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Louie on the Rocks: A Novel
For fans of Tom Perrotta, Maria Semple, and Elinor Lipman, a dark comedy about family dysfunction fueled by bitter Trump-era politics, vodka, and a reluctant daughter’s guilt.
Set against a backdrop of bitterly partisan Facebook feuds and a Trump flag set aflame in a driveway, Louie on the Rocks follows the disintegration of the Francis family six months after the premature death of their matriarch, Helen. In his wife’s absence, retired MAGA patriarch Louie descends into an alcoholic spiral and his liberal, queer, bookseller daughter Lulu responds, in a clumsy attempt to save her father from himself, by taking him to court to seize control over his finances.
Told by Louie, Lulu, and Helen—who is watching in horror from the great beyond—this is the tale of a trio with very different takes on the messy events of 2019.
Set against a backdrop of bitterly partisan Facebook feuds and a Trump flag set aflame in a driveway, Louie on the Rocks follows the disintegration of the Francis family six months after the premature death of their matriarch, Helen. In his wife’s absence, retired MAGA patriarch Louie descends into an alcoholic spiral and his liberal, queer, bookseller daughter Lulu responds, in a clumsy attempt to save her father from himself, by taking him to court to seize control over his finances.
Told by Louie, Lulu, and Helen—who is watching in horror from the great beyond—this is the tale of a trio with very different takes on the messy events of 2019.
- GenresFiction
304 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2025
4 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Meredith O'Brien
10 books24 followersA former newspaper reporter and investigative journalist, Meredith O'Brien has written four books in a variety of genres.
A Boston area writer, she has two books slated for publication in 2025. Louie on the Rocks is a novel about the impact of Trump era political polarization on a family, and Uncomfortably Numb 2 is a guide for newly-diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients.
She's currently working on a work of creative nonfiction about the making of a Millennial Massachusetts minister.
In 2020, her medical memoir, "Uncomfortably Numb," chronicled the impact her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis has had on her life.
Her book -- "Mr. Clark's Big Band: A Year of Laughter, Tears and Jazz in a Middle School Band Room" -- won an Independent Book Publisher Award (Education category) and was a finalist for a Forewords INDIES Award (Education category). It follows a middle school jazz band from a small Massachusetts town that's led by a charismatic music director whose students are grieving the sudden loss of a band mate.
"Mortified: a novel about oversharing" follows a fictional mommy blogger who suffers the consequences after revealing too much personal information on the internet. It was a finalist for a Foreword Firsts Debut Novel contest.
Her first solo book was "A Suburban Mom: Notes from the Asylum," a collection of humor/parenting columns about raising her boy-girl twins and their younger brother.
A Boston area writer, she has two books slated for publication in 2025. Louie on the Rocks is a novel about the impact of Trump era political polarization on a family, and Uncomfortably Numb 2 is a guide for newly-diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients.
She's currently working on a work of creative nonfiction about the making of a Millennial Massachusetts minister.
In 2020, her medical memoir, "Uncomfortably Numb," chronicled the impact her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis has had on her life.
Her book -- "Mr. Clark's Big Band: A Year of Laughter, Tears and Jazz in a Middle School Band Room" -- won an Independent Book Publisher Award (Education category) and was a finalist for a Forewords INDIES Award (Education category). It follows a middle school jazz band from a small Massachusetts town that's led by a charismatic music director whose students are grieving the sudden loss of a band mate.
"Mortified: a novel about oversharing" follows a fictional mommy blogger who suffers the consequences after revealing too much personal information on the internet. It was a finalist for a Foreword Firsts Debut Novel contest.
Her first solo book was "A Suburban Mom: Notes from the Asylum," a collection of humor/parenting columns about raising her boy-girl twins and their younger brother.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 8, 2025
4+ stars!
Happy Publication Day to Louie on the Rocks!
Heavy, humorous and thought-provoking.
Louie is a grumpy 66-year-old man who lost his wife six months prior. Louie is estranged from his daughter, who gets pulled back into his life after she finds out how Louie is living. Though they have extremely opposing views on politics and most things in life, she aims to get Louie the help and support he needs.
Brilliantly told through multiple perspectives, including Louie’s deceased wife, this story examines a grieving family polarized by politics. It was an eye-opening and insightful exploration of how deeply affecting politics can be within a family unit that doesn’t see eye to eye. Though politics is a main theme within this book, the reader does not need to be an expert in the subject to sympathize with these characters. The brokenness of this family goes well beyond their political differences. It was easy to feel for these characters.
There is a sarcastic, humorous tone throughout this novel which kept the heaviness from overshadowing the story. I enjoyed the authors writing and how she sprinkled in witty prose to offset the darkness. This family dynamic is heart breaking and grief-filled, yet there were many moments I was smiling and laughing.
The chapters are short, making this easy to fly through. There are legal document entries scattered throughout which gives a refreshing break to the narrative. I appreciated all perspectives and felt that the author did an excellent job examining all sides to the topics explored.
Upon reflection, I am surprised with how much I loved this book. This book has a heavy focus on American politics so being Canadian, and not considering myself any sort of political guru, this was outside of my comfort zone yet it worked incredibly well for me. It’s a book I’ll remember reading for a long time. I highly recommend you try it for yourself!
I loved Pumpkin, Louie’s late wife’s dog that is a central part of the story!
⚠️ Be sure to check trigger warnings: alcoholism, addiction, elder abuse, fraud, neglect, among others.
Thank you, Book Sparks, for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
Happy Publication Day to Louie on the Rocks!
Heavy, humorous and thought-provoking.
Louie is a grumpy 66-year-old man who lost his wife six months prior. Louie is estranged from his daughter, who gets pulled back into his life after she finds out how Louie is living. Though they have extremely opposing views on politics and most things in life, she aims to get Louie the help and support he needs.
Brilliantly told through multiple perspectives, including Louie’s deceased wife, this story examines a grieving family polarized by politics. It was an eye-opening and insightful exploration of how deeply affecting politics can be within a family unit that doesn’t see eye to eye. Though politics is a main theme within this book, the reader does not need to be an expert in the subject to sympathize with these characters. The brokenness of this family goes well beyond their political differences. It was easy to feel for these characters.
There is a sarcastic, humorous tone throughout this novel which kept the heaviness from overshadowing the story. I enjoyed the authors writing and how she sprinkled in witty prose to offset the darkness. This family dynamic is heart breaking and grief-filled, yet there were many moments I was smiling and laughing.
The chapters are short, making this easy to fly through. There are legal document entries scattered throughout which gives a refreshing break to the narrative. I appreciated all perspectives and felt that the author did an excellent job examining all sides to the topics explored.
Upon reflection, I am surprised with how much I loved this book. This book has a heavy focus on American politics so being Canadian, and not considering myself any sort of political guru, this was outside of my comfort zone yet it worked incredibly well for me. It’s a book I’ll remember reading for a long time. I highly recommend you try it for yourself!
I loved Pumpkin, Louie’s late wife’s dog that is a central part of the story!
⚠️ Be sure to check trigger warnings: alcoholism, addiction, elder abuse, fraud, neglect, among others.
Thank you, Book Sparks, for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 30, 2024
(3.5/5 ⭐, rounded up)
Gotta start by making it clear I'm 110% a Lulu. If you're a Louie, either stop reading my review or go into it knowing your thoughts would be the inverse. Okay, now we can move on.
This started off strong. Astute, artful and extremely funny in the representation of both partisans. You still can't convince me Meredith O'Brien didn't bug my father in law's house and use direct quotes of his vapid unintelligence. This was done without ever making me so genuinely angry I wanted to stop reading, which is a feat in itself.
The ingenuity of Meredith O'Brien's formatting propels the story forward in a way that reminded me a little of Clean. I was surprised to find that toward the back quarter of the novel, this formatting I'd loved so much was starting to feel too intentional. I started to sense when Meredith was about to pull one over on me. If I had gotten that sense from the start there's a chance I'd have accepted it as a charming component of her satire, but it was only toward the end I felt the disconnect. While I understand the function of a life-changing plot point, the ending felt too abrupt - even for satire. I appreciate this novel most when I step back and look at it from a perspective in the family of "no plot, just vibes". That's not at all to say there isn't a plot, the plot just isn't what will steal the show here.
While reading I couldn't help but wish there was an audiobook format available, using a different narrator for each documents' corresponding author (this will make 0 sense to you if you haven't read yet, but iykyk). This is certainly one of those novels that could only improve with those added layers when done right.
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Meredith O'Brien and SparkPress for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}
Gotta start by making it clear I'm 110% a Lulu. If you're a Louie, either stop reading my review or go into it knowing your thoughts would be the inverse. Okay, now we can move on.
This started off strong. Astute, artful and extremely funny in the representation of both partisans. You still can't convince me Meredith O'Brien didn't bug my father in law's house and use direct quotes of his vapid unintelligence. This was done without ever making me so genuinely angry I wanted to stop reading, which is a feat in itself.
The ingenuity of Meredith O'Brien's formatting propels the story forward in a way that reminded me a little of Clean. I was surprised to find that toward the back quarter of the novel, this formatting I'd loved so much was starting to feel too intentional. I started to sense when Meredith was about to pull one over on me. If I had gotten that sense from the start there's a chance I'd have accepted it as a charming component of her satire, but it was only toward the end I felt the disconnect. While I understand the function of a life-changing plot point, the ending felt too abrupt - even for satire. I appreciate this novel most when I step back and look at it from a perspective in the family of "no plot, just vibes". That's not at all to say there isn't a plot, the plot just isn't what will steal the show here.
While reading I couldn't help but wish there was an audiobook format available, using a different narrator for each documents' corresponding author (this will make 0 sense to you if you haven't read yet, but iykyk). This is certainly one of those novels that could only improve with those added layers when done right.
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Meredith O'Brien and SparkPress for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}
January 20, 2025
I’ve never written a review with a caveat, but here goes.
Our nation is divided like never before. There are Lulus and there are Louies. I am most definitely a Lulu. This review and book will resonate with Lulus. Louies will hate both. That, in and of itself, is disturbing.
LOUIE ON THE ROCKS is a tale of our time; an allegory of current events. It’s a hard lesson wrapped in an often humorous, always engaging piece of fiction. It’s a warning that we should have heeded, but ignored these past four years. It is a sad and sobering reflection of the destructive power of hate. It is where we find ourselves again and I’m both ashamed and frightened.
On its face, this is a story of the damage caused to one family by extreme politics told through three distinct points of view. Louie is MAGA to the core. A FOX News watching, conspiracy theory believer who searched for and found places to have his hate validated. At his core he is an insecure man battling demons of alcoholism and jealousy. Lulu is his estranged left leaning lesbian daughter. Their relationship was never solid and was irrevocably damaged when he refused to accept her sexual orientation and, instead, used hateful slurs to demean and belittle her. Helen is the recently deceased family matriarch who held them together by the thinnest of threads. Now that Helen is gone, all hell has broken loose.
It feels ironic that I finished this book on a day which sees the nation both honoring MLK, JR. and witnessing Trump’s second inauguration. One man stood for the power of love to conquer hate while the other uses vitriol to divide in pursuit of personal gain. The differences could not be more striking. Meredith O’Brien’s brutally honest and bitingly funny work of fiction should be a warning to us all. Sadly, I fear the Louies who learned nothing from history will continue to revel in the chaos.
My only quibble with this book is with the timing of its release. It would have been more powerful if it was available prior to the 2024 election. Then again, facts didn’t seem to sway 77 million voters, so it’s doubtful fiction would have mattered.
Finally, to Ms. O’Brien: “Louie on the Rocks” is a brilliant and twisted play on words. IYKYK
Thank you to the author and BookSparks for the gifted book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Our nation is divided like never before. There are Lulus and there are Louies. I am most definitely a Lulu. This review and book will resonate with Lulus. Louies will hate both. That, in and of itself, is disturbing.
LOUIE ON THE ROCKS is a tale of our time; an allegory of current events. It’s a hard lesson wrapped in an often humorous, always engaging piece of fiction. It’s a warning that we should have heeded, but ignored these past four years. It is a sad and sobering reflection of the destructive power of hate. It is where we find ourselves again and I’m both ashamed and frightened.
On its face, this is a story of the damage caused to one family by extreme politics told through three distinct points of view. Louie is MAGA to the core. A FOX News watching, conspiracy theory believer who searched for and found places to have his hate validated. At his core he is an insecure man battling demons of alcoholism and jealousy. Lulu is his estranged left leaning lesbian daughter. Their relationship was never solid and was irrevocably damaged when he refused to accept her sexual orientation and, instead, used hateful slurs to demean and belittle her. Helen is the recently deceased family matriarch who held them together by the thinnest of threads. Now that Helen is gone, all hell has broken loose.
It feels ironic that I finished this book on a day which sees the nation both honoring MLK, JR. and witnessing Trump’s second inauguration. One man stood for the power of love to conquer hate while the other uses vitriol to divide in pursuit of personal gain. The differences could not be more striking. Meredith O’Brien’s brutally honest and bitingly funny work of fiction should be a warning to us all. Sadly, I fear the Louies who learned nothing from history will continue to revel in the chaos.
My only quibble with this book is with the timing of its release. It would have been more powerful if it was available prior to the 2024 election. Then again, facts didn’t seem to sway 77 million voters, so it’s doubtful fiction would have mattered.
Finally, to Ms. O’Brien: “Louie on the Rocks” is a brilliant and twisted play on words. IYKYK
Thank you to the author and BookSparks for the gifted book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 13, 2025
Reading this book was an experience! In trying to conjure another book like it - I’m left speechless. This book is more like that drunk uncle at a party who plops down next to you and starts telling a story so good you forget anything else is happening around you.
Louie isn’t a hero character, he’s just a dude trying (and often failing) to navigate life. But there’s just something so relatable about his character. His journey is a reminder that growth is messy, mistakes are inevitable, and sometimes, the best wisdom comes from the worst decisions. And a lot of alcohol.
Told over the course of a year - 2019 - the book focuses on a family after the mother dies. Louie and his daughter couldn’t be more different if they tried. Their relationship is complex to say the least.
So many laugh-out-loud or hide-your-face-in-shame moments. This book is of the times and would make for an excellent book club pick! I loved the affidavits, change of view, and the female characters.
Dysfunctional family is an understatement here.
3.5 rounded up
Thanks to BookSparks for the book #WRC2025 #WinterPopUp
Louie isn’t a hero character, he’s just a dude trying (and often failing) to navigate life. But there’s just something so relatable about his character. His journey is a reminder that growth is messy, mistakes are inevitable, and sometimes, the best wisdom comes from the worst decisions. And a lot of alcohol.
Told over the course of a year - 2019 - the book focuses on a family after the mother dies. Louie and his daughter couldn’t be more different if they tried. Their relationship is complex to say the least.
So many laugh-out-loud or hide-your-face-in-shame moments. This book is of the times and would make for an excellent book club pick! I loved the affidavits, change of view, and the female characters.
Dysfunctional family is an understatement here.
3.5 rounded up
Thanks to BookSparks for the book #WRC2025 #WinterPopUp
October 21, 2024
This book is coming out just after we'll all have cast our votes for what is likely the most important election of my life. It was a good read, and didn't provoke more anxiety, which is what I needed right now.
Thank you to Spark Press, the author and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
#LouieOnTheRocks #MeredithOBrien #NetGalley #SparkPress
Thank you to Spark Press, the author and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
#LouieOnTheRocks #MeredithOBrien #NetGalley #SparkPress
April 20, 2025
This is the story of the disintegration of the Francis family six months after the premature death of their matriarch, Helen. In his wife’s absence, retired ultra-conservative MAGA supporter Louie descends into a self-destructive alcoholic-induced spiral and finds himself the unknowing victim of a young bartender/dog walker who is wrecking his finances. His somewhat estranged liberal lesbian bookseller daughter Lulu responds by taking Louie to court to seize control over his finances in a clumsy attempt to save her father from himself. Told from the perspectives of Louie, Lulu, and Helen (who is watching in horror from the great beyond), this is the tale of a trio with very different takes on the messy Francis family events of 2019.
I really enjoyed this complex and emotional politically-fueled family drama. This book includes excellent commentary on grief, polarizing politics, addiction, mental illness, and empathy. I definitely identify with Lulu and Helen in this story as I have a few family members that remind me of Louie in the madness that has been the past decade of horrifying Trump-era politics. I will say it was difficult for me to read at times with the current political climate in our country, as I usually read to escape this reality. It took some time for me to finish reading as I had to keep taking breaks because the behavior of Louie and his friends was personally triggering and infuriating.
I liked the inclusion of the chapters with the court documents that gave more insight to the testimonies and facts of the court case, then comparing that with the perspectives of Louie, Lulu, and Helen about the situation. It was so interesting and eerily familiar to hear Louie’s POV and his nonsensible excuses for his outrageous behavior. There were a couple of huge twists that I did not see coming at all which completely changed the narrative, and the ending was incredible and very much took me by surprise! I especially laughed out loud at the part of the ending that plays off of the name of the book (no spoilers here!). Overall, I thought it was a great read and would definitely recommend it! 4 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Meredith O’Brien, and SparkPress for the gifted ARC in an exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this complex and emotional politically-fueled family drama. This book includes excellent commentary on grief, polarizing politics, addiction, mental illness, and empathy. I definitely identify with Lulu and Helen in this story as I have a few family members that remind me of Louie in the madness that has been the past decade of horrifying Trump-era politics. I will say it was difficult for me to read at times with the current political climate in our country, as I usually read to escape this reality. It took some time for me to finish reading as I had to keep taking breaks because the behavior of Louie and his friends was personally triggering and infuriating.
I liked the inclusion of the chapters with the court documents that gave more insight to the testimonies and facts of the court case, then comparing that with the perspectives of Louie, Lulu, and Helen about the situation. It was so interesting and eerily familiar to hear Louie’s POV and his nonsensible excuses for his outrageous behavior. There were a couple of huge twists that I did not see coming at all which completely changed the narrative, and the ending was incredible and very much took me by surprise! I especially laughed out loud at the part of the ending that plays off of the name of the book (no spoilers here!). Overall, I thought it was a great read and would definitely recommend it! 4 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Meredith O’Brien, and SparkPress for the gifted ARC in an exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2025
When I posted my new copy of Louie on the Rocks on insta, Meredith O’Brien told me to enjoy the ride. Man oh man. That’s exactly what this one was. It follows the Francis family over the course of a single, tumultuous calendar year. Louie is bigoted and ignorant, approaching his daughter with indifference if not disdain. Lulu, the daughter he never really wanted, is working through her grief after her mother’s quick decline and death from cancer. Helen, Louie’s late wife and Lulu’s mother, watches Louie’s own rapid decline from the beyond. After discovering that her father is squandering his savings, living in squalor, and refuses to press charges against his 29 year old “girlfriend” for stealing and subsequently forging blank checks, Lulu proceeds with seeking a financial conservatorship.
This story explores family relationships in a time where many found their own fraught and strained. It’s uncomfortable to read at times — like you’re looking at a trainwreck unfold. But it easily could be a true story. O’Brien tells a story quite well. Give this one a read!
This story explores family relationships in a time where many found their own fraught and strained. It’s uncomfortable to read at times — like you’re looking at a trainwreck unfold. But it easily could be a true story. O’Brien tells a story quite well. Give this one a read!
February 24, 2026
I SAVORED THIS BOOK! Without giving too much away, or regurgitating the description, I found the story incredibly original and metaphorical for the political, and, more importantly *MORAL, divide of people in this country.
February 17, 2025
review coming soon!
January 22, 2025
“Even though I try to limit the amount of stress that comes from my phone-shutting off the Facebook alerts is a good start—I’m quasi-sadistic because I can’t help myself…”
Finishing the yet-to-be-released Louie on the Rocks by Meredith O’Brien felt eerily on point today. This darkly funny, painfully relatable story dives into the fractures of family, grief, and division in the Trump era.
After losing their matriarch, MAGA dad Louie spirals into alcoholism, while his liberal, queer daughter Lulu fights to save both her father and their broken bond. Told in part through the ghostly narration of Louie’s late wife, Helen, the story gives a bittersweet perspective as she watches her family unravel.
Lulu’s identity as a lesbian adds another layer of tension, as she struggles to stay true to herself while navigating her father’s conservative worldview.
This book made me pause and reflect. We all know that family member who’s fallen down the rabbit hole, don’t we? And as the last breaths of democracy seem to sputter out, there are those who fear tomorrow, and others who celebrate it. Fathers, sisters, cousins—people we love—on opposite sides of history.
Messy, raw, and deeply relatable, Louie on the Rocks will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own relationships. It’s a reminder of how complicated family can be—and how love and humanity might still cut through the noise, even in the most divided time
Today is going to be hard for many people for many different reasons. But moments like this remind us to look for love in the cracks and fractures. Only love can pull us through.
#LouieOnTheRocks #Bookstagram #ReadWithPippi #FamilyDrama #RememberOurHumanity
Finishing the yet-to-be-released Louie on the Rocks by Meredith O’Brien felt eerily on point today. This darkly funny, painfully relatable story dives into the fractures of family, grief, and division in the Trump era.
After losing their matriarch, MAGA dad Louie spirals into alcoholism, while his liberal, queer daughter Lulu fights to save both her father and their broken bond. Told in part through the ghostly narration of Louie’s late wife, Helen, the story gives a bittersweet perspective as she watches her family unravel.
Lulu’s identity as a lesbian adds another layer of tension, as she struggles to stay true to herself while navigating her father’s conservative worldview.
This book made me pause and reflect. We all know that family member who’s fallen down the rabbit hole, don’t we? And as the last breaths of democracy seem to sputter out, there are those who fear tomorrow, and others who celebrate it. Fathers, sisters, cousins—people we love—on opposite sides of history.
Messy, raw, and deeply relatable, Louie on the Rocks will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own relationships. It’s a reminder of how complicated family can be—and how love and humanity might still cut through the noise, even in the most divided time
Today is going to be hard for many people for many different reasons. But moments like this remind us to look for love in the cracks and fractures. Only love can pull us through.
#LouieOnTheRocks #Bookstagram #ReadWithPippi #FamilyDrama #RememberOurHumanity
February 18, 2025
Thank you so much @booksparks and @meredithobrien for the #gifted copy and having me along on the #WinterPopUp book tour!
Synopsis
For fans of Tom Perrotta, Maria Semple, and Elinor Lipman, a dark comedy about family dysfunction fueled by bitter Trump-era politics, vodka, and a reluctant daughter’s guilt.
Set against a backdrop of bitterly partisan Facebook feuds and a Trump flag set aflame in a driveway, Louie on the Rocks follows the disintegration of the Francis family six months after the premature death of their matriarch, Helen. In his wife’s absence, retired MAGA patriarch Louie descends into an alcoholic spiral and his liberal, queer, bookseller daughter Lulu responds, in a clumsy attempt to save her father from himself, by taking him to court to seize control over his finances.
My Review
This story explores, in a very real and relatable way, how different political views can impact a family. This story was gripping to me and one I read quickly. There are short chapters and multiple points of view that make the story really move. I found one of the points of view fascinating and when you read this I feel like you’ll know who I’m talking about. This book has lightness and darkness in equal measure and is one I think everyone can relate to and should read.
Synopsis
For fans of Tom Perrotta, Maria Semple, and Elinor Lipman, a dark comedy about family dysfunction fueled by bitter Trump-era politics, vodka, and a reluctant daughter’s guilt.
Set against a backdrop of bitterly partisan Facebook feuds and a Trump flag set aflame in a driveway, Louie on the Rocks follows the disintegration of the Francis family six months after the premature death of their matriarch, Helen. In his wife’s absence, retired MAGA patriarch Louie descends into an alcoholic spiral and his liberal, queer, bookseller daughter Lulu responds, in a clumsy attempt to save her father from himself, by taking him to court to seize control over his finances.
My Review
This story explores, in a very real and relatable way, how different political views can impact a family. This story was gripping to me and one I read quickly. There are short chapters and multiple points of view that make the story really move. I found one of the points of view fascinating and when you read this I feel like you’ll know who I’m talking about. This book has lightness and darkness in equal measure and is one I think everyone can relate to and should read.
February 4, 2025
To be honest, I wasn't sure that I wanted to read this book. What with all that is going on in our world right now, politically, I wasn't sure that I wanted to 'escape' into a fictional world dealing with the same stuff we are all dealing with every day.
I decided to give Louie on the Rocks a try, and I'm happy that I did. This is a story about so much more than politics. It is a story of family and discovery, with a huge dose of dysfunction thrown in. Don't we all have a bit of that in our lives, if we're honest?
Told from the perspectives of MAGA supporter Louie, his liberal queer daughter Lulu, and the matriarch of the family, Helen, who gives us her thoughts and feeling from the other side, I found myself, as the reader, just wanting everyone to get along. It's a very rocky road to get there but so much is learned along the way.
I really enjoyed Louie on the Rocks with its interesting characters. The storyline was intriguing and the book was fast paced. Don't let the topic scare you off, like it almost did me. It's a wonderful story of family dynamics and growth.
I decided to give Louie on the Rocks a try, and I'm happy that I did. This is a story about so much more than politics. It is a story of family and discovery, with a huge dose of dysfunction thrown in. Don't we all have a bit of that in our lives, if we're honest?
Told from the perspectives of MAGA supporter Louie, his liberal queer daughter Lulu, and the matriarch of the family, Helen, who gives us her thoughts and feeling from the other side, I found myself, as the reader, just wanting everyone to get along. It's a very rocky road to get there but so much is learned along the way.
I really enjoyed Louie on the Rocks with its interesting characters. The storyline was intriguing and the book was fast paced. Don't let the topic scare you off, like it almost did me. It's a wonderful story of family dynamics and growth.
January 22, 2025
Father (Louie) and daughter (Lulu) could not be anymore different. He is a right wing Trump fan, watcher of FOX news, grumpy, and not an easy person to like. Lulu is the opposite – lesbian, liberal, lovable and caring. The only person that kept their relationship going was Helen – Lulu’s mom. Then she passed, and Louie leaned on alcohol a bit too much and got involved with someone that was a danger to him and his future.
There are multiple points of view including Helen, even after she dies, she gives her opinions about Louie and Lulu. Helen was really the heart of the family. The effort and work Lulu has to do to ensure her father’s safety is a huge burden especially when he doesn’t approve of her lifestyle and resents paying for her college education. And he lets her know how much he can’t stand her, yet she feels an obligation to help him.
This felt like a true story, and how no matter how we feel about family there seems to be a responsibility to help even when they are your worst enemy.
There are multiple points of view including Helen, even after she dies, she gives her opinions about Louie and Lulu. Helen was really the heart of the family. The effort and work Lulu has to do to ensure her father’s safety is a huge burden especially when he doesn’t approve of her lifestyle and resents paying for her college education. And he lets her know how much he can’t stand her, yet she feels an obligation to help him.
This felt like a true story, and how no matter how we feel about family there seems to be a responsibility to help even when they are your worst enemy.
February 18, 2025
This book was described as a dark comedy but I didn’t find it funny at all. This is a story of elder abuse and how hard it is to prevent. How much should concerned family or friends be able to control a grown man’s life? As a widow, I have seen this happen in online support groups. I have told these people you have to be aware of how attractive you are- when someone way better looking than you are is giving you attention, there’s probably an ulterior motive. But many widows are sad and lonely, making them easy targets. I felt frustrated throughout this book as Louie let his life go up in flames. Caring for an elderly parent seems really difficult! Especially when they don’t want it! Thanks for the gifted copy, BookSparks.
February 9, 2025
Louie On The Rocks is wildly entertaining in that "can't look away" from the mess that is Louie after his wife dies. Told from three different viewpoints, with affidavits from others sprinkled throughout, we get to hear from Louie, his dead wife as she watches the lunacy, and Lulu, his daughter, as she tries to get conservatorship to protect her father from elder abuse by his dog walker. It is full of dry humor, family dysfunction, and the political nightmare that we're living in again today. The character I wanted to help the most? Pumpkin, the dog, who deserved a better life.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2025
Told from the perspectives of Louie (aka Loulou) and Helen—who is watching from beyond the grave—Louie on the Rocks is a sharp, timely novel that explores grief, family fractures, and small-town political warfare. Meredith O’Brien masterfully crafts a story where personal grief collides with political tensions, exposing the cracks in both a fractured family and a polarized community. Tense, thought-provoking, and all too relevant, this is a novel that will stay with you long after the last page.
February 18, 2025
My, oh, my! This book is so well-timed!
As a Canadian, I obviously have my own opinions about the first Trump presidency and early shenanigans of his second one. This is such a funny, yet dark and realistic book. The writing style is very unique as O'Brien uses a mix of prose and character statements, as well as including a POV from the dead mother. It's a fantastic exploration of a family divided by politics. Based on what's going on in the world right now, I feel this book is a must-read!
Special thanks to BookSparks for my gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
As a Canadian, I obviously have my own opinions about the first Trump presidency and early shenanigans of his second one. This is such a funny, yet dark and realistic book. The writing style is very unique as O'Brien uses a mix of prose and character statements, as well as including a POV from the dead mother. It's a fantastic exploration of a family divided by politics. Based on what's going on in the world right now, I feel this book is a must-read!
Special thanks to BookSparks for my gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 17, 2025
I picked up this book because it seemed like an incredibly timely and hilarious novel about the state of politics in the country. It didn’t disappoint in that! I am giving this book 3 ⭐️’s because while I enjoyed the writing style and it was well-researched, it was a little repetitive to me. It’s like I was reading something from one perspective, but then reading the same scenario 2 more times from other perspectives, for a lot of the book. It still made me laugh a ton and I enjoyed the storyline very much🫶
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March 19, 2026To be fair this was more of a me issue - not so much the writing - and I should preface by saying I would never have picked this book up if it wasn’t for a Bookclub. That being said I just don’t like to read about current day politics in my leisure reading; I spend enough time trying to avoid this topic in real life! The whole book was triggering for me and there was no break from it throughout the story.
May 12, 2025
Well-thought out characters and complicated family dynamics. Loved the local environment and references to real places in Worcester and Western Mass. In addition, the author gets the whole conservatorship hearing exactly correct- even down to the lawyers' "just the facts" demeanors. Very very good.
January 10, 2026
Yep, Louie is a mess. A MAGA mess. And his wife, Helen, who kept him in check, is dead (but her contributions to the story - from the great beyond - are my favorites). And Lulu, their 31yo daughter, a bleeding heart liberal, has no choice but to deal with Louie and the sexy grifter who has him googly-eyed. Good stuff.
February 24, 2025
A timely read around the current political climate. It portrays the struggles of a family that is challenged by very different ideologies, through each character’s unique perspective. It kept me turning the pages throughout!
January 9, 2025
A fascinating read about the way politics can impact a family. A sensitive take on the way we handle personal struggles, addiction, disappointment and loss. Highly recommend!
February 3, 2025
My full review is up on http://instagram.com/chelseahudsonreads
March 17, 2025
Was a great read by a local author whom also suffers daily like me with MS,highly recommend this book!!
May 3, 2025
loved the audacity of the author in writing a timely ethically complex book that explores issues families face today from the perspective of one family living in central Massachusetts.
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