book data
85 ratings,
3.65
average rating, 19 reviews
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published
April 19th 2005
(first published 2004)
by Free Press
binding
Paperback, 304 pages
isbn
0743257774
(isbn13: 9780743257770)
description
<CENTER><FONT SIZE="+1">All of us need a Ralph in our lives.
Chicago, 1978. Hank Boyd, a solid B+ student, a good kid, wants eigh
...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 127)
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1 star (2)
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avg 3.65
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
Read in February, 2009
I didn't grow up in the seventies; I was already married and a mom. I didn't grow up in Chicago, though I live there now. But I identified with this book for two reasons. First of all, I knew a Ralph a long time ago. In fourth grade, he was the class outcast and I kissed him in front of our principal's office. I don't know why. Secondly, John McNally has this eye for detail that's universal. Details like the smell and whssss of a freshly opened can of beer, the angst of junior high, the emb...more
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A celebration of the oddballs who can only live as the oddballs they are. It's about how creepy getting older is; all of us haunted by these children and clueless adolescents we once were and never totally left behind. It's about how amusing it all is, and how some people never really change, and the beauty that co-exists with the tragedy of that.
Then you find yourself a grown-up, after all these odball adventures, and maybe its a little bit hard to believe. Deeply funny, incredibly...more
Then you find yourself a grown-up, after all these odball adventures, and maybe its a little bit hard to believe. Deeply funny, incredibly...more
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A celebration of the oddballs who can only live as the oddballs they are. It's about how creepy getting older is; all of us haunted by these children and clueless adolescents we once were and never totally left behind. It's about how amusing it all is, and how some people never really change, and the beauty that co-exists with the tragedy of that.
Then you find yourself a grown-up, after all these odball adventures, and maybe its a little bit hard to believe. Deeply funny, incredibly...more
Then you find yourself a grown-up, after all these odball adventures, and maybe its a little bit hard to believe. Deeply funny, incredibly...more
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Read in January, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is hilarious, but on the other hand, the author isn't constantly setting himself up for the next joke. This leaves plenty of room for character depth and even some incredibly sad, and--dare I say it?--heartfelt moments (of the non-cheesy variety, thank god). Also it brings up some social issues through the story telling itself, without it feeling like the author is trying to make some grand statement and disguising it as fiction. The only small complaint I have...more
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Read in August, 2008
Lent to me by a student, this book sat on the floor (the floor, even!) of my office for almost two years while I puttered around and read other things. And then, finally, I decided I'd read it, and it's pretty good-- it's another coming-of-age story, this time shorter on the music than I usually go for, but invested with some other goodness. Mostly, the book's successes are drawn from the kind of crisp observations that are maybe more often funny than illuminating, but only by a little bit. Ther...more
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Read in July, 2004
Good Enough to Read Twice
This is a fantastic read--a real page-turner. Congratulations to John McNally for being a gifted storyteller and for putting this collection together in an interesting and creative manner. He has presented a true time capsule complete with scenery, music, language and costume.
Ralph is the boy we all knew--an attention hound dressed in a flannel shirt, who spent a lot of time in the school hallways on his way to the dean's office. Hank, however, ...more
This is a fantastic read--a real page-turner. Congratulations to John McNally for being a gifted storyteller and for putting this collection together in an interesting and creative manner. He has presented a true time capsule complete with scenery, music, language and costume.
Ralph is the boy we all knew--an attention hound dressed in a flannel shirt, who spent a lot of time in the school hallways on his way to the dean's office. Hank, however, ...more
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Read in March, 2009
I wouldn't say this book was BAD, but it certainly wasn't my favorite. It's told from Ralph's friend's POV and spans some jr. high time as well as some twenty-something time. I think it had the potential to be really good as the story was not bad. I don't even think the writing sucked, but this book certainly lacked something.
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Read in July, 2008
The main reason I like this book so much is the author is from my home town and most of it is set there. This guy really captured the feeling of that shitty little place and reminded me why I love and hate Burbank. Great story. Kind of quirky.
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Funny as hell. A small excerpt in the New Sudden Fiction anthology wet my appetite. The chapter about working at a record store and the one about a father creating christmas decorations out of junk are my favorites.
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Read in January, 2006
It was ok - not amazing or anything but funny in parts.
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I was excited to read this book as I went to school with the author John McNally. What I was knocked out by was the brilliance of his storytelling. He uses such wonderful visuals with his writing that I couldn't put this book down. Using Chicago's South Side during the 70's as his backdrop will have you walking down memory lane while his character's remind you of people you once knew. Definitely a book not to be missed!
Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
boys and girls.
Novel in stories that takes place in the southwest suburbs of Chicago during the late 70's. Basically about 2 best friends who get into all sorts of shenanigans. This is a really enjoyable book, and anyone who's ever had a best friend that always got them into trouble can relate.
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Read in June, 2007
a funny but sincere story about all the angst and ambivalence that comes along with adolescence; this book is deceptively simple- it's a fast and fun read but there is wisdom under its lighthearted surface
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Adored this book. Funny with laugh out loud moments. But is poignant and real without beign soppy. Had the pleasure of meeting the author a few years back. Very down to Earth.
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Read in August, 2007
this books setting is in the town I grew up in (Chicago suburbs) during about the time I resided there - so it was an easy intrigueing read for me
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This book started out with promise it never lived up to. I don't recommend as it will just leave every reader I know frustrated.
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in September, 2007
recommends it for:
People who like to reminisce
odd and enjoyable book. love the conclusions of each chapter. reminds me of my own childhood antics.
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