FRANK: a cantankerous, irreverent, grumpy and sarcastic curmudgeon. He's also grieving the death of his wife and the love of his life, Marcie. Her death has left him estranged from his son...and unable to leave his home. The farthest he ventures now is his own backyard. And he's not at all interested in meeting or befriending his new neighbors!
RED: a talkative and inquisitive six-year-old boy who's "all snot and jabber". His dad is living with a new girlfriend, and Red and his mom have just moved in next door to Frank. Now Red is facing a new school with no friends; and he doesn't feel like he can tell his mom about the bully who's picking on him because he doesn't want to make her feel sad. His only hope is Frank.
My thoughts: This book was a delight! Both Frank and Red are going through some hard things, and there are definitely a few heartbreaking moments along the way, but there were many more moments that made me laugh out loud. Red's kind heart shows in his concern over Frank's sadness; and Frank's responses to Red's persistent offers of friendship were SO funny. I loved these two characters and their poignant interactions. Matt Coyne has written a humorous and heartwarming novel. It's my first 5-star read of 2025.
Happy Reading!
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Sounds delightful reading.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a good book. :D
DeleteLe premesse di questo libro promettono bene
ReplyDeleteIt is a great premise, and so well-executed.
DeleteFrank and Red sound like great characters.
ReplyDeleteThey really are!
DeleteGlad you liked Frank and Red. It's a heartwarming story and I sense that Coyne has the talent not to make it overly sentimental which can sometimes be a problem with stories like this.
ReplyDeleteFrank's sarcastic comments definitely keep this one from being overly sentimental. He's such a humorous grump!
DeleteI've seen this around quite a lot. It sounds delightful so I will look into getting a copy. :-)
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to read it! It's a wonderfully charming novel.
DeleteThis sounds wonderful! Frank and Red sound like great characters. Glad you enjoyed it! :D
ReplyDeleteI loved their interactions. And Red was such a cute little boy.
DeleteThis sounds like a very charming story.
ReplyDeleteIt really is. Plus, there are moments that are laugh-out-loud funny.
DeleteThis sounds wonderful. I may have to get this one :)
ReplyDeleteI know it's not what you usually read, but it is so funny and good. I think you'd like it.
DeleteLark, I love the sound of this story! Your post definitely makes me want to read it :) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThere's so much to love about this book...most of all these two characters. :D
DeleteThis sounds terrific! I love stories about quirky characters and unusual friendships.
ReplyDeleteI love those things in books, too! And their friendship is just so cute.
DeleteThis sounds like such a wonderful and heartwarming read! Frank and Red’s dynamic must be so entertaining, and it’s refreshing to see a story about unexpected friendships and personal growth. I can imagine how their interactions would bring both laughs and tender moments. Congratulations on your first 5-star read of 2025! Wishing you many more great books to come this year! Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteSeems like a good premise. We could use some uplifting stories like this!
ReplyDeleteI like unexpected friends and found family in books. :D
DeleteReminds me of A Man Called Ove (watched the movie, didn't read the book). It sounds utterly delightful! I will hunt this one down. :)
ReplyDeleteI also just watched the movie version of A Man Called Ove. And Tom Hanks was so great in it! :D
DeleteI saw Rachel's comment above comparing this book to A Man Called Ove. That does seem like an apt comparison. I will be on the lookout for a copy, maybe next year, since it does not seem to be available here yet. (Or maybe it is available as a Kindle, but not in hardcopy yet?)
ReplyDeleteI had to ask my library to buy a copy, and they did. They purchased a hardback, but on Amazon it looks like it's nowavailable in paperback and on Kindle. It was published last August.
DeleteThis book sounds like one I'd love to read!! I'll add it to my reading wishlist.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to read it!
DeleteOh I love older characters and I bet I would love Frank. Adding this to the TBR.
ReplyDeleteFrank is the best! I loved him.
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