An Ocean in Iowa

by Peter Hedges

In a small town in Iowa, Scotty Ocean has announced that seven is going to be his year. It does turn out to be his year, but not quite the one he had imagined. It is the year his mother abandons the family. At first, Scotty does astonishing things to get her to return. When he realizes she won't be coming back, he decides he must replace her. And when that proves impossible, he takes the dramatic step of trying to remain seven forever.
Funny, sad, and constantly surprising, An Ocean in Iowa explores the fragile contracts between parents and children and what it really means to grow up.

Genres: Fiction, Coming Of Age, Novels, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Family, Literary Fiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

About the author

Peter Hedges is an American novelist, screenwriter, and film director. His novel What's Eating Gilbert Grape was adapted into a critically acclaimed movie of the same title, which launched his film career.

In 2002 he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for About a Boy. In the same year, he wrote and directed Pieces of April, starring Katie Holmes, which he dedicated to his mother.

Reviews

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so hate that this book often gets overlooked because of the popularity of What's Eating Gilbert Grape. Scotty Ocean will always be one of my favorite all-time characters. Whenever I run into the occasional reader who has actually read this book, I scream, "Purple mountains majesty!!" They get it, and so will you if you read this book. You will cry and laugh at the same time while reading this book. You will cringe as you remember being in elementary school with a teacher who just doesn't get it. You will, most of all, sometimes agree with Scotty and demand that you always be seven.

[Sofie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Hedges sleept je mee in het ideale leven van Scotty. 7 gaat zijn jaar worden. Je voelt het gemak van jong zijn en Scotty’s liefde voor Joan, en Joans liefde voor Scotty. Tot het blijkt dat 7 Scotty’s jaar helemaal niet is:

“Scotty stared blankly at the TV. He never told his dad or his sisters or even Tom Conway the whereabouts of his heart. He knew it was gone.

But he had his brain and that was what really mattered. With his brain he would outsmart his heart.”

Er wordt niet per se naar een einde toegewerkt, en dat kan unsatisfying voelen. Maar goed, sommige situaties kennen geen einde: alleen een noodzaak voor acceptatie. Ik vind het in ieder geval een prachtig verhaal over een jonge jongen, een alcoholist die ook moeder is, en een granaat.

[Tom Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute delight.

A story about Scotty, a middle-American kid about to turn seven. "Seven is going to be my year," he declares on page one.

But Scotty's mother has a drinking problem and is about to leave the family, casting a shadow over his easy happiness.

Far from being a sad or depressing book, though, in Hedges hands this becomes a touching and very funny read. We see the world through Scotty - the absurd nature of adult lives; the crazy rules imposed on kids; the particular difficulties of being a youngest sibling. And, as Scotty searches elsewhere for the maternal love he needs and the guidance on what it might one day mean to be man, we are treated to hilarious set pieces and brilliant, fully realised characters.

A really enjoyable book that I liked even more than Hedges's other excellent novel, What's Eating Gilbert Grape?

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

On television many of the mothers in Scotty's favourite shows were dead... TV provided the necessary evidence. Not only was it possible to survive without a mother, it seemed to improve your chances of having your own TV show.

Best line in the whole book. I've just done an accidental rereading and have revised my earlier rating. It was a fun visit back to the late 60s but it wasn't as fun as the first time. 2 1/2 stars.

[Jamie Johnson Leach · Rating 1 out of 5]

no closure

[H.L. Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy, engaging read. The story of Scotty Ocean touched my mother's heart. I didn't want the book to end until I found a way to give this fictional little boy the hug he so desperately needed. What a great reminder to treat children with the love and respect they deserve, to never use them as pawns in our adult wars.

[Elizabeth Havey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Hedges can really write--novels and screenplays and sometimes a novel that becomes a screenplay and a film--What's Eating Gilbert Grape. An Ocean in Iowa intrigued me because I lived in Iowa for 17 years and there's no "ocean." An Ocean, refers to the hero of the book, Scotty Ocean, who is turning seven and has decided that this particular year of his life is going to be a good one. But his mother has moved out. There are laughs and cries associated with this story, but I finished it and I'm giving it five stars, because Peter Hedges can write and I encourage you to look at all his works.

This book might be autobiographical. I know what high school Hedges attended and what his father did for a living. Reading the book I could identify with places he mentions and if the story dragged a bit, it was still fun for me. But his other work is even better. If you have a chance watch these Hedges' films: About A Boy, Pieces of April, Dan in Real Life. Wonderful writing, wonderful characters.

[Maureen Grigsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful novel told through the eyes of a seven year old. Scotty Ocean's mom drinks too much, and his world is shattered when she suddenly leaves the family. His anchor gone, Scotty acts out in some rather astonishing ways, and decides that he will stay seven forever, even as that eight birthday moves closer. This is a book that reminds us how rich the inner lives of children are,a no how deeply they are affected by the choices of others.

[Lowez · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's Eating Gilbert Grape is an old favourite of mine, so when I saw this book in the opshop I jumped on it. Turns out Peter Hedges is far from prolific, and I have now read nearly the sum of all of his works. It's plain to see why; both books are so painfully personal and honest, so humble. It just isn't the kind of thing that lends itself to rapid production.

But anyways. An Ocean in Iowa had me feeling pretty skeptical for the first few pages- it seemed very generically 'bookish'. The narrative, plot, and themes didn't appear to be particularly unique. Over time, however, it grew on me in a big way. The characters and their internal dynamic really bloomed as the story found its feet. Explored largely through the eyes of seven-year old Scotty, this story of family chaos, frailty, and human development is incredibly endearing, and at times challenging. Peeling back the outwards facade of a typical 1960's nuclear family, Peter manages to lead the reader to some profound insights about the characters, without the slightest sense of manipulation. The organic and subtle way An Ocean unfurls speaks to the tenderness Peter clearly has for these lives he has created.

I also really can't say enough about his depiction of a seven year old's psche. Just so wonderful. Had me contemplating the immateriality of my own self, e.g. at one point in my life I was calling people stupidheads with great conviction, and crying when my friends wouldn't play Harvest Moon on the SNES with me. If there's one thing Hedges excels at it is reminding us of our own humanity.

[Dan Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. It reminded a bit of Kramer vs. Kramer but told from the perspective of the kid. The story takes place in 1969 and it sometimes felt like the author was throwing in era relevant references to try and make sure the reader was always cognizant of that fact. It felt forced and, honestly, a little unnecessary. This story could've taken place at any time and the barrage of pop culture references was sometimes distracting. I get it, you know the 60's. Now, with all that out of the way, he does reference Tang, so, there you go.

[Kasey · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author does a good job with the character's in the book. He really drew me in. I kept reading to see what was going to happen and then ... nothing did. The character's were great but the plot wasn't there. I was waiting for a climax, then all the sudden I was on the last page. Frustrating, because it could've been really good.

[Maggie Downs · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters were realistic and multi-dimensional. But I found myself rooting for a grenade to explode in the hands of a 7-year-old, which makes me think the book needed a little more action/plot.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous. I am always surprised that people don't make a bigger deal out of this author. His work is beautiful.

[Timothy Juhl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read I picked up recently in a thrift store. Years ago I read Hedge's first book, "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" and loved his quirky characters and how he lovingly describes Iowa, his home state.

Hedges follows up with this short novel, again rendering interesting characters (or in this case, 7-year-old, Scotty) and his recollections of Iowa in 1969, were all too familiar (I would have been 8 in 1969). The various toys and television shows, the commercials Scotty loves, running around his suburban neighborhood (I lived in a suburb of Waterloo, Iowa), these were the things that made me turn the pages.

Scotty is more than just a quirky kid, and in some instances, his behavior is disturbing. His acting out is the result of his mother's leaving the family and today, he would have been sent to therapy for his actions.

The novel's plot, if there is one, is thinly disguised in a missing hand grenade, and young boys vying for superiority among their peers. Mostly, this book is a character exploration of the mind of an unstable 7-year-old. He's not unlikeable, in fact, he's quite sympathetic and I wish there had been more of a storyline.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Ocean in Iowa is a wonderful, often funny, depiction of Scotty Oceans' year of experiences starting on his seventh birthday ("seven was going to be his year"). Nevertheless, the story is also an insightful, heartbreaking account of the devastation visited upon a seven-year-old when alcoholism results in the mother leaving the family. The boy is clearly overwhelmed by the abandonment and by the somewhat ordinary happenings in the boy's life: he faces an "ocean" of events that threaten to pull him under. By the end of the book, a swimming pool and rain seem to be more symbolic manageable and hopeful images. Supporting the latter, the most clarifying line in the book was Scotty's mother remark to him at the end of the book, "You must've got caught in the storm" as he emerges from a hiding hole "streaked with mud, his clothes drenched." He was emerging, it was his birthday, and he was eight. Unfortunately, the jacket shown here misinforms readers as to the content of the book-it's more serious than this suggests. The book jacket I received is truer to the content.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt as though Hedges created a story about a seriously messed up young man, whom no one ever acknowledges as seriously messed up. I guess that's par for the course in the 70s, but still, it seems as though someone ought to have intervened and helped the boy. Having grown up in the same era, I could relate to many of the toys, TV shows, and massive amounts of free time that were enjoyed by the young boy. Sometimes, though, Hedge's threw so many gadgets/games/gizmos in the story that it almost seemed like free product placement. (Oops, time for a Frisbee commercial....!)
Anyway, there are hints that the young boy is sexually abused, but nothing really definitive is shared. I feel as though the story was somewhat incomplete. Hedges definitely did enter the strange and oftentimes mute inner world of a child, so kudos to him for doing that in a convincing manner.

[Ashly Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this solely because I loved “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” and needed to know what more of the author’s work was like. I came in with probably way too high of hopes and I think it diminished the experience for me.

This book mainly follows the experience of 7-year-old Scotty Ocean in the aftermath of his mother deciding to leave their family. Much like Gilbert Grape, not a lot really happens in the book. The Midwestern setting of Iowa adds to the low key feel of this book.

Unlike Gilbert Grape, however, this book feels sadly pointless. There are some poignant moments, lines of dialogue, images. Overall, this book isn’t something I’ll be remembering years later, like I was hoping it would be.

Also, my copy had a printing error, so I missed a whole phone call and I couldn’t help but feel like I didn’t get the full experience of the story the whole time I was reading! Bummer.

[Lee Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure: Peter Hedges is a hometown boy whom I have met on several occasions. I'm a fan of his movies, both as a screenwriter and director. This was the first of his novels I've read. (No, I haven't read What's Eating Gilbert Grape?)

This was a fun, fast read that follows Scotty Ocean in the year he turns seven, some time in the late '60s in a suburb of Des Moines, IA. Everyone can relate to navigating second grade, friendships, family relationships. This book is especially fun for those of us from Des Moines as we read names of places and businesses, some still around and some long gone. I appreciated Peter Hedges' shoutout to my organization, the Des Moines Community Playhouse. (He did several shows there as a youth.) Hedges has an easy-flowing writing style.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

We follow little Scotty Ocean, who in the beginning of the story is about to turn 7 years old. We follow him for a year and leave as he goes home to his 8th birthday party. What year little Scotty has. His mom leaves home and he feels it is his fault so he tries to be extra good. He has two older sisters- the eldest takes on the role of mother by keeping the peace and handing out chores. This story didn't go the way I had expected. It was a fast read. Had funny parts. "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" is still my favorite Peter Hedges book.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely not even coming-of-age novel. Scotty Ocean is seven years old. And he wants to stay seven forever. Seven is a good thing to be. He's an endearing character, the book is well written, and it floats along giving the reader the story of Scotty's seventh year. There's nothing supernatural or particularly dramatic here--just a regular story of elementary school. But it's well-written enough and captures the indignation of childhood so vividly that the book is fully engaging without any high drama or crazy plotlines.

As many other reviews have said, a delightful novel.

[cynthia Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep starting my review and it suddenly disappears. This is my last attempt. Scotty Ocean is 7 years old and has a vivid imagination, 2 sisters, an alcoholic failed artist as a mother and a judge as a father. His mother leaves the family, making for more of Scotty’s stress and anxiety to reach new levels and causing him many problems. His father tries to be both parents, but struggles with it all. A grenade his friend has acquired serves as a constant threat throughout much of the story.

[jimtown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scotty was mistaken thinking that turning seven would be the best year of his life. After his mother left, everything seemed to go wrong for him until he actually started doing and saying things that were wrong, or he would say nothing at all. Still as hard as his dad and sisters tried, Scotty didn't want to turn eight. Scotty was now a very troubled little boy.

The author captured the times very well through Scotty's eyes and brought back the toys and activities of the times.

[Jess Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written - so rich with detail. The main character is seven - and is voice is believable- his thoughts and actions typical for a child in his situation. I would have given more stars if this book hadn’t even so incredibly sad. I’m leaving these characters devastated for Scotty.

[Kristi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps because this author also wrote "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" my expectations were too high. Scotty Ocean certainly evokes sympathy as a 7-year-old dealing with an absent, alcoholic mother and a father with the empathy of a stone. There were moments of good writing, but not enough to lead to satisfaction for this reader. The book definitely did not end with a bang. Kristi & Abby Tabby

[Sean Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story. Rare are the books that I care for when the protagonist is under 16 and it’s not a MG novel, but this one is just so good. The prose is so beautiful, the thoughts are so natural for a seven-year-old, and the depiction of a boy coming apart after a mother’s leaving is just point on. Absolutely loved it

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written book about a seven year old boy in Iowa. The book is by the same author who wrote "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" The characters are so well-developed and the broken family so well-depicted.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute book about Scotty, who turned 7 and wants to stay that age! He is dealing with his mother leaving the family and she has a drinking problem! Just a cute story talking about the trails of that age!

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite a rough start, I adored this book.

I may have had enough of parents abandoning their children. I cannot imagine.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is well written but it made me painfully uncomfortable at times.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one, but I had to re-read the last few pages and I still feel like it's unfinished. 👍👎