May Anna Kovacks was discovered on the dustry streets of Butte, Montana and went on to become a Hollywood star. War, fame, marriage, love, and he...
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Jul 26, 2008
Mary Helene
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May 27, 2011
Anne Hawn
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I have mixed feelings about this book. I have read three other books by Sandra Dallas and I really loved them, but this one seems a little contrived. The characters are more caricatures, and from the wrong part of the country. I could easily believe that May Anna, Effa Commander and Whippy Bird came from a small town in Texas rather than Montana. The names, grammar and some of the actions seem more like the deep South. On the other hand, the fact that May Anna's mother has "gentlemen ca
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Jan 02, 2011
Margaret
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I've enjoyed other Sandra Dallas books more ("The Persian Pickle Club" in particular) - this one is a slighter effort and one that never gains as much heft as her other titles, and since, in truth, her books aren't of the "hefty" kind, that doesn't really leave much meat on the bone... Although primarily set in Butte, MT, the book falls into the "southern female story of recent vintage with quirky characters" genre (think Ya Ya Sisterhood...), and, personally, I th
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Dec 21, 2011
Marleen
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It was by happenstance that I came across a few reviews of Sandra Dallas books, and I liked what I read. Another total coincidence is that I actually picked her first book written in1990 to start with.
I will admit that her style is a bit reminiscent of Fannie Flagg or Billie Letts, both authors I utterly adore.
Buster Midnight’s Café is indeed very sweet, compelling, funny, melancholic and charming. It’s the story of three friends from the time they were very young children (in the 19 More...
I will admit that her style is a bit reminiscent of Fannie Flagg or Billie Letts, both authors I utterly adore.
Buster Midnight’s Café is indeed very sweet, compelling, funny, melancholic and charming. It’s the story of three friends from the time they were very young children (in the 19 More...
Aug 31, 2008
Claire
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Most definitely not a deep read, but I found this book to be a highly imaginative, entertaining read. The combination of such ridiculous names as Whippy Bird and Effa Commander as well as the drama of a lifelong friendship, makes for a most satisfying light read.
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Oct 23, 2010
alisonwonderland
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I've been wanting to read Sandra Dallas for a long time, so I was eager to get to this one for the October meeting with my "book lunch girls." I finished it this rainy Saturday morning while wrapped in a blanket in bed.
I think I started the book with a misconception. Sue, who picked this month's book, had said we needed some lighter reading than we'd had recently, and she called the narrator "hilarious." My fourteen-year-old daughter, who read the book before I g More...
I think I started the book with a misconception. Sue, who picked this month's book, had said we needed some lighter reading than we'd had recently, and she called the narrator "hilarious." My fourteen-year-old daughter, who read the book before I g More...
Dec 09, 2009
Blaine
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What a great first novel from Sandra Dallas. Loved her setting of Montana, and the nicknames of all the characters. To me it really showed the way things used to be in that era. Everyone striving for a better life. Some went into movies, others athletics, some stayed home.
And things have not changed since then. When you look at todays youth you see the same patterns of people trying to elevate themselves. Some with music, others TV, reality shows, whatever they can do to make it upw More...
And things have not changed since then. When you look at todays youth you see the same patterns of people trying to elevate themselves. Some with music, others TV, reality shows, whatever they can do to make it upw More...
Jun 28, 2010
Snow
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I'll be returning to the Sandra Dallas section in the library after reading this one, my first of her novels.
I loved the voice of Effa Commander and, through her, Whippy Bird's inputs. Characters' lives, locations, and immediate surroundings felt fully fleshed out; I could imagine going into Effa Commander's kitchen, pulling open a drawer, and actually finding silverware. The rich combination of characters and storytelling is what made this book wholly satisfying, but the ending wa More...
I loved the voice of Effa Commander and, through her, Whippy Bird's inputs. Characters' lives, locations, and immediate surroundings felt fully fleshed out; I could imagine going into Effa Commander's kitchen, pulling open a drawer, and actually finding silverware. The rich combination of characters and storytelling is what made this book wholly satisfying, but the ending wa More...
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Jan 11, 2011
Keilani
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An engaging read following the lives of several friends growing up in Butte Montana. Told as the main characters decide to tell the "true story" once they're all old. While the story is interesting, and the characters are nice, it's a little like reading people magazine. None of the characters had any redeeming qualities that made me want to "revisit". I don't expect a basic fiction novel to be "uplifting and educational" but I want to in some way relate to a ch
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Jan 03, 2012
Melinda
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As if character names such as Effa Commander and Whippy Bird alone do not merit a reading of this novel, the scandals, true friendships and portrayal of Butte,Montana just might. This novel elaborates on the melodrama-esque nature of early Hollywood as May Anna Kovaks, now Marion Street, finds her stride as an up and coming cinema celebrity, all while her best friends, Effa Commander and Whippy Bird follow her rise to fame from their quiet corner in Butte.
I liked how true and lasting th More...
I liked how true and lasting th More...
Jan 02, 2009
Margaret
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What a find! Sandra Dallas is a wonderful, authentic American writer. I like her as much as Billie Letts. I can't figure out where she comes up with the names of her characters - but I love them, especially Effa Commander and Whippy Bird.
I am still reading this book, but I know when I finish it I will have that forlorn feeling of losing my best friends.
Seek this one out, and enjoy!
I am still reading this book, but I know when I finish it I will have that forlorn feeling of losing my best friends.
Seek this one out, and enjoy!
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Nov 10, 2010
Amy
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I truly enjoyed this book so much.
It was a well done STORY.
I hung on to it all----the characters, timeline, the cityscape were all so well done.
You really grew to love, understand & care for the main characters.
I laughed out loud, then turned right around and cried for the next 5 pages.
A very sweet tale of love, war, old Hollywood and life in general.
It was a well done STORY.
I hung on to it all----the characters, timeline, the cityscape were all so well done.
You really grew to love, understand & care for the main characters.
I laughed out loud, then turned right around and cried for the next 5 pages.
A very sweet tale of love, war, old Hollywood and life in general.
Jan 24, 2010
Wendy
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I think Sandra Dallas is my new favorite author! I love the quirky characters and their goodness. She adds a little mystery and a lot of humor. The storyline for this book takes place in Butte, Montana before during and after WWII. It's about three childhood friends, the "Unholy Three" and the path their lives follow from childhood to senior citizens.
Dec 07, 2009
Kt.
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I gave this three stars even though I didn't really like it at all. However, there is nothing wrong with the book. It is well written and the characters are interesting -- if you like caricatures of interesting midwestern women. I don't. Dallas's other books are wonderful and she has every right to change style on this one. I just don't like it.
Nov 01, 2011
Sara
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I’ve read a few of Sandra Dallas’ books and have loved them, so I am adding her others to my list to-read. This was a great easy read. I love the quirky characters and their goodness. She adds a little mystery and a lot of humor. The storyline for this book takes place in Butte, Montana around the time of WWII. It's about three childhood girlfriends, the "Unholy Three" and the path their lives follow from childhood till the end of their lives. Its told as a book written with the “true
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Oct 06, 2010
Jennifer
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I read a lot of books--in fact I read all day long for a living--and it takes a lot to stir me to tears--this book did that. Sandra Dallas's characters truly touch me. She is one of the best at characterization writing today--I loved this novel and want Whippy Bird and Effa Commander to be my best friends, too!
Oct 11, 2010
Gail
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I listened to this on audiobook and really enjoyed it. Part of that had to do with the super job the reader did of inhabiting these characters. It was a spunky, endearing story of female friendship, and I enjoyed listening. It was also a love letter to Butte, Montana, which is more interesting than you might think. Or at least more interesting than I expected.
Aug 12, 2009
Book Concierge
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This is Dallas's first novel, and already I see her gift for creating characters that leap off the page and into your heart. Effie Commander, Whipping Bird and May Anna (a/k/a/ Marion Strut) are vividly drawn. And, of course, there is a murder, and conflicting confessions for the reader to sort through.
Jun 21, 2009
Jeanette
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Who knew Butte, Montana was such a rough place to be planted? I had thought of it as a cowpoke town, but it turns out miners, and some hard-livin' folk. This story binds 6 couples with unflinching loyalty, despite lousy choices by Marion Street, mixed with hardships that life metes out to all.
May 04, 2010
Judith
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Sandra Dallas is one of my favorite authors for "a something different" book. This one just didn't do it for me. The names drove me crazy every time I read one and make a joke of the whole story. This was an eariler book of hers and at least, I know her writing gets better.
Sep 29, 2011
Shannon
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I really enjoyed this story, however in the first half of the book it was hard to tell the relevance of some events. That being said, as I read on I loved not being able to predict short and long term outcomes in the story. A touching read.
May 13, 2011
Deanna
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This story reminds me of my mother and her best friend who were "flappers" back in the day. How difficult it must have been to send husbands off to war and then to get the news that they were killed in battle. But friendship was the most important thing in those days.
Dec 24, 2010
Kathleen
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This was my first Sandra Dallas book and I found it a light, funny , and serious read at times. I'd would enjoy picking up another of her books to take on a car trip or for a vacation read, one eye on the book one on the scenery.
Mar 10, 2010
Angie
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I love Sandra Dallas, but this is my least favorite of her books. Great characters, but I just didn't like the "celebrity" aspect coming from Dallas. I love her writing style, but it just didn't work as well for this book.
Sep 25, 2010
Karen
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Sue declared we needed some lighter reading in our book club this month, and Buster Midnight's Cafe fit the bill perfecty. Fun characters and an interesting story line. And who in the world could come up with people named: Whippy Bird and Effa Commander?
Sep 09, 2009
Kim
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I think this was my favorite Dallas book so far. She nailed the dialog, the narrator is great. Funny, not as tragic as some of her other books, though there are some sad parts too. Again, about women and friendship.
Jan 11, 2011
Nathalie
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This book was a 4-star book for me all the way until the last two chapters...then it moved right up to a 5-star. I loved this book, I love Sandra Dallas and I love Effa Commander and Whippy Bird!
Jun 23, 2009
Karen
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I liked the tone of this book, she caught the era down, and it felt real. It showed how other people react and act in different settings. A good story, some funny, some sad and with a good ending.
Jan 25, 2009
Terri
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I loved this book! The characters were very different from each other, making their lives interesting. And this took place between Montana and California - two very different places.
