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473rd out of 508 books
—
634 voters
Welcome to the Great Mysterious
by
Lorna Landvik (Goodreads Author)
Megastar of stage, screen, and television, Geneva Jordan now has a command performance in Minnesota, where she agrees to look after her thirteen-year-old nephew, a boy with Down’s syndrome, while his parents take a long-overdue vacation. Though Geneva and her sister, Ann, are as different as night and day (“I being night, of course, dark and dramatic”), Geneva remembers sh...more
Paperback, 368 pages
Published
January 2nd 2002
by Ballantine Books
(first published 2000)
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Sep 01, 2007
Joanne Goon
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
adult women.
Shelves:
read-again-and-again
This is simply a well-written, thought-provoking piece of fiction. What started out as a leisure read for me really turned into an important life lesson. It truly will help all self-absorbed women (and admit it, we all are at times) to see the greater picture. I intend on buying this book for my best friend, and of course, including a box of tissue.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a successful and known broadway star like, Geneveva Jordan (she even has the name of a star!), who has recently broken off a relationship with a fellow actor, at age 48, and is thrust into Deep Lake, a Minneapolis suburb, on a month-long invitation to babysit her nephew with Downs, while her twin sister, Ann and her husband vacation to Italy.
Geneva, the diva, is more than a one-dimensional character, and the flashba...more
Geneva, the diva, is more than a one-dimensional character, and the flashba...more
Mar 22, 2010
Linda
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Shelves:
humor,
friendship,
family-relationships,
relationships,
nyc,
touching,
2010,
beach-read,
contemporary-fiction,
chick-lit
This is a slight book that deliberately tugs on the heart strings- so I did tear up but I hated myself in the morning. I don’t like to feel manipulated, and that is what this book does, it’s also sweet in a kind of cloying way.
Geneva Jordan is a Broadway star, she’s won Tony’s and people applaud when she walks in a room. She’s just been replaced in her current show by a younger star and her recent boyfriend has left her for a younger woman. When her fraternal twin sister Ann calls and begs her...more
Geneva Jordan is a Broadway star, she’s won Tony’s and people applaud when she walks in a room. She’s just been replaced in her current show by a younger star and her recent boyfriend has left her for a younger woman. When her fraternal twin sister Ann calls and begs her...more
This may turn out to be my favourite Lorna Landvik - but I can't decide as I really did enjoy the others I have read. As with the other novels, this can be a touch sweet and smaltzy in parts - but all in all - very hard to put down. The story conerns Geneva - broadway star - and her nephew Rich, Geneva agrees after much badgering to look after Rich for a month while his parents take a well earned holiday away from their adorable son who has special needs. This involves her leaving New York for a...more
This is the second book that I have read by this author, and there's something about her writing and topics that make me think of home and growing up when life was simpler. But she also adds in a little of the glamor in life so that we can how the famous people live.
The main character, Geneva Jordan is a Broadway singer in New York. Originally from Minnesota, she flies back to help watch her nephew while her twin sister and husband take a month long trip. You would think the diva sister would no...more
The main character, Geneva Jordan is a Broadway singer in New York. Originally from Minnesota, she flies back to help watch her nephew while her twin sister and husband take a month long trip. You would think the diva sister would no...more
This review originally appeared at www.readinasinglesitting.com.
Well, hello there, deja vu. It was only a few weeks ago that I was reviewing Louise Limerick's Lucinda's Whirlwind, a novel about a career-minded aunt called in as a last-minute caretaker after her sister has jet-set off overseas, and here I am reviewing a book that covers some very similar ground. Mysterious how these things work, isn't it?
Disclaimer: protagonist Geneva Jordan and I didn't quite get off on the right foot. Proclaimi...more
Well, hello there, deja vu. It was only a few weeks ago that I was reviewing Louise Limerick's Lucinda's Whirlwind, a novel about a career-minded aunt called in as a last-minute caretaker after her sister has jet-set off overseas, and here I am reviewing a book that covers some very similar ground. Mysterious how these things work, isn't it?
Disclaimer: protagonist Geneva Jordan and I didn't quite get off on the right foot. Proclaimi...more
Another Landvik novel that blew me away!
From back cover:
"Megastar of stage, screen, and television, Geneva Jordan now has a command performance in Minnesota, where she agrees to look after her thirteen-year-old nephew, a boy with Down's syndrome, while his parents take a long-overdue vacation. Though Geneva and her sister, Ann, are as different as night and day ("I being night, of course, dark and dramatic"), Geneva remembers she had a family before she had a star on her door. But so accustomed...more
From back cover:
"Megastar of stage, screen, and television, Geneva Jordan now has a command performance in Minnesota, where she agrees to look after her thirteen-year-old nephew, a boy with Down's syndrome, while his parents take a long-overdue vacation. Though Geneva and her sister, Ann, are as different as night and day ("I being night, of course, dark and dramatic"), Geneva remembers she had a family before she had a star on her door. But so accustomed...more
The main character of this book (whose name I am having a hard time remembering at this point) is a famous Broadway actress whose sister begs her to watch her nephew for a month. This nephew, Rich, has Down's Syndrome and the main character wants nothing to do with being responsible for him. But seeing as she just broke up with her leading man costar, she decides to go to the midwest and stay. It is a standard girl finds herself in a laid back setting story, but I thought they treated people wit...more
I picked this up, thinking it was a light piece of chick-lit, and really enjoyed it. It was light - but compelling.
I started reading this on a trip to Guatemala and couldn't continue. Geneva, the main character is such a self-absorbed and spoiled Broadway actress that I just couldn't stomach her while traveling in a third world country! That's a credit to Landvik's ability to portray characters so vividly in just a few pages.
I picked the book up again just before Christmas and found that Geneva is one of those characters that you watch change and mature through the course of the book. By the end, she hasn't...more
I picked the book up again just before Christmas and found that Geneva is one of those characters that you watch change and mature through the course of the book. By the end, she hasn't...more
I don’t think you will walk away from this book without learning something about yourself. This was a very thought provoking book and I really appreciated that it pushed me to think about what is and isn’t important to me. Geneva’s honesty helped me to be honest with myself while reading. Rich’s purity and forgiving spirit would inspire anyone to keep trying even when they are way outside of their comfort zone. Conrad offered wisdom and I couldn’t help but laugh at how he presented his words of...more
This was a bbok also by Lorna Landvik, although not quite as good. The plot is predictable and the characters are not as appealling as her other books. It is about Broadway diva Geneva Jrdan. She is the toast of New York and well known in many circles. When she comes home to take care of her twin sister, Ann's, Down Sydrome teenage son, Rich, so that her sister and brother-in-law can take a vacation, she learnes that life in a small town can be as rewarding as life in New York. She meets the ne...more
I LOVE Lorna Landvik and her style of writing. She really has a way of introducing you to characters and making you fall into their lives so easily. This book was no exception! Welcome to the Great Mysterious made me laugh, made me cry, and all the emotions in between! Geneva goes from being an absolute horror of a Prima Donna to a caring individual who thinks of others and not just herself, and you get to tag along for the remarkable journey!
Now, comparing Welcome to the Great Mysterious to her...more
Now, comparing Welcome to the Great Mysterious to her...more
Apr 05, 2010
Jonna Doughty
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorites,
books-i-own
One of my all-time favorites, I cry each time I read this. When Broadway diva Geneva Jordan takes time out from her busy schedule to spend some time with her teenage nephew, who has Downs Syndrome, she learns how to take care of both of them. It's a coming-of-age story featuring a middle aged woman, who will win your heart, and the teenagers who will break it. As Geneva grows up and falls in love, she learns many things about herself, and her family. It's a wonderful story.
I like Lorna Landvik's novels - her quirky characters and unrealistic plot twists make her books fun to read. This one had me crying in parts. Geneva - a broadway star - comes home to her small town to babysit her nephew - who is 13, but has Down's syndrome - while his parents take a much needed vacation (the first since he was born).
It's not a great work of literature, but it's enjoyable, and for me the first rule of reading is that it should be enjoyable.
It's not a great work of literature, but it's enjoyable, and for me the first rule of reading is that it should be enjoyable.
“Welcome to the Great Mysterious” is the story of Broadway star Geneva Jordan who is called to return to her Minnesota roots for a month to babysit for her 13-year-old nephew, a boy with Down’s syndrome. After much squirming at the uncomfortableness of it all, she succumbs and, as a sweet story goes, she finds love and happiness.
Author Lorna Landvik certainly can turn a phrase. Here’s an example: “All of the male midlife crisis clichés he had started to fondle during our last months together, he...more
Author Lorna Landvik certainly can turn a phrase. Here’s an example: “All of the male midlife crisis clichés he had started to fondle during our last months together, he...more
To my mind, this is Lorna Landvik's best book to date. It doesn't get bogged down with character development. It is a great story that focuses more on personal development and relationships. The main character who is an actress grows and is helped along the way by her mentally handicapped nephew who at first embarrasses her. This story is realistic and offers insight into those families who have special need kids.
This is the 3rd Lorna Landvik book I have read. Compared to "Angry Housewives Eating BonBons", this book was a little slower and not as engaging. What starts off as a story of an "all about me" movie star, you learn to love her about 1/3 of the way into the story when she goes to take care of her autistic nephew and despite the storyline dragging a bit, it was a fun, quick read.
After reading two books that were pretty heavy, I choose a light read. I just finished Lorna Landvik's Welcome to the Great Mysterious. It was funny and uplifting. Although the adult relationships are a bit contrived, the relationship between Rich (who has Down's Syndrome) and his best friend, Connie (who has cerebral palsy) is beautiful and rich. This a book we can all learn from and be touched by.
I totally loved the feel of for the characters in this book. Geneva was a person who always felt her life was all that mattered, fame, money and the perfect hairdo until she spends time with her nephew who has downs syndrome and learns what life is really about...love, compassion, friends, family and accepting everyone no matter what. I love that she makes this so real as if you were in her shoes. I particularly enjoyed the book the characters wrote called "The Great Mysterious" which evolves in...more
I read the author's Angry Housewives Eating Bonbons and loved it so I got this one and have had it on my shelf for years. I really liked the relationship between Aunt Gennie and Rich, the special-needs nephew and his best friend Charlie. The nephew has Downs Syndrome and the author describes the actions, facial expressions, personality and other characteristics well.
Now what kind of a title is that?? One that is mysterious. A wonderful book about the power we all have within us and the love formed when we really get to know better the medically & physcially handicap. It was so sweet -- and sad but in a realistic loving way. Her books are easy reads but with lots of punch.
I have always enjoyed Lorna Landvik when I want a light story with a message. This book did not disappoint me, although it's not my favorite of Landvik's books. I especially enjoyed the dynamic of the friendship between Rich and Conrad - their relationship was very moving at times as well as mischievous.
Sep 03, 2011
Maria
is currently reading it
I just found this book on my shelf and i don't remember buying it or checking it out from the library. The first line, "All right, so I'm a diva. There are worst things..." hooked me and now i am anxious to see how this story unfolds. I read the summary and it looks interesting. Stay tuned...
I have to admit that I read the back of this book and was convinced I wouldn't like it at all. I was pleasantly surprised by what a sweet story it was, and how much I enjoyed the main character. She was so real to me--I'm a little curious to read what else this author has written.
When I picked this up (at a Bookcrossing meet up) the author was familiar and then I realised that I'd read 'Patty Jane's House of Curl':
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/5...
These books are very similar to Fannie Flagg's, the home and family centred stories. I really liked this book and yes, I cried. So it really got to me.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/5...
These books are very similar to Fannie Flagg's, the home and family centred stories. I really liked this book and yes, I cried. So it really got to me.
I've really enjoyed both books I've read by Landvik so far -- this one and Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons. Sweet, fun, cozy -- perfect comfort reads.
I really enjoyed this book. I read it when I had a bad cold. Perhaps I can blame some of my tears on all that congestion. I enjoyed the Minnesota setting, the kids, and the idea of answering the big questions and sharing those thoughts with people you love.
I totally bawled at the end of this book and for an hour after I finished reading it. And yet, it wasn't that the book is sad. Rather, it is amazingly uplifting and you realize that having people who truly love you is about the best thing you can ever have.
I really liked this story. I felt connected to the characters right away. I actually bawled my eyes out at one part of the story. She has a knack for bringing her characters to life. I love all of this authors books so far, doesn't hurt that she's from MN and her books are usually set in MN.
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Lorna Landvik is a mother of two and wife of one. She is the author of eight novels, including the best-selling ANGRY HOUSEWIVES EATING BON BONS, PATTY JANE'S HOUSE OF CURL and OH MY STARS. Also an
actor and playwright, Lorna has appeared in many stage productions. She is a new and passionate neophyte to the practice of yoga, which is a fine antidote to her long established practice of lounging.
More about Lorna Landvik...
actor and playwright, Lorna has appeared in many stage productions. She is a new and passionate neophyte to the practice of yoga, which is a fine antidote to her long established practice of lounging.
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“The sun was as flirty as Scarlett O'Hara with the Tarleton twins, breaking through the clouds in spectacular bursts that seemed like personal favors and then retreating for hours, days, and making us all ache for just a glimpse.”
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Sep 07, 2011 02:38pm