The Accidental Tourist / Ladder of Years

by Anne Tyler

Excellent Book

Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemporary

672 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Anne Tyler was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1941 and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated at nineteen from Duke University and went on to do graduate work in Russian studies at Columbia University. She has published 20 novels, her debut novel being If Morning Ever Comes in (1964). Her eleventh novel, Breathing Lessons , was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1988. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Reviews

[P. Lundburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

No review here. It's been a number of years since I read this one, but I can say that it was the second novel of Tyler's that sealed her as (by far) one of the greatest novelists ever. I wrote my Master's thesis on Tyler's work. This is a fantastic novel that begins with the aftermath of a mass shooting before they were commonplace (San Ysidro, close to my home town of San Diego). As always, Tyler's characterization is superb. This book is on my list of "too long since I read this again," but it bears getting out there that this is one of Tyler's finest novels.

[Susan KG · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why oh why did I read "Ladder of Years"? I don't what possessed me to buy it for my Kindle. I couldn't connect to the main character, let alone the story. Ugh.

[Vanessa Mouton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

[Lile · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was yet another unplanned read that was a break from my other books. I can relate to the main character's thoughts (just like the rest of us I think) and I can see why a lot of people loved it. The first chapter was amazing in my opinion, but the ending was a little disappointing. Also, throughout most of the middle, it was boring. Not a lot was happening and it wasn't as exciting as I'd hoped it'd be and this is why I give this book 3.5 stars. It could have been just me, but I swear, I only continued reading this because it was a 'break book' and I really wanted to stop mid-way. Other than that, the characters are very relatable which is one reason I could love this book and the idea of the story itself is actually interesting. I recommend this book to 13+ because of some vocab. and it might be a good idea to read this when you have nothing else to read/you are very bored.

[Anita Alton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was really bad…..so incredibly simplistic and linear. There were a few good lines - as per Anne Tyler - she IS talented. But this story was horrid. Not even remotely believable…..none of the characters had any depth. As IF she would walk away and her family just blithely accepts it. I spent half the time rolling my eyes. Not what i expect from AT

[Shirl G · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing story about self-discovery, identity, the need to be valued by others, and the importance of valuing ourselves. It reminds me of the idea that *the more we try to run away from our fate, the more we run right smack into it*. Conversational narrative style, warm characters-- I quite enjoyed this book!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have been a 5 star read if it weren't for the rather disappointing ending.

[Jessica Lamothe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Britt Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting read and I’m not sorry I read it, but I finished having questions. About what Im not sure. Seemed like a self-help story in a way

[Vicki Merkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost gave up on this book at about page 55. I’m glad I didn’t. The story isn’t complicated but the writing is descriptive and engaging.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read The Accidental Tourist. It was a sweet, albeit meandering story. It reminded me of The Curious Life of Sam Hell. It had a bit of a “it’s not too late to grab life by the horns” vibe.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this read which is funny since I found myself disliking the main character Delia. For those of us Moms who are nearing the empty nest years of our lives this story rings true on many pages. There is the aging husband who she questions, is this the man I married so many years ago. Was this who he always was or has time changed him and their relationship. There are the self involved, often selfish children she has raised. What is Delia to do? This is where my dislike for her began to take shape. I guess this is one woman's journey to finding what is next as she enters the next phase of her life. I found her kind of whiney and selfish. Not the choices I would have made during my self-discovery. Great read for we women over 40. Another good book club book. Could spur some good discussions among a group of men and women.

[Sylvie Vanhoozer · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Didn't it often happen, she thought, that aged parents die exactly at the moment when other people (your husband, your adolescent children) have stopped being thrilled to see you coming? But a parent is always thrilled, always dwells so lovingly on your face as you are speaking. One of life's many ironies." 129, Ladder of Years

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Anne Tyler. Not my favorite of hers, but I did enjoy it. I was amazed how Tyler could make a situation that seems so ridiculous on the surface plausable. As a mom I could relate to some of what the main character is experiencing.

[Jeanne Marie Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally related to the frustrations of a woman trying make life perfect for her large, disinterested family. In fact it opened my eyes to how fruitless this is, yet we still try, try try. If I say more I will spoil it. It helped change my life.

[Barbara Vinocur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a
Anne Tyler's characters who show a bit of the neurosis we all have!

[Bernadette Harris]

very metaphoric…great read!

[Ann Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in 2012

[Erin Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and found it human, touching, and sad.

[Wendy]

the main character is John!

[Dale Faiello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good!!!