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Two Over Easy All Day Long
When the president of a toy company, guilty of a tragic negligence, is sentenced to a year of minimum-wage work in an Oregon diner, he loses his familiar Manhattan privileges. But Giles Gibson, now "Tony," gradually learns to appreciate the tangles and complexities of "ordinary" lives, and those who somehow manage to keep on going with compassion and wit. The diner's (secretly kindhearted) boss has other secrets too, as does the curmudgeonly cook. (He'd gone AWOL from Vietnam half a century earlier.) Much of the novel is set in Sunnyside Up, the diner where staff and customers mingle. There's a drug ring just outside town, headed by the ex-sheriff, a lavender farm whose workers tend to be undocumented, a gay couple who aren't quite in or out of the closet.... Each character is an individual, created uniquely by Shari Lane's colors, textures, language, subtle symbols, and deep sense of balance.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
7275 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 10, 2024
I had absolutely no idea what to expect with this one, but I feel so incredibly happy to have experienced it. What a ride! Two Over Easy is a story of finding meaning in the little things. It’s a story of responsibility, redemption, and resilience. Of friendship and hope. In fact, there is so much packed into this story that it’s pretty hard to define in a single sentence, and for that reason, I fell in love with it. These characters are so full of life and personality that you’ll find it hard not to consider them friends afterwards; you’ll be welcomed into their community with open arms.
The author’s writing style was beautiful, fun and consistently engaging. It felt such a joy joining these characters in so many unexpected scenarios. The mix of genres really worked well, and I found myself laughing one minute and tearing up the next. A really powerful journey of growth and acceptance, with a few laughs thrown in. It really is a hidden gem!
The author’s writing style was beautiful, fun and consistently engaging. It felt such a joy joining these characters in so many unexpected scenarios. The mix of genres really worked well, and I found myself laughing one minute and tearing up the next. A really powerful journey of growth and acceptance, with a few laughs thrown in. It really is a hidden gem!
September 12, 2024
The characters have a special way of finding a way in to your heart. It’s as if the characters help to shine light on the vulnerabilities we all attempt to hide. But this book from Shari Lane and the characters she developed help Tony and simultaneously the reader step over their own shadow.
May 28, 2024
Two Over Easy All Day Long, by Shari Lane, is a compelling fiction story that follows the journey of Giles Anthony Gibson, the president of ABC (America’s Best Company) Toys in New York City. Inheriting the business from his father, Tony's life takes a dramatic turn when a child tragically chokes on one of ABC’s toys, leading to Tony being sentenced to a year of community service in the small town of Motte and Bailey, Oregon. There, he is forced to work a minimum wage job at the Sunnyside Up diner as part of his reparation for negligence. As Tony grapples with his new reality, his journey takes an unexpected twist when a dead body is discovered in the diner's dumpster, thrusting him into an unforeseen and harrowing situation.
The narrative captivates with its richly drawn characters who work at the Sunnyside Up diner. The diverse and colorful cast of employees forms a tight-knit community, providing mutual support and camaraderie through various challenges. The long-time employees' warm acceptance of newcomers, including Tony, adds depth to the story, highlighting the power of community and belonging. Each character's backstory and path to the diner are thoughtfully explored, enriching the overall narrative. Tony's character arc is particularly engaging. Initially portrayed as passive and directionless, his experiences in Motte and Bailey gradually transform him. He stumbles through numerous missteps but ultimately learns valuable lessons about himself and others from different walks of life. This personal growth is a testament to the profound impact of his time in Oregon, offering him a renewed perspective that extends beyond his year of service.
While the book predominantly employs third-person past tense from Tony’s viewpoint, several sections intriguingly switch to third-person present tense, each titled with egg names rather than traditional chapter numbers. This narrative choice, though unconventional, adds a unique flavor to the storytelling, although its purpose may not be immediately clear to all readers.
One intriguing aspect of the plot is Tony's unexpected decision to become involved in a cover-up rather than reporting a crucial discovery. This surprising twist adds complexity to his character, presenting a challenging scenario that pushes him to confront his moral boundaries. While this action diverges from the straightforward path of redemption, it introduces a layer of tension and growth, ultimately enriching his journey and highlighting the nuances of his transformation.
Two Over Easy All Day Long is a thought-provoking and heartwarming read that explores themes of accountability, personal growth, and the power of community. Shari Lane's storytelling offers a vivid and engaging experience, despite a few narrative choices that may not resonate with every reader.
The narrative captivates with its richly drawn characters who work at the Sunnyside Up diner. The diverse and colorful cast of employees forms a tight-knit community, providing mutual support and camaraderie through various challenges. The long-time employees' warm acceptance of newcomers, including Tony, adds depth to the story, highlighting the power of community and belonging. Each character's backstory and path to the diner are thoughtfully explored, enriching the overall narrative. Tony's character arc is particularly engaging. Initially portrayed as passive and directionless, his experiences in Motte and Bailey gradually transform him. He stumbles through numerous missteps but ultimately learns valuable lessons about himself and others from different walks of life. This personal growth is a testament to the profound impact of his time in Oregon, offering him a renewed perspective that extends beyond his year of service.
While the book predominantly employs third-person past tense from Tony’s viewpoint, several sections intriguingly switch to third-person present tense, each titled with egg names rather than traditional chapter numbers. This narrative choice, though unconventional, adds a unique flavor to the storytelling, although its purpose may not be immediately clear to all readers.
One intriguing aspect of the plot is Tony's unexpected decision to become involved in a cover-up rather than reporting a crucial discovery. This surprising twist adds complexity to his character, presenting a challenging scenario that pushes him to confront his moral boundaries. While this action diverges from the straightforward path of redemption, it introduces a layer of tension and growth, ultimately enriching his journey and highlighting the nuances of his transformation.
Two Over Easy All Day Long is a thought-provoking and heartwarming read that explores themes of accountability, personal growth, and the power of community. Shari Lane's storytelling offers a vivid and engaging experience, despite a few narrative choices that may not resonate with every reader.
April 1, 2025
Nice book - loved the characters and the writing. The title is dumb and doesn't really match the book that well besides it takes place largely in a cafe. But other than that, I really liked it. I'm surprised it doesn't have more reviews
December 30, 2024
Shari Lane’s "Two Over Easy All Day Long" is a well-crafted and engaging story. Her writing captures the transition from Giles to Tony, from the well heeled life of NYC 1%-ers to the small town life of rural Oregon with vivid detail. The characters are well-developed and relatable each with unique quirks that bring them to life.
Lane skillfully blends humor and heart and murder mystery, creating a satisfying redemption arc. The mystery element adds an intriguing twist, but the real strength lies in the exploration of what it takes to live a meaningful life. "Two Over Easy All Day Long" is a thoughtful, enjoyable read that highlights Shari Lane’s talent for storytelling.
Lane skillfully blends humor and heart and murder mystery, creating a satisfying redemption arc. The mystery element adds an intriguing twist, but the real strength lies in the exploration of what it takes to live a meaningful life. "Two Over Easy All Day Long" is a thoughtful, enjoyable read that highlights Shari Lane’s talent for storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews