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The Great Gimmelmans
Middle child Aaron Gimmelman watches as his family goes from a mild-mannered reform Jewish clan to having over a million dollars of stolen money stuffed in their RV’s cabinets while being pursued by the FBI and loan sharks. But it wasn’t always like that. His father Barry made a killing as a stockbroker, his mother Judith loved her collection of expensive hats, his older sister Steph was obsessed with pop stars, and little sister Jenny loved her stuffed possum, Seymour.
After losing all their money in the Crash of 1987, the family starts stealing from convenience stores, but when they hit a bank, they realize the talent they possess. The money starts rolling in and brings the family closer together, whereas back at home, no one had any time for bonding due to their busy schedules. But Barry’s desire for more, more, more will take its toll on the Gimmelmans, and Aaron is forced into an impossible turn against his father, or let his family fall apart.
From Jersey, down to an Orthodox Jewish community in Florida where they hide out, and up to California, The Great Gimmelmans goes on a madcap ride through the 1980s. Filled with greed and love and the meaning of religion and tradition until the walls of the RV and the feds start closing in on the family, this thrilling literary tale mixes Michael Chabon and the Coen Brothers with equal parts humor and pathos.
BUCKLE UP!
After losing all their money in the Crash of 1987, the family starts stealing from convenience stores, but when they hit a bank, they realize the talent they possess. The money starts rolling in and brings the family closer together, whereas back at home, no one had any time for bonding due to their busy schedules. But Barry’s desire for more, more, more will take its toll on the Gimmelmans, and Aaron is forced into an impossible turn against his father, or let his family fall apart.
From Jersey, down to an Orthodox Jewish community in Florida where they hide out, and up to California, The Great Gimmelmans goes on a madcap ride through the 1980s. Filled with greed and love and the meaning of religion and tradition until the walls of the RV and the feds start closing in on the family, this thrilling literary tale mixes Michael Chabon and the Coen Brothers with equal parts humor and pathos.
BUCKLE UP!
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
32 people are currently reading
3963 people want to read
About the author
Lee Matthew Goldberg
29 books1,453 followersLee Matthew Goldberg is the author of fourteen novels including THE ANCESTOR and THE MENTOR along with his five-book DESIRE CARD series. His YA series RUNAWAY TRAIN is currently in script development with actress Raegan Revord from TVs Young Sheldon off his original written pilot. The GREAT GIMMELMANS comes out in 2023. He has been published in multiple languages and nominated for an Anthony Award, the Lefty, and the Prix du Polar. After graduating with an MFA from the New School, his writing has also appeared as a contributor in Pipeline Artists, LitHub, The Los Angeles Review of Books, Electric Literature, The Millions, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, LitReactor, Mystery Tribune, The Big Idea, Monkeybicycle, Fiction Writers Review, Cagibi, Necessary Fiction, Hypertext, If My Book, Past Ten, the anthology Dirty Boulevard, The Montreal Review, The Adirondack Review, The New Plains Review, Maudlin House and others. His pilots and screenplays have been finalists in Script Pipeline, Book Pipeline, Stage 32, We Screenplay, the New York Screenplay, Screencraft, and the Hollywood Screenplay contests. He is the co-curator of The Guerrilla Lit Reading Series and lives in New York City. Follow him at LeeMatthewGoldberg.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
August 6, 2023
Awesomeness. I picked up The Great Gimmelmans on NetGalley Out of the Blue with no idea what to expect, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. Only in my Dreams could I have imagined that this book would be such a rip-rollicking yet heartfelt ride. The writing was top-notch and Red Hot, and I tremendously enjoyed following along with Aaron as he experienced the ups and downs of his Electric Youth with his insane family.
And, okay, yeah, I'm absolutely terrible at this so I'll stop with the Debbie Gibson references now. It was just a Foolish Beat of my heart that made me want to do such a thing to begin with. I knew it was corny from the start, but maybe someone will find it amusing because, hey, Anything is Possible.
Okay, okay, fine. I'm for real finished now, I swear.
Ahem.
So, yeah, I adored The Great Gimmelmans. It was a fun and wild ride that far exceeded my expectations. It's hilarious and poignant and sad and uplifting and frustrating and fabulous all at the same time. The writing is fantastic and the characters are over-the-top and yet somehow still realistic and relatable. As a child of the 80s, I loved the musical references, especially the Debbie Gibson songs (because – let's all just be honest with ourselves here – her music was far superior to Tiffany's). Also, as someone who grew up with narcissistic, dysfunctional parents (although admittedly not ones who robbed banks), I felt for the Gimmelman children and found myself rooting for them all ... even the psychopath, surprisingly.
And I suppose that's all I really have to say for this review, because we all know that Silence Speaks louder than words. (Sorry, I just couldn't help myself.) Definitely read this book if you haven't already.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Level Best Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review!
And, okay, yeah, I'm absolutely terrible at this so I'll stop with the Debbie Gibson references now. It was just a Foolish Beat of my heart that made me want to do such a thing to begin with. I knew it was corny from the start, but maybe someone will find it amusing because, hey, Anything is Possible.
Okay, okay, fine. I'm for real finished now, I swear.
Ahem.
So, yeah, I adored The Great Gimmelmans. It was a fun and wild ride that far exceeded my expectations. It's hilarious and poignant and sad and uplifting and frustrating and fabulous all at the same time. The writing is fantastic and the characters are over-the-top and yet somehow still realistic and relatable. As a child of the 80s, I loved the musical references, especially the Debbie Gibson songs (because – let's all just be honest with ourselves here – her music was far superior to Tiffany's). Also, as someone who grew up with narcissistic, dysfunctional parents (although admittedly not ones who robbed banks), I felt for the Gimmelman children and found myself rooting for them all ... even the psychopath, surprisingly.
And I suppose that's all I really have to say for this review, because we all know that Silence Speaks louder than words. (Sorry, I just couldn't help myself.) Definitely read this book if you haven't already.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Level Best Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review!
September 12, 2023
Watch my video review by clicking here:
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https://linktw.in/knVG7B
November 3, 2023
How do you decide on your next book to read? Being a book blogger and reviewer, I regularly receive offers from authors and publishers, presenting me with a never-ending stream of new titles. The reality is that there are far more books available than I could ever hope to read. In these situations, I often turn to the recommendations of fellow readers and reviewers to help me discover noteworthy titles. This was precisely how I stumbled upon Lee Matthew Goldberg's latest work, The Great Gimmelmans.
It all began when he shared information about his new book on the platform formerly known as Twitter. A mutual friend of ours, the talented novelist Russell Ricard (whose wonderful book The Truth About Goodbye you should definitely read if you haven't already), spoke highly of Goldberg's writing and encouraged me to explore it for myself. Generously, Goldberg provided me with a copy of the book, and I enthusiastically delved into its pages.
"There's no escaping us, Aaron. You'll always be a Gimmelman."
The book commences with Aaron Gimmelman embarking on a road trip alongside his son, Roark. It becomes evident that Aaron has been largely absent from his son's life, resulting in Roark's behavioral issues. With countless hours of travel before them, Aaron seizes the opportunity to bridge the gap between them by sharing his life story with his son. He chooses to play the audiobook of his memoir, a narrative recounting his turbulent and crime-ridden childhood. As he presses the play button, the reader is also drawn into this narrative.
In 1987, a stock market crash upends the life of young Aaron Gimmelman. His father, Barry, a stockbroker, loses everything in the crash, leaving the family with no savings and on the brink of homelessness. With only their clothes and an RV to their name, the Gimmelman family, consisting of parents Barry and Judith, along with their children Steph, Aaron, and Jenny, embarks on a cross-country journey to Florida in search of a fresh start. Along the way, Aaron begins to grasp the extent of his parents' financial struggles and the sacrifices they've made. Driven by the desire to alleviate their hardships, he resorts to petty theft from a convenience store, unknowingly setting into motion a chain of criminal activities that will forever change their lives.
"Someone is only truly dead where there is no one left to remember them."
In The Great Gimmelmans, Lee Matthew Goldberg has skillfully crafted a novel that seamlessly blends entertainment with emotional depth. This book is a captivating amalgamation of various genres, encompassing elements of a coming-of-age narrative, dark humor, and an enthralling heist story. While the fast-paced plot initially drew me in, it was the well-developed characters that held my attention throughout. Goldberg adeptly intertwines the excitement of a page-turning thriller with thought-provoking musings on parenthood, religion, and the weight of guilt. Each of these resonates powerfully within the narrative.
The characters in the story are multifaceted, each grappling with their own imperfections, grounding them in a relatable reality while participating in the larger-than-life events of the plot. Goldberg presents the story as a book within a book, a creative choice culminating in a poignant and multi-layered ending. The Great Gimmelmans is an exceptional novel that deserves a spot on every reader's must-read list. If, like me, you often choose your next read based on recommendations from fellow readers, consider this my enthusiastic endorsement for this remarkable book.
It all began when he shared information about his new book on the platform formerly known as Twitter. A mutual friend of ours, the talented novelist Russell Ricard (whose wonderful book The Truth About Goodbye you should definitely read if you haven't already), spoke highly of Goldberg's writing and encouraged me to explore it for myself. Generously, Goldberg provided me with a copy of the book, and I enthusiastically delved into its pages.
"There's no escaping us, Aaron. You'll always be a Gimmelman."
The book commences with Aaron Gimmelman embarking on a road trip alongside his son, Roark. It becomes evident that Aaron has been largely absent from his son's life, resulting in Roark's behavioral issues. With countless hours of travel before them, Aaron seizes the opportunity to bridge the gap between them by sharing his life story with his son. He chooses to play the audiobook of his memoir, a narrative recounting his turbulent and crime-ridden childhood. As he presses the play button, the reader is also drawn into this narrative.
In 1987, a stock market crash upends the life of young Aaron Gimmelman. His father, Barry, a stockbroker, loses everything in the crash, leaving the family with no savings and on the brink of homelessness. With only their clothes and an RV to their name, the Gimmelman family, consisting of parents Barry and Judith, along with their children Steph, Aaron, and Jenny, embarks on a cross-country journey to Florida in search of a fresh start. Along the way, Aaron begins to grasp the extent of his parents' financial struggles and the sacrifices they've made. Driven by the desire to alleviate their hardships, he resorts to petty theft from a convenience store, unknowingly setting into motion a chain of criminal activities that will forever change their lives.
"Someone is only truly dead where there is no one left to remember them."
In The Great Gimmelmans, Lee Matthew Goldberg has skillfully crafted a novel that seamlessly blends entertainment with emotional depth. This book is a captivating amalgamation of various genres, encompassing elements of a coming-of-age narrative, dark humor, and an enthralling heist story. While the fast-paced plot initially drew me in, it was the well-developed characters that held my attention throughout. Goldberg adeptly intertwines the excitement of a page-turning thriller with thought-provoking musings on parenthood, religion, and the weight of guilt. Each of these resonates powerfully within the narrative.
The characters in the story are multifaceted, each grappling with their own imperfections, grounding them in a relatable reality while participating in the larger-than-life events of the plot. Goldberg presents the story as a book within a book, a creative choice culminating in a poignant and multi-layered ending. The Great Gimmelmans is an exceptional novel that deserves a spot on every reader's must-read list. If, like me, you often choose your next read based on recommendations from fellow readers, consider this my enthusiastic endorsement for this remarkable book.
November 14, 2023
This is the first book of Lee Matthew Goldberg I have read.
I was captivated from the beginning of this story and carried along to the very end.
Told from the 12 year old sons’ point of view, the story brings to life, a 12 year old’s self awareness as he journeys through the almost accidental to an international life of family crime. The story is well written, stark and raw, to the point of making you identity with every character and feel a whole range of emotions from understanding right through to judgement, with the end though expected, being at the same time, unexpected. This book provides ‘edge of the seat’ and ‘nail biting’ entertainment.
I would recommend this book to anyone and will most definitely be reading the rest of this authors books.
I was captivated from the beginning of this story and carried along to the very end.
Told from the 12 year old sons’ point of view, the story brings to life, a 12 year old’s self awareness as he journeys through the almost accidental to an international life of family crime. The story is well written, stark and raw, to the point of making you identity with every character and feel a whole range of emotions from understanding right through to judgement, with the end though expected, being at the same time, unexpected. This book provides ‘edge of the seat’ and ‘nail biting’ entertainment.
I would recommend this book to anyone and will most definitely be reading the rest of this authors books.
October 10, 2023
TW: drug-use (cocaine, marijuana - both adults and children), death of a child, violence
I've read some of this author's previous books and always enjoyed them, so I was thrilled when the publisher reached out to offer a review copy. This one immediately broke an almost year-long reading slump; every time I attempted to take a break from reading, I'd end up picking it back up not even five minutes later!
Lee Matthew Goldberg is a brilliant storyteller, and I absolutely love every character he's brought to life - especially in this book. The Gimmelman family is a chaotic mess; the book truly never got boring for even a second! The character development is fantastic as well. I loved being able to watch the family descend into madness and eventually grow into better people.
This book definitely isn't going to be something everybody will enjoy as there's a lot of terrible things going on throughout almost the entire thing (I've listen as many triggers as I can think of above!) It is absolutely work reading, however! It takes place in the 80s, so there's a lot of fun references as well that I loved.
I highly recommend this one, but I do suggest being careful going into it if any of the triggers could possibly bother you.
I received a gifted copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I've read some of this author's previous books and always enjoyed them, so I was thrilled when the publisher reached out to offer a review copy. This one immediately broke an almost year-long reading slump; every time I attempted to take a break from reading, I'd end up picking it back up not even five minutes later!
Lee Matthew Goldberg is a brilliant storyteller, and I absolutely love every character he's brought to life - especially in this book. The Gimmelman family is a chaotic mess; the book truly never got boring for even a second! The character development is fantastic as well. I loved being able to watch the family descend into madness and eventually grow into better people.
This book definitely isn't going to be something everybody will enjoy as there's a lot of terrible things going on throughout almost the entire thing (I've listen as many triggers as I can think of above!) It is absolutely work reading, however! It takes place in the 80s, so there's a lot of fun references as well that I loved.
I highly recommend this one, but I do suggest being careful going into it if any of the triggers could possibly bother you.
I received a gifted copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2023
This was a wild, and incredibly emotional ride. The 80's music nostalgia was fantastic, and provided some levity to the more intense emotional roller coaster this took me on.
Told through the POV of Aaron Gimmelman, whose father Barry Gimmelman is a stock broker. Set in the 80's, due to the crash, the Gimmelmans lose everything but their gas-guzzling RV. The Gimmelmans, including the mother Judy, and two sisters Steph and Jenny, all pile into their RV, and set off from New Jersey to Florida, to stay with Judy's mother, until they can figure out their next move. However, along the way, they decide they want to gain back their lost funds by becoming bank robbers.
Everything that follows is continuous emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, and I cried. I might have yelled at every main character at one time or another. The character growth for each character was perfect and very well written!
This was my first ever arc. Or at least it's the first time I've been outreached by an author directly to read and review a book, and I was actually nervous about it. But this book was just a lot of fun and thought provoking. I would definitely recommend!
Told through the POV of Aaron Gimmelman, whose father Barry Gimmelman is a stock broker. Set in the 80's, due to the crash, the Gimmelmans lose everything but their gas-guzzling RV. The Gimmelmans, including the mother Judy, and two sisters Steph and Jenny, all pile into their RV, and set off from New Jersey to Florida, to stay with Judy's mother, until they can figure out their next move. However, along the way, they decide they want to gain back their lost funds by becoming bank robbers.
Everything that follows is continuous emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, and I cried. I might have yelled at every main character at one time or another. The character growth for each character was perfect and very well written!
This was my first ever arc. Or at least it's the first time I've been outreached by an author directly to read and review a book, and I was actually nervous about it. But this book was just a lot of fun and thought provoking. I would definitely recommend!
October 4, 2023
If Lee Matthew Goldberg hadn’t reached out to send an ARC of this book for me to read, I’m not sure it would’ve been on my radar—and if it hadn’t been, I would have missed out on so much. “The Great Gimmelmans” is a masterpiece. It’s a dark, punchy, and spitfire story of family, greed, and growing up in a world where even the youngest of characters have done more growing up and self-reflection than the adults who are meant to protect them. Goldberg takes readers on a journey of shattered innocence in this unconventional coming of age tale, which balances challenging topics like violent crime, faulty family dynamics, and emotional maturation in an artful way unlike any I have seen in recent titles. If you’re even somewhat on the fence about reading this, please read it. You won’t regret it. Bravo.
November 4, 2023
I was looking for a change of pace when I picked up The Great Gimmelmans, and WOW, I wasn't disappointed. When a man loses everything, he takes his wife and children on a ride to ruination by turning family values on its head.
This story is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of family dynamics. Each family member, driven by their unique desires, grapples with seeking power, attention, forgiveness, closure, and validation.
Goldberg's masterful storytelling took me on an emotional rollercoaster. The characters are complex and well-developed, and the ending is fitting for the crazy life events experienced by the main character. In addition, the 80s nostalgia is a big plus for someone who lived it.
For readers who appreciate a captivating mix of suspense, heartfelt storytelling, and a bit of dark humor, The Great Gimmelmans is a must-read.
This story is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of family dynamics. Each family member, driven by their unique desires, grapples with seeking power, attention, forgiveness, closure, and validation.
Goldberg's masterful storytelling took me on an emotional rollercoaster. The characters are complex and well-developed, and the ending is fitting for the crazy life events experienced by the main character. In addition, the 80s nostalgia is a big plus for someone who lived it.
For readers who appreciate a captivating mix of suspense, heartfelt storytelling, and a bit of dark humor, The Great Gimmelmans is a must-read.
November 11, 2023
I was excited when messaged and offered the chance to read and review The Great Gimmelmans. This was a heartfelt read for me. Along the way I felt the protagonist’s turmoil as he grew up and continually struggled with the question: Who is Aaron Gimmelman exactly?
This novel really makes you think about what it means to be a family.
Over time each of the Gimmelmans seek forgiveness, closure, and validation in different ways. Their religion, or in some cases lack thereof, defines how they cope with the world and the consequences of their actions. This is a great book for anyone wanting to reminisce about the late 80’s and enjoy the suspense of whether the next big heist will go as planned.
This novel really makes you think about what it means to be a family.
Over time each of the Gimmelmans seek forgiveness, closure, and validation in different ways. Their religion, or in some cases lack thereof, defines how they cope with the world and the consequences of their actions. This is a great book for anyone wanting to reminisce about the late 80’s and enjoy the suspense of whether the next big heist will go as planned.
September 13, 2023
ARC Review: Every once in a while, I’ll get the question, “If you could read a book again, for the first time, what book would you choose?” I have several on my list. But after reading this book, I have a new one to add to the list.
Wow!! I loved this book so much! It caught my attention from the very beginning and held it until I finished. I became so invested in the Gimmelman family. Especially the children. Seymour and Johnny Cash both had a special place in my heart. Before I was even close to finishing, I was already recommending the book to others and told them to look out for the book release in November.
I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to read this ARC. Thank you!
Wow!! I loved this book so much! It caught my attention from the very beginning and held it until I finished. I became so invested in the Gimmelman family. Especially the children. Seymour and Johnny Cash both had a special place in my heart. Before I was even close to finishing, I was already recommending the book to others and told them to look out for the book release in November.
I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to read this ARC. Thank you!
September 18, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! Thank you to Lee Matthew Goldberg for sending me this ebook! It’s not something that I’d usually pick up but the action packed suspense kept me hooked!
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the whole Gimmelman family slowly unwind during the plot and I often forgot I was reading as I ended up fully immersed. The witty narration from the main character was excellent and Jenny was such an odd character but she ended up a favourite.
Happily give this book five stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the whole Gimmelman family slowly unwind during the plot and I often forgot I was reading as I ended up fully immersed. The witty narration from the main character was excellent and Jenny was such an odd character but she ended up a favourite.
Happily give this book five stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 14, 2023
This is not normally the type of book that I read but I am so thankful to the author for providing me with the e-book.
This book was amazingly written and had my emotions on a wild ride along with the Gimmelman’s family. The 80s nostalgia really made this witty, action packed and suspenseful read so much fun. These characters will keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow them through the twists and turns, dealing with life happenings. The narrator was a bonus for me as they reminded me of my son, a 12 year old spitfire.
I cant wait to get my hands on more from this author!!
This book was amazingly written and had my emotions on a wild ride along with the Gimmelman’s family. The 80s nostalgia really made this witty, action packed and suspenseful read so much fun. These characters will keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow them through the twists and turns, dealing with life happenings. The narrator was a bonus for me as they reminded me of my son, a 12 year old spitfire.
I cant wait to get my hands on more from this author!!
September 18, 2023
This was my first book by this author. I really loved it. It definitely was a wild ride. The writing is great. The way the story was told kept me interested. And I feel like I have mention how much I appreciated it because I am an 80’s baby. The characters were wild but I still found them to feel real. I always love it when I find an author new to me. I will definitely read more by this author and I would recommend to anyone!!
September 20, 2023
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Make sure to check out the full review
Make sure to check out the full review
November 14, 2023
Another fantastic novel my Lee Matthew Goldberg. The suspense, emotion and again the music references were incredible throughout. A book full of hardship on a family
unit, the struggles of parental decisions that can change the life of their entire family, causing death and destruction in its path. Forgiveness, love and growth evident throughout. Couldn’t put it down and again, would happily read more by this author in the future.
unit, the struggles of parental decisions that can change the life of their entire family, causing death and destruction in its path. Forgiveness, love and growth evident throughout. Couldn’t put it down and again, would happily read more by this author in the future.
October 16, 2023
Although not my usual style of book that I’d gravitate to, I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. The whole story of the gimmelmans is fast paced and enticing, full of greed and an insight into religion. The author has described every detail perfectly allowing the reader to be part of the book.
I would’ve loved to had more of an “after story” of Heidi and her grandfather but overall with Jenny being one of my favourite characters I highly recommend this book
I would’ve loved to had more of an “after story” of Heidi and her grandfather but overall with Jenny being one of my favourite characters I highly recommend this book
July 30, 2023
This book was my first advanced review read on Netgalley…and what a great first!
What I loved most about this book is it predominantly takes place during the late 80’s and the author makes sooooo many fun references to this decade. My urge to make a playlist of all the 80’s songs mentioned in this book is strong!
This family drama is a great mix of humor, suspense and thrills!
What I loved most about this book is it predominantly takes place during the late 80’s and the author makes sooooo many fun references to this decade. My urge to make a playlist of all the 80’s songs mentioned in this book is strong!
This family drama is a great mix of humor, suspense and thrills!
August 20, 2023
I liked this book. It's presented as an audiobook of the narrator's experience as a child. It shows some growth in the narrator as he goes through these experiences but he's 12 so it's okay that he doesn't grow up a lot. It's interesting reading his parents reaction. All in all, an interesting but slightly different book with sad things happening throughout.
September 5, 2023
This book was a crazy ride. From the very first pages, I was hooked into the story of the Gimmelman Family. Aaron is the perfect narrator - smart, mouthy, and surprisingly aware for a 12-year-old. What I loved most about this narrative was the lack of pages questioning the morality and ethics of what this family does. An engaging page-tuner. Thank you, Net Galley for the advance copy.
September 10, 2023
I wouldn’t normally choose a book like this for myself. But I enjoyed reading it. The character all set out well. I could feel myself getting emotional in certain parts. I was on the edge of my seats with some parts. Few twists and turns. All out great book. So glad I got the opportunity to ACR read this book.
October 4, 2023
Great read, had such fun while reading this book. The characters in The Great Gimmelmans will make you fall in love with them, and they will make you giggle all throughout the book. The book reminds me of the roadtrip movies, and it's so fast-paced, that you'll forget about time how good it must be reading it.
My recommendations!
My recommendations!
August 7, 2023
This story is the Woodstock obsessed love child of Bob's Burgers and Bonny and Clyde. Excellent, complex characters dealing with the recession of the early eighties, crime and drug abuse with a through thread of Jewish faith and Orthodoxy.
September 11, 2023
The prologue really got me♥️, I don't know but for me it was magical, that's what I felt. It was a roller coaster ride of feelings and emotions and I think I cried a lot at the end of the book.
I am really into it. 😆😊♥️
I am really into it. 😆😊♥️
August 30, 2023
Wow this book was awesome. It took you on a crazy ride! One minute I was laughing, the next I was nervous for what would happen, then I was mad at the characters, and then I was crying. I love all the 80’s song references, that was really cool! Overall I really really enjoyed reading this!
December 13, 2023
TITLE: THE GREAT GIMMELMANS
AUTHOR: Lee Matthew Goldberg
PUB DATE: 11.14.2023 Now Available
After losing all their money in the Crash of 1987, the family starts stealing from convenience stores, but when they hit a bank, they realize the talent they possess. The money starts rolling in and brings the family closer together, whereas back at home, no one had any time for bonding due to their busy schedules. But Barry’s desire for more, more, more will take its toll on the Gimmelmans, and Aaron is forced into an impossible choice: turn against his father, or let his family fall apart.
THOUGHTS:
Wow wow wow! This was an awesome read and Lee Matthew Goldberg has done it again with another incredible release. In The Great Gimmelmans, Goldberg takes an unsuspecting Jewish family who lost everything and turns them into successful bank robbers with their gas guzzling RV. I found this novel and its great cast of characters brilliant and exceeded my expectations. This would certainly make for a great series or a movie - I really enjoyed it a lot.
AUTHOR: Lee Matthew Goldberg
PUB DATE: 11.14.2023 Now Available
After losing all their money in the Crash of 1987, the family starts stealing from convenience stores, but when they hit a bank, they realize the talent they possess. The money starts rolling in and brings the family closer together, whereas back at home, no one had any time for bonding due to their busy schedules. But Barry’s desire for more, more, more will take its toll on the Gimmelmans, and Aaron is forced into an impossible choice: turn against his father, or let his family fall apart.
THOUGHTS:
Wow wow wow! This was an awesome read and Lee Matthew Goldberg has done it again with another incredible release. In The Great Gimmelmans, Goldberg takes an unsuspecting Jewish family who lost everything and turns them into successful bank robbers with their gas guzzling RV. I found this novel and its great cast of characters brilliant and exceeded my expectations. This would certainly make for a great series or a movie - I really enjoyed it a lot.
November 17, 2023
The Great Gimmelmans is a wonderful blend of a twisted heist story and a moving tale about family.
I’ve read a number of Lee Matthew Goldberg’s books and enjoyed every one. He takes a wonderfully skewed point of view of a plot and weaves a fascinating story about it.
Aaron is on a long car ride with his troubled son. Aaron had written a book about his own troubled youth and played the audiobook to share his own childhood problems.
Flashbacks take readers to the Gimmelman family’s financial devastation in the 1987 stock crash. The family - Dad Barry, Mom Judy, 16 year old Steph, 12 year old Aaron, and youngest child Jenny. After Aaron steals from a convenience store, Barry starts stealing. He keeps adding family members to his scheme and planning bigger heists, ultimately including the entire family in bank robberies.
Goldberg uses this odd premise to weave a compelling tale. He explores the complex relationships between children and parents, showing how deeply children of all ages seek parental approval. His characters get pushed to extremes in the guise of family, with each reaching their own point where family loyalty is replaced with accepting responsibility for their actions.
The Great Gimmelmans is an enjoyable and thought-provoking book that I heartily recommend.
Thank you to Black Tide Book Tours and Level Best Books for providing me a review copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this view are mine.
I’ve read a number of Lee Matthew Goldberg’s books and enjoyed every one. He takes a wonderfully skewed point of view of a plot and weaves a fascinating story about it.
Aaron is on a long car ride with his troubled son. Aaron had written a book about his own troubled youth and played the audiobook to share his own childhood problems.
Flashbacks take readers to the Gimmelman family’s financial devastation in the 1987 stock crash. The family - Dad Barry, Mom Judy, 16 year old Steph, 12 year old Aaron, and youngest child Jenny. After Aaron steals from a convenience store, Barry starts stealing. He keeps adding family members to his scheme and planning bigger heists, ultimately including the entire family in bank robberies.
Goldberg uses this odd premise to weave a compelling tale. He explores the complex relationships between children and parents, showing how deeply children of all ages seek parental approval. His characters get pushed to extremes in the guise of family, with each reaching their own point where family loyalty is replaced with accepting responsibility for their actions.
The Great Gimmelmans is an enjoyable and thought-provoking book that I heartily recommend.
Thank you to Black Tide Book Tours and Level Best Books for providing me a review copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this view are mine.
January 13, 2024
This book was so well written! Narrated by Aaron, the middle child of the Gimmelmans, the most messed up dysfunctional parents ever! Tough to read in spots, but it was a story of how badly things can go when people think they are desperate and there is no where else to turn. Stupid decisions are made and high prices are paid for those decisions. Things kept spiraling and the children were forced to be the adults when they finally spiraled out of control.
November 13, 2023
The cover of this book caught my eye and the plot sounded interesting; I'm not sure it's what I expected (what did I expect?) but it turned out to be a riveting read. Aaron Gimmelman is 12 years old when his family loses all their money and has virtually everything they own repossessed after the stock market Crash of 1987. Homeless, his family of 5 head off in the RV they got to keep, heading for Aaron's maternal grandmother's place in Florida. On the way, Aaron robs a convenience store to help the family finances, starting the family down a slippery slope that ends with the parents and children holding up banks, an 80's family version of Bonnie & Clyde. The characters are complex, interesting and flawed, the plot is action-packed, and the exploration of family, guilt and forgiveness is thought-provoking.
December 28, 2023
Thank you @henryroipr for the gifted copy to read and review. I wasn’t expecting anything but simply thrilled to be offered a Lee Matthew Goldberg’s e-arc and thought what could I possibly lose.
Well, I guess I was lucky enough to have been offered because this historical fiction with dark humor is absolutely one hell of a story. Just imagine watching Al Pacino’s Dog Day Afternoon Movie and more. This book goes back to 1980s with plenty of musical references of Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Duran Duran etc., the iconic stores and places, the stock market crash of 1987, Reaganism, turnkey parenting, rampant drugs, S&L banks and most of all the sudden interfacing of religion. I love how the author manages to use all the above mentioned topics that started from Tenafly NJ all the way to CA with some subtle hints of then and recent political parallelism spun to another dimension of storytelling. It is ingenious! It is definitely a very entertaining book that keeps me going through. I kept thinking oh my goodness, I remember watching some of these incidents on the news when I was younger during the 6 o’clock news or even going gaga over Debbie Gibson or Tiffany’s songs just like the current Taylor Swift’s songs nowadays. I think everyone should at least have the opportunity to read this book and be able to see the same difference of then and now and also be fully entertained with the way the story goes about the situational aspect in which the world has evolved.
Well, I guess I was lucky enough to have been offered because this historical fiction with dark humor is absolutely one hell of a story. Just imagine watching Al Pacino’s Dog Day Afternoon Movie and more. This book goes back to 1980s with plenty of musical references of Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Duran Duran etc., the iconic stores and places, the stock market crash of 1987, Reaganism, turnkey parenting, rampant drugs, S&L banks and most of all the sudden interfacing of religion. I love how the author manages to use all the above mentioned topics that started from Tenafly NJ all the way to CA with some subtle hints of then and recent political parallelism spun to another dimension of storytelling. It is ingenious! It is definitely a very entertaining book that keeps me going through. I kept thinking oh my goodness, I remember watching some of these incidents on the news when I was younger during the 6 o’clock news or even going gaga over Debbie Gibson or Tiffany’s songs just like the current Taylor Swift’s songs nowadays. I think everyone should at least have the opportunity to read this book and be able to see the same difference of then and now and also be fully entertained with the way the story goes about the situational aspect in which the world has evolved.
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