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Herring Cove Road #1
On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety
A troubled old man, his doting but ill wife, and the salvation that follows his friendship with the lonely child of his racist neighbor. Enjoyed by fans of A Man Called Ove
Once an amusing extrovert with a reputation as a prankster, Mr. Rosen is entering his senior years as a stoic thirty-year converted introvert who has little to no interest in people, hates change, and is more than content to have his wife gently take the navigator's seat of his life. Since becoming a practicing introvert, there have been only a few changes in his life, and for each of those changes his wife had walked him through them, including their recent move to a much smaller home in a middle-class neighborhood where he lives next to a racist whose pint-sized son addresses him as Mr. Jew.
Mr. Rosen had seen the move coming and he's very much aware of the enormous change to come that will force him to chart his own life's route, though he refuses to think about it, but he's not aware of the change that will come from the child next door. A change that could offer him a second chance at life... if he would allow himself to take it.
This cozy story of an unlikely friendship offers a roller coaster of emotion as Mr. Rosen's comfortable world begins to implode while on a collision course with the chaotic world of a boy, his troubled mother and vengeful father.
Once an amusing extrovert with a reputation as a prankster, Mr. Rosen is entering his senior years as a stoic thirty-year converted introvert who has little to no interest in people, hates change, and is more than content to have his wife gently take the navigator's seat of his life. Since becoming a practicing introvert, there have been only a few changes in his life, and for each of those changes his wife had walked him through them, including their recent move to a much smaller home in a middle-class neighborhood where he lives next to a racist whose pint-sized son addresses him as Mr. Jew.
Mr. Rosen had seen the move coming and he's very much aware of the enormous change to come that will force him to chart his own life's route, though he refuses to think about it, but he's not aware of the change that will come from the child next door. A change that could offer him a second chance at life... if he would allow himself to take it.
This cozy story of an unlikely friendship offers a roller coaster of emotion as Mr. Rosen's comfortable world begins to implode while on a collision course with the chaotic world of a boy, his troubled mother and vengeful father.
Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2014
1737 people are currently reading
2461 people want to read
About the author
Michael Kroft
11 books80 followersMichael Kroft is a Nova Scotian Haligonian and writes fun, easy-to-read character-driven novels about the relationships between complex and mostly lovable characters that are as important to the story as the plot itself. Having completed his first four-book series, Herring Cove Road, where each novel in the unique series is not like the others, he's now working on his next series, The Lovelys' Family Tree.
Michael Kroft's Current Works:
The Four-Volume Not-So-Nuclear Family Saga Series, Herring Cove Road:
●On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety
●Still on Herring Cove Road: Hickory, Dickory, Death
●Off Herring Cove Road: The Problem Being Blue
●Before Herring Cove Road: Ruth Goldman and the Nincompoop
The Family Saga Series, The Lovelys' Family Tree:
●Indentured Bonds: The First Generation, Circa 1715
Michael Kroft's website: michaelkroft.com
Michael Kroft's Twitter: @michaelkroft
Michael Kroft's Current Works:
The Four-Volume Not-So-Nuclear Family Saga Series, Herring Cove Road:
●On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety
●Still on Herring Cove Road: Hickory, Dickory, Death
●Off Herring Cove Road: The Problem Being Blue
●Before Herring Cove Road: Ruth Goldman and the Nincompoop
The Family Saga Series, The Lovelys' Family Tree:
●Indentured Bonds: The First Generation, Circa 1715
Michael Kroft's website: michaelkroft.com
Michael Kroft's Twitter: @michaelkroft
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
January 24, 2015
This is a modern - realistic version of "Dennis the Menace" or "Leave It To Beaver".
I read the 2nd book in this short series - which I gave 5 stars to as well. I walked around the kitchen thinking about the characters and hints of events that happened in the first book ... so I had to read it. Now that is a sign of an excellent writer or storyteller.
In the first novel I was able to meet "Ruth" who reminded me so much of my mother that I cried when ... (sorry spoiler alert ... can't tell you - you will have to read the book).
This is a beautiful story of tolerance or the lack thereof; love and friendship.
Also, I loved that I knew some of the streets in the novel. I have been to Halifax a number of times over the years.
Thanks Mike .. when is your next one coming out.
I read the 2nd book in this short series - which I gave 5 stars to as well. I walked around the kitchen thinking about the characters and hints of events that happened in the first book ... so I had to read it. Now that is a sign of an excellent writer or storyteller.
In the first novel I was able to meet "Ruth" who reminded me so much of my mother that I cried when ... (sorry spoiler alert ... can't tell you - you will have to read the book).
This is a beautiful story of tolerance or the lack thereof; love and friendship.
Also, I loved that I knew some of the streets in the novel. I have been to Halifax a number of times over the years.
Thanks Mike .. when is your next one coming out.
October 9, 2015
I have been on a roll lately…this is another 5 star read. And if you follow this blog…you know those are few and far between.
Avriel and his lovely wife, an elderly Jewish couple, move onto Herring Cove Road. Through an accident, they become friends with their next door neighbor and her son. This leads to many ups and down, joys and tragedies.
I can relate to Avriel in so many ways. He is an introvert and a pharmacist. Needless to say, he was my favorite character. But all the main characters are relatable and enjoyable…except one. And he is the one that reeks havoc on all their lives.
This is a novel that takes the reader through a myriad of emotions. I laughed, cried, got really angry and a little scared. There is even a part that is so emotional, I put my book down for a minute. I couldn’t leave it down, because I just had to see what happened next.
An awesome read to say the least!!
Avriel and his lovely wife, an elderly Jewish couple, move onto Herring Cove Road. Through an accident, they become friends with their next door neighbor and her son. This leads to many ups and down, joys and tragedies.
I can relate to Avriel in so many ways. He is an introvert and a pharmacist. Needless to say, he was my favorite character. But all the main characters are relatable and enjoyable…except one. And he is the one that reeks havoc on all their lives.
This is a novel that takes the reader through a myriad of emotions. I laughed, cried, got really angry and a little scared. There is even a part that is so emotional, I put my book down for a minute. I couldn’t leave it down, because I just had to see what happened next.
An awesome read to say the least!!
August 19, 2019
The Herring Cove Road Series consists of four books. On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43LB Anxiety is the first book in the series.
Ruth and Av Rosen move from a big house to a smaller one on Herring Cove Road. Due to an unfortunate accident, the Rosens become friends with their next door neighbors. At first, Av isn’t thrilled with his wife’s deepening friendship with Lisa and her son Dewey but soon he lets them into his introverted world. Lisa’s husband is a nasty drunk and she has had enough of him. She locks him out of their house, which leads to a series of events that will have a major impact on all of their lives.
This first book of the series centers on the growing friendship between Av and Dewey and explores such themes as family, PTSD, anti-semitism, loss/grief, and friendship. You cannot help but become attached to these very likable and well-developed characters. It is an easy and a quick read that will keep you engaged. At its core, it is a feel good story that is heartwarming, touching, and funny but it has a few sad moments. On Herring Cove Road is a well-written and entertaining read that I highly recommend.
Ruth and Av Rosen move from a big house to a smaller one on Herring Cove Road. Due to an unfortunate accident, the Rosens become friends with their next door neighbors. At first, Av isn’t thrilled with his wife’s deepening friendship with Lisa and her son Dewey but soon he lets them into his introverted world. Lisa’s husband is a nasty drunk and she has had enough of him. She locks him out of their house, which leads to a series of events that will have a major impact on all of their lives.
This first book of the series centers on the growing friendship between Av and Dewey and explores such themes as family, PTSD, anti-semitism, loss/grief, and friendship. You cannot help but become attached to these very likable and well-developed characters. It is an easy and a quick read that will keep you engaged. At its core, it is a feel good story that is heartwarming, touching, and funny but it has a few sad moments. On Herring Cove Road is a well-written and entertaining read that I highly recommend.
October 16, 2016
Avriel Rozen returned from World War II a broken man. His wife Ruth loves him dearly and has taken care of this quite introverted man who was once the life of every party. The date is 1976 and the setting is in Halifax, Canada. Ruth is a strong and intelligent woman who runs the business, manages the finances, and provides a loving home for herself and Avriel. A childless couple they are now settled in their retirement years. Ruth suffers from a heart condition that is progressively getting worse. Ruth makes the decision to sell the business, move to a smaller home, and to enjoyed their retirement years together.
Avriel keeps to himself and goes along with whatever Ruth decides is the best thing to do. All is going well until one day the young neighbor boy, Dewey, rides his bike down the hill and smashes head on into Avriel's car. The accident brings the two families together. Dewey survives with a few cuts, bruises and a fractured arm. Dewey and his mother, Lisa, then came to know the Rozen's and a new friendship begins to form. At first Avriel finds his wife's friendship with the neighbors to be intrusive and disturbing but that does not last long. For the first time in many years, Avriel allows others to become important in his life. Dewey And Lisa are now his new friends.
I don't want to give away any more of the story, but the bike accident and the relationship with these neighbors had a major impact on Avriel's life. I love the characters Avriel, Ruth, Dewey and Lisa but definately not Lisa's abusive and drunken husband, Paul. One day Lisa decides to take a stand and she lockes her husband out of the house. Things do not go as she originally planned and what happened that day forever changed the course of all their lives.
This is wonderfully written story of pure and unconditional love and of loss. This is also a story of a young woman and her child leaving a terrible life behind with the help and support of a once isolated and dependent old man. A horrible tragedy that initially devastated Avriel, was in time able to bring back to life the man that he once was. This was a truly moving and enjoyable book. .
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2015
A genuinely delightful story - beautifully written.
The story of an emotionally-scarred, childless elderly man and his wife, who move next-door to a vulnerable family with a young son. The writing style perfectly complements the main character, and what shines through on every page is the restrained but deep love the elderly couple feel for one another. As the old man and the young boy draw one another out of their self-imposed shells, a very moving bond develops. In this impeccably-told story everything has a reason, and we're aware of it throughout, but we don't discover the real selfless depth of it until the very last lines, which made me laugh and cry. Moving, touching, refreshing, heart-warming, and one of the best books I’ve read for a while. A recommended read. If it had been written by Dickens, it would be a classic by now.
The story of an emotionally-scarred, childless elderly man and his wife, who move next-door to a vulnerable family with a young son. The writing style perfectly complements the main character, and what shines through on every page is the restrained but deep love the elderly couple feel for one another. As the old man and the young boy draw one another out of their self-imposed shells, a very moving bond develops. In this impeccably-told story everything has a reason, and we're aware of it throughout, but we don't discover the real selfless depth of it until the very last lines, which made me laugh and cry. Moving, touching, refreshing, heart-warming, and one of the best books I’ve read for a while. A recommended read. If it had been written by Dickens, it would be a classic by now.
February 9, 2015
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. Michael Kroft is a fellow Haligonian. This book is set in Halifax and brought back memories of my childhood. Avriel and Ruth remind me of my grandparents and reading about them often made me smile and sometimes made me cry. His careful construction of the characters and the setting brought the story to life.
Mr. Kroft brings us a story that shows us how powerful love can be. It can make us want to live again. It can bring us through even the most horrible circumstances. It can come from your soul-mate, a little boy,a woman in trouble and even a cat. This story touched me and I wish I had the words to tell you how much. I recommend this book to everyone. I hope you buy it. I know you won't regret it.
Mr. Kroft brings us a story that shows us how powerful love can be. It can make us want to live again. It can bring us through even the most horrible circumstances. It can come from your soul-mate, a little boy,a woman in trouble and even a cat. This story touched me and I wish I had the words to tell you how much. I recommend this book to everyone. I hope you buy it. I know you won't regret it.
June 2, 2015
I read this book some months ago and fell in love with the characters. Michael Kroft has a beautiful way of describing situation and characters with warmth and humour.
April 29, 2016
Wonderful Read!
Great characters and plot development...not quite as complex as "A Man Called Ov"...but very well written. I plan on reading the two additional books in this series.
Great characters and plot development...not quite as complex as "A Man Called Ov"...but very well written. I plan on reading the two additional books in this series.
December 21, 2014
A complex and compelling book from the author of Still On Herring Cove Road: Hickory, Dickory, Death.
Avriel Rosen and his wife arrived in Canada and opened a chain of drugstores many years before this story opens on a June day in 1976. The number of stores was Mrs Rosen’s decision. Downsizing from their secluded house to another, less isolated, on a quiet road in Halifax was Mrs Rosen’s decision. Drama, in the shape of nine-year-old working-class Dewey, determined to be accepted into a gang of older boys, begins to peel away the layers from this complex man.
Michael Kroft achieves this first by showing unexpected medical skills when, driven by guilt at the painful injuries he inadvertently caused, and his wife’s insistence, he tends the boy’s wounds. The author goes on to use expertly written flashbacks to reveal what made Mr Rosen the man he is, each of them a mini-story evocative of the time and place in which they are set.
To quote Winston Churchill: "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” And reading to the end is not a choice: the reader is too firmly hooked by this compelling story to put it aside.
Avriel Rosen and his wife arrived in Canada and opened a chain of drugstores many years before this story opens on a June day in 1976. The number of stores was Mrs Rosen’s decision. Downsizing from their secluded house to another, less isolated, on a quiet road in Halifax was Mrs Rosen’s decision. Drama, in the shape of nine-year-old working-class Dewey, determined to be accepted into a gang of older boys, begins to peel away the layers from this complex man.
Michael Kroft achieves this first by showing unexpected medical skills when, driven by guilt at the painful injuries he inadvertently caused, and his wife’s insistence, he tends the boy’s wounds. The author goes on to use expertly written flashbacks to reveal what made Mr Rosen the man he is, each of them a mini-story evocative of the time and place in which they are set.
To quote Winston Churchill: "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” And reading to the end is not a choice: the reader is too firmly hooked by this compelling story to put it aside.
December 18, 2017
The story was good but the narration was very descriptive which isn't my favorite style. There were also grammar/editing errors in my copy of the book. The characters were genuine, unique and fresh. There were many different situations that kept the book interesting. I will probably read another book in the series because I did like the characters.
June 23, 2018
I feel like an ass for not liking this book. Maybe like a soul-less hack who can't appreciate just pure, nice friendships in an innocent story. Based on the website, Michael Kroft seems like a nice guy. I hope his writing has developed since the writing of this book.
This book was meh, just meh. I didn't hate it, but it didn't exactly draw me in.
I feel that there is a strong difference between an author and a person who writes books. Most people will look at that and go "there is no difference that's what an author does". And then I'm reminded of all the twelve year olds and eighteen year olds who brag about their poem or short story being published. It doesn't mean anything, I can go right now and put something on Kindle, or LuLu. And after reading this book I got more of a "man who wrote a book" than an author.
Why do I say that? Because everything was so flat. Chapters were just strung along events, things that happened, unrelated events that the only relationship was the fact the same characters appeared. The characters were bland and talked in the same way. If you gave me a list of quotations and asked me to guess who said what I couldn't tell you. The nine-year-old boy spoke the same way as the old WWII vet--although you could guess Av speaking if his quotation had a bunch of ellipses.
The story was cliche, predictable. The exposition clunky and boring. Smack dab in the middle of the book you get these big exposition dumps rather than something that is shown or exposed to us throughout the novel. Av is also consistently described as being cold and heartless although throughout the book he is able to joke and be silly and play around at a moment's notice. There was no development there. His relationship with Dewey was okay from the start.
It's a saccharine, feel-good, but otherwise...bland story. It's white bread "Leave it to Beaver" plotting, with the crude and kind of dark moments a jarring disconnect. The racism, the crime, and the violence is so forced and out-of-place--with the biggest crime being that they go unresolved. When you have an otherwise one-dimensional piece of writing, you should not add heavy subjects because they are just going to be treated as bland as the rest of the story. Not that it's disrespectful, but it's pointless.
Also, in my opinion, if you're going to make characters who are overtly hate-crime racist, at least have the gumption to bring yourself to actually bring that racism alive so I can hate that person. I grew up in the Southern U.S. and being called a "black" was probably the least offensive thing to be called. Hearing the very "kid-friendly" racism was laughable because all I could imagine was the author not able to bring himself to type those words--which I commend him for but I mean really? Your racist character has the balls to try to kill someone but can't even drop the hard R? Give me a break. Not saying you gotta go all "YouTube comment" in your novel, but don't do R-rated topics in a PG book.
There's nothing wrong with the book. I wasn't offended, upset, jarred, horrified, or even bored with the book. But then again I wasn't amazed, fascinated, emotionally invested, or in love with the book either. This book is pretty forgettable. The author could do a lot with working on his syntax, and the way sentences flowed and how they sounded. He doesn't need to purple his prose but he could do with a little more character and personality to his writing style. Reading his book I was able to think of at least four people I know who write their stories in the same way he does--and that's not a compliment.
If you like feel-good stories this is probably a good match for you. But if you're looking for something that'll stick with you even after you finish the book you're probably better off looking elsewhere.
ALSO: This is not a book about overcoming prejudices. Av and Dewey are gucci like 12% in the book and everyone else is fine with the Rosens. The only one that doesn't like it just dies so I guess...uh...don't be a racist or they'll kill your ass.
This book was meh, just meh. I didn't hate it, but it didn't exactly draw me in.
I feel that there is a strong difference between an author and a person who writes books. Most people will look at that and go "there is no difference that's what an author does". And then I'm reminded of all the twelve year olds and eighteen year olds who brag about their poem or short story being published. It doesn't mean anything, I can go right now and put something on Kindle, or LuLu. And after reading this book I got more of a "man who wrote a book" than an author.
Why do I say that? Because everything was so flat. Chapters were just strung along events, things that happened, unrelated events that the only relationship was the fact the same characters appeared. The characters were bland and talked in the same way. If you gave me a list of quotations and asked me to guess who said what I couldn't tell you. The nine-year-old boy spoke the same way as the old WWII vet--although you could guess Av speaking if his quotation had a bunch of ellipses.
The story was cliche, predictable. The exposition clunky and boring. Smack dab in the middle of the book you get these big exposition dumps rather than something that is shown or exposed to us throughout the novel. Av is also consistently described as being cold and heartless although throughout the book he is able to joke and be silly and play around at a moment's notice. There was no development there. His relationship with Dewey was okay from the start.
It's a saccharine, feel-good, but otherwise...bland story. It's white bread "Leave it to Beaver" plotting, with the crude and kind of dark moments a jarring disconnect. The racism, the crime, and the violence is so forced and out-of-place--with the biggest crime being that they go unresolved. When you have an otherwise one-dimensional piece of writing, you should not add heavy subjects because they are just going to be treated as bland as the rest of the story. Not that it's disrespectful, but it's pointless.
Also, in my opinion, if you're going to make characters who are overtly hate-crime racist, at least have the gumption to bring yourself to actually bring that racism alive so I can hate that person. I grew up in the Southern U.S. and being called a "black" was probably the least offensive thing to be called. Hearing the very "kid-friendly" racism was laughable because all I could imagine was the author not able to bring himself to type those words--which I commend him for but I mean really? Your racist character has the balls to try to kill someone but can't even drop the hard R? Give me a break. Not saying you gotta go all "YouTube comment" in your novel, but don't do R-rated topics in a PG book.
There's nothing wrong with the book. I wasn't offended, upset, jarred, horrified, or even bored with the book. But then again I wasn't amazed, fascinated, emotionally invested, or in love with the book either. This book is pretty forgettable. The author could do a lot with working on his syntax, and the way sentences flowed and how they sounded. He doesn't need to purple his prose but he could do with a little more character and personality to his writing style. Reading his book I was able to think of at least four people I know who write their stories in the same way he does--and that's not a compliment.
If you like feel-good stories this is probably a good match for you. But if you're looking for something that'll stick with you even after you finish the book you're probably better off looking elsewhere.
ALSO: This is not a book about overcoming prejudices. Av and Dewey are gucci like 12% in the book and everyone else is fine with the Rosens. The only one that doesn't like it just dies so I guess...uh...don't be a racist or they'll kill your ass.
August 21, 2016
Mr. and Mrs. Rosen are in their mid-60s. Mr. Rosen owns a chain of drug stores in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Mrs. Rosen, because of health issues, is now a housewife. Downsizing, they have recently moved into a smaller house which is easier for Mrs. Rosen to take care of. Mr. Rosen is an introvert and his happy letting his more extroverted wife direct his life.
Next door to the Rosens are the Dixons. Because their nine-year-old son, Dewey, always calls Mr. Rosen "Mr. Jew", Mr. Rosen ignores the boy. But an accident brings the two families together and Mr. Rosen discovers that Dewey's father is a racist and Dewey is innocently repeating what he hears from his father. Dewey and his mother, Lisa, become friends the Rosens, and Mr. Rosen's world opens up.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. The story takes place in the mid-1970s in Spryfield, a community in Halifax where my sister lives (so I've driven on some of the roads and been to some of the places mentioned in the book). It's before computers (they played old-school games like Trouble and Monopoly), cell phones, etc. The Rosens don't have a TV and spend a lot of their time reading books.
I liked the writing style and connected with the characters. I liked that the story took place in the present (well, the 1970s) and jumped back to tell the background stories of Avriel and Ruth Rosen and Lisa and Paul Dixon.
It is the first in the "Herring Cove Road" series and I look forward to reading the other three.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2016/08...
Next door to the Rosens are the Dixons. Because their nine-year-old son, Dewey, always calls Mr. Rosen "Mr. Jew", Mr. Rosen ignores the boy. But an accident brings the two families together and Mr. Rosen discovers that Dewey's father is a racist and Dewey is innocently repeating what he hears from his father. Dewey and his mother, Lisa, become friends the Rosens, and Mr. Rosen's world opens up.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. The story takes place in the mid-1970s in Spryfield, a community in Halifax where my sister lives (so I've driven on some of the roads and been to some of the places mentioned in the book). It's before computers (they played old-school games like Trouble and Monopoly), cell phones, etc. The Rosens don't have a TV and spend a lot of their time reading books.
I liked the writing style and connected with the characters. I liked that the story took place in the present (well, the 1970s) and jumped back to tell the background stories of Avriel and Ruth Rosen and Lisa and Paul Dixon.
It is the first in the "Herring Cove Road" series and I look forward to reading the other three.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2016/08...
October 17, 2017
So the title:
The book starts with Avriel Rosen, an elderly Jewish gentleman, leaving his house for work extra early to avoid the blue-eyed blond haired neighbor boy greeting him as "Mr. Jew." He thinks of wanting to respond with "Goy Boy" but his wife wouldn't approve of that language. But you find out fairly fast it's all one big misunderstanding, which I won't spoil for you because it's rather cute.
And that explains this novel. It's rather cute. There's some deep moments, a few stray tears, but mostly just a lighthearted slice of life. Avriel is a British WW2 veteran who moves to Canada with his wife in order to flee reminders of a war that completely changed his personality. This novel focuses when he's in his 60s, and is mostly about Avriel cracking out of his shell. Those around him, his wife, the neighbor Lisa, her 9-year-old son Dewey, and her bigot husband Paul, have various impacts on his life, but he is by far the main character.
So if you like cute little slice of life stories, this is a good read. Nothing too deep, nothing too complicated, just a good short little feel-good story with some not-so-feel-good moments in it. I read heavy fantasy, so it was a good little brain clearer in between trilogies.
The book starts with Avriel Rosen, an elderly Jewish gentleman, leaving his house for work extra early to avoid the blue-eyed blond haired neighbor boy greeting him as "Mr. Jew." He thinks of wanting to respond with "Goy Boy" but his wife wouldn't approve of that language. But you find out fairly fast it's all one big misunderstanding, which I won't spoil for you because it's rather cute.
And that explains this novel. It's rather cute. There's some deep moments, a few stray tears, but mostly just a lighthearted slice of life. Avriel is a British WW2 veteran who moves to Canada with his wife in order to flee reminders of a war that completely changed his personality. This novel focuses when he's in his 60s, and is mostly about Avriel cracking out of his shell. Those around him, his wife, the neighbor Lisa, her 9-year-old son Dewey, and her bigot husband Paul, have various impacts on his life, but he is by far the main character.
So if you like cute little slice of life stories, this is a good read. Nothing too deep, nothing too complicated, just a good short little feel-good story with some not-so-feel-good moments in it. I read heavy fantasy, so it was a good little brain clearer in between trilogies.
May 20, 2016
This is the first time I have done this. The title of this book appeared as an advertisement on my Kindle and it was such an odd title, I decided to investigate and was lured into reading it. It is a simple, lovely tale about a gentile boy and his Mother and their elderly Jewish next door neighbors. The woman and boy have never really been exposed to Jews before and are skeptical, but in the end, a wonderful, endearing bond forms. There is a plot that moves the relationship story forward. It is a bit hackneyed and not particularly surprising or engrossing, but because I became attached to the characters, I was invested in the story and enjoyed it.
This is not heavy reading. It is a heartwarming feel-good story, easy to read in just a few days, and worth taking time out of the rigors of real life, and the challenges of "heavy" literature to spend some time with these characters and come away feeling better about the world as a result. I gave this book three stars. Great literature...no. Amazing plot twists...no. Feel good fun book...yes. Sometimes that's just what I need.
This is not heavy reading. It is a heartwarming feel-good story, easy to read in just a few days, and worth taking time out of the rigors of real life, and the challenges of "heavy" literature to spend some time with these characters and come away feeling better about the world as a result. I gave this book three stars. Great literature...no. Amazing plot twists...no. Feel good fun book...yes. Sometimes that's just what I need.
July 8, 2017
I almost quit reading this book several times, as it was often slow going, due to what I felt were mundane details and dialogue. BUT, I simply fell in love with the characters. Mr. Kroft did a wonderful job of bringing them to life with his words.
What I'd give to have people like Avriel and Ruth Rosen living next door! Intelligent, loving, and most caring of others, their relationship with one another was enviable. Reading about, and understanding, Ruthy's attempts to help her husband become more sociable with others, I often laughed out loud, and occasionally wiped away a few tears. And, I couldn't stop reading until I knew the outcome of their story.
While I prefer faster moving books, and am not sure I'll read others by this author, he touched my heart with this one...and I will carry it with me for a long time. Thank you, Michael Kroft, for introducing me to Mr. and Mrs. Rosen.
What I'd give to have people like Avriel and Ruth Rosen living next door! Intelligent, loving, and most caring of others, their relationship with one another was enviable. Reading about, and understanding, Ruthy's attempts to help her husband become more sociable with others, I often laughed out loud, and occasionally wiped away a few tears. And, I couldn't stop reading until I knew the outcome of their story.
While I prefer faster moving books, and am not sure I'll read others by this author, he touched my heart with this one...and I will carry it with me for a long time. Thank you, Michael Kroft, for introducing me to Mr. and Mrs. Rosen.
November 5, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
Due to Ruth’s failing health, Avriel and Ruth Rosen move to a smaller house on Herring Road, becoming the first Jews on the street. Avriel keeps to himself as much as possible, but after Dewey, the boy next door, runs into Avriel’s car while riding a bike, the two families start to become friends.
This was not a bad book, but I just did not connect with it for some reason. There were parts I enjoyed, but I felt there was a lot of downtime between those parts. From the other reviews, I can see that I am in a minority opinion about the book. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it more than me.
Due to Ruth’s failing health, Avriel and Ruth Rosen move to a smaller house on Herring Road, becoming the first Jews on the street. Avriel keeps to himself as much as possible, but after Dewey, the boy next door, runs into Avriel’s car while riding a bike, the two families start to become friends.
This was not a bad book, but I just did not connect with it for some reason. There were parts I enjoyed, but I felt there was a lot of downtime between those parts. From the other reviews, I can see that I am in a minority opinion about the book. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it more than me.
October 8, 2016
eARC: Netgalley
My five star ratings are few and far between and I am so happy to have found one more to add to my collection. Mr. Jew and the Goy Boy is an absolute treasure that will tug at your heart strings one moment and have you grinning and laughing out loud at the next.
I fell in love with the colorful characters and hated to come to the end of their story...but then I had a wonderful surprise. There's more! Their story continues in the next installment of the Herring Cove Road series. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series!
My five star ratings are few and far between and I am so happy to have found one more to add to my collection. Mr. Jew and the Goy Boy is an absolute treasure that will tug at your heart strings one moment and have you grinning and laughing out loud at the next.
I fell in love with the colorful characters and hated to come to the end of their story...but then I had a wonderful surprise. There's more! Their story continues in the next installment of the Herring Cove Road series. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series!
August 6, 2018
This is a charming book about a young boy and an old man. Ancillary characters include the boy's mom, his father, and the old mans wife. At times, the book seems more old fashioned than it actually is and this may be due to speech patterns and the expository style of writing. Its a delicate novel belying the traumatic events framing every day life, including antisemitism, murder, death, and war and its after effects. It is a positive story in spite of the turns of life and captures the reader in its gentle yet powerful narration.
February 27, 2018
Bad. Just bad. Didn't finish.
August 25, 2018
A sweet and lovely story.
June 28, 2020
The Herring Cove Road Books consist of four books. This is the first I have read and I enjoyed it.
In this book the Rosens, Ruth and Av move to a small house on Herring Cove Road. They become friends with their neighbors through an unforeseen accident. Lisa and Dewey, her son, become friends with Ruth and this doesn't thrill Av. However soon he lowers his defenses and lets them in. When Lisa locks her drunken husband out of the house a series of events follow which affects all of them.
I loved this book which explores friendship, family, PTSD, antisemitism and more. The characters are so well written that it is easy to become apart of their world. This is a quick read because it is one that you will not want to put down. I give this a very high recommendations.
I was given this book by NetGalley and DMD Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
In this book the Rosens, Ruth and Av move to a small house on Herring Cove Road. They become friends with their neighbors through an unforeseen accident. Lisa and Dewey, her son, become friends with Ruth and this doesn't thrill Av. However soon he lowers his defenses and lets them in. When Lisa locks her drunken husband out of the house a series of events follow which affects all of them.
I loved this book which explores friendship, family, PTSD, antisemitism and more. The characters are so well written that it is easy to become apart of their world. This is a quick read because it is one that you will not want to put down. I give this a very high recommendations.
I was given this book by NetGalley and DMD Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
June 28, 2020
The Herring Cove Road Books consist of four books. This is the first I have read and I enjoyed it.
In this book the Rosens, Ruth and Av move to a small house on Herring Cove Road. They become friends with their neighbors through an unforeseen accident. Lisa and Dewey, her son, become friends with Ruth and this doesn't thrill Av. However soon he lowers his defenses and lets them in. When Lisa locks her drunken husband out of the house a series of events follow which affects all of them.
I loved this book which explores friendship, family, PTSD, antisemitism and more. The characters are so well written that it is easy to become apart of their world. This is a quick read because it is one that you will not want to put down. I give this a very high recommendations.
I was given this book by NetGalley and DMD Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
In this book the Rosens, Ruth and Av move to a small house on Herring Cove Road. They become friends with their neighbors through an unforeseen accident. Lisa and Dewey, her son, become friends with Ruth and this doesn't thrill Av. However soon he lowers his defenses and lets them in. When Lisa locks her drunken husband out of the house a series of events follow which affects all of them.
I loved this book which explores friendship, family, PTSD, antisemitism and more. The characters are so well written that it is easy to become apart of their world. This is a quick read because it is one that you will not want to put down. I give this a very high recommendations.
I was given this book by NetGalley and DMD Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
April 30, 2021
After having just finished a rather hard hitting psychological thriller that left me very depressed, I was ready for a warm and inviting book that brings out the goodness in others. “On Herring Cover Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43 lb. Anxiety,” Book # 1 by Michael Kroft was the perfect candidate for me.
This is a charming book about a young boy and an old man along with some unforgettable secondary characters that includes the boy's mom, his drunken father, and the old mans loving wife. Set in Nova Scotia, it’s a delicate novel belying the traumatic events framing every day life, including anti-Semitism, murder, death, and war and it’s after effects. It is a positive story in spite of life turns and captured this reader with its gentle prose.
This is a charming book about a young boy and an old man along with some unforgettable secondary characters that includes the boy's mom, his drunken father, and the old mans loving wife. Set in Nova Scotia, it’s a delicate novel belying the traumatic events framing every day life, including anti-Semitism, murder, death, and war and it’s after effects. It is a positive story in spite of life turns and captured this reader with its gentle prose.
March 22, 2019
A sweet little story. I didn’t realize it before buying but really this is YA reading. (Or should be.) A very touching story of overcoming PTSD and loss and grief through supportive relationships, and opening oneself to those relationships, no matter how unlikely the pairings.
Read
August 10, 2024DNF
September 16, 2023
I was really excited to read this book after having seen the reviews.
Unfortunately, I only made it three chapters. The writing consists of a lot of descriptions and it is very slow. The second chapter, which is not short by any means describes Mr. Rosen driving home, with superfluous detail.
Aside from this there is something in the way sentences are worded that makes the meaning fuzzy and sometimes requires a re-read. I am by no means an expert in English, but I have been reading books in English, almost exclusively, for the last 11 years and I have had no issues before.
I have been trying to pick up the book again after a week's break, but I cannot bring myself to do it, hence from my side it gets only two stars.
Unfortunately, I only made it three chapters. The writing consists of a lot of descriptions and it is very slow. The second chapter, which is not short by any means describes Mr. Rosen driving home, with superfluous detail.
Aside from this there is something in the way sentences are worded that makes the meaning fuzzy and sometimes requires a re-read. I am by no means an expert in English, but I have been reading books in English, almost exclusively, for the last 11 years and I have had no issues before.
I have been trying to pick up the book again after a week's break, but I cannot bring myself to do it, hence from my side it gets only two stars.
December 26, 2024
It is odd to say this, but the book needed to be 50 pages longer to develop Paul Dixon. Missed opportunity to tackle the world of that character so the B Story pays off at the end.
Overall a great book. What I was looking for. A simple book with a straight forward plot and characters who are easy to relate with.
Overall a great book. What I was looking for. A simple book with a straight forward plot and characters who are easy to relate with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2016
Rarely I am rating a book with 5 stars! But this deserves every one of it! I like everything in the novel. The easy and humorous style, the heart warming and touching story about an elderly retired couple and their friendship with a 8 year old boy and his family. I set there laughing, with tears in my eyes and was in the story right away! A must read book!
March 11, 2016
Great Story
Such a well written story that kept me anxious to learn more about Av and Rose. So wonderful to read of the friendship formed between youth and someone ' up in years' who has experiences to share. Would love to read more in the saga....must wait for a free offering again.
Such a well written story that kept me anxious to learn more about Av and Rose. So wonderful to read of the friendship formed between youth and someone ' up in years' who has experiences to share. Would love to read more in the saga....must wait for a free offering again.
May 16, 2016
Relentlessly heartwarming. Very simply written in declarative sentences. Probably the first book I have read that is set in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I like the last sentence. And the good guys won, though a couple of people died. A neighbor recommended this book to me, and I will thank her. It's about an older Jewish couple and their neighbors. It deals with aging, loss, and anti-Semitism. Gently.
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