Thanks for the Trouble ~ BRC
My Book Review Club selection for May is Thanks for the Trouble by Tommy Wallach. I just happened to enter a Goodreads Giveaway for this book based on some early praise I read, and I was quite delighted to win a copy.
From Amazon:
Parker Santé hasn’t spoken a word in five years. While his classmates plan for bright futures, he skips school to hang out in hotels, killing time by watching the guests. But when he meets a silver-haired girl named Zelda Toth, a girl who claims to be quite a bit older than she looks, he’ll discover there just might be a few things left worth living for.
From the celebrated author of We All Looked Up comes a unique story of first and last loves.
There were so many elements of this book that I loved, but I want to be careful not to reveal any spoilers, so this review will try to hit the highlights and not dig too deep.
First, my complaint. Parker has a habit of stealing things. In fact, that’s how he meets Zelda–she leaves her bag behind, he finds a wad of cash in it, and walks off with it. And this isn’t an isolated incident–various other shoplifting occurrences are mentioned, but this character flaw is never explained. He’s not portrayed as troublingly poor, and it doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of his personality. I think the meet-cute with Zelda would have been just as effective if it had been his first time stealing. (A roll of hundred dollar bills would tempt a lot of people…)
Honestly, that was the novel’s only shortcoming. Parker is immediately fascinated–and smitten–with Zelda, as was I. And when he realizes she is waiting for a phone call, and plans to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge when she gets it, he is determined to make sure that doesn’t happen. Thus, there is a sense of urgency–and mystery–threaded through these pages. I loved the purpose for the novel (which I can’t reveal), the relationship between Zelda and Parker, Parker’s original stories–most of them fairy tales, the chess club, particularly Alana, and the humor! LOVED the humor.
“You say you’re tired out with life, right? Well, I’m going to untire you. I’m going to make you want to live.
That’s a tall order, Parker Santé.
I’m a tall guy.
She laughed, probably because I’m actually not very tall, and then I kissed her, the first time I’d initiated a kiss in my whole life. We kept on kissing for a long time, making everyone else in the Japanese Tea Garden jealous, or at the very least, super uncomfortable.”
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@Barrie Summy
05/04/2016 at 2:09 pm
That does sound funny. The cover makes me think of that new fad of young women dying their hair silver, although I get there is more to it than that in her case. I read a review of this book in the NYT and now your praise will make me take a look at it…once I get through my tall TBR stack.
05/04/2016 at 6:50 pm
You’re right about it not being the focus here, Sarah. It’s barely mentioned. (I didn’t even realize Zelda has a ponytail until I went to find a JPEG for this post!)
05/04/2016 at 4:17 pm
I’ve never heard of this book or the author, but the characters sound intriguing.
05/04/2016 at 6:51 pm
I think you could find a lot to like about it, Stacy!
05/04/2016 at 6:39 pm
I think this book looks terrific. I was planning to read it, and your review just solidifies that decision. Oh, and a big thank-you for the excerpt! Have you read We All Looked Up? I haven’t..yet.
Thanks for reviewing!
05/04/2016 at 6:52 pm
I haven’t yet, Barrie. The subject matter is a little heavier than I typically go for, but I was so impressed with this book that I might give it a shot.
05/04/2016 at 8:03 pm
This sounds quirky and original. I will have to check it out! Thanks for reviewing.
05/05/2016 at 12:09 am
It’s definitely that, Rob! Very unique.
05/04/2016 at 10:09 pm
The books sounds very interesting. Great review.
05/05/2016 at 12:09 am
Thanks Linda! I really enjoyed it!