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Bad Ideas: A Novel
Wildly funny and wonderfully moving, Bad Ideas is about just that -- a string of bad ideas -- and the absurdity of love.
Trudy works nights in a linen factory, avoiding romance and sharing the care of her four-year-old niece with Trudy's mother, Claire. Claire still pines for Trudy's father, a St. Lawrence Seaway construction worker who left her 20 years ago. Claire believes in true love. Trudy does not — that is, until Jules Tremblay, aspiring daredevil, leaps into the Trudy’s life.
Loosely inspired by Ken "the Crazy Canuck" Carter's attempt to jump the St. Lawrence River in a rocket car, and set in a 1970s hollowed-out town in eastern Ontario, Bad Ideas paints an indelible portrait of people on the forgotten fringes of life. Witty and wise, this is a novel that will stay with you a long time.
Trudy works nights in a linen factory, avoiding romance and sharing the care of her four-year-old niece with Trudy's mother, Claire. Claire still pines for Trudy's father, a St. Lawrence Seaway construction worker who left her 20 years ago. Claire believes in true love. Trudy does not — that is, until Jules Tremblay, aspiring daredevil, leaps into the Trudy’s life.
Loosely inspired by Ken "the Crazy Canuck" Carter's attempt to jump the St. Lawrence River in a rocket car, and set in a 1970s hollowed-out town in eastern Ontario, Bad Ideas paints an indelible portrait of people on the forgotten fringes of life. Witty and wise, this is a novel that will stay with you a long time.
257 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2019
15 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
October 7, 2024
Honestly I don’t have a clue what was going on with this book and I was quite bored. Is it because it’s “loosely inspired by Ken "the Crazy Canuck" Carter's attempt to jump the St. Lawrence River in a rocket car?” I have no clue who that is, so perhaps this will be better suited for those that have heard of his story.
What to expect:
~ 12 part story following: Trudy, Claire, Darren, Jules, Tammy, Fenton and Mercy, so long at the fair, the circus and the stunt
~ multiple 3rd person POV
~ Ontario, Canada setting
Narration notes:
Aurora Browne did okay. It was a quick listen at 5 hours and 11 minutes, so there’s that.
*Thanks to Hoopla for the bonus borrow so I didn’t have to waste a credit*
What to expect:
~ 12 part story following: Trudy, Claire, Darren, Jules, Tammy, Fenton and Mercy, so long at the fair, the circus and the stunt
~ multiple 3rd person POV
~ Ontario, Canada setting
Narration notes:
Aurora Browne did okay. It was a quick listen at 5 hours and 11 minutes, so there’s that.
*Thanks to Hoopla for the bonus borrow so I didn’t have to waste a credit*
October 5, 2018
So I've discovered a recent new 'genre'(not sure if thats the right word.. maybe sub-genre) of small town Canada books where nothing 'really' happens but they have extremely intimate, or detailed relationships, great character studies, and just really well written descriptions of life in a small town.
It started with Miriam Toew's A Boy of Good Breeding, and now with Bad Ideas.
Growing up in Morrisburg, you grow up hearing the story of Ken Carter as a sort of mythical character, something that you kind of don't believe really happened. Especially not in such a small town as ours.
I know the author is local, but her ability to make Preston Mills feel so unbelievably accurate is more credit to her writing skills than her place of origin. I loved the look back at the Seaway history with Claire and Darrens story, contrasting, though I find it disturbing on a personal level that the same problems, the same problematic people, the same amount of vitriol that existed in the 50's for Carole, in the 70's for Tammy and Trudy, also existed in the 90's for well... me.
A beautiful, haunting portrayal of the not so perfect side of living in a small town(any small town, but especially mine), the people, their triumphs, and their failures.
While I know this was only "inspired" by Ken Carter's story, I loved being able to put even a fictional personality to his character, and while it still seems just as fantastical, the story is just a bit more...shiny now.
It started with Miriam Toew's A Boy of Good Breeding, and now with Bad Ideas.
Growing up in Morrisburg, you grow up hearing the story of Ken Carter as a sort of mythical character, something that you kind of don't believe really happened. Especially not in such a small town as ours.
I know the author is local, but her ability to make Preston Mills feel so unbelievably accurate is more credit to her writing skills than her place of origin. I loved the look back at the Seaway history with Claire and Darrens story, contrasting, though I find it disturbing on a personal level that the same problems, the same problematic people, the same amount of vitriol that existed in the 50's for Carole, in the 70's for Tammy and Trudy, also existed in the 90's for well... me.
A beautiful, haunting portrayal of the not so perfect side of living in a small town(any small town, but especially mine), the people, their triumphs, and their failures.
While I know this was only "inspired" by Ken Carter's story, I loved being able to put even a fictional personality to his character, and while it still seems just as fantastical, the story is just a bit more...shiny now.
April 30, 2019
I love being surprised by a book - not knowing where a story is going to go. Missy Marston's new novel Bad Ideas was just such a book. I was immediately caught up in the first few pages and ended up finishing the book in one sitting.
Bad Ideas is set in a fictional, small, run down town in Eastern Ontario in 1973. Marston's detailed descriptions of time and place are excellent. Having lived in a few run down towns myself during that time period, I could easily picture the setting. And everyone knowing everyone's business.
It is twenty two year old Trudy that we meet first. She works in a factory, lives with her mother Claire and her young niece Mercy, and has not had sex in five years. I loved her voice and her attitude. And then - a stranger comes to town. A stranger who is planning an automobile stunt jump in Preston Mills. And that arrival sets off a chain of events.....
I initially thought Bad Ideas would be told from Trudy's view only. But each player is given a voice - seven in all. All with intersecting lives. All wanting something more from life than they have. And all have made or are making some choices that are bad ideas. My heart ached for them and that wanting. But it wasn't pity I felt for them. Each character is just getting on with life despite what it throws at them. Their stories are real and honest and told with both humour and pathos. I became invested in each one.
Marston gave me the ending I was hoping for. Or so I thought. She caught me flat footed in the last few pages. I had to go back and reread the last chapter again to let it sink in. Again, I really appreciated the not knowing, the unexpected and the unpredictability of Marston's tale.
Interspersed amongst narratives and paragraphs are 'Becauses' - one liners that mirror what is going on, hint at what's coming and more. They almost read like a short story within the story. "Because you can only do some things for so long."
I really like Marston's writing and will be happily waiting for her next book.
The story of Ken "the Crazy Canuck' Carter's attempt to jump the St. Lawrence River in a rocket powered Lincoln Continental was Marston's inspiration for Bad Ideas.
Bad Ideas is set in a fictional, small, run down town in Eastern Ontario in 1973. Marston's detailed descriptions of time and place are excellent. Having lived in a few run down towns myself during that time period, I could easily picture the setting. And everyone knowing everyone's business.
It is twenty two year old Trudy that we meet first. She works in a factory, lives with her mother Claire and her young niece Mercy, and has not had sex in five years. I loved her voice and her attitude. And then - a stranger comes to town. A stranger who is planning an automobile stunt jump in Preston Mills. And that arrival sets off a chain of events.....
I initially thought Bad Ideas would be told from Trudy's view only. But each player is given a voice - seven in all. All with intersecting lives. All wanting something more from life than they have. And all have made or are making some choices that are bad ideas. My heart ached for them and that wanting. But it wasn't pity I felt for them. Each character is just getting on with life despite what it throws at them. Their stories are real and honest and told with both humour and pathos. I became invested in each one.
Marston gave me the ending I was hoping for. Or so I thought. She caught me flat footed in the last few pages. I had to go back and reread the last chapter again to let it sink in. Again, I really appreciated the not knowing, the unexpected and the unpredictability of Marston's tale.
Interspersed amongst narratives and paragraphs are 'Becauses' - one liners that mirror what is going on, hint at what's coming and more. They almost read like a short story within the story. "Because you can only do some things for so long."
I really like Marston's writing and will be happily waiting for her next book.
The story of Ken "the Crazy Canuck' Carter's attempt to jump the St. Lawrence River in a rocket powered Lincoln Continental was Marston's inspiration for Bad Ideas.
September 21, 2019
This book didn't end, it just stopped mid story.
September 30, 2018
Small town Canada isn't always picture perfect. This books is the most honest fictional book I have ever read about growing up in the small communities along the St Lawrence River. Fast paced, scathing at times, this is a book that needs to be read and discussed. My only disappointment is that it ended. 😊
August 8, 2021
I had to read this book for work (Markham Reads), otherwise I probably never would have. Everyone I know who voted for it said they did because the cover looked fun... but wow this book was anything but fun.
I think my exact words in my head at the very end were "Holy crap! What the hell kind of book was this?!"
Don't believe anyone who says this is funny or comedic... It's just dark.
I think my exact words in my head at the very end were "Holy crap! What the hell kind of book was this?!"
Don't believe anyone who says this is funny or comedic... It's just dark.
January 29, 2023
Claire und ihre Tochter Trudy arbeiten in Preston Mills in der Nachtschicht der Textilfabrik und betreuen gemeinsam die kleine Tochter von Trudys Schwester Tammy. Tammy ist einfach abgehauen, um ein paar Kilometer entfernt in einer Tankstelle zu arbeiten. Schon Claire war mit 17 ungeplant schwanger, wurde vom Vater ihrer Töchter verlassen und träumt bis heute davon, ein Mann würde sie aus der Ödnis der kanadischen Kleinstadt herausholen. Mutter, Tochter und die inzwischen 5-jährige Enkelin Mercy sind offenbar glücklich miteinander, auch wenn das Geld so knapp ist, dass Claire auf der Wohnzimmer-Couch ihres winzigen Häuschens schlafen muss.
Als Trudy Jules kennenlernt, zieht eine Ahnung von Reichtum in ihr Leben; denn der Stock-Car-Fahrer will mit seinem Raketen-Auto-Projekt das ganze große Geld machen. Da Jules kein Geschäftsmann ist und in seiner Karriere bisher hauptsächlich gebrochene Knochen „kassiert“ hat, sieht es mit seinem großen Coup jedoch schlecht aus. Tammy lebt inzwischen mit dem schmächtigen Fenton zusammen, der damit verblüfft, dass er Mercy am Wochenende abholen möchte und damit eine Art Familienleben aufbauen.
In Kapiteln von höchstens 1-2 Seiten, deren Überschrift jeweils mit „Weil …“ beginnt, ist „Fliegen oder Fallen“ am Rande auch ein Roman über einen aberwitzigen Stunt nach realem Vorbild, zeigt jedoch drei Generationen von Frauen (Tammy und Trudy sind Mitte der 50er geboren, Mercy 1974) und ihre überaus bescheidenen, unerfüllbaren Wünsche. Wir lernen Mutter, Töchter und ihre jeweiligen Partner kennen und werden mit einer spießigen Moral konfrontiert, die ungeplant schwangere Teenager verhöhnt und die jugendlichen Väter einfach davonkommen lässt. Dass, laut Trudy, nur der Hausarzt Dr. Cameron ein Ehrenmann ist, lässt tief blicken …
Abgesehen von dem tatsächlich abgefahrenen Raketen-Auto-Stunt eine treffsichere Sozialstudie vom Leben als Frau in der tiefsten Provinz.
Als Trudy Jules kennenlernt, zieht eine Ahnung von Reichtum in ihr Leben; denn der Stock-Car-Fahrer will mit seinem Raketen-Auto-Projekt das ganze große Geld machen. Da Jules kein Geschäftsmann ist und in seiner Karriere bisher hauptsächlich gebrochene Knochen „kassiert“ hat, sieht es mit seinem großen Coup jedoch schlecht aus. Tammy lebt inzwischen mit dem schmächtigen Fenton zusammen, der damit verblüfft, dass er Mercy am Wochenende abholen möchte und damit eine Art Familienleben aufbauen.
In Kapiteln von höchstens 1-2 Seiten, deren Überschrift jeweils mit „Weil …“ beginnt, ist „Fliegen oder Fallen“ am Rande auch ein Roman über einen aberwitzigen Stunt nach realem Vorbild, zeigt jedoch drei Generationen von Frauen (Tammy und Trudy sind Mitte der 50er geboren, Mercy 1974) und ihre überaus bescheidenen, unerfüllbaren Wünsche. Wir lernen Mutter, Töchter und ihre jeweiligen Partner kennen und werden mit einer spießigen Moral konfrontiert, die ungeplant schwangere Teenager verhöhnt und die jugendlichen Väter einfach davonkommen lässt. Dass, laut Trudy, nur der Hausarzt Dr. Cameron ein Ehrenmann ist, lässt tief blicken …
Abgesehen von dem tatsächlich abgefahrenen Raketen-Auto-Stunt eine treffsichere Sozialstudie vom Leben als Frau in der tiefsten Provinz.
September 10, 2020
Man, while I understand why others enjoyed this book, I just couldn't get into it. The story felt choppy and all over the place, and a little under developed and then it just ends. It wasn't terrible, I don't "regret" reading it, but somethings just didn't connect for me.
April 11, 2019
I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this book. The first page had me hooked. Marston has a winner here, with wonderful characters that are multi-dimensional and believable, each one drawing empathy from me, even when they have Bad Ideas. The story is set in small town Ontario but should translate really well to small town USA. It illuminates things like poverty and reputation, and how the two go together, especially for women. The dialogue is crackling and sharp, witty and wise. The ending -- Whoa. Did NOT see that coming! I really hope this book garners some attention. It's worthy of your time. Well done, Missy Marston!
January 14, 2020
RATING: 4 STARS
2019; ECW Press
Loosely inspired by Ken “the Crazy Canuck” Carter’s attempt to jump the St. Lawrence River in a rocket car, and set in a 1970s hollowed-out town in eastern Ontario...
Trudy works nights in a linen factory, while her young mother, Claire does the day shift. She lives with her mother and they take turns taking care of her niece, Mercy. Mercy's mother and Trudy's sister, Tammy had Mercy at 16. After a couple of years she takes off and leaves her daughter in their care. Claire is still waiting for the love of her life to return - the father of her daughter but married to another woman. Trudy has sworn off men since she found herself pregnant and not in life. She tends to fall for guys that are bad ideas. Then Trudy meets Jules, who is attempting to make a jump in his "rocket car", and the further she tries to push him away the stronger she feels for him. Loving him could be the biggest idea.
This novel is told through several voices in short chapters. Bad Ideas is a quirky quick read, that has heart endearing flawed characters. It reminds me of a mix of Miriam Toews and Fredrick Bachman.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from ECW Press through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
2019; ECW Press
Loosely inspired by Ken “the Crazy Canuck” Carter’s attempt to jump the St. Lawrence River in a rocket car, and set in a 1970s hollowed-out town in eastern Ontario...
Trudy works nights in a linen factory, while her young mother, Claire does the day shift. She lives with her mother and they take turns taking care of her niece, Mercy. Mercy's mother and Trudy's sister, Tammy had Mercy at 16. After a couple of years she takes off and leaves her daughter in their care. Claire is still waiting for the love of her life to return - the father of her daughter but married to another woman. Trudy has sworn off men since she found herself pregnant and not in life. She tends to fall for guys that are bad ideas. Then Trudy meets Jules, who is attempting to make a jump in his "rocket car", and the further she tries to push him away the stronger she feels for him. Loving him could be the biggest idea.
This novel is told through several voices in short chapters. Bad Ideas is a quirky quick read, that has heart endearing flawed characters. It reminds me of a mix of Miriam Toews and Fredrick Bachman.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from ECW Press through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
January 24, 2019
"Bad Ideas" by Missy Marston is a well-written and has a unique sense of style. This book is not at all funny. It was a bit dark for me but the ending was perfect. The characters are very well drawn and readers can identify with them easily. No character was perfect. Everyone had flaws and those flaws were what made me connect with them. The book certainly lived up to my expectations.
July 9, 2019
What a delightful, well written book about life in the wrong side of a small town in the middle of nowhere in 1970s Ontario. Equal parts romance, coming of age, coming to terms with the choices you have, and very bad ideas, this is a clever novel about family, people, love, and one Crazy Canuck with a rocket car. A super summer read.
January 16, 2019
A wonderful and amazing book!
This was fast paced, realistic and wonderfully written book.
I loved everything and hope I will be able to read other books by this author soon.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
This was fast paced, realistic and wonderfully written book.
I loved everything and hope I will be able to read other books by this author soon.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
February 18, 2020
Can't say I wasn't warned. Reading this book was a bad idea.
September 26, 2024
Ooooh, I liked this one!
The characters, the slow one minute then hundred mile an hour plot, the characters, the small Canadian town portrayal, the characters - so, so good.
It's not a book where a lot happens but at the same time it's so full of action and deep meaning.
And that ending...Holy crap.
The characters, the slow one minute then hundred mile an hour plot, the characters, the small Canadian town portrayal, the characters - so, so good.
It's not a book where a lot happens but at the same time it's so full of action and deep meaning.
And that ending...Holy crap.
November 8, 2019
Fun read! Inspired by true events too.
April 22, 2019
I never really connected with this book or the characters. It wasn't a bad story and the writing was fine. The whole book felt stagnant, like a family that needed some airing out. No one seemed very happy with their situation, yet no one seemed to be doing anything to try and change it. All the characters, whether they stayed or left, seemed listless. I did think it was an interesting take on a real story, but similar to the event itself, the book fell short for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for a copy of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for a copy of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.
April 12, 2020
This book was awful. Depressing and plain bad. The only reason I didn't give it one star was because there was a little bit of goodness in the last 50 pages, and then the book just stabs that happiness. I have so many questions on the ending. Like why did that ending happen. Mercy was probably the most responsible person in the book. With the least responsible being her mother and father, followed by her grandpa. I really hope she ends up ok, and that I can make up for the hours I wasted on this book. This book is definitely NOT a comedy, and maybe the worst book I read this year.
April 15, 2019
A humorously good read, perfect for summer. Loosely based on the true story of Ken Carter whose claim to fame was his outlandish attempt to jump the St. Lawrence River in a rocket-powered Lincoln Continental. He never did it, but will Jules Tremblay in Bad Ideas? Is everyone in this story destined to be a loser for life? Very enjoyable, peopled with characters with good hearts but bad ideas. Full review here: http://bit.ly/badideasreview
April 13, 2019
Came for a Redneck Rags-to-riches story (it isn't). Stayed for the bright yellow rocket propelled car jumping a river. It did not disappoint.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.
September 23, 2020
Listened to the audiobook via Libby. A sad story beautifully written. I truly enjoy a book where the author takes the time to develop believable characters and relationships. Marston does not disappoint; a well written story about small town life in the 1970’s.
August 15, 2019
#19 - 23. Audiobook. Total crap - regret that I wasted my time listening to it!!
September 8, 2020
Wow, I completely missed the part of this story that was supposed to be funny - I found it gritty, tedious, and depressing. Whatever this genre is, I don’t enjoy it. Two stars for being short.
September 10, 2020
This is a hidden gem of a book.
September 17, 2020
Sad and depressing with an absurd end. Do not recommend.
September 22, 2020
This book is not wildly funny as the opening sentence of the description suggests. In fact, it’s not even funny for one second. It’s pretty much downright depressing, actually.
January 8, 2020
Fun - and so vintage Canadian. Love that it's based (loosely) on a real-life crazy guy
July 31, 2020
3.5 rounded down.
September 14, 2020
Not really a fan. Didn’t enjoy it from the beginning, although I loved Mercy and how much her aunt loved her. My heart broke a bit towards the end...and I don’t know if I liked it more or less when it was based (at least in part by Ken Carter “The Mad Canadian”...that character was annoying and a lesser player...?
October 11, 2024
Mixed feelings about this book. It was a bit depressing, but still interesting. The ending was good, and a bit awful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews