Sleeping with Random Beasts

by Karin Goodwin

Bargain Books are non-returnable. In this hilarious and touching gem of a first novel (discovered in a towering heap of unsolicited manuscripts -- yes, it happens!), Bean, otherwise known as twenty-nine-year-old Eleanor May Shank, is leaving Boston. A train trip across America stretches in front of her. Panting at her heels are too many years at a boring bank, three long years with a beer-swilling boyfriend, two years under able analysis, and an unfulfilled yearning to become a photographer. Traveling with a flask of whiskey and her camera, Bean visits old friends and family in one city after another -- Richmond, Chicago, Kansas City, Tucson, San Francisco, Portland -- facing her crazy past armed with a vicious wit and a penchant for one-nightstands. While trying to justify her aimlessness to her ex-Marine dad, loose and boozy divorced mom, and old friends who aren't what they used to be, she hurtles toward her own surprising fate. Laced with wry observations, this unrestrained, raucous debut is sharply insightful and impossible to put down.

Genres: Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a long time to get through this one. If I could, I'd give this book 2.5 stars. The dysfunctional life of the main character ranged from somewhat interesting to mildly annoying. There were a few instances where I found it hard to keep track of the plot, which jumped around in time. Not the worst book I've read, just so-so.

[Cecy Ohara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Amazing life journey. Loved the way Goodwin writes dialog and then writes what the character is really thinking. That part was hilarious. Very quick witted and "interesting" as the character's mother would say.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved most of this, but hated the first 75 pages and found the ending premature. Interesting idea, semi-poor execution.

[Jonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wild ride! A definite must-read!