The Art of Becoming Homeless

Greek Village/Greek Island #5

by Sara Alexi

Librarian's Note: Alternate-cover edition for ASIN: B00F1V5VR0

Michelle has always had a positive attitude to work and responsibility and has made all the 'right' choices. Why then does she feel she might have ended up in the wrong place?

Disenchanted with life as a high-flying lawyer in London, when her firm decides to send her to Athens to handle a case she jumps at the opportunity.

Before work begins on Monday Michelle decides to squeeze in a sun-filled weekend on an island but a chance encounter on the boat across and a tragic accident throw her plans into disarray and threaten to change the entire course of her life...

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Greece, Contemporary, Novels

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2013

About the author

Best selling author Sara Alexi was born in Oxford, England. After travelling widely she now splits her time between England and a tiny rural village in the Peloponnese, in Greece, where she has renovated a stone farmhouse, whilst observing the Greek way of life and absorbing the culture.

As a qualified psychotherapist, Sara ran her own practice for years. Her artistic nature was, during that time, confined to painting and she exhibited widely. Her move to Greece was the catalyst that began her writing.

Her 'Greek Village Series' has been very well received and provides a keenly observed, compassionate insight into the Greek people and culture, and the human condition in general.

If you would like a complementary copy of the first in "The Greek Village" Series please follow the links on her web site.

www.Saraalexi.com

She would also love you to friend her on;

https://www.facebook.com/authorsaraalexi

You can also read a recent interview with Sara here: https://saraalexi.com/2016/03/19/unde...

Reviews

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning

The views are magnificent and so is the food in Greece. Sara Alexi describes everything so well, I feel as though I've been on vacation. And the story of Michele and Dino? Well, you'll have to read it all on your own. No spoilers here except to say that it is perfectly written.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this- honestly I did! I love Greece and thought this would be a great escapist piece of fiction to read in the middle of winter. Basic idea is fine but it's not well executed. Characters are actually very under-developed; the story is predictable and sadly rather boring; and the dialogue is stilted and unreal. I am really sorry because obviously lots of people think Sara is great - but in my view - it is poorly written, unentertaining and frankly unbelievable. I struggled to read it all the way through - made myself do it and then wondered why I had bothered!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite romantic and enjoyable.

[Ekaterina Botziou · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-warming story, beautifully written - like all of Sara's books! As a woman with a Greek background as well as a law degree, this book was right up my street! I also have family in Athens, and felt that Sara described the atmosphere and culture there brilliantly. Fantastic characters and a solid plot - a must read.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had NOT read Sara Alexi's other books but was intrigued by the title of this one enough to give it a try. I learned about Sara through her membership on WLM and so while I was reading it I kept thinking "Is this a memoir or a novel?" Well of course it's a novel. It's a fun little romance but the way it is written almost feels like a memoir, maybe because of the present tense first-person thing.

One technicality that didn't make sense was that if it is written from Michelle's point of view then she couldn't know what was said in Greek, and yet that is explained to the readers. Helpful yes, but it doesn't make sense. If you let that go and accept that this is not written from Michelle's point of view then you will do okay..... but there is a definite mix of point-of-view throughout.

Sara nicely dodged the whole cougar thing by skipping anything too explicit and somewhat rushing the ending.... I thought some of the ending was a bit unnecessary but I don't want to give any spoilers away either.

I'm giving this 4 stars in spite of my complaints because I was really drawn in. I had trouble putting it down, and I stayed up late to finish it once I got past the 80% mark. I will probably add "Illegal Gardener" and maybe some of her other stories to my "want to read" list.

[Brad Janowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reluctant Cougar story

At least there are no sex scenes. I applauded Alexi for avoiding making Julie a cougar in book 1 and then she does it here. I'm sorry but I would cringe if my son who is Dinos age took up with a woman my age. It is only worthwhile reading if you are in to the series. Demi Moore couldn't keep Ashton and 50 year old Michele will not be successful long-term with 24 year old Dino.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an easy read that seemed to drag on a bit too long with all the to-ing and fro-ing across the Greek island. The plot took awhile to develop and was a little implausible. But it wasn't horrible, terrible awful. Not bad for a free Kindle book.

[Sharon Gillaspie · Rating 1 out of 5]

A review of "The Art of Becoming Homeless".

I didn't enjoy this book. I felt it was very drawn out. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. This is possibly one of the worst books I've read.

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Art of Becoming Homeless was well-written in the sense that language is used correctly and communicates meaning clearly, the plot proceeds coherently, and the characters are well-developed. The problem for me was that there didn't seem to be any conflict that demanded resolution. I did become interested in the characters and wanted to see how their relationship resolved itself, however; so I was extremely irritated when the book just stopped. There was no resolution, no ending - the writer just stopped writing.

[Caro Lyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Use of present tense doesn't work

Not many fiction writers use the present tense, because it is awkward to read. While some authors manage to make it work, this one doesn't. Here, there is no difference between the awkward present tense and the awkward English as spoken by the local Greeks. Add the fact that much of the plot appears to involve a solo traveller having bad experiences while pretending not to pity herself, and this became a tough book to read.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, couldn't finish

Sorry, couldn't finish

Too boring, too slow, too tourist. Just couldn't keep my attention. Needed spice or at least some heat but 40% thru book and still nothing. Couldn't finish.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

Halfway thru and can not get into this book- going to leave it unfinished
Edited to say I went back and finished and this book was just 'meh' for me. I read it as a stand alone- maybe it's better if you have read others and like and know the characters.

[Roxy the Fury · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry guys this book just wasn't for me. It seemed endless pointless chatter and musings. A knock off of the movie Tscan Sun sans the romance and comics. Really just... Not good.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of 'The Art of Becoming Homeless' although there was no obligation to post a good review. I absolutely love this series and couldn't wait to read this book. Sara Alexi's art of story telling enables the reader to identify with the characters as she takes you along on a voyage of discovery, as much for the characters as the reader. This book is certainly as good as the rest in the series and each book adds something new about characters from the previous books. It's one of those books that you just want to keep on reading and any book that does that deserves five stars!

[J.C. Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something almost addicting in the way that Sara Alexi writes. Her characters are multi-faceted and true to life. They are human and as perfect as they are flawed. It is so interesting to see the culture of the Greek natives she creates and reading her novels is almost like stepping into a beautifully colored painting. Her words seem to swoop across the page like the brilliant blue waves of the water she describes and they are as warm as the hot Greek sun that so often shines upon the characters in her books. Alexi is a visual writer, full of emotion and surprise. I never know where she is going to take me but I am always a willing participant in the journey.

[J. A. Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 5th in Ms. Alexi's Greek series. In this one, Michelle is visiting Greece for a business consultation when a chance encounter to one of the islands has her meeting up with Dino, a young man whom she had met once before. What ensues is an older woman/younger man romance, he being half her age. I've read 3 in this series, and still find the first to be the best. The books amble along with no hurry to go anywhere and this one is certainly no different. The premise is that Greece is all about love, family, and doing what makes you happy rather than what will make you wealthy. The scenery and beauty of the Greek islands will certainly charm you, but I found the relationship to be a bit awkward due to the extreme age difference.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Sara Alexi! The Illegal Gardener, Septic Cyril, the Gypsy's Dream all wonderful. This book was well written, but seemed to lack a story. Even the romance seemed empty, she falling for his physical attributes and he falling for her for unknown reasons. When the woman is 50, children are out of the question. I can buy some May December relationships, but this was pushing it. There was a lot of redundancy, he brushing his "fringe" out of his eyes- what is the word count on fringe? England being gloomy, Greece is sunny, got it! Hard to imagine neither of these people couldn't find a single friend after childhood. My childhood friends are dear to me, but I have made good friends everywhere I have lived. I currently live in a hot sunny climate and I cannot say it gives me more peace and joy than when I lived in Chicago. I have worked in a cubicle but still enjoyed laughter and love with those around me as well as restaurants from all over the world and theater and museums. The main theme of Greeks are poor but happy and Englishmen are all miserable just didn't resonate with me.

[Angel **Book Junkie** · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve given one-star reviews before, and The Art of Becoming Homeless definitely earned this one. The story dragged, the characters felt paper-thin, and the emotional moments were more performative than powerful. Michelle’s journey from high-powered lawyer to island wanderer was riddled with implausible choices and shallow interactions. Her romance with Dino was rushed and unconvincing, and the plot seemed to rely more on scenic descriptions than actual substance.

I kept waiting for something meaningful to happen—some insight, some tension, anything—but the book just drifted along without direction. It felt like the author was trying to say something profound, but never quite got there.

If you’re hoping for a compelling character study or a satisfying narrative arc, this isn’t it.

[Gillian Oyston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read

Have enjoyed reading this book I have not read any of the others in the series so wasn't sure what to expert it was nice to read about the characters and their daily lifestyle and how friendships can grow. It was ashamed about the donkey but goes on to write about how people stick to there principles.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the series but this one had little to do with the village. While reading, the thought came to mind that this book might be somewhat of a memoir. Clearly, I will continue to read all of Ms. Alexi's works, this just wasn't her best.

[Puja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara Alexi does it again and again...makes you want to go stay in Greece. Such a beautiful story.

[Linda O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Greek village series. Pleasant book to read

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok book, not much meat to it

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA

[Vivian Martires · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more. Will continue to read the series though.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally enjoyable but rather confused story with some grammar issues.

[Gail Wylde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely read from Sara Alexi.

[Val · Rating 2 out of 5]

The fifth book in The Greek Island Series. Too long winded with not a lot happening for me I’m afraid.

[Efremis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of the Greek Village series and I have scored this 5 stars. I love Sara Alexi's books. They make me feel as if I'm part of the village and its inhabitants.
This book highlights what many people go through in their day to day lives. Unfulfilled lives, despair and solutions.
Another great read!