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A Good Family
"Fassnacht’s debut works as a read-alike for both Jennifer Weiner and Jonathan Franzen for the way it so convincingly melds domestic drama, suburban angst, and beautifully descriptive writing." --Booklist
Meet the Brunsons of Downers Grove, Illinois. Henry is the once-magical father, whose fear of aging and endangered career lead him to the nightclubs of Chicago's Viagra Triangle. His wife Julie struggles to reclaim her life with a bottle of Zoloft and dreams of her youthful independence. Charlie, the golden-boy son, leaves the lucrative job his father arranged to serve in Afghanistan--and returns angry, damaged and uncertain of his place in the world. And Barkley, the bumbling youngest, is an aspiring writer of geeky science fiction stories now interviewing for his first job at a forbidding Catholic high school.
When Henry's health abruptly declines, he tries to return to the home and the life he had dominated. But his family, once totally dependent on his love, physical strength, and income, no longer needs him. As Julie, Charlie, and Barkley begin to find their ways forward, Henry tries desperately to bring them back together. In the end, each one will arrive at a new understanding of what family can--and cannot--be. Unusually assured and perceptive, combining narrative drive with humor, insight, and powerful family dynamics, A Good Family is a memorable debut by former high school teacher Erik Fassnacht.
Meet the Brunsons of Downers Grove, Illinois. Henry is the once-magical father, whose fear of aging and endangered career lead him to the nightclubs of Chicago's Viagra Triangle. His wife Julie struggles to reclaim her life with a bottle of Zoloft and dreams of her youthful independence. Charlie, the golden-boy son, leaves the lucrative job his father arranged to serve in Afghanistan--and returns angry, damaged and uncertain of his place in the world. And Barkley, the bumbling youngest, is an aspiring writer of geeky science fiction stories now interviewing for his first job at a forbidding Catholic high school.
When Henry's health abruptly declines, he tries to return to the home and the life he had dominated. But his family, once totally dependent on his love, physical strength, and income, no longer needs him. As Julie, Charlie, and Barkley begin to find their ways forward, Henry tries desperately to bring them back together. In the end, each one will arrive at a new understanding of what family can--and cannot--be. Unusually assured and perceptive, combining narrative drive with humor, insight, and powerful family dynamics, A Good Family is a memorable debut by former high school teacher Erik Fassnacht.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2015
15 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Erik Fassnacht
2 books23 followersErik Fassnacht's debut novel, A Good Family, will be released on August 25, 2015 by St. Martin's Press. Erik is a former high school English and creative writing instructor, and was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 17, 2015
A Good Family, by Erik Fassnacht, is a story about the endearing, but darkly funny (and seriously dysfunctional) Brunson Family. Each chapter is told from the perspective of one of the four family members. Henry Brunson is having a midlife crisis of epic proportions and has been living apart from his family (and sleeping with any vagina in his path) for the past two years. Unsurprisingly, his wife, Julie, isn’t doing well with this arrangement. Unwilling to admit that her marriage is over, she is wasting her days away pining for what her life used to be. Both of their sons, Charlie and Barkley, are understandably confused by their parents’ relationship but, more pressingly, somewhat lost in their own lives, unsure of what they want or where they fit. And the story moves forward from there.
This book blew me away. Just oh my God, you know? The depth, the humor. I love every single one of the characters, even the unlikeable ones. And the story is wonderful. I couldn’t predict immediately where it would go, and I found myself genuinely surprised over and over again. There is a little bit of mystery, a little bit of suspense, but the story keeps moving, developing, changing.
I think what I love most about this book is how the four characters, taken together, end up, somewhat stealthily, describing the requirements of a worthwhile, meaningful life. Henry’s choices—but especially his regrets—show the importance of connection. Getting everything he can whenever he can, of course, feels good in the short-term, but because it prevents him from being vulnerable and connecting with other people, it isn’t fulfilling in the long-term. Julie’s life is a perfect example of how important passion is—how there is no such thing as replacing your hobbies, interests, or talents (whatever makes you feel your own personal version of joy) with relationships, even a marriage. Charlie shows how important it is to get out and experience the world, to test yourself, to push yourself to feel things—maybe especially fear, so that you can also feel what it’s like to be brave.
But my favorite component of a well-lived life is what Barkley brings to the table: reflection. Sure, there is no substitute for getting yourself out there and experiencing life, but examination gives those experiences meaning. Without processing and analyzing the things that happen to us, we can’t understand what we want, how we feel, what’s important, etc. Reflection makes us wise.
At any rate, I loved this book. Start to finish, I was completely engaged and absolutely intrigued by the characters and story. Hands down, one of my favorite books of 2015.
This book blew me away. Just oh my God, you know? The depth, the humor. I love every single one of the characters, even the unlikeable ones. And the story is wonderful. I couldn’t predict immediately where it would go, and I found myself genuinely surprised over and over again. There is a little bit of mystery, a little bit of suspense, but the story keeps moving, developing, changing.
I think what I love most about this book is how the four characters, taken together, end up, somewhat stealthily, describing the requirements of a worthwhile, meaningful life. Henry’s choices—but especially his regrets—show the importance of connection. Getting everything he can whenever he can, of course, feels good in the short-term, but because it prevents him from being vulnerable and connecting with other people, it isn’t fulfilling in the long-term. Julie’s life is a perfect example of how important passion is—how there is no such thing as replacing your hobbies, interests, or talents (whatever makes you feel your own personal version of joy) with relationships, even a marriage. Charlie shows how important it is to get out and experience the world, to test yourself, to push yourself to feel things—maybe especially fear, so that you can also feel what it’s like to be brave.
But my favorite component of a well-lived life is what Barkley brings to the table: reflection. Sure, there is no substitute for getting yourself out there and experiencing life, but examination gives those experiences meaning. Without processing and analyzing the things that happen to us, we can’t understand what we want, how we feel, what’s important, etc. Reflection makes us wise.
At any rate, I loved this book. Start to finish, I was completely engaged and absolutely intrigued by the characters and story. Hands down, one of my favorite books of 2015.
December 12, 2016
Absolutely for my own sanity I had to set this book aside. The characters are so shallow and soap opera-ie that there was no way for me to continue. The book opens with a young man Barkley Brunson who imagines himself a writer, who is shy and only wishes that he could hook up with every girl who has a large bosom like his big brother does who is a use them then lose them kind of guy. Then we are introduced to the brother who is in Afghanistan, he left the rich kid scene he was in walking away from a cushy job his dad lined up for him to join the Army, because he was bored with life. The plot makes it clear that he thinks the locals are pitiful and dirty and smell to high heaven in ugly stereotypical terms....and he just wants to find some Afghany college so he can have sex with these veiled women. Then we meet the Mom whose husband has left her in her 50s who dreams of having him return and are treated to a scene where she calls upon the Zolof she has taken earlier to kick in which it seems that people do when they start feeling anxious, as though thought triggers its effectiveness. Then we meet Dad who is in his Peter Pan stage, he left his family in his sixties because he feels like he hasn't had enough tail in his life.
What was more annoying is that in every description of every character, even the minor ones is a list of name-dropped brands, which would have included the latest 'must have' shoe laces, had the author known about them. Not that I haven't known people like this in my life, because such shallow people do populate our planet...but I would never elect to spend hours in their company.
A neurotic Mom, and three males who all behave with middle school boy's depth of character are not worth spending an afternoon with.
What was more annoying is that in every description of every character, even the minor ones is a list of name-dropped brands, which would have included the latest 'must have' shoe laces, had the author known about them. Not that I haven't known people like this in my life, because such shallow people do populate our planet...but I would never elect to spend hours in their company.
A neurotic Mom, and three males who all behave with middle school boy's depth of character are not worth spending an afternoon with.
August 25, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive an advance reading copy (ARC) of A Good Family, and it certainly did not disappoint. Erik Fassnacht's debut novel draws you in early with a carefully crafted cast of characters, each dealing with various ups and downs, as they take on an all too familiar challenge: life. The Brunsons perfectly represent a modern American family and all of the difficulties that come along with it. Fassnacht beautifully captures the subtleties of human existence through the characters' reactions to conflict, interpretations of their own and others' emotions, and insanely realistic dialogue. It's through their conversations and, in some cases, internal monologues that you really become attached to Barkley, Julie, Charlie, and Henry.
The attention to detail throughout the book is also incredible. From the accuracy of a soldier's life in Afghanistan to a teacher's experience in the classroom, the story feels like it's almost educating you while simultaneously entertaining you. Even the chapter titles are cleverly descriptive.
All in all, I highly recommend this beautiful and hopeful tale to readers of all ages. And as far as first-time novels go, Erik Fassnacht has truly 'outkicked his coverage.'
The attention to detail throughout the book is also incredible. From the accuracy of a soldier's life in Afghanistan to a teacher's experience in the classroom, the story feels like it's almost educating you while simultaneously entertaining you. Even the chapter titles are cleverly descriptive.
All in all, I highly recommend this beautiful and hopeful tale to readers of all ages. And as far as first-time novels go, Erik Fassnacht has truly 'outkicked his coverage.'
September 17, 2015
This book made me laugh (a lot) and cry, gave me goosebumps, and broke my heart because I wasn't ready to leave these characters. Erik's descriptions are incredibly beautiful and unique. If you're a writer, you'll wish you'd thought of them. The characters are fully developed. I especially loved Barkley and Julie. The plots are interwoven beautifully. I had a class with Erik in grad school and was blown away by his first drafts written and shared in class, so I knew this would be amazing.
June 22, 2015
This debut novel initially caught my attention with its Chicago setting - I just love to see my city (and its suburbs, too!) in fiction. And it always seems the most authentic when the author is also familiar with the city - and Fassnacht most certainly is, so I also like to help support local authors! Another famous Chicago author, Audrey Niffenegger, has written a promotional blurb for the book, which makes me even more excited to read this one!
Like many debut novels, this one feels lovingly crafted by the author with the opening chapters in particular having a well-crafted feel. The details are impeccable and quickly captures not only the city but makes the characters recognizable as well. The fractured Brunson family feels familiar - not always particularly likable - but definitely realistic and could easily be the family just down the street. The details all add up to a very genuine and likable whole. The younger son, Barkley (with his unfortunate name better suited to a golden retriever) is a struggling young graduate who finally lands his first grown-up job while working on his own writing. Charlie, the older son, is recently returned from the military (the book is set in 2011), their mother has her head in the Zoloft sand and their father, Henry has flown the suburban family home for a bachelor pad in the city and a string of meaningless sexual encounters.
But all of the characters (as this most definitely a character-driven plot) grow and develop over the course of the novel - though Barkley is probably the main character with his changes both mentally and physically being perhaps the most drastic, though this transformation is reflected in all of the characters. Though it has moments that are dark, quite sad and ugly scenes with the characters, the conclusion is surprisingly uplifting. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read, well-crafted and satisfying. But it does drag a bit (it’s over four hundred pages long), though I admit to enjoying the added detail that makes the city and ‘burbs come to life. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for what Fassnacht writes next!
Like many debut novels, this one feels lovingly crafted by the author with the opening chapters in particular having a well-crafted feel. The details are impeccable and quickly captures not only the city but makes the characters recognizable as well. The fractured Brunson family feels familiar - not always particularly likable - but definitely realistic and could easily be the family just down the street. The details all add up to a very genuine and likable whole. The younger son, Barkley (with his unfortunate name better suited to a golden retriever) is a struggling young graduate who finally lands his first grown-up job while working on his own writing. Charlie, the older son, is recently returned from the military (the book is set in 2011), their mother has her head in the Zoloft sand and their father, Henry has flown the suburban family home for a bachelor pad in the city and a string of meaningless sexual encounters.
But all of the characters (as this most definitely a character-driven plot) grow and develop over the course of the novel - though Barkley is probably the main character with his changes both mentally and physically being perhaps the most drastic, though this transformation is reflected in all of the characters. Though it has moments that are dark, quite sad and ugly scenes with the characters, the conclusion is surprisingly uplifting. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read, well-crafted and satisfying. But it does drag a bit (it’s over four hundred pages long), though I admit to enjoying the added detail that makes the city and ‘burbs come to life. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for what Fassnacht writes next!
September 16, 2015
A canonical work in the making. Eric Fassnacht’s “A Good Family” captures the complex struggles of relationships through four of its main characters. Henry Brunson, a successful 57 year old father and husband yet one who never recovered from the early death of his own father, walks out on his family. He assumes a new life living it to the fullest ostensibly while he still can. His wife and college sweetheart, Julie, eases the loss of her marriage by secretly pill popping. This eventually leads her down the proverbial fork in the road where she must choose between dying or creating a new life for herself. Their oldest son Charlie returns from a tour in Afghanistan with minimal physical injuries yet paralyzed by combat guilt. And their youngest son, Barkley, is an awkward, struggling writer seemingly forever in search of a job. As a family, do they have the foundation as a “good” one to see each one through.
This 420 page novel is difficult to put down. The reader quickly becomes invested in each of the characters’ challenges, disappointments, and triumphs (however small or monumental they may be). Turning the pages can at least see each character through his or her crisis. At times however the novel can be laced with monotony but that is clearly by design, certainly not due to a lack of an engaging writing style by this author.
“A Good Family” also makes for an excellent book club selection. Each character provides a wealth of material for discussion that touches upon topics that are currently relevant. Fassnacht also gives a literary nod to some of the greatest post modern novelists. In “A Good Family” readers will recognize elements of Don DeLillo’s “White Noise”, David Rabe’s heart wrenching “Sticks and Stones”, and Sinclair Lewis’ indictment on empty consumerism sprinkled throughout “Babbitt”.
“A Good Family” is a masterpiece of a debut novel.
This 420 page novel is difficult to put down. The reader quickly becomes invested in each of the characters’ challenges, disappointments, and triumphs (however small or monumental they may be). Turning the pages can at least see each character through his or her crisis. At times however the novel can be laced with monotony but that is clearly by design, certainly not due to a lack of an engaging writing style by this author.
“A Good Family” also makes for an excellent book club selection. Each character provides a wealth of material for discussion that touches upon topics that are currently relevant. Fassnacht also gives a literary nod to some of the greatest post modern novelists. In “A Good Family” readers will recognize elements of Don DeLillo’s “White Noise”, David Rabe’s heart wrenching “Sticks and Stones”, and Sinclair Lewis’ indictment on empty consumerism sprinkled throughout “Babbitt”.
“A Good Family” is a masterpiece of a debut novel.
August 21, 2015
'A Good Family' is a debut novel by a first-time author that feels like it was written by a seasoned veteran. The story follows the Brunson family across real-life settings throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs and paints a picture so realistic that you realize this could be the family next door in your own subdivision. Each of the four members of the Brunson clan have a point of view so strong and dynamic, its hard to remember that each character's story was written by the same author. While each family member's story is strong enough to stand on its own, they all weave together effortlessly enough to create a cohesive and highly entertaining story about a family that you can't help but root for.
Henry is the philandering father who leaves his family for a penthouse in the city. Julie is the wife he left behind who is constantly in a haze of medication and has lost touch with who she is and what she wants. Their sons, Charlie and Barkley, are both lost in their own ways and trying desperately to feel like they have it all together. These characters don't lean on each other like a sterotypical, happy family but this novel is entirely satisfying nonetheless. Any reader who appreciates a smart, entertaining, and beautifully written story will love this debut by Erik Fassnacht.
Henry is the philandering father who leaves his family for a penthouse in the city. Julie is the wife he left behind who is constantly in a haze of medication and has lost touch with who she is and what she wants. Their sons, Charlie and Barkley, are both lost in their own ways and trying desperately to feel like they have it all together. These characters don't lean on each other like a sterotypical, happy family but this novel is entirely satisfying nonetheless. Any reader who appreciates a smart, entertaining, and beautifully written story will love this debut by Erik Fassnacht.
May 17, 2015
A GOOD FAMILY by Eric Fassnacht
I almost quit reading – then I got to page 58 and I was hooked. The four members of this family are damaged, damaged by each other, damaged by their past, damaged by their own actions. The characters are finely drawn, believable and you get to know them intimately. The situations are timely and true. The writing is expressive. These are people and situations you want to know and care about deeply – even when they are being incredibly stupid in their actions. The tempo and tension increase as the book travels to its conclusion. There is sufficient humor to lighten what could be a depressing book.
I especially liked the sections about Barkley and his illustrious Catholic high school. The politics of schools are spot on (I’m a former teacher at a religious school). I rooted for Julie to detach from her stifling marriage and find (re-find?) herself and her dreams. The male writer got women right –Julie, Ginny and Margaret.
Book groups will a plethora of topics to discuss, including the endings for each family member.
5 of 5 stars
I almost quit reading – then I got to page 58 and I was hooked. The four members of this family are damaged, damaged by each other, damaged by their past, damaged by their own actions. The characters are finely drawn, believable and you get to know them intimately. The situations are timely and true. The writing is expressive. These are people and situations you want to know and care about deeply – even when they are being incredibly stupid in their actions. The tempo and tension increase as the book travels to its conclusion. There is sufficient humor to lighten what could be a depressing book.
I especially liked the sections about Barkley and his illustrious Catholic high school. The politics of schools are spot on (I’m a former teacher at a religious school). I rooted for Julie to detach from her stifling marriage and find (re-find?) herself and her dreams. The male writer got women right –Julie, Ginny and Margaret.
Book groups will a plethora of topics to discuss, including the endings for each family member.
5 of 5 stars
May 4, 2015
The family saga has been a favorite genre of mine, with its possibilities of interconnected stories experienced through its members. Having just read Ann Packer's Children's Crusade, I didn't know if I was ready to meet yet another family in free fall, but Fassnacht has created a believable quartet of people with a more than acute eye for the pressures of today. Henry, the father, is undergoing his latish midlife crisis, having moved from the suburbs to a chick magnet penthouse on Chicago's Gold Coast. Elder son Charlie arrives home from Stan, bringing those horrors home with him. The younger son, Barkley, is trying to jump start his life in a climate where his talents have yet to be recognized. The slowest to get going is Julie, the mother, struggling with memories and trying to cope. I also liked the insider's use of the city of Chicago.
August 24, 2015
In the case of a Good Family, each word is worth a thousand pictures. Chicago author, Erik Fassnacht, uses innovative imagery and edgy symbolism to develop the complex personalities of the Brunson family— Charlie, Barkley, Henry and Julie Brunson. The chapters alternate seamlessly from the perspectives of each character. The pages are filled with gritty detail transporting the reader into the foothills of war-time Afghanistan, to the head of a classroom at East Wick High School, inside a mid-life crisis-driven downtown bachelor pad, and into the depths of a mind clouded by severe depression. It is hard to believe this is the author's first book– I cannot wait to see what he delivers next.
May 14, 2015
A really good family saga of a family torn apart by the twists and turns of life. Written from the point of view of all four members of the family who will struggle on their own to survive. There is a lesson to be learned here!
September 3, 2015
Congratulations Erik! A fantastic debut, I truly enjoyed it!
July 8, 2015
Loved this book! One of the best I've read this year. Fantastic characters, brillant writing..loved loved loved.
September 19, 2015
This novel interrupted my life for 3 days and it blew me away. I thought it was even better than The Corrections and I liked The Corrections a lot. Paul Michael Garcia was a great narrator.
June 4, 2016
Reviewing an advance copy received from NetGalley.
This was a good first try. Well written and edited, which goes a long way with me. A Good Family is a story about the Brunsons, a highly dysfunctional family. Henry, the Father, has pretty much abandoned them to fast cars, a nice condo and younger girls. Julie, the mother, is depressed and barely hanging on to life by downing her Zolofts. Their first born son Charlie, had some sort of early life crisis and dumped everything to join the army. Which leaves us with the youngest, Barkley, who's actually the only normal one and just wants to become a teacher. We follow the lives of each of them as they deal with their shit and move on with life.
I enjoyed reading Barkley's and Julie's arcs. I cared about the characters and could clearly see their development and understood how it happened. With Charlie and Henry this wasn't the case. I didn't buy Charlie's guilt over what happened in Afghanistan, it felt forced and cliché. The way he got rid of the guilt wasn't convincing either, how do you fixate on something for so long and then just suddenly let go, just like that? It didn't make sense and I didn't feel like it was given the importance and time that it needed. There is something deeply disturbing about Henry, he's clearly totally fucked up in the head. Is it justifiable though? I mean psychologically justifiable to be this fucked up due to that event in his childhood? More pages were spent talking us through his day to day life than on examining his psyche, which bored me and didn't sell his story very well.
Bottom line, this was a decent first book, albeit unoriginal, that shows potential.
This was a good first try. Well written and edited, which goes a long way with me. A Good Family is a story about the Brunsons, a highly dysfunctional family. Henry, the Father, has pretty much abandoned them to fast cars, a nice condo and younger girls. Julie, the mother, is depressed and barely hanging on to life by downing her Zolofts. Their first born son Charlie, had some sort of early life crisis and dumped everything to join the army. Which leaves us with the youngest, Barkley, who's actually the only normal one and just wants to become a teacher. We follow the lives of each of them as they deal with their shit and move on with life.
I enjoyed reading Barkley's and Julie's arcs. I cared about the characters and could clearly see their development and understood how it happened. With Charlie and Henry this wasn't the case. I didn't buy Charlie's guilt over what happened in Afghanistan, it felt forced and cliché. The way he got rid of the guilt wasn't convincing either, how do you fixate on something for so long and then just suddenly let go, just like that? It didn't make sense and I didn't feel like it was given the importance and time that it needed. There is something deeply disturbing about Henry, he's clearly totally fucked up in the head. Is it justifiable though? I mean psychologically justifiable to be this fucked up due to that event in his childhood? More pages were spent talking us through his day to day life than on examining his psyche, which bored me and didn't sell his story very well.
Bottom line, this was a decent first book, albeit unoriginal, that shows potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2015
This is a great and enjoyable read in so many ways – the writing, the story, the characters, the urban setting, the humor, and even the chapter titles. Throughout this excellent novel, the Brunson family members remain truly authentic and compelling. We meet them individually – Henry, the father, Julie, the mother, and brothers Charley and Barkley – all at significant crossroads in their lives. The wonderfully expressive style of talented author Erik Fassnacht reveals them as they confront personal issues, reconcile past decisions, and just try to be happy. They interact – or not. The Brunsons would be considered “a good family” in contemporary society; but, as in many families, individual expectations cannot always be met, some circumstances are beyond control, and unexpected obstacles loom. Especially because of the quite entertaining dialogue, I felt connected to each character and was eager to offer advice, or berate, or sympathize, or cheer, or console. Because this novel encompasses the comfort, the challenge, the support, the complications and the joys of what it means to be “family”, it would be perfect for a book club discussion. Whatever might be in the future for this “good family”, I hope Mr. Fassnacht will let us know.
September 15, 2015
I really enjoyed this novel of a very dysfunctional yet sort of normal family, if by normal you accept that all of us have issues, disparate personalities, and nuts in our family trees. Folks from Chicago will really relate to the references along the way, and I was happy to see the mentions of Harbor Country, MI, could identify with a lot of the scenes depicted. Could not help but wonder if Eastwick High was actually the local and highly regarded competitive Catholic high school. Well written, kept my interest. Great first novel. Read it especially if you are from Chicago or the suburbs.
June 5, 2016
3.5. This was pretty uneven with random threads that you thought might lead to something, but never did. The story is told by each character of the family. I had a lot of problems with the mom - finding her plot line to be one of the hardest to believe. The eldest son has just returned from Afghanistan and for me - it felt as though a large portion of the book was focused on reliving war. Personally, I found the summary of the book to be completely off. It doesn't match the story I lived through.
October 27, 2015
I liked this book. I enjoyed the younger son's story, the teacher, the best. I liked his journey of finding a career, deciding it wasn't the right place to work, but still feeling his career and knowing that was what he meant to do. Also, I found it very cool that when I finished the book that the author made a special thank you to Audrey Niffenegger, who is the editor of the next book I'm reading.
October 15, 2015
I was having doubts about this book after reading the first few chapters. I wasn't really liking any of the characters at first except for Barkley. I so enjoyed how he evolved in the story. I grew to care about and like his mom, Julie as well. His brother and dad were less likable,but, interesting in their own right. Great writing! I really felt like I was watching a movie in my head while reading this. I am going to miss this family!
November 14, 2015
Yeah I'm glad to read book based in Chicago by way of Downer Grove.
I like how the author give four perspective of how their life change from the time Charlie came home from war to Henry's death.
I love Barkey! I like how he be courage to believe he can do anything.
Good literature. Well written.
I like how the author give four perspective of how their life change from the time Charlie came home from war to Henry's death.
I love Barkey! I like how he be courage to believe he can do anything.
Good literature. Well written.
January 8, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and kept wanting more. I love that the setting was based in Illinois! It was great reading about he various locations that I have frequented throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs. The cast of characters and developed personalities made me feel as though I was a part of the story. I hope that Erik writes another book (preferably based in Illinois also
September 29, 2015
Hard to believe this is a first novel. A plus for me was it takes place in Downers Grove ( the town next to me) and Chicago. It's about a family falling apart and coming back together. Very well written.
September 25, 2015
So, so close to be really, really good. Still, an entertaining read about a Chicago family with many, many problems. Reads like Franzen Lite. Excited to see what Fassnacht does next.
October 8, 2015
Wonderful!
A beautifully written debut novel by Erik Fassnacht! You'll fall in love with this family, and grow attached to the characters. Enjoy!
A beautifully written debut novel by Erik Fassnacht! You'll fall in love with this family, and grow attached to the characters. Enjoy!
February 28, 2018
"A Good Family: A Novel" by Erik Fassnacht offers an in-depth look at family dynamics. We are drawn into the drama shortly after Henry and Julie's nearly 40 year old marriage begins to crumble and view its impact on their two adult sons, Charlie and Barkley. Beginning with Henry's flight from home to explore his mid-life crisis, we watch as each character deals with their past and present situations. While the "divorce is hell" theme has been explored many times, the plot is enhanced by humor, action and personal revelation. This book is a solid drama but with weaknesses that hinder it from being great.
Though Erik Fassnacht has the technical aspects of the novel mastered, at times I found the writing overly descriptive and more than a little verbose. This was a story written while getting his master's and frankly, it reads like it. The book unfolds with various characters in rotation dealing with their personal crises. The only character I truly enjoyed was Barkley, who came across much more dynamic than all the others combined. Barkley's character was so much more real, it sounded like Fassnacht was drawing him from someone he knew, I later realized that Fassnacht like Barkley had been an English and Creative Writing teacher in high school. Thus enhancing my suspicion that Barkley character is likely semi-autobiographical. Meanwhile, though we learn about the facets of the other personalities in the story, there is way to much time spent on describing appearance and non-essential tasks. A great author shows you character personality through action which is present in the novel, yet, where a sentence might have been enough, a page of information was often present. This diminished my reading enjoyment. At times, I was tempted to skip to the next page. Likewise, some of the story focusing on Henry and Charlie were far to repetitive and detracted from the empathy, Fassnacht was attempting to achieve, at least for me. This repetition caused me to wonder if the author didn't trust the reader to pick-up on key traits of the character or the subtleties he was trying to impart. My other thought is that it read a lot like a screenplay (maybe it's original purpose)?
This book is targeted at book clubs with some great questions in the back. I can see "A Good Family" being successful on that basis alone. The fact that St. Martin's Press published it means a lot of publicity = $$.
I think Erik Fassnacht has talent. This debut didn't wow me, however, I did enjoy it. I would consider reading his future stories depending on reviews received.
Though Erik Fassnacht has the technical aspects of the novel mastered, at times I found the writing overly descriptive and more than a little verbose. This was a story written while getting his master's and frankly, it reads like it. The book unfolds with various characters in rotation dealing with their personal crises. The only character I truly enjoyed was Barkley, who came across much more dynamic than all the others combined. Barkley's character was so much more real, it sounded like Fassnacht was drawing him from someone he knew, I later realized that Fassnacht like Barkley had been an English and Creative Writing teacher in high school. Thus enhancing my suspicion that Barkley character is likely semi-autobiographical. Meanwhile, though we learn about the facets of the other personalities in the story, there is way to much time spent on describing appearance and non-essential tasks. A great author shows you character personality through action which is present in the novel, yet, where a sentence might have been enough, a page of information was often present. This diminished my reading enjoyment. At times, I was tempted to skip to the next page. Likewise, some of the story focusing on Henry and Charlie were far to repetitive and detracted from the empathy, Fassnacht was attempting to achieve, at least for me. This repetition caused me to wonder if the author didn't trust the reader to pick-up on key traits of the character or the subtleties he was trying to impart. My other thought is that it read a lot like a screenplay (maybe it's original purpose)?
This book is targeted at book clubs with some great questions in the back. I can see "A Good Family" being successful on that basis alone. The fact that St. Martin's Press published it means a lot of publicity = $$.
I think Erik Fassnacht has talent. This debut didn't wow me, however, I did enjoy it. I would consider reading his future stories depending on reviews received.
October 17, 2022
I seem to be in a rut in starting books that start slowly, making me wonder if I want to continue. Jane and I listened to this as an audiobook and we are pleased to report that it gets better with each page (and CD). It tells the story of a dysfunctional family presumably based on the author’s experience as a high school English teacher similar to the younger brother, Barclay. All four family members, the mom, dad, and two brothers have important issues. They all start badly but find a way to overcome their flaws at the end, even the philandering father who ends badly but well. I love books with a “happy” (or at least inspiring) ending and this is one. It's also a great story for aspiring (or veteran) high school teachers.
April 22, 2025
Did not finish this book. Picked it up from a free library while on holidays but just couldn’t get into it. I didn’t find the characters to be engaging and found there to be too many tropes (neglected wealthy wife turned to substances, selfish arrogant wealthy husband turned to cheating, former soldier returns with PTSD, younger brother struggling to live up to older brother‘s example, etc.). Felt like it’s all been covered before only better. But others who read further may find a lot more about it that they liked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2020
See the one star review. The only reason I slogged thru were the hometown (that I am thankful to have escaped) references. Rough read. Derivative and tedious. And way too long. Ugh. Very cliche representations of Northside and chicago in general. Read Revolutionary Road instead, if you like this genre (I decidedly do not).
November 18, 2020
I actually stopped reading this. I tried to be invested in this damaged family of four self-rotating people. I've read other stories during the pandemic about tough relationships, etc., but this one just wasn't doing it for me.
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