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Father Frank #1
Can I Be Frank?
This humorous novel follows Father Francis, a young, English, Catholic priest to his first parish in America. He is not sure what to expect, but certainly isn’t prepared for what he finds. As if his new role isn’t challenging enough, he struggles with everything from jalapenos to fire ants, from church politics to the language barrier. Having unwittingly managed to alienate his parish’s main benefactor, Frank soon finds himself in hot water with his Diocese. His troubles only increase when he stumbles across suspicious goings-on deep in the Florida orange groves. Can he solve the mystery before he loses his parish…or his life?
- GenresHumor
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2011
97 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 3, 2018
Father Frank and his crew were certainly a distinct set of characters with everyday personalities, but Frank himself was so completely helpless when it came to normal tasks like driving or existing around women that it destroyed his believability. It was a cute story, and if you're a fan of obvious religious overtones, I would take it for a spin. I am not, so it didn't necessarily do the trick for me, but I wouldn't write it off as a less emotionally taxing read.
August 11, 2018
“Can I Be Frank?” is a brilliantly-written, comical story. Initially, the first two chapters gave an impression of this being a long, ecclesiastical doctrine. But to my delight, I was wrong! This book is pure humour and also a bit of adventure. It’s an incredible journey of a simple, awkward and an innocent Briton priest to the USA. He had no idea that apart from establishing himself as a parish, he would have to learn American English, buy a car and experience a grappling escape from the local affluent bully! I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
The protagonist of the book, Father Francis (prefers to be called Frank) - a Briton- is all set and thrilled flying down to the USA as the priest at the Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Florida. Upon his arrival, he gives an impression of a lost and an abnormal guy, who might just as well be doing something else than be a Pastor. Things turn out well for Frank the first few days in the new place until his slight brush with G. Charmois, who literally ‘runs’ the town. It all starts when Frank buys a car which in turn upsets Gene’s ego as he usually liked to keep people obliged to him. When Frank takes up responsibility for the affairs of the Church, stating that the Church shouldn’t be dependent on G.Charmois all the time, it awakens the dragon’s wrath and G.Charmois leaves no stone unturned to deflate Frank’s arrangements and disrupt his public image as well. Frank loses his parishioners too. With few people in his favour, he decides to restore his dismantled image.
Frank has probably more luck than a person with a 4-leaf clover. He suddenly falls into a difficult situation and he comes out of it quicker than that! Seems as if his luck has a hobby - bungee jumping. The story also makes us realise that priests aren’t as boring as they usually are perceived to be. They can be cool, have a very good sense of humour and like any other person would - they joke with friends too. The transformation of Frank from a timid soft-spoken priest to a confident and a ready-to-lead person is worth noting.
Throughout the book, the author has maintained a perfect tempo to maintain the interest in the story. It starts at a slow pace, as the story proceeds it rises moderately and finally by the end it is a thundering drumroll! There definitely is a rest here and there, but that helps calm the reader’s mind, which is already thrilled with all the twist and turns in Frank’s life. There was nothing to complain about while reading the book except that some parts of the story went slow. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
The chief asset of this book was the idea of citations from the Bible at the beginning of each chapter that describe/give a hint of what turn of events would be taking place in the story. This book also covers many aspects of human relations and emotions. This book is certainly recommended for those who love reading tragicomedy. If you want a good diversion from the mundanity of daily activities, this book is a sure-shot formula to keep you sane.
The protagonist of the book, Father Francis (prefers to be called Frank) - a Briton- is all set and thrilled flying down to the USA as the priest at the Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Florida. Upon his arrival, he gives an impression of a lost and an abnormal guy, who might just as well be doing something else than be a Pastor. Things turn out well for Frank the first few days in the new place until his slight brush with G. Charmois, who literally ‘runs’ the town. It all starts when Frank buys a car which in turn upsets Gene’s ego as he usually liked to keep people obliged to him. When Frank takes up responsibility for the affairs of the Church, stating that the Church shouldn’t be dependent on G.Charmois all the time, it awakens the dragon’s wrath and G.Charmois leaves no stone unturned to deflate Frank’s arrangements and disrupt his public image as well. Frank loses his parishioners too. With few people in his favour, he decides to restore his dismantled image.
Frank has probably more luck than a person with a 4-leaf clover. He suddenly falls into a difficult situation and he comes out of it quicker than that! Seems as if his luck has a hobby - bungee jumping. The story also makes us realise that priests aren’t as boring as they usually are perceived to be. They can be cool, have a very good sense of humour and like any other person would - they joke with friends too. The transformation of Frank from a timid soft-spoken priest to a confident and a ready-to-lead person is worth noting.
Throughout the book, the author has maintained a perfect tempo to maintain the interest in the story. It starts at a slow pace, as the story proceeds it rises moderately and finally by the end it is a thundering drumroll! There definitely is a rest here and there, but that helps calm the reader’s mind, which is already thrilled with all the twist and turns in Frank’s life. There was nothing to complain about while reading the book except that some parts of the story went slow. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
The chief asset of this book was the idea of citations from the Bible at the beginning of each chapter that describe/give a hint of what turn of events would be taking place in the story. This book also covers many aspects of human relations and emotions. This book is certainly recommended for those who love reading tragicomedy. If you want a good diversion from the mundanity of daily activities, this book is a sure-shot formula to keep you sane.
July 26, 2019
Driving on the wrong side of hurt the road...
A lively tale of a young English Catholic Priest, who comes to shepherd a Florida parish. There is comedy in language and cultural misunderstandings, but friendship and fellowship in abundance.
A lively tale of a young English Catholic Priest, who comes to shepherd a Florida parish. There is comedy in language and cultural misunderstandings, but friendship and fellowship in abundance.
September 9, 2023
This was a kindle freebie and therefore an astounding bargain. What a little gem of a book! Mishap-prone new English priest Father Frank has been gratefully shipped off to Florida by his diocese where he finds a parish almost inextricably dependent on the beneficence of a local businessman...
Great characters, very funny, full of kindness and love, some serious themes and chapters niftily linked with biblical quotes.
This would make such a great sitcom...
Great characters, very funny, full of kindness and love, some serious themes and chapters niftily linked with biblical quotes.
This would make such a great sitcom...
July 9, 2019
Father Frank was British but was sent to a church some where else. Seems he just wasn't right for them. So they sent him to his own Parish in Florida. Poor Frank as he preferred to be called had always seemed to, lets say get in trouble without even trying. He wasn't familiar with American ways for a lot of things. One thing after another , he finally got there and settled in. Shortly there after he was told he needed to get a car to get around. So he got this old beat up car and a mechanic fixed some thing on it, but it needed a paint job so he ask to have it painted and when it was brought to him it was lime green. There was a man intown who more or less donated a lot to the church and Frank offended him by refusing to accept a new car he got for him. Then the bad stuff started to happen for Frank and his parish. You kind of have to laugh at all the things he has to deal with till God answered his prayers for him.
July 9, 2019
Laughter and Love
Father Frank has a unique, loveable, innocent sense of humor with a heart for the true meaning of Christianity. Ginny, the doctor, Karl, the judge, and Martha, the church assistant are all dedicated to doing the right thing with Father Frank, even going up against Gene, the rich, bully of the area. The book is filled with examples of challenges and proof through appropriate scriptures that God is in charge.
Father Frank has a unique, loveable, innocent sense of humor with a heart for the true meaning of Christianity. Ginny, the doctor, Karl, the judge, and Martha, the church assistant are all dedicated to doing the right thing with Father Frank, even going up against Gene, the rich, bully of the area. The book is filled with examples of challenges and proof through appropriate scriptures that God is in charge.
July 9, 2019
Excellent!!
This is a superb story with many laugh out loud places. There is a real plot, an interesting story line, some wonderful characters and a great ending. I enjoyed it immensely. Now I am off to immediately order the second in the series!
This is a superb story with many laugh out loud places. There is a real plot, an interesting story line, some wonderful characters and a great ending. I enjoyed it immensely. Now I am off to immediately order the second in the series!
March 11, 2018
This book is ... not great. The writing felt pretty juvenile.
I wouldn't say the plot was "obvious" but it wasn't exactly interesting. The character development, on the other hand, *was* rather predictable.
It's an easy read, with an occasional laugh, and some insight into Floridian megachurch culture, I guess, but I wouldn't recommend this book.
I wouldn't say the plot was "obvious" but it wasn't exactly interesting. The character development, on the other hand, *was* rather predictable.
It's an easy read, with an occasional laugh, and some insight into Floridian megachurch culture, I guess, but I wouldn't recommend this book.
January 23, 2019
And I'm not even Catholic
I loved this book. I think i went through the full gamut of emotions while reading this. I laughed out loud, I was indignant, I felt sadness, joy, well, you get the message. Father Frank is like the rest of us. He has doubts. Unlike a lot of us, he is trying his best to resolve his. His immediate group of friends, the Vicar, the judge ,the doctor, the administrator......after many twists and turns, they all work together for the greater good. Is there an honest to goodness happy ending? Well, I guess you will have to read it to find out. Ill be starting on the second book shortly.
I loved this book. I think i went through the full gamut of emotions while reading this. I laughed out loud, I was indignant, I felt sadness, joy, well, you get the message. Father Frank is like the rest of us. He has doubts. Unlike a lot of us, he is trying his best to resolve his. His immediate group of friends, the Vicar, the judge ,the doctor, the administrator......after many twists and turns, they all work together for the greater good. Is there an honest to goodness happy ending? Well, I guess you will have to read it to find out. Ill be starting on the second book shortly.
December 5, 2016
Found myself laughing out loud
Found myself laughing out loud. Just about the time I was wondering if the story was more than a few good laughs the story developed a plot that kept my interest going. Though obviously written from a Roman Catholic point of view, a protestant like me could enjoy it.
Found myself laughing out loud. Just about the time I was wondering if the story was more than a few good laughs the story developed a plot that kept my interest going. Though obviously written from a Roman Catholic point of view, a protestant like me could enjoy it.
November 29, 2016
wow, not what I expected
This reminded me a bit of my own growing up in the church that never endd beingmlike the book. Funny, sweet, loving, and at time downright hilarious. Loved it. Now why couldn't my church growing up be like this.
This reminded me a bit of my own growing up in the church that never endd beingmlike the book. Funny, sweet, loving, and at time downright hilarious. Loved it. Now why couldn't my church growing up be like this.
January 30, 2019
Really good read with great bible references
I recommend this to anyone who wants an easy to read book that keeps you engaged. The bible references were cleverly woven into the story☺
I recommend this to anyone who wants an easy to read book that keeps you engaged. The bible references were cleverly woven into the story☺
November 29, 2015
Very funny
One need not be a Catholic to enjoy this book. The light hearted and witted writing made it fast but entertaining to read.
One need not be a Catholic to enjoy this book. The light hearted and witted writing made it fast but entertaining to read.
February 18, 2017
Wonderful read!
Delightful characters especially Frank. made me wish I lived in the same parish. I recommend this highly especially if you are Catholic
Delightful characters especially Frank. made me wish I lived in the same parish. I recommend this highly especially if you are Catholic
February 23, 2018
Ugh. Tedious and ridiculous.
December 31, 2018
I was positively surprised by this book - it had real humour and an interesting story. It's also a "feel good" read which makes it even better.
March 20, 2019
A Book about a 'novice' Catholic priest to has traveled from England to Florida to take the position of a priest in a parish and lands in a variety of different situations.
April 20, 2019
Laugh out loud comedy with an interesting mystery.
Enjoyable read
Enjoyable read
October 27, 2019
Can I Be Frank is a story about a young, accident-prone priest who has worn out his welcome at his local parish. He is nicely yet firmly asked to go across the pond to his first American parish where he continues making quite a mess of things. Frank not only learns Americans have a lot of funny words for things, he also learns sometimes everything needs to fall apart before it can fall into place.
I chose this book mostly because the cover caught my eye and it is a little different from what I would normally pick out. I did not know what to expect going into it and was a little apprehensive about how the religious aspect was going to be written and if was going to come across "pushy" or not. Rob Wyatt did a fantastic job in telling a story revolving around a religion without it feeling like the religion was the story. This style of story telling is something I would like to see more of. I liked the believable amount of growth Frank showed between our first meeting him and the last chapter. He did not go from a bumbling klutz to a suave charismatic man. Instead, Frank continues being a klutz but learns to trust himself and his leadership capabilities. This allows him to build some much needed confidence for when something does go wrong he does not immediately fall to pieces like he does in chapter 1. In the last half of the book Frank sees the gross mistreatment of a group of people and instead of hiding, he steps up to provide safety for the entire group of people without hesitation.
I disliked the most the first person narrative. I am not sure why I find first person difficult to enjoy but I do. I also had a hard time reading the first half of the book due to what I felt was an overuse of commas. I originally felt most of the commas were grammatical errors. I was finding so many of them I took to Google and found, I in fact was wrong. The commas were being used properly. That being said, it made for choppy reading. It only began reading smoother for me once I started ignoring the commas. I know Frank's misadventures were meant to be humorous but I found them completely exhausting and did not do much if anything to move the story along. Which leads me to my next gripe. I did not find this book funny. There were two or three quips that made me chuckle but at most I would describe this book as "lighthearted". Also this book by no means should be labeled a mystery.
I think this book is safe to recommend to all readers middle grade and up. It is a clean safe book with nothing distastefully written. The mistreatment of an entire group of people is not at all glossed over but it is not written in such a way that it is triggering. I could even recommend this book to non religious readers who are interested in reading something a little different like I was. If you can not stand reading about any kind of organized religion at all this is not the book for you.
Overall I rate Can I Be Frank 2 out of 5 The last third of the book is what saved it for me
I chose this book mostly because the cover caught my eye and it is a little different from what I would normally pick out. I did not know what to expect going into it and was a little apprehensive about how the religious aspect was going to be written and if was going to come across "pushy" or not. Rob Wyatt did a fantastic job in telling a story revolving around a religion without it feeling like the religion was the story. This style of story telling is something I would like to see more of. I liked the believable amount of growth Frank showed between our first meeting him and the last chapter. He did not go from a bumbling klutz to a suave charismatic man. Instead, Frank continues being a klutz but learns to trust himself and his leadership capabilities. This allows him to build some much needed confidence for when something does go wrong he does not immediately fall to pieces like he does in chapter 1. In the last half of the book Frank sees the gross mistreatment of a group of people and instead of hiding, he steps up to provide safety for the entire group of people without hesitation.
I disliked the most the first person narrative. I am not sure why I find first person difficult to enjoy but I do. I also had a hard time reading the first half of the book due to what I felt was an overuse of commas. I originally felt most of the commas were grammatical errors. I was finding so many of them I took to Google and found, I in fact was wrong. The commas were being used properly. That being said, it made for choppy reading. It only began reading smoother for me once I started ignoring the commas. I know Frank's misadventures were meant to be humorous but I found them completely exhausting and did not do much if anything to move the story along. Which leads me to my next gripe. I did not find this book funny. There were two or three quips that made me chuckle but at most I would describe this book as "lighthearted". Also this book by no means should be labeled a mystery.
I think this book is safe to recommend to all readers middle grade and up. It is a clean safe book with nothing distastefully written. The mistreatment of an entire group of people is not at all glossed over but it is not written in such a way that it is triggering. I could even recommend this book to non religious readers who are interested in reading something a little different like I was. If you can not stand reading about any kind of organized religion at all this is not the book for you.
Overall I rate Can I Be Frank 2 out of 5 The last third of the book is what saved it for me
March 6, 2024
Father Frank, a newly ordained, accident prone and very naïve priest from England, finds himself assigned to a Florida church. Besides the obvious challenges of language and culture differences, not to mention driving on the wrong side of the road, Frank has to contend with the bullying narcissist businessman who provides most of the church's finances, and the man's nymphomaniac wife. His supposed mentor is little help, and tends to be part of the problem. It's a sink or swim situation. Through dogged persistence and the grace of God, he manages to swim.
While admiring Father Frank's tenacity and innate goodness, I found myself frequently amused at the dilemmas he finds himself in, some of his own making but others just bad luck. Through it all, he truly cares about his flock and tries to do his best for them.
The story moves along at a goodly pace from disaster to disaster, with occasional reprieves. It was hard to put down, although sometimes it held the fascination of a slow-moving train wreck. I finished it in one day.
While admiring Father Frank's tenacity and innate goodness, I found myself frequently amused at the dilemmas he finds himself in, some of his own making but others just bad luck. Through it all, he truly cares about his flock and tries to do his best for them.
The story moves along at a goodly pace from disaster to disaster, with occasional reprieves. It was hard to put down, although sometimes it held the fascination of a slow-moving train wreck. I finished it in one day.
December 24, 2018
I liked this book because it was funny, informative and a twist at the end. Father Francis was sent from England to take over St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Florida. Funny things happen to him that he doesn't understand and has to explain certain words he uses, as well as certain American words that need to be explained to him. If you would like a different kind of story, this is it!
September 24, 2019
Loved it, mostly!
Positives: Loved the way the author picked scriptures at the beginning of each chapter to match the chapter contents. Was so funny! Loved Father Frank almost immediately. Storyline wass great.
Negatives: disappointed at the use of GD twice which was quite unnecessary. Knocked off a star because of that. Also, was wishing it was a longer book. Would have allowed for more and deeper character development within Frank's inner circle of friends.
Positives: Loved the way the author picked scriptures at the beginning of each chapter to match the chapter contents. Was so funny! Loved Father Frank almost immediately. Storyline wass great.
Negatives: disappointed at the use of GD twice which was quite unnecessary. Knocked off a star because of that. Also, was wishing it was a longer book. Would have allowed for more and deeper character development within Frank's inner circle of friends.
August 6, 2024
This was cute! I laughed out loud a few times - absolutely cracked up on the "Sounds absolutely disgusting. I'll have the same." line. I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. While fairly religious with lots of Bible quotes and including parts of Mass, it wasn't overbearing to my non-religious self. There were points where it was fairly slow, and had a couple of plot holes, but it was a really enjoyable read!
July 6, 2017
It is a good tale
It was a little slow for me to get going but once I got about a quarter of the way through it really keep my interest. I thoroughly enjoyed and did not expect some of the outcome. Rob developed the characters so you got to understand them. Looking forward to his next book.
It was a little slow for me to get going but once I got about a quarter of the way through it really keep my interest. I thoroughly enjoyed and did not expect some of the outcome. Rob developed the characters so you got to understand them. Looking forward to his next book.
July 17, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was exactly what you should read if you want a sweet, feel good book, with many hilarious visuals. When I first read the topic of the book, I thought I possibly wouldn't relate to it, since I have never been Catholic. But the story doesn't require any previous catholic experience. LOL. I'm now a fan and need to read more!
September 11, 2017
In the name of the Father...
This was actually a fun book. It probably helps that I'm Catholic and all of the little details are familiar to me, but I wouldn't label it as a book for ONLY Catholics. It was quirky and light with just enough balance in the mix. I'm ready for the next one!
This was actually a fun book. It probably helps that I'm Catholic and all of the little details are familiar to me, but I wouldn't label it as a book for ONLY Catholics. It was quirky and light with just enough balance in the mix. I'm ready for the next one!
March 23, 2021
Excellent!
I didn’t really know what to expect of this book when I started it. The beginning was very funny. The priest came to America from England. His going through customs and the the words he uses for things versus the meaning we give them in America was very funny. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a laugh.
I didn’t really know what to expect of this book when I started it. The beginning was very funny. The priest came to America from England. His going through customs and the the words he uses for things versus the meaning we give them in America was very funny. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a laugh.
August 11, 2021
A Feel-Good Tale of a British Priest in America
I fast-skimmed through the first several chapters of an inept British Catholic priest who moves to Florida to serve at a small town church.
However, as I got into the book, the story and it’s characters, drew me in. A lovely tale of good vs. evil and the emergence of strong faith and will overcoming big odds.
I fast-skimmed through the first several chapters of an inept British Catholic priest who moves to Florida to serve at a small town church.
However, as I got into the book, the story and it’s characters, drew me in. A lovely tale of good vs. evil and the emergence of strong faith and will overcoming big odds.
July 24, 2017
Reviewed at Online Book Club. I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
July 28, 2017
Enjoyable
Great read! I giggled and really enjoyed the story line. Father Frank is a lovable character and the author was so creative with the match up of scripture.
Great read! I giggled and really enjoyed the story line. Father Frank is a lovable character and the author was so creative with the match up of scripture.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews