Chances Are by Richard Russo

I've attended many author talks, but I've never had the chance to hear Richard Russo speak. And I'd love to have that opportunity. I love the way he writes with that little touch of humor and his amazing way of developing his characters. I imagine hearing him speak would be very entertaining. This is probably the 5th book of his I've read, and while it isn't my favorite, it still is a great novel.

The story is about 3 men who were friends in college and graduated in 1971! (Sound familiar?) They attended a small liberal arts college where they were on a scholarship so earned money working in the kitchen of a sorority house. A major event during their college years was when they gathered around the tv at the Theta house and watched the lottery draft drawing. (Again, sound familiar?) The story moves forward to when they meet at a seaside home of one of the men when they are in their late 60's. It's a story of friendship, secrets, and nostalgia. Some of the reviewers complained about his long-winded descriptions, and yes, they are there. But much of this prose is the kind you want to re-read for how well constructed it is. I do recommend it but I also highly recommend most of his other books too. - June

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

This is a tough one to write about. I absolutely love A Gentleman in Moscow, and when the author came to town, I went with friends to hear his most excellent talk. I was very excited to read The Lincoln Highway.

Amor Towles is a fabulous writer. There is no question about that. He develops his characters in such a way that you know everything about them and either adore them or hate them. In this novel, there are a large cast of characters, and perhaps this is the part that I didn't love as much as others have. The major characters appear to be Emmett and his little brother, Billy. They have a close relationship and interesting traits, and you immediately fall in love with them both. But then we meet Duchess, Wooley, Sally, and all of the people they meet along the way on their grand adventure. Chapters are divided up by these characters so you read different perspectives in each one. It can get a little confusing.... but again, the writing is just so beautiful!!!

After reading about 1/3 of the novel, I put it down and didn't want to continue. Everything that could possibly go wrong for our buddies, Emmett and Billy, goes wrong. Everyone seems out to keep them from what they want to do. And I just didn't want anything else to happen to them - so I stopped. But a friend pushed me on, so I read to the end. And it's quite an ending!

I do recommend this book. How could I not when it's written so well? But I guess I was just hoping for a little more. - June