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Death Benefits
Royce (aka Rolly) is having a bad year. Not only has his mother dragged him across the country in order to be close to her aged father Arthur, a celebrated cellist, but he's also recovering from mono. When he convinces his mother to let him finish the school year by correspondence, he's left feeling isolated and lonely, and spends his time watching TV and plotting ways to get back to his friends in Nova Scotia. But before his plans can be implemented, his grandfather has a small stroke. Suddenly Arthur needs more care than Royce's mother can provide and, after a couple of hired care aides quit, Royce is pressed into service.
Looking after a ninety-five-year-old―especially one as cantankerous, crafty and stubborn as Arthur―is a challenge. But as Royce gets to know the eccentric old man―who loves the Pussycat Dolls, hates Anderson Cooper and never listens to the kind of music that made him famous―he gradually comes to appreciate that his grandfather's life still has meaning. Even if Arthur himself seems to want it to end.
Looking after a ninety-five-year-old―especially one as cantankerous, crafty and stubborn as Arthur―is a challenge. But as Royce gets to know the eccentric old man―who loves the Pussycat Dolls, hates Anderson Cooper and never listens to the kind of music that made him famous―he gradually comes to appreciate that his grandfather's life still has meaning. Even if Arthur himself seems to want it to end.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 14, 2013
Ein wehmütiger Überraschungsgast
Da lag er heute als ich von einer kleinen Reise zurückkam, schneller als erwartet, doch gerne willkommen geheißen.
Ein Buch über Royce, Arthur, Nina und ein paar andere. Arthur ist 95, ein berühmter Cellist war er, jetzt ist er ein grantelnder Alter. Hauptsächlich ist er alt und bei dem ungewöhnlichen Leben, dass er führte, kann ich mir nicht vorstellen, dass ihm das gefällt. Seine Tochter Nina ist extra seinetwegen nach Britisch Columbia gezogen, weil er halt nicht mehr wirklich alleine zurechtkommt. Zum Glück und auch des Geldes wegen übernimmt Royce die Betreuung seines Großvaters. Manchmal mag er den alten Querkopf überhaupt nicht, doch manchmal verstehen sie sich einfach. Zum Beispiel als sie sich beide die Haare sagen wir sehr kurz schneiden lassen und entdecken, dass sie die gleiche Kopfform haben. Oder als Arthur seinem Enkel erlaubt mit seinem 50 Jahre alten T-Bird zu fahren.
Ein tolles Jugendbuch, finde ich. Lustig und traurig, wunderbar geschildert wie sich Arthur und Royce annähern, wie Royce sich seines Großvaters annimmt, seine Betreuung schließlich mit weniger Widerwillen als zunächst befürchtet, wie er dem alten Zausel nicht alles durchgehen lässt, wie er in den alten Fotoalben stöbert und Arthur so zum Erzählen bringt, von seiner reichen Vergangenheit, die so garnicht zu seinem jetzigen Leben passen will. Wie schön, dass hier ein junger Mensch zum Vertrauten eines alten wird, dass er seinen Großvater kennen und lieben lernen. Vielleicht hat es Arthur nicht allen immer leicht gemacht, doch zu seinem Enkel findet er eine Verbindung, wie es ihm mit seinen Töchtern nicht so gut möglich war. So ist es manchmal, dass die Großeltern mit den Enkeln fast enger verbunden sind als mit den Kindern. Vieles an diesem schönen Roman hat mich an meine Großmutter erinnert, zu der ich als Kind gerne in die Stadt gefahren bin und mit der ich in die Stadt gegangen bin über die große Brücke und mir dabei furchtbar erwachsen vorkam. Da war ich in der Grundschule. Auch wenn Royce es nicht sofort zugeben würde, auch sein Großvater hat ihn mit in die Stadt genommen und er kam sich so erwachsen vor, nun mit fast 17 ist man ja auch beinahe erwachsen.
Ich habe das Buch auf Deutsch gelesen: Arthur oder wie ich lernte den T-Bird zu fahren (ISBN:978-3-423-65001-4)
Da lag er heute als ich von einer kleinen Reise zurückkam, schneller als erwartet, doch gerne willkommen geheißen.
Ein Buch über Royce, Arthur, Nina und ein paar andere. Arthur ist 95, ein berühmter Cellist war er, jetzt ist er ein grantelnder Alter. Hauptsächlich ist er alt und bei dem ungewöhnlichen Leben, dass er führte, kann ich mir nicht vorstellen, dass ihm das gefällt. Seine Tochter Nina ist extra seinetwegen nach Britisch Columbia gezogen, weil er halt nicht mehr wirklich alleine zurechtkommt. Zum Glück und auch des Geldes wegen übernimmt Royce die Betreuung seines Großvaters. Manchmal mag er den alten Querkopf überhaupt nicht, doch manchmal verstehen sie sich einfach. Zum Beispiel als sie sich beide die Haare sagen wir sehr kurz schneiden lassen und entdecken, dass sie die gleiche Kopfform haben. Oder als Arthur seinem Enkel erlaubt mit seinem 50 Jahre alten T-Bird zu fahren.
Ein tolles Jugendbuch, finde ich. Lustig und traurig, wunderbar geschildert wie sich Arthur und Royce annähern, wie Royce sich seines Großvaters annimmt, seine Betreuung schließlich mit weniger Widerwillen als zunächst befürchtet, wie er dem alten Zausel nicht alles durchgehen lässt, wie er in den alten Fotoalben stöbert und Arthur so zum Erzählen bringt, von seiner reichen Vergangenheit, die so garnicht zu seinem jetzigen Leben passen will. Wie schön, dass hier ein junger Mensch zum Vertrauten eines alten wird, dass er seinen Großvater kennen und lieben lernen. Vielleicht hat es Arthur nicht allen immer leicht gemacht, doch zu seinem Enkel findet er eine Verbindung, wie es ihm mit seinen Töchtern nicht so gut möglich war. So ist es manchmal, dass die Großeltern mit den Enkeln fast enger verbunden sind als mit den Kindern. Vieles an diesem schönen Roman hat mich an meine Großmutter erinnert, zu der ich als Kind gerne in die Stadt gefahren bin und mit der ich in die Stadt gegangen bin über die große Brücke und mir dabei furchtbar erwachsen vorkam. Da war ich in der Grundschule. Auch wenn Royce es nicht sofort zugeben würde, auch sein Großvater hat ihn mit in die Stadt genommen und er kam sich so erwachsen vor, nun mit fast 17 ist man ja auch beinahe erwachsen.
Ich habe das Buch auf Deutsch gelesen: Arthur oder wie ich lernte den T-Bird zu fahren (ISBN:978-3-423-65001-4)
September 7, 2017
Ein äußerst liebenswertes Buch - ein bisschen traurig, sehr witzig, einfühlsam, gescheit - große Empfehlung!!!
July 22, 2019
3.5 stars
July 11, 2021
Irgendwie ein bekannter Plot, aber total nett geschrieben! An einem Tag durchgelesen..
July 27, 2022
Short and sweet
March 21, 2012
I’m no stranger to old age. My paternal grandparents come to visit every few years, my maternal grandparents stayed for a good 3 months this past year, I took care of my octogenarian grandaunts in July last year, and I volunteered at a long-term care facility in August. In fact, I’m writing this review in the guest room, where they stayed, and they certainly have left their mark.
Well, let me tell you about my own maternal grandfather. He was pretty sharp in his youth--think he was a colonel in the army--and he doesn’t let you forget it. This is where I identified with Royce the most; both Arthur and my grandfather were pretty much jerks to our mothers, even though they tried their best to accommodate their needs, and sometimes I didn’t agree with much of their humour (a lot of it was done in poor taste, come to think of it). The only difference is my grandfather wasn’t as lascivious as Arthur, and he’s still alive and kicking somewhere, dealing with his share of family drama.
Unlike Royce, I don’t think I know him as well, and I’ve only seen pictures of him in his military uniform. Both of them were gone for a good chunk of our mothers’ lives; Arthur on concerts, my grandfather on military tours down South. He’s pretty religious, and a lot of our conversations get sidetracked and converted (ha, ha.) into existential debates. And whenever I heard him shuffling down the stairs in his soft slippers that my mom had procured for him and he never ceases to complain about, my purple scarf draped around his neck, I prepared myself for a slow, unpredictable, slightly awkward conversation. He was my grandfather, he was family, I was supposed to love him and talk to him and be generally comfortable with him, but I’d never seen him much, or really bonded with him. Before then, our only sources of communication would be snippets of “Hey, how ’re you doing? No, I don’t have a boyfriend, and no, I’m not dating anyone, my sister is lying,” over the phone, while I gratefully passed the receiver to my mom. It got a little less awkward when we finally saw each other face to face--we even watched a couple of movies together, talked about books and history--but I still felt distant from him. I know that I’m never going to get an equal chance to get to know him as much as I want to.
Reading Death Benefits brought me back to those 3 months I had with my grandfather. It was crazy how awesome it was to know that a) not everyone had nice or respectful thoughts about their grandparents and that having the same thoughts didn’t make me the anti-Christ, b) sometimes when you’re growing up, your thoughts aren’t always going to be on whether or not your grandparents are getting older and/or are dying, and may be sometimes centred on pretty girls and pretty boys, and c) sometimes you might think you know more than the ER, d) sometimes you do stupid things, e) sometimes you just don’t get to know everything.
While it is written from Royce’s point of view, and is, indeed, a novel written in the conventional style, Death Benefits is more fragments of someone’s life than a whole chronicle; there are snippets of Arthur, there are snippets of Royce, and there are snippets of Nina, Royce’s mother. I never really felt I was reading a book focused on a specific person, and I thought that was realistic; there are times when your life and someone else’s life intersect, and you don’t know where yours ends and where the other begins. We only get the choicest bits, and while I’m used to knowing every single thing about a character, this was definitely a smart choice. I would have wanted to get to know Arthur more, seeing as he led an interesting life, but it was realistic to let Royce only find out the things that Arthur let him. There was plenty of fodder for my imagination to make use of. There were parts that were sad, remedied by a couple of (some awkward, some not) jokes, there was one part that made me laugh out loud (and a few that made me smile), and there were parts that got me angry at Arthur, angry at Royce. I didn’t like how entitled Arthur felt to women’s bodies, for one--he grabbed asses aplenty, made salacious comments--and that got me really uncomfortable. I still don’t think I’ve forgiven him for that.
One thing I particularly liked was feeling that my emotions were still my own. There are some books out there that play with your emotions, that would bend over backwards trying to make you cry, to make you feel. I’m just happy that Death Benefits wasn’t that kind of book. And I liked how it ended; there were some loose ends, but I finished the book on a satisfied note. It’s a book I’d recommend for anyone who has grandparents, and/or wants to get to know them, and/or are caring for them, and/or are also growing up in the process.
Well, let me tell you about my own maternal grandfather. He was pretty sharp in his youth--think he was a colonel in the army--and he doesn’t let you forget it. This is where I identified with Royce the most; both Arthur and my grandfather were pretty much jerks to our mothers, even though they tried their best to accommodate their needs, and sometimes I didn’t agree with much of their humour (a lot of it was done in poor taste, come to think of it). The only difference is my grandfather wasn’t as lascivious as Arthur, and he’s still alive and kicking somewhere, dealing with his share of family drama.
Unlike Royce, I don’t think I know him as well, and I’ve only seen pictures of him in his military uniform. Both of them were gone for a good chunk of our mothers’ lives; Arthur on concerts, my grandfather on military tours down South. He’s pretty religious, and a lot of our conversations get sidetracked and converted (ha, ha.) into existential debates. And whenever I heard him shuffling down the stairs in his soft slippers that my mom had procured for him and he never ceases to complain about, my purple scarf draped around his neck, I prepared myself for a slow, unpredictable, slightly awkward conversation. He was my grandfather, he was family, I was supposed to love him and talk to him and be generally comfortable with him, but I’d never seen him much, or really bonded with him. Before then, our only sources of communication would be snippets of “Hey, how ’re you doing? No, I don’t have a boyfriend, and no, I’m not dating anyone, my sister is lying,” over the phone, while I gratefully passed the receiver to my mom. It got a little less awkward when we finally saw each other face to face--we even watched a couple of movies together, talked about books and history--but I still felt distant from him. I know that I’m never going to get an equal chance to get to know him as much as I want to.
Reading Death Benefits brought me back to those 3 months I had with my grandfather. It was crazy how awesome it was to know that a) not everyone had nice or respectful thoughts about their grandparents and that having the same thoughts didn’t make me the anti-Christ, b) sometimes when you’re growing up, your thoughts aren’t always going to be on whether or not your grandparents are getting older and/or are dying, and may be sometimes centred on pretty girls and pretty boys, and c) sometimes you might think you know more than the ER, d) sometimes you do stupid things, e) sometimes you just don’t get to know everything.
While it is written from Royce’s point of view, and is, indeed, a novel written in the conventional style, Death Benefits is more fragments of someone’s life than a whole chronicle; there are snippets of Arthur, there are snippets of Royce, and there are snippets of Nina, Royce’s mother. I never really felt I was reading a book focused on a specific person, and I thought that was realistic; there are times when your life and someone else’s life intersect, and you don’t know where yours ends and where the other begins. We only get the choicest bits, and while I’m used to knowing every single thing about a character, this was definitely a smart choice. I would have wanted to get to know Arthur more, seeing as he led an interesting life, but it was realistic to let Royce only find out the things that Arthur let him. There was plenty of fodder for my imagination to make use of. There were parts that were sad, remedied by a couple of (some awkward, some not) jokes, there was one part that made me laugh out loud (and a few that made me smile), and there were parts that got me angry at Arthur, angry at Royce. I didn’t like how entitled Arthur felt to women’s bodies, for one--he grabbed asses aplenty, made salacious comments--and that got me really uncomfortable. I still don’t think I’ve forgiven him for that.
One thing I particularly liked was feeling that my emotions were still my own. There are some books out there that play with your emotions, that would bend over backwards trying to make you cry, to make you feel. I’m just happy that Death Benefits wasn’t that kind of book. And I liked how it ended; there were some loose ends, but I finished the book on a satisfied note. It’s a book I’d recommend for anyone who has grandparents, and/or wants to get to know them, and/or are caring for them, and/or are also growing up in the process.
December 17, 2022
It was cute, Arthur's a prick
October 21, 2013
"Zuerst: Ich heiße Royce Peterson. Einen zweiten Vornamen habe ich nicht. Als ich zwölf war, startete ich eine Kampagne, um meinem Namen Isaac oder Ichabod anzufügen, sodass ich die Initialen R.I.P. gehabt hätte, aber Mom wollte den Änderungsantrag nicht unterschreiben. Sie meinte, zwei Namen seien genug." Seite 17
Meinung:
Einst war Arthur ein gefeierter Cellist, bei den Menschen beliebt, immer auf Tour. Heute, im Alter von 95 Jahren ist er ein Grandler, ein sturer alter, leicht dementer Mann, der Freude daran hat, seinen Mitmenschen, insbesondere dem von seiner Tochter Nina angeheuerten Pflegepersonal, das Leben schwer zu machen.
Sein Enkel Royce, ist erst 16 und erlebt das wohl schlimmste Jahr seines Lebens. Erst musste er, wegen des alten Herrn, quer durch Kanada ziehen, seine Freunde und sein Zuhause zurücklassen, dann litt er am Pfeifferschen Drüsenfieber und jetzt kommt seine Mutter auch noch auf die glorreiche Idee, ihn als neuen Pfleger für den biestigen Großvater einzustellen. Da sie ihn jedoch gut und dann auch noch gegen Cash bezahlen will, nimmt Royce an.
Es kommt wie es kommen muss: Die beiden rasseln direkt am ersten Tag gehörig aneinander. Doch Royce bietet dem alten Mann die Stirn und geht nicht auf dessen Spielchen ein. Tag für Tag wachsen die beiden mehr zusammen und es entwickelt sich stillschweigend eine tiefe Verbundenheit zwischen den beiden Männern....
Inhaltlich ist die Story überraschend tiefgründig. Es geht um ernste, stets präsente Themen, erzählt in jugendlich leichtem Schreibstil, aufgelockert mit einer ordentlichen Portion sarkastischem Humor, so das ich an manchen Stellen wirklich herzhaft lachen musste. Die Mischung aus Unterhaltung und Ernsthaftigkeit ist der Autorin hier grandios gelungen, Charaktere sowie Kulissen sind mit viel Liebe erschaffen. Ein rundum schöner Roman !
Royce ist ein typischer Teenager, der eigentlich ganz andere Dinge im Kopf hat, als einen alten Mann zu pflegen. Zuerst nur auf das Geld fixiert, nimmt er das Angebot seiner Mutter an und erkennt recht schnell das in Arthur mehr schlummert als der alte feindselige Mann, der nie seine Vorhänge aufzieht und an allem herumnörgelt.
Man spürt unterschwellig wie gern die beiden sich eigentlich haben und trotzdem sind sie beide so sturköpfig, das sie das niemals zugeben würden. Insbesondere Arthur, der würde sich vermutlich eher die Zunge abbeißen.
Arthur hat mich an der ein oder anderen Stelle an meinen eigenen Großvater erinnert. Die schroffe, zynische Art, in der trotzdem immer ein Hauch von Zuneigung für seinen Enkel mitschwingt. Man merkt wie dankbar er Royce eigentlich ist und wie sehr ihm der Junge ans Herz wächst.
Der T-Bird spielt in der Geschichte, anders als zuerst angenommen, nur eine kleine Nebenrolle. Er dient aber dazu das Eis zwischen den beiden Männern zu brechen.
Fazit:
"Arthur oder Wie ich lernte, den T-Bird zu fahren" ist ein absoluter "All-Ager". Durch den leichtfüßigen Schreibstil, jede Menge schwarzen Humor, überraschend viel Tiefgründigkeit und alltägliche Themen wie Leben, Tod und Familie, unterhält dieser Roman nicht nur junge Leser, sondern auch Mittdreißiger wie mich.
Meinung:
Einst war Arthur ein gefeierter Cellist, bei den Menschen beliebt, immer auf Tour. Heute, im Alter von 95 Jahren ist er ein Grandler, ein sturer alter, leicht dementer Mann, der Freude daran hat, seinen Mitmenschen, insbesondere dem von seiner Tochter Nina angeheuerten Pflegepersonal, das Leben schwer zu machen.
Sein Enkel Royce, ist erst 16 und erlebt das wohl schlimmste Jahr seines Lebens. Erst musste er, wegen des alten Herrn, quer durch Kanada ziehen, seine Freunde und sein Zuhause zurücklassen, dann litt er am Pfeifferschen Drüsenfieber und jetzt kommt seine Mutter auch noch auf die glorreiche Idee, ihn als neuen Pfleger für den biestigen Großvater einzustellen. Da sie ihn jedoch gut und dann auch noch gegen Cash bezahlen will, nimmt Royce an.
Es kommt wie es kommen muss: Die beiden rasseln direkt am ersten Tag gehörig aneinander. Doch Royce bietet dem alten Mann die Stirn und geht nicht auf dessen Spielchen ein. Tag für Tag wachsen die beiden mehr zusammen und es entwickelt sich stillschweigend eine tiefe Verbundenheit zwischen den beiden Männern....
Inhaltlich ist die Story überraschend tiefgründig. Es geht um ernste, stets präsente Themen, erzählt in jugendlich leichtem Schreibstil, aufgelockert mit einer ordentlichen Portion sarkastischem Humor, so das ich an manchen Stellen wirklich herzhaft lachen musste. Die Mischung aus Unterhaltung und Ernsthaftigkeit ist der Autorin hier grandios gelungen, Charaktere sowie Kulissen sind mit viel Liebe erschaffen. Ein rundum schöner Roman !
Royce ist ein typischer Teenager, der eigentlich ganz andere Dinge im Kopf hat, als einen alten Mann zu pflegen. Zuerst nur auf das Geld fixiert, nimmt er das Angebot seiner Mutter an und erkennt recht schnell das in Arthur mehr schlummert als der alte feindselige Mann, der nie seine Vorhänge aufzieht und an allem herumnörgelt.
Man spürt unterschwellig wie gern die beiden sich eigentlich haben und trotzdem sind sie beide so sturköpfig, das sie das niemals zugeben würden. Insbesondere Arthur, der würde sich vermutlich eher die Zunge abbeißen.
Arthur hat mich an der ein oder anderen Stelle an meinen eigenen Großvater erinnert. Die schroffe, zynische Art, in der trotzdem immer ein Hauch von Zuneigung für seinen Enkel mitschwingt. Man merkt wie dankbar er Royce eigentlich ist und wie sehr ihm der Junge ans Herz wächst.
Der T-Bird spielt in der Geschichte, anders als zuerst angenommen, nur eine kleine Nebenrolle. Er dient aber dazu das Eis zwischen den beiden Männern zu brechen.
Fazit:
"Arthur oder Wie ich lernte, den T-Bird zu fahren" ist ein absoluter "All-Ager". Durch den leichtfüßigen Schreibstil, jede Menge schwarzen Humor, überraschend viel Tiefgründigkeit und alltägliche Themen wie Leben, Tod und Familie, unterhält dieser Roman nicht nur junge Leser, sondern auch Mittdreißiger wie mich.
September 20, 2013
Der 17-jährige Royce muss in Victoria/Kanada noch einmal von vorn anfangen. Weil sein betagter Großvater nicht mehr allein leben kann, sind Royce und seine Mutter von der Ostküste nach Victoria gezogen. Seinen Kumpels aus Lunenburg trauert der Junge noch immer nach, neue Freunde hat er noch nicht kennengelernt. Großvater Arthur konnte man schon immer schwer etwas rechtmachen. In kürzester Zeit hat er es sich mit seiner Tochter verdorben und die privaten Pflegerinnen vergrault, die sich um ihn kümmern sollten. Durch seine beginnende Demenz realisiert Arthur offenbar nicht, dass er jetzt hilfsbedürftig ist, nicht mehr der Herzensbrecher von einst. Royces Mutter hat die Nase voll von der Streitsucht ihres Vaters. Ihre rettende Idee: Anstelle einer fremden Hilfskraft könnte der alte Streithansel doch Royce dafür bezahlen, sich während der Ferien um ihn zu kümmern. Im Vergleich zu anderen Ferienjobs muss das leicht verdientes Geld sein - glaubt Royce, der von einer Fahrt zurück nach Lunenberg im eigenen Auto träumt.
Arthur meckert wie gewohnt, Royce macht seiner Ansicht nach alles falsch. Doch Royce gewinnt allmählich Interesse am Leben seines Großvaters, der einst ein gefeierter Cellist war. Nachdem Arthur einmal ins Erzählen gekommen ist, erfährt Royce Geschichten aus seiner Familie, von denen selbst seine Mutter noch nicht gehört hat. Als Clou erweist sich Arthurs Thunderbird von 1956. Das Auto ist verkehrstüchtig und tadellos gepflegt. Für seinen Oldtimer schleppt Arthur sich nämlich ganz ohne Rollator regelmäßig in die Garage. Royce darf erst in Begleitung eines Erwachsenen Auto fahren. Arthur fällt für diese Rolle leider aus; denn nach seinem letztem Unfall hat seine Tochter seinen Führerschein kassiert. Dennoch wird der Thunderbird zum besonderen Band zwischen Großvater und Enkel. Die Idee mit dem Thunderbird zurück nach Lunenburg abzuhauen lässt Royce nicht mehr los.
Sarah Harvey bringt in ihren Jugendroman eigene Erfahrungen mit ihrem betagten Vater ein. Ohne Arthurs Hinfälligkeit zu realistisch zu vertiefen, folgt sie mit viel Humor der Annäherung zwischen Großvater und Enkel. Arthur findet seinen Meister in Royce, dem ich anfangs kaum zutrauen wollte, dass er den knurrigen Alten kräftig zusammenstauchen würde. Während Arthurs Kräfte schwinden, gelingt es Royce, Erinnerungen an die Musikerkarriere seines Großvaters zu entstauben und so eine Versöhnung in seiner Familie in Gang zu setzen.
Arthur meckert wie gewohnt, Royce macht seiner Ansicht nach alles falsch. Doch Royce gewinnt allmählich Interesse am Leben seines Großvaters, der einst ein gefeierter Cellist war. Nachdem Arthur einmal ins Erzählen gekommen ist, erfährt Royce Geschichten aus seiner Familie, von denen selbst seine Mutter noch nicht gehört hat. Als Clou erweist sich Arthurs Thunderbird von 1956. Das Auto ist verkehrstüchtig und tadellos gepflegt. Für seinen Oldtimer schleppt Arthur sich nämlich ganz ohne Rollator regelmäßig in die Garage. Royce darf erst in Begleitung eines Erwachsenen Auto fahren. Arthur fällt für diese Rolle leider aus; denn nach seinem letztem Unfall hat seine Tochter seinen Führerschein kassiert. Dennoch wird der Thunderbird zum besonderen Band zwischen Großvater und Enkel. Die Idee mit dem Thunderbird zurück nach Lunenburg abzuhauen lässt Royce nicht mehr los.
Sarah Harvey bringt in ihren Jugendroman eigene Erfahrungen mit ihrem betagten Vater ein. Ohne Arthurs Hinfälligkeit zu realistisch zu vertiefen, folgt sie mit viel Humor der Annäherung zwischen Großvater und Enkel. Arthur findet seinen Meister in Royce, dem ich anfangs kaum zutrauen wollte, dass er den knurrigen Alten kräftig zusammenstauchen würde. Während Arthurs Kräfte schwinden, gelingt es Royce, Erinnerungen an die Musikerkarriere seines Großvaters zu entstauben und so eine Versöhnung in seiner Familie in Gang zu setzen.
November 12, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Royce can't believe it when his mother announces that they are leaving Nova Scotia and heading clear across the country to Victoria, British Columbia. He is going to be leaving behind all of his friends and the only home he has ever known, all for some grouchy 95-year-old grandfather he hardly remembers.
If moving isn't bad enough, Royce is shocked when his mother says she will pay him to act as caregiver for his grandfather until school starts at the end of the summer. At least the pay she is offering beats what he would get flipping burgers at McDonald's.
When Royce finally meets Arthur, he immediately has second thoughts about accepting this job instead of something in the fast food business. The old man totters along with the aid of a walker and watches CNN, MTV, and reruns of Little House on the Prairie. When he isn't captivated by the TV, he is yelling for coffee and chocolate ice cream or swearing at Royce. Anyone observing their daily rituals would never guess that Arthur had once been a world famous cello player and renowned womanizer.
The relationship between Royce and Arthur gradually begins to change. He is still a demanding, cantankerous old coot, but he surprises Royce one afternoon when he demands that Royce take him for a drive. Considering that Royce only has a learner's permit, it is rather amazing that Arthur trusts his young grandson to drive his most cherished possession - an awesome 1956 T-bird. The afternoon drives soon become a regular routine.
The summer Royce spends with his grandfather turns out to be valuable beyond his wildest dreams. Despite his often abrasive manner, the old man has an excellent sense of humor that matches Royce's own ironic view of life, and the companionship that forms between them provides benefits for both. When Arthur is stricken with a series of strokes, Royce is crushed to see the stately old man stripped of his dignity.
DEATH BENEFITS by author Sarah N. Harvey is the entertaining story of a friendship that bridges the generation gap and shows how two people from different times and different worlds can come to know and understand each other deeply. Readers will quickly come to love both Royce and Arthur, and to appreciate how the characters celebrate the benefits life has given them.
Royce can't believe it when his mother announces that they are leaving Nova Scotia and heading clear across the country to Victoria, British Columbia. He is going to be leaving behind all of his friends and the only home he has ever known, all for some grouchy 95-year-old grandfather he hardly remembers.
If moving isn't bad enough, Royce is shocked when his mother says she will pay him to act as caregiver for his grandfather until school starts at the end of the summer. At least the pay she is offering beats what he would get flipping burgers at McDonald's.
When Royce finally meets Arthur, he immediately has second thoughts about accepting this job instead of something in the fast food business. The old man totters along with the aid of a walker and watches CNN, MTV, and reruns of Little House on the Prairie. When he isn't captivated by the TV, he is yelling for coffee and chocolate ice cream or swearing at Royce. Anyone observing their daily rituals would never guess that Arthur had once been a world famous cello player and renowned womanizer.
The relationship between Royce and Arthur gradually begins to change. He is still a demanding, cantankerous old coot, but he surprises Royce one afternoon when he demands that Royce take him for a drive. Considering that Royce only has a learner's permit, it is rather amazing that Arthur trusts his young grandson to drive his most cherished possession - an awesome 1956 T-bird. The afternoon drives soon become a regular routine.
The summer Royce spends with his grandfather turns out to be valuable beyond his wildest dreams. Despite his often abrasive manner, the old man has an excellent sense of humor that matches Royce's own ironic view of life, and the companionship that forms between them provides benefits for both. When Arthur is stricken with a series of strokes, Royce is crushed to see the stately old man stripped of his dignity.
DEATH BENEFITS by author Sarah N. Harvey is the entertaining story of a friendship that bridges the generation gap and shows how two people from different times and different worlds can come to know and understand each other deeply. Readers will quickly come to love both Royce and Arthur, and to appreciate how the characters celebrate the benefits life has given them.
November 11, 2012
Summary Tease
Royce, who everyone calls Rolly, has been dragged across the country by his mother because his famous aging grandfather needs care. Recently his grandfather has had a small stroke and needs someone else there to help him. After many hired aides quit because of his constant ridicule or perverseness, Rolly is put up to the task with the help of a nice paycheck. At first Rolly hates the old man, he almost wished he would die so he could take his vintage car and drive back to his friends in Nova Scotia that he missed. But as time creeps along Rolly begins to like his grandfather. Rolly wants to write a story about his famous life and questions him while he is in the hospital. But as Arthur’s condition worsens, Arthur wants it all to end… and he doesn't care how it happens…
Who might be interested in this book? Why?
This book was an easy read. I was interested in it because I can tie the story closely with my grandparent’s life, so I was able to put myself in Rolly’s position. If you like realistic fiction you will enjoy this book. It can easily be a real life scenario and therefore it allows you to immerse yourself in the book and continue reading until you finish the entire story. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a little bit of romance as well as a slightly heartwarming family book with a dash of humor on the side.
Overall Satisfaction
This book was decent. It’s not a book that makes me want to jump out of my chair and yell but it grabbed my attention and satisfied my interests. I really liked Arthur’s slanderous personality and rudeness; I thought it added a nice touch of humor to the book. Rolly’s little love story on the side was quite intriguing as well, and I thought that added a nice change of pace to the story. The book was very slow at times, though, and it was difficult to keep reading at some points. But after persevering through some rough patches, overall I found the book to be mediocre.
Royce, who everyone calls Rolly, has been dragged across the country by his mother because his famous aging grandfather needs care. Recently his grandfather has had a small stroke and needs someone else there to help him. After many hired aides quit because of his constant ridicule or perverseness, Rolly is put up to the task with the help of a nice paycheck. At first Rolly hates the old man, he almost wished he would die so he could take his vintage car and drive back to his friends in Nova Scotia that he missed. But as time creeps along Rolly begins to like his grandfather. Rolly wants to write a story about his famous life and questions him while he is in the hospital. But as Arthur’s condition worsens, Arthur wants it all to end… and he doesn't care how it happens…
Who might be interested in this book? Why?
This book was an easy read. I was interested in it because I can tie the story closely with my grandparent’s life, so I was able to put myself in Rolly’s position. If you like realistic fiction you will enjoy this book. It can easily be a real life scenario and therefore it allows you to immerse yourself in the book and continue reading until you finish the entire story. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a little bit of romance as well as a slightly heartwarming family book with a dash of humor on the side.
Overall Satisfaction
This book was decent. It’s not a book that makes me want to jump out of my chair and yell but it grabbed my attention and satisfied my interests. I really liked Arthur’s slanderous personality and rudeness; I thought it added a nice touch of humor to the book. Rolly’s little love story on the side was quite intriguing as well, and I thought that added a nice change of pace to the story. The book was very slow at times, though, and it was difficult to keep reading at some points. But after persevering through some rough patches, overall I found the book to be mediocre.
September 29, 2013
Royce zieht mit seiner Mutter von Lunenberg nach Victoria. Der Vater,ein in der Vergangenheit sehr erfolgreicher Cello-Musiker,hatte einen Schlaganfall. Somit muß sich Royce Mutter Nina nun um ihn kümmern. Dies erweist sich leider als sehr schwierig da Arthur (so heißt er) nicht sehr pflegeleicht ist. Er ist leider ein sehr verbitterter alter Griesgram. Er behandelt seine Töchter nicht gut und ist ansonsten auch sehr egoistisch.
Royce Mutter schafft es leider mit der Pflege vom Arthur nicht allein,so muß Royce mit ran und helfen. Er hatte Pfeiffersches Drüsenfieber und mußte somit nicht zur Schule. Da nun Sommerferien sind hat er alle Zeit der Welt. Ein Anreiz für ihn ist,dass er dabei Geld verdient. Das kann er gut gebrauchen,da er für sich plant wieder zurück nach Lunenberg abzuhauen zu seinen alten Freunden.
Noch ahnt er nicht wie sehr ihn der Sommer mit Arthur verändern wird,denn er entdeckt das hinter dem alten Griesgram auch andere Seiten stecken und er ein sehr bewegtes Leben hinter sich hat.
Ich muß sagen ich habe mich mit dem Anfang sehr schwer getan,und kam irgendwie nicht so richtig rein in die Geschichte. Je mehr man aber über Arthur erfährt,umso mehr berührt einem die Geschichte. Ich war von der Mitte an bis zum Ende wirklich sehr gut berührt und konnte das Buch nicht mehr zur Seite legen. Man hat Arthur sein Leben miterlebt und weiß durch was er gegangen ist.
Ich finde Sarah N. Harvey hat hiermit eine wirklich sehr berührende Geschichte erschaffen,mit einem sehr biographischen Hintergrund.Sarah hatte auch einen Vater um den sie sich kümmern mußte. Er hatte sie auch zu der Geschichte inspiriert. TOP STORY. Eine sehr tolle Autorin. Ich werde mal gucken ob sie noch andere Bücher hat,und ob die mir auch so zusagen.
Ich wollte dem Buch eigentlich erst 4 Stern geben,aber durch den tollen Schluß hat das Buch definitiv 5 Stern verdient.
Royce Mutter schafft es leider mit der Pflege vom Arthur nicht allein,so muß Royce mit ran und helfen. Er hatte Pfeiffersches Drüsenfieber und mußte somit nicht zur Schule. Da nun Sommerferien sind hat er alle Zeit der Welt. Ein Anreiz für ihn ist,dass er dabei Geld verdient. Das kann er gut gebrauchen,da er für sich plant wieder zurück nach Lunenberg abzuhauen zu seinen alten Freunden.
Noch ahnt er nicht wie sehr ihn der Sommer mit Arthur verändern wird,denn er entdeckt das hinter dem alten Griesgram auch andere Seiten stecken und er ein sehr bewegtes Leben hinter sich hat.
Ich muß sagen ich habe mich mit dem Anfang sehr schwer getan,und kam irgendwie nicht so richtig rein in die Geschichte. Je mehr man aber über Arthur erfährt,umso mehr berührt einem die Geschichte. Ich war von der Mitte an bis zum Ende wirklich sehr gut berührt und konnte das Buch nicht mehr zur Seite legen. Man hat Arthur sein Leben miterlebt und weiß durch was er gegangen ist.
Ich finde Sarah N. Harvey hat hiermit eine wirklich sehr berührende Geschichte erschaffen,mit einem sehr biographischen Hintergrund.Sarah hatte auch einen Vater um den sie sich kümmern mußte. Er hatte sie auch zu der Geschichte inspiriert. TOP STORY. Eine sehr tolle Autorin. Ich werde mal gucken ob sie noch andere Bücher hat,und ob die mir auch so zusagen.
Ich wollte dem Buch eigentlich erst 4 Stern geben,aber durch den tollen Schluß hat das Buch definitiv 5 Stern verdient.
July 30, 2012
Sixteen-year-old Royce Peterson (nicknamed Rolly) was forcibly moved all the way across Canada, from Nova Scotia to British Columbia so his mother could to be closer to help his 95-year-old grandfather after he suffers a stroke. However, Rolly’s grandfather, Arthur, is even more the cantankerous, egotistical man now than he was in his early years when he toured the world as famous cellist. His touring lifestyle resulted in distant relationships with his two (now grown) daughters and a non-existent relationship with his grandson Royce.
Royce’s school year had barely gotten started in his new town when an extended bout of mono kept him out of school so long that Royce convinced his mom to let him finish the year by correspondence. Without making any new friends, Royce is just killing time until he can figure out a way to get back to his real life and friends in Nova Scotia.
Royce’s bad luck continues when Arthur is unable to hang onto any caregivers so Royce’s mom’s only option is to hire Royce for six hours a day to look after Arthur. Neither Royce nor Arthur is pleased, not surprisingly, with this arrangement. Royce does the most minimum work he can while Arthur does his utmost to irritate Royce.
While I enjoyed this predictable story, I’m not sure which of my students will appreciate this story that does delve deep into family relationships. This Orca book is longer than their other series books (Orca Currents, Orca Soundings, etc.) and does not list a reading level.
Royce’s school year had barely gotten started in his new town when an extended bout of mono kept him out of school so long that Royce convinced his mom to let him finish the year by correspondence. Without making any new friends, Royce is just killing time until he can figure out a way to get back to his real life and friends in Nova Scotia.
Royce’s bad luck continues when Arthur is unable to hang onto any caregivers so Royce’s mom’s only option is to hire Royce for six hours a day to look after Arthur. Neither Royce nor Arthur is pleased, not surprisingly, with this arrangement. Royce does the most minimum work he can while Arthur does his utmost to irritate Royce.
While I enjoyed this predictable story, I’m not sure which of my students will appreciate this story that does delve deep into family relationships. This Orca book is longer than their other series books (Orca Currents, Orca Soundings, etc.) and does not list a reading level.
May 15, 2014
Arthur die Artischocke
Royces Großvater ist ein Ekel wie es im Buche steht. Offenbar von sich und der Welt enttäuscht, schnauzt er alles und jeden an, ist mit nichts zufrieden und Mitmenschlichkeit scheint ein Fremdwort für ihn zu sein. Doch ist er mittlerweile in einem Alter, in dem es ohne Hilfe nicht mehr geht. Seine Tochter ist nicht in der Lage, sich in der Form um ihn zu kümmern wie es notwendig wäre. Und die Pflegekräfte, die sie ihm vermittelt, vergrault er bereits nach kurzer Zeit. So bleibt als letzte Lösung: Royce. Nicht dass er darüber begeistert wäre, es lockt ihn lediglich die Aussicht auf einen guten Verdienst.
Die Geschichte wird aus der Sicht des 16jährigen Royce erzählt, der ein mehr oder weniger normaler Teenager ist und seinen Großvater nicht ausstehen kann. Doch nach und nach nähern die Beiden sich an und auch wenn sie es nicht zugeben würden: Es entsteht sogar mehr als Sympathie zwischen ihnen.
Die Sprache ist recht gut getroffen, leicht schnoddrig altklug, sodass ich immer wieder grinsen musste. Zudem gelingt es der Autorin selbst bei so ernsten Themen wie Pflegebedürftigkeit im Alter und Sterbehilfe, einen humorvollen Grundton zu bewahren. Dass auf nicht einmal 250 Seiten derart große Themen abgehandelt werden (dazu noch in einem Jugendbuch), könnte einen fürchten lassen, dass sie allenfalls oberflächlich kurz angerissen werden. Doch weit gefehlt: Man spürt die Sorgen und Nöte, die Angst und Verzweiflung, die Arthurs Familie umtreiben. Und am Ende nahm ich eines noch mit: Patientenverfügung - muss ich unbedingt machen.
Ach ja, wieso Artischocke? Es ist die Definition seiner Exfrau Coralee: Aussen stachlig, innen ein weiches Herz.
Royces Großvater ist ein Ekel wie es im Buche steht. Offenbar von sich und der Welt enttäuscht, schnauzt er alles und jeden an, ist mit nichts zufrieden und Mitmenschlichkeit scheint ein Fremdwort für ihn zu sein. Doch ist er mittlerweile in einem Alter, in dem es ohne Hilfe nicht mehr geht. Seine Tochter ist nicht in der Lage, sich in der Form um ihn zu kümmern wie es notwendig wäre. Und die Pflegekräfte, die sie ihm vermittelt, vergrault er bereits nach kurzer Zeit. So bleibt als letzte Lösung: Royce. Nicht dass er darüber begeistert wäre, es lockt ihn lediglich die Aussicht auf einen guten Verdienst.
Die Geschichte wird aus der Sicht des 16jährigen Royce erzählt, der ein mehr oder weniger normaler Teenager ist und seinen Großvater nicht ausstehen kann. Doch nach und nach nähern die Beiden sich an und auch wenn sie es nicht zugeben würden: Es entsteht sogar mehr als Sympathie zwischen ihnen.
Die Sprache ist recht gut getroffen, leicht schnoddrig altklug, sodass ich immer wieder grinsen musste. Zudem gelingt es der Autorin selbst bei so ernsten Themen wie Pflegebedürftigkeit im Alter und Sterbehilfe, einen humorvollen Grundton zu bewahren. Dass auf nicht einmal 250 Seiten derart große Themen abgehandelt werden (dazu noch in einem Jugendbuch), könnte einen fürchten lassen, dass sie allenfalls oberflächlich kurz angerissen werden. Doch weit gefehlt: Man spürt die Sorgen und Nöte, die Angst und Verzweiflung, die Arthurs Familie umtreiben. Und am Ende nahm ich eines noch mit: Patientenverfügung - muss ich unbedingt machen.
Ach ja, wieso Artischocke? Es ist die Definition seiner Exfrau Coralee: Aussen stachlig, innen ein weiches Herz.
December 31, 2010
Royce is 16 and his mother has dragged him to the other side of the country so they will be closer to his ailing 95 year old grandfather. Arthur is a stubborn, cranky retired world renowned cellist. Royce's mom cons him into becoming Arthur's primary caretaker (he will be paid & he wants to buy a car!)and he discovers that there's much more to Arthur than his caustic tongue and messy habits.
This is a funny, heartwarming, and heart-wrenching story of family dynamics. The story plays out in a predictible fashion (I could have told you how it would end about 100 pages into the book), yet I was so totally captivated by the characters that I didn't care. Arthur is so like many of the elderly people I have known -- full of stories, full of malarky, and full of love they show in sometimes interesting ways. Teens will enjoy Royce's and Arthur's escapades. Older readers will love the touching (and fitting) ending.
On a personal note -- the scenes in the hospital ICU where Arthur spends his final days are very true-to-life. I was immediately transported to the hospital room where we stood vigil as my father-in-law lay dying. The author's note explains that her own father died at 95, and it is apparent that much of this story is based on her own experience. It will be a difficult read for anyone who has recently lost someone, but worth the efforts.
This is a funny, heartwarming, and heart-wrenching story of family dynamics. The story plays out in a predictible fashion (I could have told you how it would end about 100 pages into the book), yet I was so totally captivated by the characters that I didn't care. Arthur is so like many of the elderly people I have known -- full of stories, full of malarky, and full of love they show in sometimes interesting ways. Teens will enjoy Royce's and Arthur's escapades. Older readers will love the touching (and fitting) ending.
On a personal note -- the scenes in the hospital ICU where Arthur spends his final days are very true-to-life. I was immediately transported to the hospital room where we stood vigil as my father-in-law lay dying. The author's note explains that her own father died at 95, and it is apparent that much of this story is based on her own experience. It will be a difficult read for anyone who has recently lost someone, but worth the efforts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2015
The name of the book is "Death Benefits." The author is Sarah N. Harvey. The book is about a 16 year old boy who gets hired by his mom to babysit his 95 year old grandpa. They start off not getting along with each other. Royce later finds out that his grandpa Arthur is a famous cellist. They get invited to a fancy dinner. Royce, his mom Nina, and Arthur get picked up in a limo.On the way to the party all of the adults start drinking. The morning after Arthur starts to have strokes. Royce would stay with him in the hospital and play his favorite music for him. Royce finds a note on the laptop written by Arthur that to said to please kill him. Arthur told his mom and Arthur's wife. They later all agreed to disconnect him from everything so he can die faster.Eventually Arthur dies and they creamate him.
I chose the book because the title caught my attention. Once I read the description I became more eager to read it.
My favorite part was when Royce was on his way to throw away Arthur's ashes in the garbage and when he said heard Arthur talking to him.
I enjoyed the book because Royce and Arthur statmrted off not getting along and they end up being really close to each other by the time Arthur dies.
I highly recommend this book because its not the regular grandpa-grandson relationship everyone is used to hearing.
I chose the book because the title caught my attention. Once I read the description I became more eager to read it.
My favorite part was when Royce was on his way to throw away Arthur's ashes in the garbage and when he said heard Arthur talking to him.
I enjoyed the book because Royce and Arthur statmrted off not getting along and they end up being really close to each other by the time Arthur dies.
I highly recommend this book because its not the regular grandpa-grandson relationship everyone is used to hearing.
September 13, 2010
This was an emotionally true-to-life story about a teenage boy caring for his dying grandfather, who most certainly is not going gentle into that good night. Because the aging cello extraordinaire has suffered a stroke and needs daily care, Royce is forced to move with his mother all the way across the country to help, leaving all his friends behind. When his mom is unable to find a nurse willing to care for the cranky and handsy former musician, Royce takes the job as a way to earn the money to buy his own escape, but he finds himself unable to flee, even when he gains access to his grandfather's amazing classic car. Reading this book, my first thought was that the author must have been inspired by the personal experience of caring for an aged parent--the conflicts are all there, from the squabbling with siblings over making decisions for Arthur to the struggle to maintain a sense of dignity and a memory of the powerful and dynamic man he used to be. The pacing of the beginning is a little slow, so readers will have to exercise some patience to get to the heart of the story, which develops in a quiet, understated way. There are moments of wonderful discovery in this book, and I think it would appeal to teens who are close with a grandparent.
December 5, 2011
Not bad but not "oh-mah-gawd" good. It was just ... okay. I read this book because it was White Pine and I thought I'd give it a shot (and to prove Canadians rule). I was, satasfied. I didn't really have high hopes for this books so it left me feeling okay (Now I need to read Son of Neptune again).
Basically, this book is about family and it is a heart-warming tale. Do you have a grandparent or other elderly influence in your life? If you do, you might relate to this book. It features this guy (sorry, forget the name) who has to spend his summer taking care of his grandpa (who isn't the Santa Claus sorta guy). The two start off rough but eventually learn to accept and love each other.
The idea was nice and it is something we need to be reminded of: old people were young before. I know, I know, gag much? But it's true! Your parents and grandparents were once your age and probably don't like all the stereotypes against them (especially if they aren't true).
This book didn't have a lot of action or adventure but it did have great character development and also some "awww" moments.
Basically, this book is about family and it is a heart-warming tale. Do you have a grandparent or other elderly influence in your life? If you do, you might relate to this book. It features this guy (sorry, forget the name) who has to spend his summer taking care of his grandpa (who isn't the Santa Claus sorta guy). The two start off rough but eventually learn to accept and love each other.
The idea was nice and it is something we need to be reminded of: old people were young before. I know, I know, gag much? But it's true! Your parents and grandparents were once your age and probably don't like all the stereotypes against them (especially if they aren't true).
This book didn't have a lot of action or adventure but it did have great character development and also some "awww" moments.
January 21, 2011
Under protest, 16-year-old Royce moves from Nova Scotia to British Columbia with his mother. Once they settle in, Royce contracts mono and is housebound. Stir crazy, lonely, bored, and friendless, Royce accepts his mother’s offer to look after his grandfather, Arthur, for $15/hour. Royce hopes to earn enough money to return to Nova Scotia.
Arthur is a grouch, retired (world famous) cellist. Despite the barrage of verbal abuse Arthur heaps upon Royce, Royce is surprised to find that he likes his grandfather. And even when Arthur provides Royce with keys to his car (and thus an escape to Nova Scotia) Royce stays on.
Arthur’s health briefly rallies, providing a glimpse of his younger, dynamic self, but then takes turn for the worse. Arthur doesn’t want to become incapacitated again and asks for Royce’s help to end his life.
Despite the slow start, teen readers will enjoy the well-developed characters and dialogue. Royce’s moral and ethical dilemma will spark debate.
Arthur is a grouch, retired (world famous) cellist. Despite the barrage of verbal abuse Arthur heaps upon Royce, Royce is surprised to find that he likes his grandfather. And even when Arthur provides Royce with keys to his car (and thus an escape to Nova Scotia) Royce stays on.
Arthur’s health briefly rallies, providing a glimpse of his younger, dynamic self, but then takes turn for the worse. Arthur doesn’t want to become incapacitated again and asks for Royce’s help to end his life.
Despite the slow start, teen readers will enjoy the well-developed characters and dialogue. Royce’s moral and ethical dilemma will spark debate.
January 7, 2020
Sarah N. Harvey tells a story about family. The protagonist of the story is Royce Peterson, a witty and nonchalant teenager and the relationship between him and his famous grandfather. The story shows brilliantly how a family relationship actually works. There is palpable hate between the two, however, they show each other moments of weakness and compassion. This tale about family made me care about the characters, and actually like the characters. While the main protagonist Royce is a very likeable character, he has no characters flaws. Royce is almost what every teenager wish they were, perfect. His lack of personal flaws makes his journey lose the personal feel that a conflict can induce. Even so, I enjoyed the story and I would recommend it to someone else who enjoys the young adult genre of books.
January 25, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about a boy emotionally adrift and his challenging grandfather. Arthur, on the face of it, has only his musical talent and celebrity-strewn past going for him and has been a lousy family man, unmellowed by old age and infirmity. The generations are thrown together by Royce's need for cash and occupation and Arthur's need for a carer he won't sexually harass into quitting in days. Sarah Harvey could have made a saccharine tale out of this but cleverly sidesteps that trap in several ways, not least with her accurate portrayal of the complexities of end of life care.
December 12, 2016
From the cover and the title of this book, you would think it is a murder mystery. It's definitely not. This is the story of a 16-year-old boy who agrees to help his mother by helping to take care of his 95-year-old grandfather. They have nothing in common. The teenage boy has been brought up correctly, but being a teenager is sometimes quarrelsome. The old man is almost never appreciative of what the young man is trying to do. But they learn to get along, sometimes enjoying each other's company, and both of them learning things from the other. Start to finish this is a very good book, with some laughs along the way.
February 3, 2011
Royce's Mom drags him across Canada to care for her aged and difficult father. When all other avenues are exhausted, Royce agrees to become his caretaker - as long as he gets paid. His grandfather is a cranky, sometimes spiteful former world famous musician and Royce doesn't enjoy the job. But as time goes by, they do sort of find a way to bond and when his grandfather has a series of strokes, Royce, and his Mom, have to come to terms with their respective feelings and relationships with the old man. Frank language about drugs, sex and in general.
June 10, 2014
Read this for Ashli's book club. It wasn't bad, but I didn't care for Rolly. I liked Arthur though. The story was pretty good. The setting/background characters didn't feel real. It may be because it was set in Canada and their ways are not ours, but it felt like the readers politics and religious views bled over into every character in the book. It felt really ham-fisted in places.
I put this on my YA shelf because it was presented to me as YA and can be found in the children's library. 13 is definately the youngest I would suggest this book to.
I put this on my YA shelf because it was presented to me as YA and can be found in the children's library. 13 is definately the youngest I would suggest this book to.
March 2, 2011
Definately for an older teen as there a few mentions of anatomical parts that might make younger ones giggle or uncomfortable.
Royce gets a summer job watching his grandfather who has dementia. Every day for 6 hours he goes over gets yelled at, makes cafe au lait, and surpringly starts getting along with his grandfather. His grandfather, a famous cellist in his time, slowly bonds with Royce as they go on adventures. This is a funny, heartbreaking novel of imminent death.
Royce gets a summer job watching his grandfather who has dementia. Every day for 6 hours he goes over gets yelled at, makes cafe au lait, and surpringly starts getting along with his grandfather. His grandfather, a famous cellist in his time, slowly bonds with Royce as they go on adventures. This is a funny, heartbreaking novel of imminent death.
October 10, 2012
Royce and his mother have moved across Canada to take care of his ornery grandfather who is in the early stages of dementia. To make some money, Royce becomes his caretaker 5 days a week. He likes the money, but not the company. Slowly, though, Royce and his grandfather develop a grudging friendship. This was a well-written and enjoyable book that also illuminates the difficulties in taking care of older relatives suffering from end-of-life maladies.
January 9, 2012
Interesting concept. I like how Royce went from practically hating his grandfather to appreciating him. It was good to see that grandchildren can see the good in their grandparents. I did not like how crass everyone was. There was love, but it was buried deep. It's too bad when you see this kind of a family in literature. Too much foul language and inappropriate conversations/actions for my liking.
June 8, 2011
I read this book in two sittings because I couldn't put it down. It tells the story of a teenage boy's unlikely friendship with his 95 year old, ornery grandfather. It's an extremely funny and sometimes emotional tale. I definitely recommend it for anybody looking for something lighthearted and entertaining.
January 16, 2012
I'm not really sure what to say about this novel. I really enjoyed it, and as a personal choice, would probably rate it a 4/5, but I can't really see my teenaged students enjoying it.
Royce's experiences of dealing with his grandfather are much more what adults deal with. I'm not sure how many teens could relate to the situation he finds himself in.
Royce's experiences of dealing with his grandfather are much more what adults deal with. I'm not sure how many teens could relate to the situation he finds himself in.
August 14, 2015
A touching story: a book for young people about old people. It wasn't an action-packed exciting book but it had so much else to offer. Any teen who is close with someone with demential will feel a special connection with this book. This novel delves into many important issues such as euthenasia and expressing how you truly feel. I loved watching the main character develop through the novel.
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