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The Only Family Vacation of Thurman Mackie III
Chaos ensues when a shady trial attorney, his elementary school teaching sister, and their homeless derelict brother are forced to come together to spread the ashes of their estranged father in order to collect a family fortune. This hilariously irreverent journey will follow the Mackie siblings as they bicker and bumble their way across the country in a tale that will leave readers laughing the whole way. Sprinkled in are moments of self discovery along with a couple life lessons that help make the Only Family Vacation of Thurman Mackie III a wonderfully fun read.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2020
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February 2, 2026
I thought I knew the author; turns out, I just knew the tip of the iceberg.
It’s a uniquely surreal experience to pick up a book written by a friend and realize, by chapter three, that they’ve been hiding a powerhouse of a literary voice behind their usual "good with words" persona. Minchen Lassiter hasn’t just written a "funny road trip book"—he’s written a roadmap for anyone who has ever let a grudge or a "someday" plan get in the way of actually living.
Imagine a Wes Anderson film, but with a bit more grit, a lot more sibling snark, and an urn that refuses to cooperate. The story follows three estranged siblings tasked with scattering the ashes of their father, the eponymous Thurman Mackie III. What follows is a comedy of errors fueled by misfortune and the kind of deep-seated family dynamics that only a long car ride can unearth.
Lassiter is terribly funny. His wit is dry, sharp, and perfectly timed. But he uses that humor to earn the book's more profound, gut-punch moments.The book tackles the tragedy of squandered opportunities without being preachy. It’s a gentle (and sometimes hilarious) kick in the pants to stop waiting for the perfect moment to reconcile or enjoy life. The siblings don't just "get over it." They bicker, they fail, and they stumble toward grace in a way that feels achingly real.
I went into this expecting to be supportive of a friend; I came out of it genuinely impressed and deeply touched. Whether you’re a fan of family sagas, dark humor, or just need a reminder that life is too short to stay estranged, this belongs on your "To Read" list.
Minchen, if you’re reading this: I’m onto you. Stop being so darn talented.
It’s a uniquely surreal experience to pick up a book written by a friend and realize, by chapter three, that they’ve been hiding a powerhouse of a literary voice behind their usual "good with words" persona. Minchen Lassiter hasn’t just written a "funny road trip book"—he’s written a roadmap for anyone who has ever let a grudge or a "someday" plan get in the way of actually living.
Imagine a Wes Anderson film, but with a bit more grit, a lot more sibling snark, and an urn that refuses to cooperate. The story follows three estranged siblings tasked with scattering the ashes of their father, the eponymous Thurman Mackie III. What follows is a comedy of errors fueled by misfortune and the kind of deep-seated family dynamics that only a long car ride can unearth.
Lassiter is terribly funny. His wit is dry, sharp, and perfectly timed. But he uses that humor to earn the book's more profound, gut-punch moments.The book tackles the tragedy of squandered opportunities without being preachy. It’s a gentle (and sometimes hilarious) kick in the pants to stop waiting for the perfect moment to reconcile or enjoy life. The siblings don't just "get over it." They bicker, they fail, and they stumble toward grace in a way that feels achingly real.
I went into this expecting to be supportive of a friend; I came out of it genuinely impressed and deeply touched. Whether you’re a fan of family sagas, dark humor, or just need a reminder that life is too short to stay estranged, this belongs on your "To Read" list.
Minchen, if you’re reading this: I’m onto you. Stop being so darn talented.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 of 1 review