dead of night by way of unlocked windows, untended doors, and empty rooms.
The stories that she reads on the faces, in the voices, and in the houses of all the lives that she enters serve as a call to action...more
Story Easton is a woman so eager to shed the tattered rags of her life that she slips stealthily into the lives of others in the dead of night by way of unlocked windows, untended doors, and empty rooms.
The stories that she reads on the faces, in the voices, and in the houses of all the lives that she enters serve as a call to action...more
The Understory Contest & Interview with Elizabeth Leiknes
Posted on June 1, 2012 | Leave a comment | Edit
I am honored to have Elizabeth Leikness author of The Understory here with us today at edensbookshelf.com. The Understory drops June 1, 2012 and Elizabeth has graciously offered us an e-copy of her book to give away to one lucky reader (see end of article for more details).
Elizabeth has been kind enough to allow me to interview her. Her answers are open and honest – at times strikingly so....more
Posted on June 1, 2012 | Leave a comment | Edit
I am honored to have Elizabeth Leikness author of The Understory here with us today at edensbookshelf.com. The Understory drops June 1, 2012 and Elizabeth has graciously offered us an e-copy of her book to give away to one lucky reader (see end of article for more details).
Elizabeth has been kind enough to allow me to interview her. Her answers are open and honest – at times strikingly so....more
Elizabeth Leiknes’s second novel is a memorable tale of failure and self-discovery, weaving the lives of seemingly disconnected people into a story of hope.
Story Easton is a twenty-nine-year-old woman without a story. She knows the beginning, but in seeking the plot of her life, she only finds failure. Failing to live up to her mother’s standards while missing the father who left her too soon, she bitterly longs to fill someone else’s shoes; any stranger will do.
Writing happy but false greeting...more
Story Easton is a twenty-nine-year-old woman without a story. She knows the beginning, but in seeking the plot of her life, she only finds failure. Failing to live up to her mother’s standards while missing the father who left her too soon, she bitterly longs to fill someone else’s shoes; any stranger will do.
Writing happy but false greeting...more
Originally posted here.
This book charmed me immediately, even though I had no expectations for it. I knew nothing about it, and the cover is incredibly lame, but something made me request it and I am so glad I did. This is the bonus of requesting ALL THE THINGS: you find books you might otherwise never have read.
First off, let me talk about the writing in The Understory. Elizabeth Leiknes has a way with words, guys. She is so clever and incredibly hilarious. So many lines in this book made me la...more
This book charmed me immediately, even though I had no expectations for it. I knew nothing about it, and the cover is incredibly lame, but something made me request it and I am so glad I did. This is the bonus of requesting ALL THE THINGS: you find books you might otherwise never have read.
First off, let me talk about the writing in The Understory. Elizabeth Leiknes has a way with words, guys. She is so clever and incredibly hilarious. So many lines in this book made me la...more
BOOK REVIEW: THE UNDERSTORY
By Elizabeth Leiknes
254 pages; Bancroft Press, Published June 1, 2012
The Understory by Elizabeth Leiknes is an ultimately uplifting tale that shows the power of endurance of the human soul, even under the most tragic circumstances. The lives of Story Easton and a handful of other residents of Phoenix, Arizona unwind before our eyes; revealing intertwinings and connections of a complex nature between those we would otherwise consider strangers—much as the plants and ani...more
By Elizabeth Leiknes
254 pages; Bancroft Press, Published June 1, 2012
The Understory by Elizabeth Leiknes is an ultimately uplifting tale that shows the power of endurance of the human soul, even under the most tragic circumstances. The lives of Story Easton and a handful of other residents of Phoenix, Arizona unwind before our eyes; revealing intertwinings and connections of a complex nature between those we would otherwise consider strangers—much as the plants and ani...more
A very pleasant book to listen to. I have been reading historical biographies and welcomed the light-hearted, fun story. Finished it in less than 24 hours. There were several times I caught myself thinking 'that would never happen'. Then the story would remind me that things won't happen if we don't at least believe they can. Great true stories are the result of things you wouldn't normally believe could happen. Makes sense then, that great fiction can have the same premise.
Initially I was unde...more
Initially I was unde...more
Agh. If I liked this book any less, I'd give it three points off for having a butt-ugly cover. Whatever Bancroft Press excels at (and there must be something, since The Understory is pretty darn good and they were good enough to recognize that and publish it) it's NOT cover design. I'm getting queasy just looking at it.
Luckily for you, reader, this is pretty much the only problem with the book. It is literary, hilarious, romantic and clever all at the same time. I loved it.
Full review coming so...more
Luckily for you, reader, this is pretty much the only problem with the book. It is literary, hilarious, romantic and clever all at the same time. I loved it.
Full review coming so...more
Reviewed @ Novel Reflections
Rating: 4½ Stars
THE UNDERSTORY is one of those books that will stay in my thoughts for a long time. It’s an enchanting modern fairy tale full of silliness and sadness, humor, heartbreak and hope. The story is about, well, a young woman named “Story” whose odd quirk brings together a group of people all suffering from the loss of a loved one.
Story Easton is so strange that I couldn’t help but like her. She feels like such a failure in her own life that at night, she br...more
Rating: 4½ Stars
THE UNDERSTORY is one of those books that will stay in my thoughts for a long time. It’s an enchanting modern fairy tale full of silliness and sadness, humor, heartbreak and hope. The story is about, well, a young woman named “Story” whose odd quirk brings together a group of people all suffering from the loss of a loved one.
Story Easton is so strange that I couldn’t help but like her. She feels like such a failure in her own life that at night, she br...more
Ohmygodohmygodohmygod! This is such a good book.
Prepare for another gushy review!
Story Easton is one of the best characters I have ever read about. So is Hans and Cooper and the Judge.
And Santa Clause!
All of the writing in this is very staggato which gives it, in this case, a sense of reality.
I love this book and cannot wait to read The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns.
I may just be one of the first people to buy a finished copy when it comes out!
5/5 stars
Prepare for another gushy review!
Story Easton is one of the best characters I have ever read about. So is Hans and Cooper and the Judge.
And Santa Clause!
All of the writing in this is very staggato which gives it, in this case, a sense of reality.
I love this book and cannot wait to read The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns.
I may just be one of the first people to buy a finished copy when it comes out!
5/5 stars
This book actually has some terrific quirky writing! I really enjoyed the concept of the protagonist going into other people's homes at night to find out what they were like. The mixture of intensity and humor and romance kept me in the "story". But the ending was just a little too "rainforest crunch" feel good.
Amazing book! Loved the fairy tale elements, the unexpected "hobby" Story has, and even the happily ever after nature of it. Eager to read another book by the author.
3.5 A fairy tale written for adults about the importance of words and stories. The main characters name is even Story, and she is so disenchanted with her own she tries on other people's lives by breaking into their houses and trying their things on for size. She overhears a young boy this way and sets off to try and help him. Love the little girl with Tourette's. which is another character whose words don't come out right. Poignant novel and an interesting and original premise. In some places t...more
I enjoyed how all of the character were intertwined but not in an overly cheesy way. This was an uplifting story that reminds us all to keep on believing.
The Understory was unexpectedly magnificent. Leiknes exposes many of life's usual harms; alcoholism, bad jobs, miserable bosses, insomnia, the death of a family member, and the inability to have meaningful relationships. Leiknes also shows us that magic is real, fairytales come true, love is possible, and starting over is a reality. The fonts and tiny pictures were an art of their own which makes this book a true treasure, and I love the voice of Story.
I look forward to reading Leiknes other pub...more
I look forward to reading Leiknes other pub...more
Sweet and charming story. Very high quirk factor which really speaks to me. Can't wait to read the author's previous novel.
1 like · like · see review
view 1 comment
This was a fun story with great character development with a good fairytale plot. Enjoyed every page!
Aug 24, 2012
Jessica
marked it as to-read
Soooo, it appears the author is a Goodreads author. Well, my sister-in-law tells me that the proper way to participate in a negative discussion is to stick to "I feel" statements.
For most of this book, I felt like I was reading something written by a very clever 14 year old girl.
For most of this book, I felt like I was reading something written by a very clever 14 year old girl.
1 like · like · see review
I just finished the book tonight. I could have finished it days ago, but the closer I got to the end the slower I went so it wouldn't be over too soon. What an amazing story (pun intended)! I laughed, I cried, I bit my fingernails... This book had it all! What an enjoyable reading experience.
I felt this book was quirky and really well written. The story ended up to be very beautiful and inspired growth and imagination.
I loved how creative this story was.
May 24, 2013
Shay
marked it as to-read
May 22, 2013
Amber
marked it as to-read
May 21, 2013
Judy Velasquez
marked it as to-read
May 20, 2013
Sixzero
marked it as to-read
May 20, 2013
Marina Morrison
marked it as to-read
May 19, 2013
Toni Moore
marked it as to-read
May 12, 2013
Rebecca Zavala
marked it as to-read
May 11, 2013
Chris
marked it as to-read
May 09, 2013
Leigh
marked it as to-read
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fans of The Under...: Let's Spread the Word! | 16 | 5 | Jun 27, 2012 07:54am |
Elizabeth Leiknes, author and teacher, grew up in rural Iowa and can make thirty-seven different dishes featuring corn. The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns was written somewhere between a third and fourth helping of Captain Crunch in Elizabeths sixth month of pregnancy with her first child. She now lives and teaches English near Lake Tahoe with her husband, two sons, and mentally ill cat.9781890862626"
More about Elizabeth Leiknes...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“There once was a woman named Story Easton who couldn't decide if she should kill herself, or eat a double cheeseburger.”
—
4 people liked it
“Deep down, Story Easton knew what would happen if she attempted to off herself—she would fail It was a matter of probability. This was not a new thing, failure. She was, had always been, a failure of fairy-tale proportion. Quitting wasn’t Story’s problem. She had tried, really tried, lots of things during different stages of her life—Girl Scours, the viola, gardening, Tommy Andres from senior year American Lit—but zero cookie sales, four broken strings, two withered azalea bushes, and one uniquely humiliating breakup later, Story still had not tasted success, and with a shriveled-up writing career as her latest disappointment, she realized no magic slippers or fairy dust was going to rescue her from her Anti-Midas Touch. No Happily Ever After was coming.
So she had learned to find a certain comfort in failure. In addition to her own screw-ups, others’ mistakes became cozy blankets to cuddle, and she snuggled up to famous failures like most people embrace triumph.
The Battle of Little Bighorn—a thing of beauty.
The Bay of Pigs—delicious debacle.
The Y2K Bug—gorgeously disappointing fuck-up.
Geraldo’s anti-climactic Al Capone exhumation—oops!
Jaws III—heaven on film.
Tattooed eyeliner—eyelids everywhere, revolting. Really revolting.
Fat-free potato chips—good Lord, makes anyone feel successful.”
—
2 people liked it
More quotes…
So she had learned to find a certain comfort in failure. In addition to her own screw-ups, others’ mistakes became cozy blankets to cuddle, and she snuggled up to famous failures like most people embrace triumph.
The Battle of Little Bighorn—a thing of beauty.
The Bay of Pigs—delicious debacle.
The Y2K Bug—gorgeously disappointing fuck-up.
Geraldo’s anti-climactic Al Capone exhumation—oops!
Jaws III—heaven on film.
Tattooed eyeliner—eyelids everywhere, revolting. Really revolting.
Fat-free potato chips—good Lord, makes anyone feel successful.”
