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Old Buildings in North Texas: A deliciously funny, wry, and captivating debut novel about addiction and small-town Texan life
Olivia is thirty-two and living back home with her mother in Caprock, small-town Texas. Her therapist is a girl she went to high school with; her promising career in journalism has dwindled to nothing, and she spends her days hawking jewellery in a Mall following a favour from a friend. Life is back on an even-keel after her descent into drug abuse, but it's a far cry from the one she imagined ...Then, under pressure to take up a hobby, she decides to try urban exploration. Soon she's poking through derelict homes, churches and schools across North Texas. But Olivia knows her therapist would disapprove. What began as a harmless distraction soon becomes a lucrative business as she collects and sells antique fittings and fixtures online.Her new-found freedom starts to spiral out of control. Victimless trespass is fast evolving into criminal behaviour, and the path her rehabilitation is taking leads Olivia to question her own moral code. She's not supposed to withhold information from her therapist - yet she does.Nor is she supposed to be stashing money in a secret account when she owes so much to so many - and although she's supposedly prohibited from communicating with people from her past, old friends keep showing up, making demands and threats. To add to it all, her baby sister has turned up pregnant, the question of their absent fathers has once more been unearthed, and her prescribed medication is inducing an unnatural detachment that makes her feel as though she's not present in her own life.Tackling difficult subjects with a warmth and humour, and creating an unforgettable protagonist, Jen Waldo brings an electrifying tone to fiction - she is an astonishing new American voice who will stop you in her tracks.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2016
2 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 11, 2020
If ever there was a book that deserved having the term “novel” applied to it, “Old Buildings In North Texas” is it. I’ve never read anything quite like it.
I was hooked from the start. How could I not be with an opening like this:
“The situation: before they’d let me out of rehab, someone had to agree to act as my legal custodian. There it is, the snappy truth about why, at the age of thirty-two, I live with my mother. She now has control over every aspect of my life from my finances to my laundry. One little cocaine-induced heart attack and it’s back to my childhood to start over.”
This is not a Hallmark, “the Twelve Steps saved my life – praise the Lord” view of overcoming addiction. This is not a teaching aid with clear moral messages. It’s the story of a woman in love with cocaine but having to deny her lover if she wants to have a life.
This is a story of recovery, rather than redemption. As our heroine (no pun intended) puts it: “I’m working to get better not to be better”. Of course, she isn’t always working very hard. She disdains her court-mandated therapist, is irritated by her parole officer and infuriated to be back under her (perfectly reasonable and deeply supportive) mother’s supervision. So she finds a way to freedom, a personal path to her new life. Does it matter if it’s built on lies and deception, trespass and theft and placing her heavily pregnant baby sister at risk? Actually, no, it does not. Suck it up.
Our heroine takes up “urban exploration” as a hobby. This initially involves finding a way into and exploring old abandoned buildings in North Texas but leads on to systematic, profitable looting.
I liked the voice of the main character, especially as performed by Sally Vahle in the audiobook version. She wasn’t always nice but she was always authentic. Her mixture of anger, denial, simple curiosity, complicated obsessions and determination to escape is beautifully described. She presents her worldview with humour and enthusiasm without allowing herself to sugar-coat the issues – well not much anyway.
Old abandoned buildings in Texas are almost characters in their own right in this book. Jen Waldo made them seem so real to me that I had to check whether the type of building she talks about actually exist. They do. You can go here to take a look at some. I’ve put my favourite pictures, ones that remind me of places visited in the book, below:
Jen Waldo has a unique voice, I’ll be reading more of her work to find out what else she has to say.
I was hooked from the start. How could I not be with an opening like this:
“The situation: before they’d let me out of rehab, someone had to agree to act as my legal custodian. There it is, the snappy truth about why, at the age of thirty-two, I live with my mother. She now has control over every aspect of my life from my finances to my laundry. One little cocaine-induced heart attack and it’s back to my childhood to start over.”
This is not a Hallmark, “the Twelve Steps saved my life – praise the Lord” view of overcoming addiction. This is not a teaching aid with clear moral messages. It’s the story of a woman in love with cocaine but having to deny her lover if she wants to have a life.
This is a story of recovery, rather than redemption. As our heroine (no pun intended) puts it: “I’m working to get better not to be better”. Of course, she isn’t always working very hard. She disdains her court-mandated therapist, is irritated by her parole officer and infuriated to be back under her (perfectly reasonable and deeply supportive) mother’s supervision. So she finds a way to freedom, a personal path to her new life. Does it matter if it’s built on lies and deception, trespass and theft and placing her heavily pregnant baby sister at risk? Actually, no, it does not. Suck it up.
Our heroine takes up “urban exploration” as a hobby. This initially involves finding a way into and exploring old abandoned buildings in North Texas but leads on to systematic, profitable looting.
I liked the voice of the main character, especially as performed by Sally Vahle in the audiobook version. She wasn’t always nice but she was always authentic. Her mixture of anger, denial, simple curiosity, complicated obsessions and determination to escape is beautifully described. She presents her worldview with humour and enthusiasm without allowing herself to sugar-coat the issues – well not much anyway.
Old abandoned buildings in Texas are almost characters in their own right in this book. Jen Waldo made them seem so real to me that I had to check whether the type of building she talks about actually exist. They do. You can go here to take a look at some. I’ve put my favourite pictures, ones that remind me of places visited in the book, below:
Jen Waldo has a unique voice, I’ll be reading more of her work to find out what else she has to say.
September 8, 2018
Enjoyed the characterisations and the writing. But the story was unsatisfyingly brief and unresolved. How did the boy die in the abandoned building? What was the point of introducing Zachary's cousin and her hoarding tendencies? Why was Chloe's dad so obsessed?
July 2, 2018
CONTEMPORARY FICTION
Jen Waldo
Old Buildings in North Texas
Arcadia Books Ltd. (London)
Paperback, 978-1-9113-5017-0 (also available in hardcover, as an e-book, an audio book, and on Audible), 215 pgs., $15.95
May 3, 2018
Olivia has returned to Caprock, a small fictional town in the Texas Panhandle. “Before they’d let me out of rehab someone had to agree to act as my legal custodian,” she explains, which is why thirty-two-year-old Olivia is living with her mother who, again, controls Olivia’s life from finances to laundry. “One little cocaine-induced heart attack and it’s back to my childhood to start over.”
Even better, Olivia’s court-ordered therapy is conducted by a former friend with whom she shared AP English classes in high school. Ouch. Olivia, who has an advanced journalism degree from Columbia, is also required by the court to hold down a job, but the only job she can find is behind the counter of a mall jewelry store which is owned by a friend of her mother’s. Olivia is in debt up to her nose in legal bills, medical bills, her Neiman’s card, and money she borrowed from friends to pay the rent and her car note since her salary went up that nose.
Olivia’s mother calls her every twenty minutes to confirm that her wayward daughter is where she’s supposed to be, which is either at home, at work, at her therapist’s office, at her cardiologist’s office, at meetings with her sponsor, or at meetings with her parole officer. Olivia, whose doctor has replaced cocaine with Xanax and Propranolol—both of which leave her detached and exhausted—is bored out of her skull so her therapist suggests she develop a hobby. While surfing the net for inspiration, Olivia discovers urbexing, urban exploration, which sounds a lot like trespassing. For her first expedition, Oliva chooses a long-abandoned mansion and takes a Chatty Cathy doll with her as a souvenir when she leaves. When she discovers how much that doll is worth to collectors, Olivia decides this new hobby could be lucrative enough to launch her into a new life, again independent and free.
Old Buildings in North Texas is the latest novel from Jen Waldo of Marble Falls, Texas. Waldo has created an original concept, entertaining until the end, where she eschews the expected conclusion. Fast-paced and flowing smoothly, these 215 pages pack plot twists aplenty. There’s a lot going on in Old Buildings in North Texas and it works because Waldo’s style is an efficient, evocative economy of words, her characters fleshed-out just enough to intrigue. Olivia’s first-person narration is infused with sardonic humor (her heart now beats “a larcenous rhythm”) and dry wit (“addiction recovery makes me cranky”).
“I viewed myself as smarter, more talented, unique, non-traditional,” Olivia admits. “But these are shallow comparatives; none of them was a bit of help when I stumbled.” Stumbled she did and does, through old buildings—office complex, church, schoolhouse, drive-in theater concession—encountering rattlesnakes, bats, skunks, and other critters in her search for valuables—vintage hardware, Tiffany lamps, gumball machines—others have abandoned.
“Where did my scruples go, and why?” Olivia wonders, but not in depth or often. An adrenaline junkie who overdosed on adrenaline, she’s fast shedding illusions about herself. Olivia knows who she is. And she’s okay with that. So are we.
Originally published in Lone Star Literary Life.
Jen Waldo
Old Buildings in North Texas
Arcadia Books Ltd. (London)
Paperback, 978-1-9113-5017-0 (also available in hardcover, as an e-book, an audio book, and on Audible), 215 pgs., $15.95
May 3, 2018
Olivia has returned to Caprock, a small fictional town in the Texas Panhandle. “Before they’d let me out of rehab someone had to agree to act as my legal custodian,” she explains, which is why thirty-two-year-old Olivia is living with her mother who, again, controls Olivia’s life from finances to laundry. “One little cocaine-induced heart attack and it’s back to my childhood to start over.”
Even better, Olivia’s court-ordered therapy is conducted by a former friend with whom she shared AP English classes in high school. Ouch. Olivia, who has an advanced journalism degree from Columbia, is also required by the court to hold down a job, but the only job she can find is behind the counter of a mall jewelry store which is owned by a friend of her mother’s. Olivia is in debt up to her nose in legal bills, medical bills, her Neiman’s card, and money she borrowed from friends to pay the rent and her car note since her salary went up that nose.
Olivia’s mother calls her every twenty minutes to confirm that her wayward daughter is where she’s supposed to be, which is either at home, at work, at her therapist’s office, at her cardiologist’s office, at meetings with her sponsor, or at meetings with her parole officer. Olivia, whose doctor has replaced cocaine with Xanax and Propranolol—both of which leave her detached and exhausted—is bored out of her skull so her therapist suggests she develop a hobby. While surfing the net for inspiration, Olivia discovers urbexing, urban exploration, which sounds a lot like trespassing. For her first expedition, Oliva chooses a long-abandoned mansion and takes a Chatty Cathy doll with her as a souvenir when she leaves. When she discovers how much that doll is worth to collectors, Olivia decides this new hobby could be lucrative enough to launch her into a new life, again independent and free.
Old Buildings in North Texas is the latest novel from Jen Waldo of Marble Falls, Texas. Waldo has created an original concept, entertaining until the end, where she eschews the expected conclusion. Fast-paced and flowing smoothly, these 215 pages pack plot twists aplenty. There’s a lot going on in Old Buildings in North Texas and it works because Waldo’s style is an efficient, evocative economy of words, her characters fleshed-out just enough to intrigue. Olivia’s first-person narration is infused with sardonic humor (her heart now beats “a larcenous rhythm”) and dry wit (“addiction recovery makes me cranky”).
“I viewed myself as smarter, more talented, unique, non-traditional,” Olivia admits. “But these are shallow comparatives; none of them was a bit of help when I stumbled.” Stumbled she did and does, through old buildings—office complex, church, schoolhouse, drive-in theater concession—encountering rattlesnakes, bats, skunks, and other critters in her search for valuables—vintage hardware, Tiffany lamps, gumball machines—others have abandoned.
“Where did my scruples go, and why?” Olivia wonders, but not in depth or often. An adrenaline junkie who overdosed on adrenaline, she’s fast shedding illusions about herself. Olivia knows who she is. And she’s okay with that. So are we.
Originally published in Lone Star Literary Life.
October 8, 2018
I'm always up for a book that is set in a small Texas town, and even more when the characters make me laugh and manage to find themselves in predicaments that most people couldn't even imagine. Olivia has managed to get herself into a pickle with her past lifestyle and drug use but now she gets to enjoy being treated like a 4 year old by her mother since Olivia is in her care and her mom is responsible for her whereabouts and actions.
Being back in Caprock, Olivia has to deal with those classmates that never left town. This is a good and a bad thing. At least she knows who they are but they aren't people she really wants to hang out with if she had her freedom. And, as it is with all small towns, there isn't a lot to do and Olivia has been charged with finding a hobby. After considering and discarding several options, Oliva stumbles across Urban Exploration or Urbexing. This is exploring abandoned buildings. I have a cousin that would check out abandoned buildings and part of this book reminded me of her adventures. Unlike my cousin, Olivia decides to start taking items to sell (eBay etc) so she can build up a savings account since her paycheck all goes to those she owes for past debts. While I can understand why she did it, she was breaking the law and didn't see to care. However, some of her actions did end up with negative results but I'm not sure she learned anything from those situations.
There are some other intriguing storylines including Olivia's sister and her biological father; Olivia's employer and family friend, Zachary; and a dead body from one of her expeditions. Sadly, we don't really learn anything more about the dead body and I do wish there had been a little more detail on how this person died, how they might have arrived to be in that location, etc. There was also a minor storyline with Zachary's cousin who is a hoarder and was holding some family documents "hostage". I think there could have been more to that story too.
Even with all of the dramedy, deep down Olivia is a woman that has some issues to work through and I think she has some walls in place that will take time to tear down. I think she might be to a good start with meditating and choosing random bible verses, but does she really believe what she is reading or is this just something she is doing to placate her parole officer and therapist?
I enjoyed this book and felt like the author provided a descriptive picture of the abandoned buildings, the mall, and even her home so that I could imagine being in the room with Olivia and gang. The book does just end and while one question was answered, there are so many more questions that I have and I hope that perhaps there will be another book that delves more into what Olivia is doing now or perhaps even one from her sister's point of view (since she has her own issues to deal with in this book).
Being back in Caprock, Olivia has to deal with those classmates that never left town. This is a good and a bad thing. At least she knows who they are but they aren't people she really wants to hang out with if she had her freedom. And, as it is with all small towns, there isn't a lot to do and Olivia has been charged with finding a hobby. After considering and discarding several options, Oliva stumbles across Urban Exploration or Urbexing. This is exploring abandoned buildings. I have a cousin that would check out abandoned buildings and part of this book reminded me of her adventures. Unlike my cousin, Olivia decides to start taking items to sell (eBay etc) so she can build up a savings account since her paycheck all goes to those she owes for past debts. While I can understand why she did it, she was breaking the law and didn't see to care. However, some of her actions did end up with negative results but I'm not sure she learned anything from those situations.
There are some other intriguing storylines including Olivia's sister and her biological father; Olivia's employer and family friend, Zachary; and a dead body from one of her expeditions. Sadly, we don't really learn anything more about the dead body and I do wish there had been a little more detail on how this person died, how they might have arrived to be in that location, etc. There was also a minor storyline with Zachary's cousin who is a hoarder and was holding some family documents "hostage". I think there could have been more to that story too.
Even with all of the dramedy, deep down Olivia is a woman that has some issues to work through and I think she has some walls in place that will take time to tear down. I think she might be to a good start with meditating and choosing random bible verses, but does she really believe what she is reading or is this just something she is doing to placate her parole officer and therapist?
I enjoyed this book and felt like the author provided a descriptive picture of the abandoned buildings, the mall, and even her home so that I could imagine being in the room with Olivia and gang. The book does just end and while one question was answered, there are so many more questions that I have and I hope that perhaps there will be another book that delves more into what Olivia is doing now or perhaps even one from her sister's point of view (since she has her own issues to deal with in this book).
October 3, 2018
The predicaments that arise throughout Old Buildings in North Texas are beyond entertaining. The urban exploration element was exhilarating and fun to live through vicariously mixed with the small town drama. I enjoy reading books based in small towns but could not imagine ever actually living with everyone in each other's business..
I enjoyed the different dimensions Old Buildings in North Texas had to offer. As much as I loved the drama, I also loved when Olivia would enter a building for the first time, how she would paint a picture of life when it last existed there and fill you in on the wonder with all her background research. I thought her literal take-aways from each location were hilarious at times and added a fun reminder, that one man's trash is another woman's treasure.
Old Buildings in North Texas left me ready for more. I'm excited to follow along on this tour to get a glimpse inside the sequel spotlight and I can't wait to add the next in line to my TBR pile. Great read!
I enjoyed the different dimensions Old Buildings in North Texas had to offer. As much as I loved the drama, I also loved when Olivia would enter a building for the first time, how she would paint a picture of life when it last existed there and fill you in on the wonder with all her background research. I thought her literal take-aways from each location were hilarious at times and added a fun reminder, that one man's trash is another woman's treasure.
Old Buildings in North Texas left me ready for more. I'm excited to follow along on this tour to get a glimpse inside the sequel spotlight and I can't wait to add the next in line to my TBR pile. Great read!
October 5, 2018
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime.
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Old Buildings in North Texas is a comedic drama (aka dramedy) set in the fictional town of Caprock, Texas written by native Texan, Jen Waldo, and centers around Olivia who is recovering from a cocaine addiction and heart attack. This results in the 32-year old moving back home with her mother who has legal custody of Olivia as she attempts to put her broken life back together. Adding to this court-appointed relationship and living arrangement, is Olivia's 20-year old sister, who is in a predicament of her own, Olivia's former high school friend who is now her therapist, and Zachary, who is her new boss and close family friend.
In an effort to find a new hobby (you know, besides getting high on illegal drugs), Olivia turns to urban exploration (aka urbexing) where one gains entry into abandon buildings and snoops around. As she embarks on this hobby, she toes the line of legal versus illegal and learns more about herself and her loved ones in the process. The reader is treated to a fast-paced story that doesn't necessarily provide a detailed conclusion but does result in a satisfying ending.
The book is just over 200 pages with short chapters that are titled in such a way that help push the plot forward. (As an aside, I think a lot of authors miss opportunities to further connect with their readers when they simply number their chapters. I really appreciated the descriptors in this book.) Due to personal obligations, I had to read this book in four days, but I quickly finished it in a day and half. The story flowed well, and the content kept me interested until the very end.
Jen Waldo is an excellent writer. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and appreciated her vivid prose. This small blurb on page 17 where Olivia describes her first urban exploration experience grabbed me right from the beginning:
The first thing I notice is the silence. And the stillness. I don't know that I've ever been in a place so suspended. For several seconds I remain unmoving as I inhale the passage of time.
In reading the synopsis, one might believe the book is about urbexing, but it's more a story about family, relationships, and identity. This might cause some readers to feel misled, but I found it refreshing. I do wish there would have been a little more diversity among the cast of characters. And as a Christian, I didn't mind the Biblical scripture that was included in Olivia's meditation time; however, it seemed to be a little incongruent with her personality. Olivia wasn't a very likable character, and I don't think someone who was unsure about her belief in God would have been so vigorous about her study and meditation of Him. Having said that, I also found Olivia to be an equally relatable, yet flawed character.
Recommendation: This book is laugh-out-loud funny with touching moments interspersed. I would recommend this to anyone who would like to read a fast, funny book set in the heart of north Texas. So, if you're looking for some good fiction to curl up with this fall, check out Ms. Waldo's excellent book ... or enter the giveaway on my blog to win a copy!
I received a complimentary signed paperback copy of Old Buildings in North Texas from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review. Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Until next time ... Read on!
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime.
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Old Buildings in North Texas is a comedic drama (aka dramedy) set in the fictional town of Caprock, Texas written by native Texan, Jen Waldo, and centers around Olivia who is recovering from a cocaine addiction and heart attack. This results in the 32-year old moving back home with her mother who has legal custody of Olivia as she attempts to put her broken life back together. Adding to this court-appointed relationship and living arrangement, is Olivia's 20-year old sister, who is in a predicament of her own, Olivia's former high school friend who is now her therapist, and Zachary, who is her new boss and close family friend.
In an effort to find a new hobby (you know, besides getting high on illegal drugs), Olivia turns to urban exploration (aka urbexing) where one gains entry into abandon buildings and snoops around. As she embarks on this hobby, she toes the line of legal versus illegal and learns more about herself and her loved ones in the process. The reader is treated to a fast-paced story that doesn't necessarily provide a detailed conclusion but does result in a satisfying ending.
The book is just over 200 pages with short chapters that are titled in such a way that help push the plot forward. (As an aside, I think a lot of authors miss opportunities to further connect with their readers when they simply number their chapters. I really appreciated the descriptors in this book.) Due to personal obligations, I had to read this book in four days, but I quickly finished it in a day and half. The story flowed well, and the content kept me interested until the very end.
Jen Waldo is an excellent writer. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and appreciated her vivid prose. This small blurb on page 17 where Olivia describes her first urban exploration experience grabbed me right from the beginning:
The first thing I notice is the silence. And the stillness. I don't know that I've ever been in a place so suspended. For several seconds I remain unmoving as I inhale the passage of time.
In reading the synopsis, one might believe the book is about urbexing, but it's more a story about family, relationships, and identity. This might cause some readers to feel misled, but I found it refreshing. I do wish there would have been a little more diversity among the cast of characters. And as a Christian, I didn't mind the Biblical scripture that was included in Olivia's meditation time; however, it seemed to be a little incongruent with her personality. Olivia wasn't a very likable character, and I don't think someone who was unsure about her belief in God would have been so vigorous about her study and meditation of Him. Having said that, I also found Olivia to be an equally relatable, yet flawed character.
Recommendation: This book is laugh-out-loud funny with touching moments interspersed. I would recommend this to anyone who would like to read a fast, funny book set in the heart of north Texas. So, if you're looking for some good fiction to curl up with this fall, check out Ms. Waldo's excellent book ... or enter the giveaway on my blog to win a copy!
I received a complimentary signed paperback copy of Old Buildings in North Texas from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review. Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Until next time ... Read on!
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime.
February 16, 2019
“BREAK-IN” NOVEL?
After enjoying Jen Waldo’s third novel, WHY STUFF MATTERS, I got her second novel, OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS. Loved it. (And the book cover. Again.) OLD BUILDINGS has the three W’s of captivating writing: wild, wacky, weird. Be careful: main character (with character disorder intact) and modern-day explorer Olivia’s daring escapades may set your "explore-lust" free. I was reminded of my own late-night adventures with high school buddies wandering the dilapidated remains of old penal farm buildings in Shreveport. (I really am past my expiration date.) Like WHY STUFF MATTERS, OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS is well-written… and well-loaded with colorful characters and unique situations.
After enjoying Jen Waldo’s third novel, WHY STUFF MATTERS, I got her second novel, OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS. Loved it. (And the book cover. Again.) OLD BUILDINGS has the three W’s of captivating writing: wild, wacky, weird. Be careful: main character (with character disorder intact) and modern-day explorer Olivia’s daring escapades may set your "explore-lust" free. I was reminded of my own late-night adventures with high school buddies wandering the dilapidated remains of old penal farm buildings in Shreveport. (I really am past my expiration date.) Like WHY STUFF MATTERS, OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS is well-written… and well-loaded with colorful characters and unique situations.
July 10, 2021
Read this in a day. It's a light, kinda fun and funny story about a 32 year old woman who has to move home after because her cocaine addiction has given her a pile of debt and a heart attack. 'my goal is to get better, not be better'
Small town, cute characters and a just general trying to get through life energy - this was really enjoyable and I'd read more by the author.
Small town, cute characters and a just general trying to get through life energy - this was really enjoyable and I'd read more by the author.
December 1, 2016
Novel set in NORTH TEXAS - CAPROCK
Olivia was a successful journalist in Dallas, but she had a cocaine habit that led to a heart attack and a criminal record. She is released into her mother’s care in Caprock, a town in the Texas Panhandle where nothing happens. Her mother controls every aspect of her life – it’s just like being a kid again. She also has a court appointed therapist and a court appointed probation officer ‘looking after’ her.
Her very pregnant, but unmarried, sister appears on the doorstep. Olivia and her sister, Chloe, are bored… and Olivia is encouraged by her therapist to find a hobby. She chooses ‘urbexing’ (urban exploration) and soon they are involved in the semi-legal activity of obtaining access to boarded up and derelict buildings. Semi-legal because they are not actually breaking and entering – just finding access routes (like an unlocked first floor window…). When ‘urbexing’ you are not supposed to remove anything, but temptation proves too much for Olivia. They remove some antique items from an old dilapidated mansion outside Caprock, which Olivia then sells online. And then (after the birth of Chloe’s baby) she moves up the illegal scale – forcing entry into some buildings and stealing valuable content. She has a nice little business going for her…
Meanwhile she is all the time dodging the obsessive presence of her mother, and working round the appointments with her therapist and probation officer – who just might not approve of the hobby she has found herself.
Old Buildings In North Texas is an amusingly written and well worked book – with many an interesting sideline. There is the relationship between Olivia and her therapist (an old school ‘friend’ who doesn’t want to know – professional business only, please), the 54 year old gay jeweller – always dressed as a macho cowboy – from whom Olivia works and who is her mother’s best friend and confidante, and Chloe’s adventures in tracking down the decidedly odd and distinctly controlling father who did not know of her existence until she approached him for money. It also has its serious side. Jen Waldo says that the Olivia character is based on a recovering addict friend of hers. The times at which Olivia wishes she could resume her relationship with candycaine, gutter glitter, wacky dust, rail, Blanca, and Mr Snow are frightenly real and a tad scary…
It is quite definitely a book that I found well worth reading.
Olivia was a successful journalist in Dallas, but she had a cocaine habit that led to a heart attack and a criminal record. She is released into her mother’s care in Caprock, a town in the Texas Panhandle where nothing happens. Her mother controls every aspect of her life – it’s just like being a kid again. She also has a court appointed therapist and a court appointed probation officer ‘looking after’ her.
Her very pregnant, but unmarried, sister appears on the doorstep. Olivia and her sister, Chloe, are bored… and Olivia is encouraged by her therapist to find a hobby. She chooses ‘urbexing’ (urban exploration) and soon they are involved in the semi-legal activity of obtaining access to boarded up and derelict buildings. Semi-legal because they are not actually breaking and entering – just finding access routes (like an unlocked first floor window…). When ‘urbexing’ you are not supposed to remove anything, but temptation proves too much for Olivia. They remove some antique items from an old dilapidated mansion outside Caprock, which Olivia then sells online. And then (after the birth of Chloe’s baby) she moves up the illegal scale – forcing entry into some buildings and stealing valuable content. She has a nice little business going for her…
Meanwhile she is all the time dodging the obsessive presence of her mother, and working round the appointments with her therapist and probation officer – who just might not approve of the hobby she has found herself.
Old Buildings In North Texas is an amusingly written and well worked book – with many an interesting sideline. There is the relationship between Olivia and her therapist (an old school ‘friend’ who doesn’t want to know – professional business only, please), the 54 year old gay jeweller – always dressed as a macho cowboy – from whom Olivia works and who is her mother’s best friend and confidante, and Chloe’s adventures in tracking down the decidedly odd and distinctly controlling father who did not know of her existence until she approached him for money. It also has its serious side. Jen Waldo says that the Olivia character is based on a recovering addict friend of hers. The times at which Olivia wishes she could resume her relationship with candycaine, gutter glitter, wacky dust, rail, Blanca, and Mr Snow are frightenly real and a tad scary…
It is quite definitely a book that I found well worth reading.
October 9, 2018
Old Buildings in North Texas is a study in contradictions. At first glance, the title implies a non-fiction about old buildings in North Texas, but this thought-provoking literary fiction is both humorous and tragic, filled with characters that are both strongly determined and a fragile mess. Olivia is more than a recovering cocaine addict. Olivia is a self-destructive survivor, from the first page to the last page. Everything she does is based on both self-preservation and her inability to stay out of harm's way. She is both compelling and repulsive in her laugh-out-loud cynicism.
Urban exploration, or urbexing, is a fascinating topic that is intriguing in its mystery and oddly ethical rules and controversial in its illegality and danger. Olivia needs a hobby, but instead of choosing something safe and within the boundaries set by her parole officer, her mom, and her therapist, she stumbles across an abandoned mansion filled with forgotten treasures, and a hobby is born. From the moment Olivia gains unlawful entry into her first abandoned building, she embarks on a journey that is full of witty dialogue, internal musings and observations, and interactions with characters that are equally if not quirkier than she is. But this journey is filled with deceit and self-harm as well as self-discovery and healing. Olivia is her own worst enemy, and the reader is left wondering if she will make it through this journey intact. With each passing page, Olivia struggles to follow the rules while flaunting them at the same time. She can't have it both ways, but she sure does try hard to have just that.
Jen Waldo's writing style is fantastic. The characters, both Olivia and those orbiting around her, are richly developed but without the need for superfluous prose and dialogue. The author definitely knows how to paint the perfect scene, the perfect interaction between characters, and the perfect buildup to an ending that is not quite an ending because Olivia is still a recovering cocaine addict after all. She is still trying to rebuild her life. She is still trying to follow the rules and yet not follow the rules. I like her. I want her to succeed and become a healthy productive citizen, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, but I'm glad she is who she is. Olivia is flawed and real. She is honest with herself about her dishonesty, but she is truly trying to do better in her own unique way. It's all we can ask of her because that's all she can give right now.
Urban exploration, or urbexing, is a fascinating topic that is intriguing in its mystery and oddly ethical rules and controversial in its illegality and danger. Olivia needs a hobby, but instead of choosing something safe and within the boundaries set by her parole officer, her mom, and her therapist, she stumbles across an abandoned mansion filled with forgotten treasures, and a hobby is born. From the moment Olivia gains unlawful entry into her first abandoned building, she embarks on a journey that is full of witty dialogue, internal musings and observations, and interactions with characters that are equally if not quirkier than she is. But this journey is filled with deceit and self-harm as well as self-discovery and healing. Olivia is her own worst enemy, and the reader is left wondering if she will make it through this journey intact. With each passing page, Olivia struggles to follow the rules while flaunting them at the same time. She can't have it both ways, but she sure does try hard to have just that.
Jen Waldo's writing style is fantastic. The characters, both Olivia and those orbiting around her, are richly developed but without the need for superfluous prose and dialogue. The author definitely knows how to paint the perfect scene, the perfect interaction between characters, and the perfect buildup to an ending that is not quite an ending because Olivia is still a recovering cocaine addict after all. She is still trying to rebuild her life. She is still trying to follow the rules and yet not follow the rules. I like her. I want her to succeed and become a healthy productive citizen, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, but I'm glad she is who she is. Olivia is flawed and real. She is honest with herself about her dishonesty, but she is truly trying to do better in her own unique way. It's all we can ask of her because that's all she can give right now.
October 6, 2018
While the title, OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS, is not a misnomer, and old structures are indeed a fascinating aspect of the story, they are just one element that makes OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS one of the most creative, unique, and captivating books I have read in some time. Despite her word economy – there is nothing flowery in her writing -- author Jen Waldo somehow manages to give readers layer after layer of characterization and evocative settings that had me flying through the pages.
Oh, how I love the mess that is our main character Olivia. It’s possible I might even like her. Olivia is smart, pragmatic, and soooo numb yet profoundly aware she’s numb. Initially, her numbness seems like aloofness, which seems like she is uncaring and doesn’t have feelings. But as OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS progresses, there are increasing glimpses of Olivia’s humanity. She cares, she feels, but selectively. Does this help in Olivia’s recovery? Maybe.
Don’t be fooled into believing Olivia will change her wicked ways and become an upstanding citizen. She’s deeply flawed, fully criminal, and wholly owns all of it with a dry, dark humor that kept me laughing. Readers will be waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop but then realize Olivia’s already had multiple other shoes drop – most recently, a never-paid-for Neiman Marcus shoe. What’s next? Consequences? Redemption? Salvation?
Salvation. Olivia is committed to adhering to the six required steps of the twelve-step recovery program, one of which is recognizing a “Higher Power.” Wordsmith that she is, Olivia locates the loopholes in the directives. Despite Olivia’s feeling that in her experience, “trying to communicate with any aspect of the Trinity is a waste of time,”. I find her daily scripture interpretations interesting and even insightful at times as she adapts each verse to her right-now life. She ponders, maybe has a pang of guilt, then concludes her spiritual sessions with “Okay, I’ll try,” checks-off “Higher Power” time on the to-do list and moves on.
Yeah… no doubt about it: I like Olivia.
Of course, Olivia is only part of the OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS picture. Waldo gives readers Olivia’s mother – who is interesting enough to merit her own book, me thinks, and a handful of other quirky characters who make the story pop to life, even in their ordinariness. But the real crowning jewels are Waldo’s richly detailed descriptions of Olivia’s forays into urban exploration. Riding along for these clandestine adventures is exhilarating and feels almost voyeuristic… and wrong… but like Olivia, the reader can’t resist the call of the long-abandoned building and what treasures and dangers might await. A new addiction indeed.
OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS may require a slight suspension of disbelief by those who know small town Texas. Olivia’s bank, post-office, and middle of the night expeditions aren’t likely to go unnoticed and not be a source of gossip at the lunch counter. And I realize that the book was originally published in the UK, but this is a Texas author and Texas setting, so for grammar geeks like me, it would have read more authentically if American punctuation and spellings had been consistently used. (And my Texan eyes are still burning from seeing “Y’all” spelled “Ya’ll.”) I’m not sure others will notice or care if they do.
For readers looking for realistic interactions and characters in a story that doesn’t fit neatly in a box, this is your book. If you enjoy dark humor and don’t need inspiration or a happy ending, this is your book. I highly recommend OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS as a quick but impactful read that lingers and teases the memory long after the last page is turned.
Thank you to Lone Star Book Blog Tours and the author, who provided me a lovely print copy in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give. This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog
“Her misplaced expectations make me ache all over.”
Oh, how I love the mess that is our main character Olivia. It’s possible I might even like her. Olivia is smart, pragmatic, and soooo numb yet profoundly aware she’s numb. Initially, her numbness seems like aloofness, which seems like she is uncaring and doesn’t have feelings. But as OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS progresses, there are increasing glimpses of Olivia’s humanity. She cares, she feels, but selectively. Does this help in Olivia’s recovery? Maybe.
“People tend to get fed up with me. I arrive late and leave early. I break promises. I borrow and never return. I don’t do favors, but I expect them. I know these things about myself.”
Don’t be fooled into believing Olivia will change her wicked ways and become an upstanding citizen. She’s deeply flawed, fully criminal, and wholly owns all of it with a dry, dark humor that kept me laughing. Readers will be waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop but then realize Olivia’s already had multiple other shoes drop – most recently, a never-paid-for Neiman Marcus shoe. What’s next? Consequences? Redemption? Salvation?
Salvation. Olivia is committed to adhering to the six required steps of the twelve-step recovery program, one of which is recognizing a “Higher Power.” Wordsmith that she is, Olivia locates the loopholes in the directives. Despite Olivia’s feeling that in her experience, “trying to communicate with any aspect of the Trinity is a waste of time,”. I find her daily scripture interpretations interesting and even insightful at times as she adapts each verse to her right-now life. She ponders, maybe has a pang of guilt, then concludes her spiritual sessions with “Okay, I’ll try,” checks-off “Higher Power” time on the to-do list and moves on.
Yeah… no doubt about it: I like Olivia.
Of course, Olivia is only part of the OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS picture. Waldo gives readers Olivia’s mother – who is interesting enough to merit her own book, me thinks, and a handful of other quirky characters who make the story pop to life, even in their ordinariness. But the real crowning jewels are Waldo’s richly detailed descriptions of Olivia’s forays into urban exploration. Riding along for these clandestine adventures is exhilarating and feels almost voyeuristic… and wrong… but like Olivia, the reader can’t resist the call of the long-abandoned building and what treasures and dangers might await. A new addiction indeed.
OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS may require a slight suspension of disbelief by those who know small town Texas. Olivia’s bank, post-office, and middle of the night expeditions aren’t likely to go unnoticed and not be a source of gossip at the lunch counter. And I realize that the book was originally published in the UK, but this is a Texas author and Texas setting, so for grammar geeks like me, it would have read more authentically if American punctuation and spellings had been consistently used. (And my Texan eyes are still burning from seeing “Y’all” spelled “Ya’ll.”) I’m not sure others will notice or care if they do.
For readers looking for realistic interactions and characters in a story that doesn’t fit neatly in a box, this is your book. If you enjoy dark humor and don’t need inspiration or a happy ending, this is your book. I highly recommend OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS as a quick but impactful read that lingers and teases the memory long after the last page is turned.
Thank you to Lone Star Book Blog Tours and the author, who provided me a lovely print copy in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give. This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog
October 13, 2018
The title - Old Buildings in North Texas - is kind of like a mask of the story that lies beneath. In fact, at first glance, you may think this is a non-fiction entry about a bunch of decrepit buildings. But you would be wrong!
More than anything, this is a story about addiction recovery. In fact, the entire story is told through the POV of the protagonist, Olivia. I, for one, found that very fascinating. The reader becomes increasingly privy to the thoughts and emotions of someone freshly recovering from an addiction.
I realize this isn’t the only book out there about addiction recovery. However, I like the way author Jen Waldo wraps the story in dark humor. It made it more personal, more real.
**What About Old Buildings in North Texas?**
Olivia, who must “toe the line” with recovery meetings and one-on-one counseling to stay out of jail, is strongly encouraged to find herself a hobby. In her quest to find a hobby that truly interests her, Olivia happens across urbex - urban exploration. She finds a website that not only shows locations of old, abandoned buildings just waiting to be explored, it also provides a quasi set of ground rules for the modern urban explorer.
As Olivia starts to embrace this new hobby, she is confounded by a very pregnant sister who wants to come along for the ride, as well as a mother who tries to monitor her every move. But Olivia is determined, and where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Reading about Olivia’s exploits into these old buildings, all from her own POV, turned out to be highly entertaining. In fact, I actually laughed out loud several times throughout the text. I don’t know of Jen Waldo meant for it to be that funny, but it was to me.
I was able to draw a parallel between Olivia and the old buildings she explored: seemingly empty on the inside, yet still having some hidden treasures from their former lives. Maybe that’s why Olivia loved urbex as much as she did. I don’t know. Maybe you can provide some further insight after you read it.
**Technically Speaking**
I encountered a number of SPAG issues throughout the text. However, I suspect that I had an ARC, and I’ll give the author the benefit of the doubt that the errors were corrected.
Olivia’s character arc was somewhat subtle, but some of the other characters were very different by the end of the story. I don’t take that as a bad thing. It worked well in this instance.
The pacing was pretty consistent throughout. It was a bit on the slow side, but we are in a small Texas town, and that’s how it works. No complaints from me.
The real pleasure in reading this story is in the building explorations, and everything that goes with it. I can’t go into detail without giving spoilers, so you’ll just have to read it yourself. However, if you do read it, you’ll be glad you did. I recommend it to everyone, from young adults upward.
(I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.)
More than anything, this is a story about addiction recovery. In fact, the entire story is told through the POV of the protagonist, Olivia. I, for one, found that very fascinating. The reader becomes increasingly privy to the thoughts and emotions of someone freshly recovering from an addiction.
I realize this isn’t the only book out there about addiction recovery. However, I like the way author Jen Waldo wraps the story in dark humor. It made it more personal, more real.
**What About Old Buildings in North Texas?**
Olivia, who must “toe the line” with recovery meetings and one-on-one counseling to stay out of jail, is strongly encouraged to find herself a hobby. In her quest to find a hobby that truly interests her, Olivia happens across urbex - urban exploration. She finds a website that not only shows locations of old, abandoned buildings just waiting to be explored, it also provides a quasi set of ground rules for the modern urban explorer.
As Olivia starts to embrace this new hobby, she is confounded by a very pregnant sister who wants to come along for the ride, as well as a mother who tries to monitor her every move. But Olivia is determined, and where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Reading about Olivia’s exploits into these old buildings, all from her own POV, turned out to be highly entertaining. In fact, I actually laughed out loud several times throughout the text. I don’t know of Jen Waldo meant for it to be that funny, but it was to me.
I was able to draw a parallel between Olivia and the old buildings she explored: seemingly empty on the inside, yet still having some hidden treasures from their former lives. Maybe that’s why Olivia loved urbex as much as she did. I don’t know. Maybe you can provide some further insight after you read it.
**Technically Speaking**
I encountered a number of SPAG issues throughout the text. However, I suspect that I had an ARC, and I’ll give the author the benefit of the doubt that the errors were corrected.
Olivia’s character arc was somewhat subtle, but some of the other characters were very different by the end of the story. I don’t take that as a bad thing. It worked well in this instance.
The pacing was pretty consistent throughout. It was a bit on the slow side, but we are in a small Texas town, and that’s how it works. No complaints from me.
The real pleasure in reading this story is in the building explorations, and everything that goes with it. I can’t go into detail without giving spoilers, so you’ll just have to read it yourself. However, if you do read it, you’ll be glad you did. I recommend it to everyone, from young adults upward.
(I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.)
July 18, 2024
I really liked this book. It read more and a literary novel rather than genre to me, focusing much more on character than it did plot. The plot had some conflict points here and there, but the main conflict building throughout the story was within the MC, Olivia. It felt so real and raw, and the progression of her own self exploration and acceptance of her own self was so captivating. Many questions are left unanswered, but I think this is representative of Olivia’s character. Her journey is not one with a goal of finding some answer and figuring everything out, but more one to accept where she is now and how to be okay with that. Highly recommend.
April 2, 2018
“Old Buildings in North Texas” is a story of success and how easily it can slip through one’s fingers, leaving what? Olivia’s search through abandoned dwellings may be a search for what is real, after sifting through the detritus of what once seemed important. Losing everything, including her self-respect, Olivia goes home to the world she left behind. It is there that she finds what she lost. A compelling read that will awaken a little curiosity towards urban exploration in all of us.
June 12, 2018
As a native Texan I was drawn to this book by the cover (and title). I found the characters believable and the book an easy read.
I would recommend this book to more mature readers due to the drug references. Olivia, Chloe' and other characters have a lot of "adventures" throughout the book, most of which share a bit of humor (rattlesnakes/skunks/etc.).
Not an earth shattering novel but a good, fast read for your summer enjoyment.
I would recommend this book to more mature readers due to the drug references. Olivia, Chloe' and other characters have a lot of "adventures" throughout the book, most of which share a bit of humor (rattlesnakes/skunks/etc.).
Not an earth shattering novel but a good, fast read for your summer enjoyment.
November 4, 2019
3.5/5 starts.
It was funny & interesting read. I liked the fact that the main character was full of flaws but she was witty & her illogical reasoning seemed logical anw after all. This book had really good plots and character development but sadly too many characters/ plots was left unexplored, for example why Chloe’s father acted the way he did? Who was Olivia’s father ? This book required a little more plot development else it was a really fun book !
It was funny & interesting read. I liked the fact that the main character was full of flaws but she was witty & her illogical reasoning seemed logical anw after all. This book had really good plots and character development but sadly too many characters/ plots was left unexplored, for example why Chloe’s father acted the way he did? Who was Olivia’s father ? This book required a little more plot development else it was a really fun book !
April 1, 2021
Read this book some time in 2017 I think - couldn’t put it down for some reason. Absolutely loved it - especially when the writer takes her pregnant sister around one of the houses she is “collecting” from. No self pity shown by the heroine in her struggle with life. EMailed Jen Waldo to express my admiration and delight, and to ask when the next book (after “Why Stuff Matters” is going to appear, but haven’t had a reply).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2017
I picked this up because I used to be an urban explorer and I really miss it, so really wanted to read a book about it. Also it's good to read a book set in a different place than usual, North Texas.
It was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it but by the end it seemed a bit all over the place and the ending was a bit abrupt.
It was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it but by the end it seemed a bit all over the place and the ending was a bit abrupt.
October 10, 2017
This was an enjoyable read - a nice concept perhaps not taken to its fullest extent. Part of the reason it couldn't get a higher rating though was the frequency of grammatical errors - missed and misplaced apostrophes and speech marks, for example. These quite often broke the flow of an otherwise good book.
December 5, 2025
Ok this book took a long time for me to finish. In fact, it meandered for quite some time without going anywhere exciting. That being said, it wasn't a terrible book. I call it a "slice of life" kind of story and sometimes life doesn't really go anywhere exciting, it just goes. It exists for what it is and I suppose that's what the author intended.
August 31, 2019
One of my favourite books, under-appreciated. Stunning writing and a storyline that grips you in spite of a steady pace and easy tone. Hard to put it in any one genre but it's a highly recommended from me!
May 23, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. I love the protagonist- Olivia - a recovering cocaine addict and the life she leads having returned to small town Texas! it’s beautifully written and incredibly readable. A quiet book with a remarkable amount of drama.
December 8, 2022
I picked this book up in a thrift store and it sat on my shelf for months but I picked it up today and read it in one sitting and it was absolutely the book I needed right now. It’s not one I’m going to give out to friends or recommend in my lists but it’s the book I needed for me right now.
April 30, 2018
I’m really glad this book is done.
July 21, 2022
This was a great read. Quirky, original, funny in parts with a great main character - well worth a read.
January 19, 2023
Yes! A woman making her own adventures. This is what it’s about.
December 27, 2024
nice and mediocre
March 9, 2024
First novel? Good writing.ienjoyed the reading of it but ultimately it just stopped without getting anywhere o r saying g anything. I don't need all the loose threads sewn up but this just seemed to me like a sketch for a novel.
Read
October 10, 2016A strange story about an even stranger hobby
This book is very readable and quite entertaining but didn’t really leave any impression on me which is unusual.
The story is about Olivia a 32-year-old who has become hooked on cocaine thereby suffering a heart attack and is now back living with her mother who now has control over nearly every aspect of her life. She has a therapist who she was at school with who seems unable to relate to her and encourages her to do things which are of no interest to Olivia. Finally, after being told to find a hobby to occupy her mind she picks something called urban exploration. This consists of finding derelict buildings, breaking into them and exploring them. Olivia soon discovers that some of these buildings contain very valuable items and begins to steal them and sell them on the internet. She then invests the money in her own bank account, an action which makes her feel more independent.
Olivia’s younger sister, Chloe, who is at medical school suddenly turns up back at home 9 months pregnant and has agreed to have the child adopted. Their mother had deliberately got pregnant with both her daughters without allowing the fathers to know and urges Chloe to keep her baby. Chloe is reluctant but changes her mind when she meets her father who is desperate for her to keep the child but eventually becomes obsessive.
This story seems to jump about from one idea to another and did not seem very realistic to me, I also thought the ending was quite inconclusive so although I quite enjoyed reading it, it will not remain in my memory as many books do.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
This book is very readable and quite entertaining but didn’t really leave any impression on me which is unusual.
The story is about Olivia a 32-year-old who has become hooked on cocaine thereby suffering a heart attack and is now back living with her mother who now has control over nearly every aspect of her life. She has a therapist who she was at school with who seems unable to relate to her and encourages her to do things which are of no interest to Olivia. Finally, after being told to find a hobby to occupy her mind she picks something called urban exploration. This consists of finding derelict buildings, breaking into them and exploring them. Olivia soon discovers that some of these buildings contain very valuable items and begins to steal them and sell them on the internet. She then invests the money in her own bank account, an action which makes her feel more independent.
Olivia’s younger sister, Chloe, who is at medical school suddenly turns up back at home 9 months pregnant and has agreed to have the child adopted. Their mother had deliberately got pregnant with both her daughters without allowing the fathers to know and urges Chloe to keep her baby. Chloe is reluctant but changes her mind when she meets her father who is desperate for her to keep the child but eventually becomes obsessive.
This story seems to jump about from one idea to another and did not seem very realistic to me, I also thought the ending was quite inconclusive so although I quite enjoyed reading it, it will not remain in my memory as many books do.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
April 11, 2025
Effortless writing style. Funny, smart, and incredibly descriptive.
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