This final entry in the Calvin Becker trilogy continues the story of an utterly unpredictable familyand making it next to impossible for the Becker...
read full description
reviews
Jan 28, 2012
Aneel
rated it: 
I absolutely love Calvin Becker. I just finished "Saving Grandma" for the second (or maybe third) time, and I still can't stop laughing.
I think I like Schaeffer's work so much because of the way he uses the simple observations of a neglected 15-year old kid who can't even read or write to absolutely expose and destroy strict Calvinist doctrine. And maybe that's the best way to do it... stand back and let the hypocrisy do the work.
I root for Calvin... hard... through More...
I think I like Schaeffer's work so much because of the way he uses the simple observations of a neglected 15-year old kid who can't even read or write to absolutely expose and destroy strict Calvinist doctrine. And maybe that's the best way to do it... stand back and let the hypocrisy do the work.
I root for Calvin... hard... through More...
Nov 18, 2010
Joy
rated it:
Second in the "Calvin Becker" series. After 15-year-old Calvin's foul-mouthed "unsaved" grandmother comes to live with the missionaries, family tension rises, especially as his father prepares for yet another church split. Calvin injures himself repeatedly while fantasizing about running off to Portofino to his friend/girlfriend Jennifer. And when Calvin realizes that his grandmother needs the kind of saving that is not at all religious, he steps in. Another enjoyable book, a
More...
Jan 06, 2011
Jennifer
rated it: 
I loved Portofino! (The first book in the series). I detested this sequel- which usually doesn't happen to me. Calvin was such an endearing boy in the first book. He was relatable and the family antics were hilarious. Now he is a grotesque teenager obsessed with killing animals and sexual fantasies. Could a character change any more? I felt like it wasn't even the same boy. So disappointing. I couldn't even finish it. Maybe made it half way through.
Aug 06, 2011
Veronica
rated it: 
Frank Shaeffer has essentially written the same novel three times, and this is the third instalment, but like the others still packed enough with hilarious incident to make it worth meeting the Becker family again. This time the irascible and rude yet lovable Grandma takes centre stage, and Calvin quite inadvertently saves her life by messing with her medicine. Another enjoyable outing with the missionary family from hell.
Jul 21, 2010
Anne
rated it:
This is the second of the "Calvin Becker" trilogy -- Calvin is the son of fundamentalist American missionaries living in Switzerland in the '60s -- and both this story and and its prequel, "Portofino" (which I read years ago and just loved) are touching, very funny, and ultimately bittersweet stories.
May 22, 2009
Winn
rated it: 
Boy, was this a disappointment. I absolutely loved the first story, Portofino; but man, I couldn't even finish this one. What is it with sequels? Rare does one seem to hit the same stride.
Jul 11, 2009
Oh yes! Schaeffer REALLY understand little boys...especially MKs (missionary kids.) A terrific read totally apart from the MK aspect. Just good, insighftul fun!
Jun 23, 2009
Doris
rated it:
This final book in his trilogy we could have done without. Same-old, same-old.
Sep 08, 2009
Elizabeth
rated it:
i'm back to being stingy with the stars: this was more of a 2 and a half, but i rounded down...
Sep 02, 2008
Allison
rated it: 
A charming book with interestingly diabolical and quirky characters. Draws you into a pubescent world with a candid and oddly funny look at honesty that only comes with the self-centered-ness of teenage-hood.
Have a chuckle at the boy you used to be.
Have a chuckle at the boy you used to be.
Oct 11, 2007
Elizabeth
rated it:
See my review of Portofino. A continuation of the story....but the most sexually explicit of them all.
Dec 09, 2011
Nov 28, 2011
Nov 07, 2011
