Penelope Lemon: Game On!

by Inman Majors, Michael Griffith (Series Editor)

Penelope Lemon is a recent divorcée, closet Metallica fan, and accidental subversive to all the expectations of suburban motherhood. After ending her marriage with James, a woodsy intellectual who favors silky kimonos too short for his knobby knees, Penelope finds herself, at forty, living with her randy mother in her childhood home. Broke and desperate for work, she waitresses at Coonskins, a frontier-themed restaurant where the decor is heavy on stuffed mammals and discarded peanut shells.



Despite the pitfalls of balancing parental duties, jobs, and the vagaries of middle-age life, Penelope pushes through one obstacle after another, trying to regain her independence. Whether fumbling through the world of online dating; coping with a bullying situation involving her son, Theo, something of a gastric wonder on the school bus; or wrestling with the discovery of nude photos from her carefree college days that are not quite as "artistic" as she remembers, Penelope gradually emerges as a modern-day heroine who navigates the assorted inanities of life with verve and humor.

Audacious and laugh-out-loud funny, Inman Majors's new novel holds up a fun-house mirror to the relatable challenges of being a single parent in the digital age. All those who live by the beat of their own drum gain a coconspirator, an accomplice, and a champion in the unstoppable Penelope Lemon.

Genres: Humor, Fiction, Comedy

232 pages, Hardcover

Published August 15, 2018

About the author

Inman Majors grew up in Tennessee and now makes his home in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is a professor of English at James Madison University.

PENELOPE LEMON: GAME ON!

“Penelope’s adventures in online Christian dating and parenting are hilarious.”—New York Post

"A laugh-out-loud funny tale...Majors' latest is a riot from beginning to end."
—Booklist

"Don't plan on getting anything done once you pick up the funniest book of 2018."
—CharlotteLit

"A light and lively sendup of modern woes."
—Kirkus Review

“Majors’ mixture of “sinners and saints” in his make-believe town of Hillsboro is a laugh-out-loud read.”
—Memphis Commercial Appeal

“Saucy and profane and funny on every page.”
—Nashville Scene

"Seriously racy and laugh out loud funny."—StyleBlueprint

“(Majors) willingness to put his characters through rough patches, that are both absurd and hilarious, makes the book a diverting page-turner.”
—Memphis Flyer

“Penelope Lemon is a high-spirited character who will keep you laughing.”
—Read it Forward

“Inman Majors is a sparklingly funny, immensely charming writer. PENELOPE LEMON gives us a hapless, scrappy, loveable heroine to root for and a whole cast of great characters.” —Kate Christensen, author of The Great Man and The Last Cruise

“If Penelope Lemon wasn’t taken, I’d be dating her myself. As hilarious as she is tough, Penelope is a heroine you can’t help rooting for. She also happens to be a fiercely loving mom with a giant heart. Once again, Inman Majors delivers a wildly entertaining Southern tale that’s funny, smart, poignant, and deliciously subversive.” —Michelle Richmond, author of The Marriage Pact


“In PENELOPE LEMON, Inman Majors captures a subversive, outrageously funny middle America. It’s like Bridget Jones’s Diary, but with a hilarious, small-town, rocker mother as its lead. I laughed out loud A LOT and cheered Penelope every step of the way.”—John Hart, author of The Last Child


LOVE’S WINNING PLAYS

“(A) delightful new comic novel about SEC football.” —Wall Street Journal

“One of the 20 best books of 2012.” —Bookpage

“Funny, irreverent and savvy." —Publisher's Weekly

“Laugh-out-loud comedy populates the narrative...A sardonic, fun take on big-time college football.” —Kirkus Reviews

“It is a gem of a comedic novel, so laugh-out loud funny that readers might not even notice that if also captures the essence of the sport with humanity and grace.” —Knoxville News Sentinel

“Genuine laughs on nearly every page.” —Bookpage

“The comedy, which ranges smoothly from broad to subtle, is nonstop…(T)he writing is witty and razor—sharp throughout.” —Booklist (starred review)

“You know how sometimes you read something that makes you laugh so hard you’re embarrassed to read it in public? That’s how I felt about Love’s Winning Play." —Eliza Borné, Book Case blog, editor-in-chief of the Oxford American

“A rollicking tale of Southeastern Conference gridiron madness.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch

“Majors targets the ridiculousness of hype and hysteria over college football teams and is very funny doing it.” —Baton Rouge Advocate

“Strap yourself in—it’s a wild ride." —Library Journal

“I can’t remember the last time I laughed out loud this much reading a book.”—Metropulse

“One of our sharpest, funniest writers.”—The Classical



WONDERDOG

“A sharp and hilarious novel.” —Booklist

“Majors scores big points with his cast of friendly eccentrics, zingy dialogue, and a plot that wanders across the Southern landscape like a crazed raccoon chased by a pack of wild dogs.”
—Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Irreverent, hilarious, reportorial…Majors does it all.”—Knoxville News Sentinel

“Uniquely entertaining.” —Seattle Times

"If (Barry) Hannah is Southern Fiction's Howlin' Wolf, then Majors may well prove to be its B.B. King...Quick-witted and irreverent.” —Planet Weekly

“Wonderdog reads like Charles Portis cross-pollinated with Barry

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed out loud many times reading this book, but what really got me hooked on Penelope was the touching and realistic way Majors portrays her. She's an everyday woman wading through a mixed up, crazy, often hilarious slew of characters and situations that Majors creates--some he pokes fun at, and some he compliments by fleshing out who he could have simply written as a stereotype. The book's an interesting look into small-town life for a divorced mother, yet doesn't get bogged down with moroseness. It's light, funny, sometimes risqué, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll have to check out some of Majors' other books now.

[Catherine Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious! Great funny and witty story of a divorced 40 year old starting over and just keeps getting kicked down, but she never gives up! Loved it and now I am reading the next book

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice divorced Penelope is far too old to be a waitress in a denim mini-skirt and cowboy boots, living in her mother and stepfather’s house with her young son, and trying to repair her life. If you asked her friends, you’d hear that she is in need of a time out from men: her choices are pretty horrible, and she’s aware of her attraction for the ‘weird and unusual”. In fact, most of her memories about her second husband James revolve around his ‘insecurities’ about his lack of coordination or athletic ability, and his seduction technique, that mainly involved a bright yellow, short, kimono-style robe.

Penelope has a wicked sense of humor, and with a ‘gift’ of a membership to a Christian Dating site from her mother, a child who refuses to swing the bat at little league, and increasing debt that is insurmountable with a dead-end job, nothing is going her way. Desperate to get her own place for her and her son, a fortuitous meeting at the ball park with another mother wearing a rock and roll t-shirt brings opportunity: a new job, a new friend and new confidence to stand up to those who had done her wrong, or are bullying her son.

Utterly unique, Penelope had fallen into the Facebook stalking of her ex, discovered a twenty year old photo of her ‘posing’ on her first husband’s bed, and a series of contacts from young ‘Christian’ men looking for their ‘sure thing’. Making some steps forward, and several blunders that we all fall into, Penelope’s story is full of humor, the struggles are met with humor and single-minded purpose, at least in the moment, and her relationship with her son Theo is cleverly portrayed, with insets of LOL, SMH and OMG. Penelope feels like a real person who never quite met her potential, but is still fighting the good fight, and looking to expand her horizons in her small Virginia town.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Anna Vesc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Male author Inman Majors narrates through his female protagonist (Penelope), and he NAILS IT! Penelope is a single mother who has to move back in with her parents to make ends meet. She also has a ridiculous ex-husband (find out what an HHR is), career uncertainty, and general dating dysfunction. But her rough-around-the-edges friend and wicked sense of humor help her through it all. Majors' writing is clever (as in all his other books), and the story is laugh-out-loud funny and inspiring. I highly recommend.

[Christa Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penelope is a newly divorced 40 year old who is living in her mom's basement and waiting tables. She is trying to get back on her feet and get a place for her and her 9 year old son Theo. Theo inherited his dad's athletic ability...Penelope can take care of herself. With two ex-husbands and a couple of good friends who think she needs their advice, Penelope is actually doing pretty good on her own. With a delightful cast of quirky characters, this one is a winner. Light and FUNNY, you will end up rooting for Penelope and looking forward to her next adventure.

[Barrypaige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Penelope Lemon cover to cover - loved the character development. Laughed out loud many times and especially enjoyed the interaction between Penelope and her ex-husband. I hope Penelope Lemon returns in a sequel as I found myself wanting more as the book ended. Highly recommend Penelope Lemon.

[LC O’Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Inman Majors perfectly captures a woman's mind and portrays Penelope authentically, which is interesting in and of itself. It is hilarious, an actual laugh-out-loud kind of humor. It is a delight to read, and I finished most of it in one sitting. This book will make you smile. I am looking forward to the sequel!!

[Jen V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me rolling with laughter page after page! Majors illuminates the struggles faced by single mothers in an often realistic yet lighthearted way. I highly recommend it to all readers, both male and female.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice fun read when we are assaulted daily with negative news. I enjoyed the escape and the laughs. It made me realize I read too much sad historical fiction.

[Laura Deakins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend. Great read!

[Mark O'brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read and I found myself rooting for Penelope to escape the divorcee-living-with-parents hell.

Not all of it was believable, but overall it was an interesting, humorous view of a woman's struggles with job, children, ex-husbands, dating, friends etc. An interesting side note: The author is a man, who apparently gleaned much of his material from listening to his wife and her friends.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come at memphisflyer.com.

[Chris Ewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Majors gives a very accurate and funny portrayal of a divorcee navigating through modern life. I highly recommend.

[🐴 🍖]

wanted badly to love this one but it refused to cooperate. upon reflection i think the biggest issue was the mildness of penelope's reactions to the various upheavals herein. equanimity's admirable but it just ain't a funny attitude. (also pains me to say that the stoner ex's friend w/ missing toes who studies boston legal to impersonate a lawyer was woefully underutilized.) sweet and well-intentioned but an unfortunately sluggish smirk per page rate. still gonna try the zanier looking sequel!

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. It was cute. It wasn't laugh out loud funny, and it was sort of repetitive. The whole thing takes place over just a week or so. I actually think it would make a better movie. I think the wackiness of many characters could be even pushed further, and the short time frame would not have stood out.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is always light-hearted and humorous, but I didn't get a feeling for rising drama in the plot until about halfway through the book - it felt all over the place for me. Other than that, I thought the writing was good and it's definitely funny - sort of a woman's mid-life crisis after the end of her 2nd marriage, when she's living with her parents and working a crappy job, worrying about her son getting bullied and annoyed by both of her ex-husbands for different reasons, trying to date again and also figure where in the world her life is going.

[James Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a lot to meditate on here, but it's solid, quick read. Majors writes a very contemporary slice-of-life tale of a protagonist going to through turmoils, but finds herself on the upswing. The subtitle, Game On!, is a stretch and almost feels like an attempt to kickstart a series. I'm not sure I'd read more, but it's just as good as any number of other franchises currently out there.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

If ever a movie or tv show were to be made of this novel, Patricia Heaton (Frankie Heck from The Middle) would have to be cast as Penelope. I had the same underlying frustration about both characters...women who continue to make bad decisions rendering them incapable of rising above the unsatisfying lives they have created for themselves. Yet, as it is fiction, it was mildly humorous.

[pianogal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one. It wasn't a super great read b/c I feel like overall, nothing really happened. Penelope is in about the same space she was when it started. However, I did think it was an interesting snapshot of human life. Also, I think it would have been fun to see her wrestle the softball mom to the ground.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you step into one of Inman's books, you always feel like you are living the life of the main character, this one is no different. Penelope, a recent divorcee is getting her life back, and with every chapter a new funny adventure. Highly recommend this book. Great read for a flight or anywhere you want to escape for a few hours.

[Emmily · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just really disliked everything this book had to offer. I can only say that 1. the writing is fine and 2. I hope that the image of the silk pajamas haunts Penelope for all eternity because the twerp deserves it.

[Allison Renner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got this at a library book sale because it sounded funny. The premise was strong but certain scenes dragged on way too long while others were glossed over. The pacing was strange and made me not feel invested in the characters.

[Deepa Krishnan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is super funny I’ll give him that but where is the story or character development or the twist or basically anything? A 40-year old woman who doesn’t have a college degree struggles in life but has a great sense of humor. Literally this is it. That’s the story.

[Emily Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice breezy read - easy to get drawn into the characters - first thing I've read by this author - liked his style very much

[Maddi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story isn't spectacular, but it's a short, sweet and very funny read.

[Suzy Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet, humorous read. I thought it ended too soon.

[Brigitte · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish

[Marci-Beth Maple · Rating 2 out of 5]

At no point in the novel did I connect with the characters or the story, and I only finished it because I was on vacation and didn't have anything else along to read.

[Mike Heenan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Almost readable. Character development, while showing promise, just fizzles.

[Merideth Mehlberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the writing in this book - especially the author’s description of the Penelope’s ex-husband. Kept my interest after a bit of a slow start.