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Taking Lessons from Ernest
His job is unfulfilling, his girlfriend controlling, his family has disowned him, and a loan shark is Eric Bastien's life is a mess. Then, as a work day ends on a high, his love life hits the skids, and he gets the phone call from his estranged mother that changes everything. "Your father's dead." Life hands Eric a great opportunity, an awkward family reunion, and an ultimatum -- if he wants his inheritance, he has to take a road trip to see his father's old Army buddy, Oliver. For most, it would be no problem. Hop in the car, placate the family, get your no problem. Then again, you have not met Eric, have you? Armed with his father's journal and a first edition of Ernest Hemingway's A Moveable Feast, Eric decides to make amends to his family and get his life back on track. What he doesn't expect is to have Ernest Hemingway's ghost along for the ride. With intentions of helping Eric get it right, Hemingway manages to complicate the situation, resulting in an unforgettable road trip. Help comes in many forms. In this case, it is Hemingway's ghost who is determined to make Eric's first draft at life a good one. With any luck, he'll succeed before Eric loses a kneecap.
- GenresFiction
Paperback
First published November 6, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 11, 2011
This was a very unique story. You have to feel for Eric right from the get-go. His life is a mess and you have to agree it's not really his fault. He seems to get dumped on and you want to cheer him along every step of the way.
After his father's death, he is sent on a quest. He takes his best friend Tim along, who you will also love. I can't tell you how many times I was laughing out loud at these two. Eric also gets an unexpected visitor - the ghost of Ernest Hemingway. I have to say, it was done in a really cool way. If you have a "ghost phobia" or hate stories with ghosts, this won't turn you off in the least bit. I have never read anything Hemingway and this made me want to pick up a copy of "A Moveable Feast" so I could read it.
Their quest consists of finding an old army buddy of Eric's dad, who is a bit of a lost veteran soul. How fitting that this release was on Veteran's Day! That's all I'm going to tell you - you need to read it. The way the characters grow is an awesome tale you'll enjoy.
After his father's death, he is sent on a quest. He takes his best friend Tim along, who you will also love. I can't tell you how many times I was laughing out loud at these two. Eric also gets an unexpected visitor - the ghost of Ernest Hemingway. I have to say, it was done in a really cool way. If you have a "ghost phobia" or hate stories with ghosts, this won't turn you off in the least bit. I have never read anything Hemingway and this made me want to pick up a copy of "A Moveable Feast" so I could read it.
Their quest consists of finding an old army buddy of Eric's dad, who is a bit of a lost veteran soul. How fitting that this release was on Veteran's Day! That's all I'm going to tell you - you need to read it. The way the characters grow is an awesome tale you'll enjoy.
November 17, 2011
This book was amazing. It's an amazing, poingnant story, realistic in its portrayal of relationships, in its breadth of characters, and in the unique tone that each character portrays so well. Hemingway would very proudly have this one on his shelf, I have no doubt.
November 17, 2011
A roadtrip with a neurotic guy, his deadpan witty best friend and dead Hemingway puffing a stogie in the back seat? How could you not love this. It's a great book that I could read over and over again. I hope we hear more from this writer.
November 18, 2011
Quite frankly this is a grand read. An unusual novel in the best sense. I can only recommend that anyone interested in a cannot put down book grab this. I did and I am grateful I did!!!!
January 12, 2012
This review is from my Book Review Blog: http://trythisbookonforsize.blogspot....
Taking Lessons from Ernest is one of those books you just want to read out loud. The first paragraph had me gushing with sentiment. I had to read it to my wife. Twice. “Listen to this! Just listen to this!” It’s that kind of book.
Trish Stewart has created the quintessential MEDIOCRITY KING in her main character, Eric Bastien. Eric bumbles through life, unable to cling to any significance whatsoever. From the onset of the story, I found myself rooting for him…but I still don’t know why I did. He is just one of those souls who slips through the cracks of life. He had no passion, no drive, no commitment.
Or maybe, just maybe, that’s what the author of TAKING LESSONS FROM ERNEST wants you to believe. Maybe the story is a journey back to the passion and commitment that LIFE burned out of Eric Bastien. Stewart shows Eric how to get back to his paused life through a wonderful journey filled with the ghost of Ernest Hemingway and the guidance of his own estranged father. And through that journey, the reader can also feel themselves growing. We walk hand in hand with Eric. We get angry when he takes a step backwards, and we revel in every step forward.
Taking Lessons from Ernest is a unique look into the dangerous slide into mediocrity that each and every one of us is capable of making…and a warning to prevent us from doing so.
When Eric’s father dies, Eric is sent on a road-trip to find Oliver Crowe. Crowe was an army buddy of Daniel’s…and has obviously greatly impacted his life. Crowe was larger than life…wonderful in every way. But life has a knack of finding those mythical characters from our youth and eating away at them, making them less. Eric is not impressed with what he finds at the end of the path to Oliver Crowe. But his real journey just begins there.
In life, Daniel was no longer speaking to his estranged son…but in death he has a well mapped plan for Eric. He can—with the help of a seemingly wild goose chase with the accompaniment of A MOVEABLE FEAST and his journals from his time in the army—give Eric a journey back to the self he left behind in the chaos that has become his life.
And us, lucky readers, are along for the ride. We see Eric discovering a kinder gentler father through reading his journals. We see him aching with adoration as he makes his way through Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast and we see him itching to discover just what his father wanted him to learn through his pre-planned post-mortem intervention into his son’s life. But what we also see is Eric’s complete reluctance to succumb to the lessons. This is what we love…the struggle, the pull to refuse the light into his discombobulated life. We read on because we want him to melt, we want him to take the opportunity for growth that his dead father is giving him.
This is a story of redemption. Not only is it a strong story of personal growth, it’s also one of those novels you stumble across once in a long while where you want to quote these beautiful lines of wisdom. Stewart is a fine writer. Her poetic wisdom comes through in her narrative. I think we’ll be seeing more of her. Her melodic prose is the true gift of this novel…not to mention the lessons given to the reader through the solid plotline from mediocrity to…well, something better. Stewart’s love of Hemingway comes through in every word. Through the use of his ghost as Eric’s mentor along the journey, she does a huge honour to his memory. Here’s to Eric Bastien…and here’s to Trish Stewart.
SIZE: 5
Expectation was met in spades. This book makes me want to be a better person. Stewart definitely accomplished what she set out to do with this novel! Bravo
Taking Lessons from Ernest is one of those books you just want to read out loud. The first paragraph had me gushing with sentiment. I had to read it to my wife. Twice. “Listen to this! Just listen to this!” It’s that kind of book.
Trish Stewart has created the quintessential MEDIOCRITY KING in her main character, Eric Bastien. Eric bumbles through life, unable to cling to any significance whatsoever. From the onset of the story, I found myself rooting for him…but I still don’t know why I did. He is just one of those souls who slips through the cracks of life. He had no passion, no drive, no commitment.
Or maybe, just maybe, that’s what the author of TAKING LESSONS FROM ERNEST wants you to believe. Maybe the story is a journey back to the passion and commitment that LIFE burned out of Eric Bastien. Stewart shows Eric how to get back to his paused life through a wonderful journey filled with the ghost of Ernest Hemingway and the guidance of his own estranged father. And through that journey, the reader can also feel themselves growing. We walk hand in hand with Eric. We get angry when he takes a step backwards, and we revel in every step forward.
Taking Lessons from Ernest is a unique look into the dangerous slide into mediocrity that each and every one of us is capable of making…and a warning to prevent us from doing so.
When Eric’s father dies, Eric is sent on a road-trip to find Oliver Crowe. Crowe was an army buddy of Daniel’s…and has obviously greatly impacted his life. Crowe was larger than life…wonderful in every way. But life has a knack of finding those mythical characters from our youth and eating away at them, making them less. Eric is not impressed with what he finds at the end of the path to Oliver Crowe. But his real journey just begins there.
In life, Daniel was no longer speaking to his estranged son…but in death he has a well mapped plan for Eric. He can—with the help of a seemingly wild goose chase with the accompaniment of A MOVEABLE FEAST and his journals from his time in the army—give Eric a journey back to the self he left behind in the chaos that has become his life.
And us, lucky readers, are along for the ride. We see Eric discovering a kinder gentler father through reading his journals. We see him aching with adoration as he makes his way through Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast and we see him itching to discover just what his father wanted him to learn through his pre-planned post-mortem intervention into his son’s life. But what we also see is Eric’s complete reluctance to succumb to the lessons. This is what we love…the struggle, the pull to refuse the light into his discombobulated life. We read on because we want him to melt, we want him to take the opportunity for growth that his dead father is giving him.
This is a story of redemption. Not only is it a strong story of personal growth, it’s also one of those novels you stumble across once in a long while where you want to quote these beautiful lines of wisdom. Stewart is a fine writer. Her poetic wisdom comes through in her narrative. I think we’ll be seeing more of her. Her melodic prose is the true gift of this novel…not to mention the lessons given to the reader through the solid plotline from mediocrity to…well, something better. Stewart’s love of Hemingway comes through in every word. Through the use of his ghost as Eric’s mentor along the journey, she does a huge honour to his memory. Here’s to Eric Bastien…and here’s to Trish Stewart.
SIZE: 5
Expectation was met in spades. This book makes me want to be a better person. Stewart definitely accomplished what she set out to do with this novel! Bravo
November 26, 2011
Beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting, Taking Lessons from Ernest grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go until you've reached the last.
Eric Bastien begins the novel with his life in a self-induced shambles, and carries plenty of self-pity. Stuck in a job he hates, dodging calls from bill collectors and a loan shark ready to inflict some damage on him, Eric's just coasting through life without really living it. The quest his dead father sets before him changes him in ways he never dreamed possible. Each character he meets along the way is as finely-drawn as he is, creating a world you feel as though you could reach out and touch.
I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to get to the end and find out what Eric's father's mysterious intentions were, and I wasn't disappointed!
Eric Bastien begins the novel with his life in a self-induced shambles, and carries plenty of self-pity. Stuck in a job he hates, dodging calls from bill collectors and a loan shark ready to inflict some damage on him, Eric's just coasting through life without really living it. The quest his dead father sets before him changes him in ways he never dreamed possible. Each character he meets along the way is as finely-drawn as he is, creating a world you feel as though you could reach out and touch.
I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to get to the end and find out what Eric's father's mysterious intentions were, and I wasn't disappointed!
December 31, 2011
My 200th book of the year and it is definately in the top 10, if not top 5. Given to me by a great friend a signed copy from the author and that it is written by an local writer really got my attention to read (it was published on my birthday!)
Eric finally hears from his mother after a two year silence, his father is dead. In the will Eric must take a trip to the West Coast to deliver books and letters to Oliver, Daniel's buddy from when they were in the service. So Eric takes his best buddy, Tim, on this journey and learns life lessons or reasons to live or the way to live. Reading his dad's journal, Hemingway's A Moveable Feast, and Ernest's "ghost" guide his way.
Now I am inspired to read or reread more of Hemingway's books.
253 pages
Eric finally hears from his mother after a two year silence, his father is dead. In the will Eric must take a trip to the West Coast to deliver books and letters to Oliver, Daniel's buddy from when they were in the service. So Eric takes his best buddy, Tim, on this journey and learns life lessons or reasons to live or the way to live. Reading his dad's journal, Hemingway's A Moveable Feast, and Ernest's "ghost" guide his way.
Now I am inspired to read or reread more of Hemingway's books.
253 pages
June 18, 2012
Taking Lessons from Ernest is a tale of disappointment and reclamation. Trish Stewart does an eloquent job bringing the emotions of "hitting rock bottom" to life through her characters Eric and Oliver. Through her words and the appearance of Hemingway's ghost, she has crafted a tale of true healing as we follow Eric on his journey to fulfill his father's last wishes. This is a must read for anyone who feels like life has settled into a pit and they do not have the strength to climb out and fight for happiness.
December 6, 2011
Words can not describe this book. It is a great journey we all find within ourselves, maybe not as dramatic or romantic, but we all go through this kind soul searching. If only some of us had the guidance and wisdom to lead us!
November 18, 2011
Quite frankly this is a grand read. An unusual novel in the best sense. I can only recommend that anyone interested in a cannot put down book grab this. I did and I am grateful I did!!!!
January 8, 2012
I met Trish Stewart on Absolute Write. We're friends on Facebook now as well, and though I don't know her that well, I was thrilled when I discovered her book.
Taking Lessons from Ernest is a very unique story. I admit at first, before I grew accustomed to Trish Stewart's flow, it was a bit jarring. But it didn't take long for me to be pulled into the mystery.
Ric lives for mediocrity, with no ambition to succeed beyond what he can do without trying. Even his relationship with his girlfriend is based on ease because being with someone he doesn't really like is more simple than bothering with a break-up. Because of this attitude, Ric hasn't spoken to his father Daniel in two years. Yet when Daniel dies, he leaves Ric with a mission. He bequeaths to him an old personal journal and the book A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway. Daniel wants Ric to bring the book and journal to his old war friend Oliver and to follow his passion to be a writer. If he does these things, Ric will get his inheritance.
An inheritance Ric desperately needs, especially after losing his job, to satisfy the loan sharks threatening his life, the debt collectors calling daily, and his apartment's landlord.
Suddenly, Ric's smoking cigarettes, eating oysters, and seeing Hemingway's ghost. He takes his best friend Tim on a road trip to find Oliver , and a mystery begins to unravel.
Oliver is not the man Daniel describes in his journal. He's a cranky old drunk who let his memories of war control his actions even during peace. What did Daniel think his son could possibly get out of meeting the man?
Ric continues to follow Hemingway's voice as the mystery continues. Who was his father, really? Why did he plan this scheme, and who was it supposed to benefit? Ric or Oliver? Or both?
Ric has a chance to become a man, and in the process, learn to feed his passion rather than just barely scrape by. The question is, will he take it?
Taking Lessons from Ernest is a very unique story. I admit at first, before I grew accustomed to Trish Stewart's flow, it was a bit jarring. But it didn't take long for me to be pulled into the mystery.
Ric lives for mediocrity, with no ambition to succeed beyond what he can do without trying. Even his relationship with his girlfriend is based on ease because being with someone he doesn't really like is more simple than bothering with a break-up. Because of this attitude, Ric hasn't spoken to his father Daniel in two years. Yet when Daniel dies, he leaves Ric with a mission. He bequeaths to him an old personal journal and the book A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway. Daniel wants Ric to bring the book and journal to his old war friend Oliver and to follow his passion to be a writer. If he does these things, Ric will get his inheritance.
An inheritance Ric desperately needs, especially after losing his job, to satisfy the loan sharks threatening his life, the debt collectors calling daily, and his apartment's landlord.
Suddenly, Ric's smoking cigarettes, eating oysters, and seeing Hemingway's ghost. He takes his best friend Tim on a road trip to find Oliver , and a mystery begins to unravel.
Oliver is not the man Daniel describes in his journal. He's a cranky old drunk who let his memories of war control his actions even during peace. What did Daniel think his son could possibly get out of meeting the man?
Ric continues to follow Hemingway's voice as the mystery continues. Who was his father, really? Why did he plan this scheme, and who was it supposed to benefit? Ric or Oliver? Or both?
Ric has a chance to become a man, and in the process, learn to feed his passion rather than just barely scrape by. The question is, will he take it?
January 2, 2012
Downloaded and read this novel in 3 hours. What more is there to say? Eric is complex, real, and (most importantly) a funny and likeable individual. I had no idea until several pages in that this was a male character, which made for a delightful surprise. Aunt Bird and Mom are tragic. Tim is a joy. And, Gretchen needs her own follow-up novel. It's a novel about failure turned promise. Glad Lisa is out of the picture.
June 11, 2012
Great story! Great idea for a story. Learning about your parents when they were young is interesting, since our childhood ideas of them always being adult, knowing everything, always there for us are hard ideals to put away. Learning that they fight the same battles we fight, and did crazy things when young is the first step in maturity. I love the story of a young man maturing. Great read!!
January 9, 2012
Quiet story about a man growing up and coming to terms with the fact that he had a shallow life.
May 29, 2012
Amazing book! Just read it, read it again, then purchase it for your friend!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews