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A Mostly Magnificent Memoir
A child of the 1980s relives a dysfunctional and hilarious childhood in the most difficult speech of his life.
It's FORREST GUMP meets THE WONDER YEARS - but mostly true. Hysterically funny at times, heart-wrenching and heart-warming at other times, highly entertaining all the time.
The story follows James Murphy, who lives an extraordinarily unique life learning ordinary life lessons to which everyone can relate through his many misadventures. James' misadventures feature everything from swindling friends out of valuable baseball cards to run-ins with bullies and kids in Connecticut "gangs", from awkward romantic heartbreak to family party fiascos, from sophisticated pranks that build up to a court appearance and community service to a death defying "rafting" incident.
This is a fictionalized and dramatized adaptation of the author's autobiography turned into a full-motion picture screenplay turned into a novella. It's the unbelievable stories that are actually true. James isn't lying about the magic beanstalk growing on his back porch. Or the monkey in their tree--in New England. He did chase a UFO with his mother and stopped her from killing his dad. Let's just say this book is a collection of true stories made more entertaining and wrapped in a white lie.
A Mostly Magnificent Memoir reminds us all that we are social creatures--how our seemingly insignificant interactions with others can significantly impact their lives. It reminds us how precious life is and how grateful we should be for the people in our lives. It reminds us that it is okay to laugh at our own misadventures because life is too short not to.
It's FORREST GUMP meets THE WONDER YEARS - but mostly true. Hysterically funny at times, heart-wrenching and heart-warming at other times, highly entertaining all the time.
The story follows James Murphy, who lives an extraordinarily unique life learning ordinary life lessons to which everyone can relate through his many misadventures. James' misadventures feature everything from swindling friends out of valuable baseball cards to run-ins with bullies and kids in Connecticut "gangs", from awkward romantic heartbreak to family party fiascos, from sophisticated pranks that build up to a court appearance and community service to a death defying "rafting" incident.
This is a fictionalized and dramatized adaptation of the author's autobiography turned into a full-motion picture screenplay turned into a novella. It's the unbelievable stories that are actually true. James isn't lying about the magic beanstalk growing on his back porch. Or the monkey in their tree--in New England. He did chase a UFO with his mother and stopped her from killing his dad. Let's just say this book is a collection of true stories made more entertaining and wrapped in a white lie.
A Mostly Magnificent Memoir reminds us all that we are social creatures--how our seemingly insignificant interactions with others can significantly impact their lives. It reminds us how precious life is and how grateful we should be for the people in our lives. It reminds us that it is okay to laugh at our own misadventures because life is too short not to.
- GenresMemoir
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2020
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353 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 24, 2021
Bo Bennett dives in with a fantastic satirical yet dramatic book about his life called A Mostly Magnificent Memoir. James Murphy is the main character and he has a lot going on. From awkward romantic heartbreak to family party fiascos to dealing with gangsters and bullies to misadventures that led him into a court and community service. This is a hilarious story.
I have to say I was surprised by this book! I laugh so much while reading it that I ended up with tears in my eyes. The main character goes through everything in life and more. I couldn’t believe this guy's luck! At times, it can be a little dramatic and I dare to say sad, but I found it interesting that Bennett’s point of view is “better to laugh about it”; it really taught me a lesson. A very solid read and refreshing!
I have to say I was surprised by this book! I laugh so much while reading it that I ended up with tears in my eyes. The main character goes through everything in life and more. I couldn’t believe this guy's luck! At times, it can be a little dramatic and I dare to say sad, but I found it interesting that Bennett’s point of view is “better to laugh about it”; it really taught me a lesson. A very solid read and refreshing!
January 11, 2021
For transparency, I received this in a Goodreads Giveaway. I don't enter giveaways very much anymore because I prefer to read at my own pace without feeling an obligation to review. But I really liked the byline for this book and its brevity was enough to convince me to try. Needless to say, I received a copy.
This wasn't a terrible read, but it certainly wasn't riveting. It had moments that really shimmered and had me laughing out loud (like his 5th grade essay about changing the world--which I'll include below). But I struggled some with the syntax which felt clunky and repetitive at times. [for example "Delores was VIRTUALLY always the one who lost control"... how exactly does virtually fit here?] And I felt like I was supposed to see this as 'larger than life' [almost Paul Bunyan-ish], while it seemed fairly normal within its quirkiness. For me the book's value came in its ethnographical details rather than its execution. It brought back wistful memories.
On the positive side: I really enjoyed the perspective. As someone only two years older than the narrator, I could relate to the context. And I appreciated hearing a (albeit fictionalized) guy's thoughts during those formative and painful years. We shared a mischievous spirit [although my pranks did not lead to community service nor did they involve fires] and the typical adolescent angst of the 80's. His description of dances and the intricacies of relationship development had me twinging in remembrance of those awkward moments.
As one example of a brief and brilliant moment, here's the 5th grade essay on changing the world.
If I could change the world, I would change it so I didn't have to go fishing with my parents. I wouldn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn during my summer vacation. I wouldn't have to deal with the murder of my scaly aquatic friends. I wouldn't have to be stuck on a boat with my parents all day surrounded by the smell of dead fish and cigarettes while baking in the hot sun with my pale complexion that makes marshmallows look tan. Perhaps after I was free from this fishing nightmare, I could start thinking about making the world a better place for other people, but I would start with the fishing thing.
This cracked me up because my own experience with fishing was so different. I often agonized on Saturday mornings about whether to watch cartoons or go fishing--because fishing meant alone time with my dad. I, too, loathed the smells and the destruction of fish (which I didn't eat). But the time with my father felt precious. I valued it as much as Scooby Doo, the Wonder Power twins and Popeye.
Overall, this novella felt more Wonder Years than Forrest Gump. I'd be curious to see the screenplay, to see how these vignettes were woven together and how the dialogue showed the emotion. I imagine it might be a fun project for a high school theater class (yes my former days as an educator are coming through). I can't help wondering how today's adolescents would respond/relate to these moments.
This wasn't a terrible read, but it certainly wasn't riveting. It had moments that really shimmered and had me laughing out loud (like his 5th grade essay about changing the world--which I'll include below). But I struggled some with the syntax which felt clunky and repetitive at times. [for example "Delores was VIRTUALLY always the one who lost control"... how exactly does virtually fit here?] And I felt like I was supposed to see this as 'larger than life' [almost Paul Bunyan-ish], while it seemed fairly normal within its quirkiness. For me the book's value came in its ethnographical details rather than its execution. It brought back wistful memories.
On the positive side: I really enjoyed the perspective. As someone only two years older than the narrator, I could relate to the context. And I appreciated hearing a (albeit fictionalized) guy's thoughts during those formative and painful years. We shared a mischievous spirit [although my pranks did not lead to community service nor did they involve fires] and the typical adolescent angst of the 80's. His description of dances and the intricacies of relationship development had me twinging in remembrance of those awkward moments.
As one example of a brief and brilliant moment, here's the 5th grade essay on changing the world.
If I could change the world, I would change it so I didn't have to go fishing with my parents. I wouldn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn during my summer vacation. I wouldn't have to deal with the murder of my scaly aquatic friends. I wouldn't have to be stuck on a boat with my parents all day surrounded by the smell of dead fish and cigarettes while baking in the hot sun with my pale complexion that makes marshmallows look tan. Perhaps after I was free from this fishing nightmare, I could start thinking about making the world a better place for other people, but I would start with the fishing thing.
This cracked me up because my own experience with fishing was so different. I often agonized on Saturday mornings about whether to watch cartoons or go fishing--because fishing meant alone time with my dad. I, too, loathed the smells and the destruction of fish (which I didn't eat). But the time with my father felt precious. I valued it as much as Scooby Doo, the Wonder Power twins and Popeye.
Overall, this novella felt more Wonder Years than Forrest Gump. I'd be curious to see the screenplay, to see how these vignettes were woven together and how the dialogue showed the emotion. I imagine it might be a fun project for a high school theater class (yes my former days as an educator are coming through). I can't help wondering how today's adolescents would respond/relate to these moments.
October 29, 2021
A Mostly Magnificent Memoir: True Stories Dramatized and Somewhat Fictionalized is a heart-warming, tear-jerking, laughter-inducing story by Bo Bennet. The story is based on dramatized and fictionalized stories (just like the title) of his own childhood to create the life of James Murphy. James retells memories of his childhood years in the 1980s within a dysfunctional, alcoholic, and somewhat religious family. His stories range from tall tales, parental fights, chances at love, loss, and adventure were all beautiful in their own way. The book is such a quick and fun read but it will definitely have you laughing, questioning parenting in the 1980s (at least with his parents), and crying because let’s face it, growing up is hard. However, through all the hardships and sticky situations, James had amazing luck and came out as a successful adult. I really enjoyed reading about the ups and downs of James' childhood and the “coming of age feel” to the book. Even with different experiences, I could really understand and connect with James Murphy and his siblings. Also, the book was made from an adaptation of a full-length motion picture screenplay that I think would be a big hit. Maybe one day, but until then I highly recommend this book.
October 27, 2021
Bo Bennett's A Mostly Magnificent Memoir is truly magnificent. It deals in depth about the 80's era atmosphere and how James navigates life through childhood to adolescence in a dysfunctional family. It is a beautiful tribute to one's life. Page after page James reminiscence about his experiences in life will definitely make one nostalgic about the time spent with loved one's no matter their flaws. Bennett has expertly presented James's mischievous streak blending into understanding and correction of mistakes.
There is never a dull moment and the narrative will leave you wanting for more. The author has appropriately used expression of experiences in childhood creatively with humor and mischief. We get to understand no matter how malfunctioned one's family is but we still love them. It also expresses the time well spent among friends and the importance of friendships in shaping one's childhood. This memoir is beautifully scripted and I would highly recommend it to anyone for a heartfelt read.
There is never a dull moment and the narrative will leave you wanting for more. The author has appropriately used expression of experiences in childhood creatively with humor and mischief. We get to understand no matter how malfunctioned one's family is but we still love them. It also expresses the time well spent among friends and the importance of friendships in shaping one's childhood. This memoir is beautifully scripted and I would highly recommend it to anyone for a heartfelt read.
October 26, 2021
I'm very fond of reading but I was tired of the same novels over and over again. From time to time I think it is good to change genres. I found
A Mostly Magnificent Memoir: True Stories Dramatized and Somewhat Fictionalized by Bo Bennett extraordinary. Not only because it deals with every day issues, but also because it is written in a very enjoyable way. I felt trapped by the stories within the main story. Moreover, I have always been fascinated by the 80s. I find this decade amazing. Maybe it's because I was born in the late 80s and I always looked at my parents' pics and heard their stories.
After reading I found out that the events, so well described, are actually autobiographical descriptions of the author's life. Everything made even more sense after that. So, I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to travel back in time and enjoy a refreshing story
A Mostly Magnificent Memoir: True Stories Dramatized and Somewhat Fictionalized by Bo Bennett extraordinary. Not only because it deals with every day issues, but also because it is written in a very enjoyable way. I felt trapped by the stories within the main story. Moreover, I have always been fascinated by the 80s. I find this decade amazing. Maybe it's because I was born in the late 80s and I always looked at my parents' pics and heard their stories.
After reading I found out that the events, so well described, are actually autobiographical descriptions of the author's life. Everything made even more sense after that. So, I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to travel back in time and enjoy a refreshing story
October 28, 2021
A very interesting and thought-provoking reading
“A Mostly Magnificent Memoir” is a captivating reading written by Bo Bennett. I decided to read it because the message behind the stories gave me curiosity. In fact, while I was reading, I felt identified with some of James Murphy´s experiences. There are some harsh situations that helped him to face his misadventures in a positive way - which is something that I do, as well.
What is interesting about it is that many of the stories can be easily transpolated to anyone´s life. I think that the message that this concise reading gives is really important and worth taking into account. I liked the author´s writing style since his ideas are easy to understand throughout the stories. It´s poignant, funny, interesting and I highly recommend it.
“A Mostly Magnificent Memoir” is a captivating reading written by Bo Bennett. I decided to read it because the message behind the stories gave me curiosity. In fact, while I was reading, I felt identified with some of James Murphy´s experiences. There are some harsh situations that helped him to face his misadventures in a positive way - which is something that I do, as well.
What is interesting about it is that many of the stories can be easily transpolated to anyone´s life. I think that the message that this concise reading gives is really important and worth taking into account. I liked the author´s writing style since his ideas are easy to understand throughout the stories. It´s poignant, funny, interesting and I highly recommend it.
April 8, 2022
Full disclosure I had never heard of Bo Bennett. Having finished this memoir, I can’t say that I am familiar with any of his projects, and perhaps that is why it was a shock to realize this is a posthumous memoir. Written from his own experiences, the story is told from the story of James, youngest of 3 children born to 2 alcoholic parents. Growing up in the ‘70s and ‘80’s James relates his life struggles, lessons and triumphs as he moves through childhood. While some of his stories are completely bananas, others bring back memories of a childhood we’ve all had. A short and sweet look back at a life that was both ordinary, and extraordinary for the resilient, competent person that emerged. Only took about an hour to read, and made me laugh and want to cry all at the same time. Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2021
This dramatic but interesting masterpiece changed my mind and my life in the best possible way!
Having said this, I’ll start by explaining that I absolutely loved the writing style of the author Bo Bennett and I couldn’t put it down once I started it. It’s an easy and simple read that thought me to laugh with my own misadventures. The main character faces so many misfortunes that are hardly to believe and I felt sorry for him at some moments!
Without any doubt, the writer is an inspiration. It is hard to believe that someone could go through everything he has experienced and still triumph over his obstacles.
It’s the first time I read a Bennett’s piece of work but it won’t be the last one. Undoubtedly I recommend this work.
Having said this, I’ll start by explaining that I absolutely loved the writing style of the author Bo Bennett and I couldn’t put it down once I started it. It’s an easy and simple read that thought me to laugh with my own misadventures. The main character faces so many misfortunes that are hardly to believe and I felt sorry for him at some moments!
Without any doubt, the writer is an inspiration. It is hard to believe that someone could go through everything he has experienced and still triumph over his obstacles.
It’s the first time I read a Bennett’s piece of work but it won’t be the last one. Undoubtedly I recommend this work.
October 23, 2021
If you are fond of the 1980s and have a soft spot for all the things of that era, you might enjoy this book. The narration has a comedic feel to it and is a combination of childhood memories and naivety. The author uses engaging language that draws the reader in and some of the titles are adventurous and fun-loving. The whole book reflects the freedom, joy and experiential perks of being young and free. It also shares how being an adult brings wisdom and thoughtfulness in so many of our actions. If you're looking for a hearty laugh and a positive burst of energy, you should read this book! The easy language and fun words make it a simple book to read.
October 26, 2021
What I like most about “A Mostly Magnificent Memoir” by Bo Bennett is the narration. The author has done a fantastic job of creating an exceptional read. I found particularly valuable his witty writing style and how he makes fun of his own misadventures.
As indicated in its title, this book is a fictionalized and dramatized adaptation of the author's childhood. So, each tale is actually true, although they seem unbelievable!
Written in the first person (except for the prologue, conclusion, and epilogue), this book is entertaining and moving at the same time. The author did not hold back from telling his life experiences with honesty and a good sense of humor.
As indicated in its title, this book is a fictionalized and dramatized adaptation of the author's childhood. So, each tale is actually true, although they seem unbelievable!
Written in the first person (except for the prologue, conclusion, and epilogue), this book is entertaining and moving at the same time. The author did not hold back from telling his life experiences with honesty and a good sense of humor.
January 15, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. I finished it quickly, and did laugh at quite a few of the anecdotes. The ending held a twist I wasn’t expecting, but altogether the book was a bit disjointed for me.
December 22, 2020
Entertaining
Thoroughly enjoyed this story of a mostly funny life! The ending provided a bittersweet surprise, and I look forward to more from this author.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story of a mostly funny life! The ending provided a bittersweet surprise, and I look forward to more from this author.
Want to read
December 28, 2020Great I won the giveaway, can't wait to start reading
October 7, 2021
A short book, very easy to read. I'd definitely like to read more, as he has a nice style of writing. Thank you to NetGalley for my copy.
February 14, 2022
I’m still not really sure if this is an actual memoir or not, but if so, it confirms my belief that not everyone needs to write a memoir. Unless you’re an extremely talented writer or have had an extraordinary life, you’re probably good to just keep a journal.
This book consists of short essays where the narrator reminisces about growing up in a small town, in a dysfunctional household, during the 80s. The book’s description lists it as “hysterically funny” but I think that’s quite a stretch. I would say marginally amusing. A get-together with his childhood friends while sharing beers and recalling the good ol’ days seems a more appropriate outlet.
This book consists of short essays where the narrator reminisces about growing up in a small town, in a dysfunctional household, during the 80s. The book’s description lists it as “hysterically funny” but I think that’s quite a stretch. I would say marginally amusing. A get-together with his childhood friends while sharing beers and recalling the good ol’ days seems a more appropriate outlet.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews