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Apologizing to Dogs
Times are tough for the antique dealers working on Worth Row. This is not to say, however, that it is by any means quiet on the Row, a place where bathtubs double as lawn furniture and adultery, bribery and larceny are commonplace. From the quirky to the certifiable, it seems that everyone has something to hide -- from their cus- tomers, spouses and even themselves. But when a violent storm strikes, causing fire, a heart attack and grand theft, it stirs up more than just the earth it hits. Suddenly, long-buried truths are flowing faster than the flooding rains, and when the dust and smoke finally clear, everything is righted at last.
With a strong, rich and uproariously funny voice, Joe Coomer resurrects the magic of his previous novels, Beachcombing for a Shipwrecked God and The Loop, and turns the utterly ordinary into the stunningly extra-ordinary. With a splendid cast of characters and the cleverest canine in comedy, Apologizing to Dogs is a hilarious, heartwarming and wonderfully human tale, proving that no matter how old you get, there's always something worth holding on to, fighting for and loving with all your might.
With a strong, rich and uproariously funny voice, Joe Coomer resurrects the magic of his previous novels, Beachcombing for a Shipwrecked God and The Loop, and turns the utterly ordinary into the stunningly extra-ordinary. With a splendid cast of characters and the cleverest canine in comedy, Apologizing to Dogs is a hilarious, heartwarming and wonderfully human tale, proving that no matter how old you get, there's always something worth holding on to, fighting for and loving with all your might.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 1999
9 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Joe Coomer
16 books77 followersJoe Coomer is a fiction and nonfiction writer who lives outside of Fort Worth, Texas, and on the coast of Maine. He "spends his winters in Springtown, Texas, where he runs a pair of large antique malls. He lives in a fairly new Victorian house that he spent a year and a half building in the late eighties, a project he wrote about in Dream House [1991]. His wife, Isabelle Tokumaru, runs her paintings conservation practice in the third story, while he writes novels in the kitchen, where the food is close. Summers, they live in Stonington, Maine, an active fishing village on the coast. When the weather's nice, he takes his old motor sailer, "Yonder", on day sails and cruises down east. He chronicled her purchase, restoration, and his stupidities at sea in Sailing in a Spoonful of Water [1997]."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 12, 2020
I have owned a hardcover copy of “Apologizing to Dogs” for some time now. I’m thankful I finally put aside my review commitments long enough to read it. This is not the first novel by Coomer that I have read. “A pocketful of names” remains vividly in my memory, even though I read it about twelve years ago.
As with my first book by Coomer, it was truly a rewarding reading experience. The myriad names and characters were a bit confusing at the outset, but due to rich characterization, they soon became vividly individual and recognizable. Coomer has a talent for sharp observation of human foibles and idiosyncrasies. The story is related with equal parts empathy and humor.
All the action in the novel takes place in a single day. With so many varied characters and so many divulged secrets, it is a very busy day indeed. I did find the beginning of the novel a bit slow and confusing, however it soon picked up and became clear. I beg potential readers to give it more than one chapter before throwing in the towel. It is worth the effort. Though, to be fair, this book is as quirky as the characters within its pages.
Joe Coomer himself runs antique malls, so I’m sure that the many people he meets in his daily life serve as inspiration for this novel – which manages to be both very sad, and very humorous at the same time. I enjoyed this read very much (but not as much as Coomer’s wonderful novel “A Pocketful of Names”). I recommend this book to all dog lovers, those readers who like quirky characters, and those who enjoy a few giggles while reading.
As with my first book by Coomer, it was truly a rewarding reading experience. The myriad names and characters were a bit confusing at the outset, but due to rich characterization, they soon became vividly individual and recognizable. Coomer has a talent for sharp observation of human foibles and idiosyncrasies. The story is related with equal parts empathy and humor.
All the action in the novel takes place in a single day. With so many varied characters and so many divulged secrets, it is a very busy day indeed. I did find the beginning of the novel a bit slow and confusing, however it soon picked up and became clear. I beg potential readers to give it more than one chapter before throwing in the towel. It is worth the effort. Though, to be fair, this book is as quirky as the characters within its pages.
Joe Coomer himself runs antique malls, so I’m sure that the many people he meets in his daily life serve as inspiration for this novel – which manages to be both very sad, and very humorous at the same time. I enjoyed this read very much (but not as much as Coomer’s wonderful novel “A Pocketful of Names”). I recommend this book to all dog lovers, those readers who like quirky characters, and those who enjoy a few giggles while reading.
November 11, 2021
Yet another Maine author. Okay, so he only lives here part time. Well, this was about as strange a book as they come, although I will say it was interesting and good. I knew it would be interesting when I saw the dog in the bathtub on the cover. The story revolves around one neighborhood on The Row. All the residents who live there own little specialty shops and all kinds of secrets. Nadine is trying to take her mother’s place, the Postlethwaites are addicted to the photo machine at the Mall, Aura & Marshall chew on their bones and get a big surprise, Carl builds a boat out of his house, Verda spends the whole book dying, and Tradio and Authur do some self-discovery while Mr. Haygood & Mazelle make whoopie in the cistern hidden under Mrs. Haygood’s and Mazelle’s husband’s garden. Meanwhile Effie records it all in her journal as Howard tells Mose everybody’s secrets. Lots of interesting characters and Coomer shares all their little secrets in the end. It really kept me reading. I especially liked the dog, Himself.
January 30, 2013
Quirky, zany and fun. I loved the similes. The characters were multifaceted - though difficult to keep track of at the beginning. Thank goodness there was a map of Worth Row Antiques to refer to. Some language and affairs, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Favorite quotes:
"Books were too small to contain lives, always promised more and realized less. Her own life was an example. What book approached its audacity, its scale, its hidden grandeur, its intricacy, its depth of emotion, its level of sin? None, and none ever would. Searching for a life in a book was like looking for a house in a keyhole."
"'Next caller. That's you. You're on Tradio.'
'I just wanted to remind all you listeners that Jesus Christ is free for the asking. And that's all I wanted to say.'
'Thank you, Caller. That's important. Sometimes we forget what money can't buy. Next caller.'"
"'Maybe an inventor wants to be an artist.'
'What does an artist want?'
'I think he'd want to be loved.'
'Well, then, what does someone who's loved want?'
'He doesn't want to be replaced.'"
"Funny, how small the the temperate zone between a hot fire and a cold fall."
"I'm not an antique dealer, Nadine. But it makes me upset when you question my feelings. I can certainly love you and not understand you."
"'Did you sign your organ donor card? You don't want to shoot yourself in one of your transplantable organs.'
'Where can I shoot myself, then?'
'In your head. They wouldn't try to transplant that. But make sure you don't damage your eyes.'
'I'll shoot myself in the head then,' Howard said.'
'Maybe you'd want to wait till the ambulance came,' Mose suggested. 'They could take your body straight to the hospital. Your organs would be fresh.'
"Nadine, I'm just as ignorant of the future as I have been of the past .... I'm too old and I've come too far to admit I was wrong."
"10:27 The silence in my phone sounds very deep, as if someone is there listening. I have said hello many times but they will not answer. The repair man was very angry the last time I boiled by phone to kill the bugs, but did not charge me as he had a spare phone to give to old ladies. But what am I to do if this phone has become infected, too? I do not know how to fix electronics but to boil them. I am not one of these people who slams things down to repair them."
"I know you see my way of doing things as a series of mistakes, but I wish you could be me for a while and see them as the only way I know how."
"He sat on his hands so they wouldn't be caught in the draft of her words and flutter away."
Favorite quotes:
"Books were too small to contain lives, always promised more and realized less. Her own life was an example. What book approached its audacity, its scale, its hidden grandeur, its intricacy, its depth of emotion, its level of sin? None, and none ever would. Searching for a life in a book was like looking for a house in a keyhole."
"'Next caller. That's you. You're on Tradio.'
'I just wanted to remind all you listeners that Jesus Christ is free for the asking. And that's all I wanted to say.'
'Thank you, Caller. That's important. Sometimes we forget what money can't buy. Next caller.'"
"'Maybe an inventor wants to be an artist.'
'What does an artist want?'
'I think he'd want to be loved.'
'Well, then, what does someone who's loved want?'
'He doesn't want to be replaced.'"
"Funny, how small the the temperate zone between a hot fire and a cold fall."
"I'm not an antique dealer, Nadine. But it makes me upset when you question my feelings. I can certainly love you and not understand you."
"'Did you sign your organ donor card? You don't want to shoot yourself in one of your transplantable organs.'
'Where can I shoot myself, then?'
'In your head. They wouldn't try to transplant that. But make sure you don't damage your eyes.'
'I'll shoot myself in the head then,' Howard said.'
'Maybe you'd want to wait till the ambulance came,' Mose suggested. 'They could take your body straight to the hospital. Your organs would be fresh.'
"Nadine, I'm just as ignorant of the future as I have been of the past .... I'm too old and I've come too far to admit I was wrong."
"10:27 The silence in my phone sounds very deep, as if someone is there listening. I have said hello many times but they will not answer. The repair man was very angry the last time I boiled by phone to kill the bugs, but did not charge me as he had a spare phone to give to old ladies. But what am I to do if this phone has become infected, too? I do not know how to fix electronics but to boil them. I am not one of these people who slams things down to repair them."
"I know you see my way of doing things as a series of mistakes, but I wish you could be me for a while and see them as the only way I know how."
"He sat on his hands so they wouldn't be caught in the draft of her words and flutter away."
July 5, 2012
The style of this is totally different from the previous Joe Coomer that I read. Totally enjoyed it, too. A story of one street, one day. The street is a small one, it used to be well known for it's antique stores but, due to the new mall, it has gone down hill. Secrets that have long been hidden come to the surface, in part due to a sudden and violent storm. Super characters. Some you will like, some you won't. And through it all - the dog. The story is told mostly through the eyes of one of the residents who keeps tabs on everyone - snooping, prying, spying.
June 25, 2023
"A house is a living thing," Howard said. "It breathes. It has a past. I go on and I find phone numbers in pencil on the wall around a bare spot where the phone used to be...Children's measurements on a door casing, their names next to the numbers: Bobby, Theresa, Juan...Worn spots on the linoleum, right in front of the old stove.How many pairs of shoes did she wear out standing there frying eggs and boiling oatmeal? The marks of a woman's feet....It's difficult work, tearing down a house."
Using the eyes and memories of the residents on Worth Row in Fort Worth, Texas, Cooper weaves a tale of about fifty years. And it is a good tale. Funny, sad, real, crazy, poetic, mysterious - all at once.
This is worth the read and worth savoring. Enjoy.
Using the eyes and memories of the residents on Worth Row in Fort Worth, Texas, Cooper weaves a tale of about fifty years. And it is a good tale. Funny, sad, real, crazy, poetic, mysterious - all at once.
This is worth the read and worth savoring. Enjoy.
June 2, 2022
This is a s my second Joe Coomer book. Set my n Forth Worth the story is about “The Row” and street of houses where the owners live in the back and sell their antiques in the front. There are so many secrets. A cast of very interesting characters including Carl, a carpenter who is secretly in love with Nadine the used book seller. A couple that has been having an affair for more than 30 years and the old neighbor lady that watches and tracks everyone’s movement. When a tornado hits the Row even more secrets are uncovered. Looking forward to my next Coomer book.
March 31, 2019
This is an odd sort of book about a street in Ft Worth with shops that the owners also reside in. Many of them have been here for a number of years and they have a history with each other. A good bit of the book consists of the diary of events kept by the widow who keeps watch out her window regularly. There are definitely some interesting characters and the dogs,
Named Dideebiteya and Yeseedid broke me up.
Named Dideebiteya and Yeseedid broke me up.
August 9, 2019
Fictional Worth Row in Fort Worth, Texas is a short cul-de-sac of shops that have traditionally sold antiques and other used goods. But there's hidden goings-on that are about to be exposed as a storm, both metaphoric and literal, is gathering over Fort Worth.
Wacky, outlandish, hilarious, heartwarming and wonderfully human are all adjectives that have been used in reviews of this book. I agree with them all. Definitely a fun summer read with some depth.
Thanks to Lynne at Fictionophile who alerted me to this book.
Wacky, outlandish, hilarious, heartwarming and wonderfully human are all adjectives that have been used in reviews of this book. I agree with them all. Definitely a fun summer read with some depth.
Thanks to Lynne at Fictionophile who alerted me to this book.
March 15, 2021
Unusual, quirky tale of a group of idiosyncratic antique dealers in Fort Worth living through an unusual day where they all must come to terms with secrets from their past. It is certainly comic, with many outlandish touches, but it never quite was laugh-out-loud funny; this actually lends it an ironic poignance that a more directly humorous approach wouldn't have achieved. I will remember many of these characters, that's for sure.
December 1, 2016
Quirky, lovely characters living in a small town in Texas. Watch their misfortunes and drama unfold in a hilariously intertwined way!
October 11, 2020
Very funny; very clever.
August 4, 2021
The first part had me totally confused. I could not keep anyone straight. Toward the end I could not stop reading it.
February 24, 2024
Pleasantly amusing for those whose neighbors are an elbow's length away.
April 13, 2025
Could not finish this one it was so stupid. Left it on a cruise ship, maybe someone else would like it.
October 3, 2020
Coomer entführt den Leser für einen Tag in die Worth Row, die Straße der Antiquitätenhändler im texanischen Fort Worth. Man begegnet einer paranoiden Tagebuchschreiberin, die Else Kling Konkurrenz macht. Einer ungekrönten Königin, die doch nur im Schatten ihrer Mutter steht. Einem liebestollen Tischler, der sich selbst den Boden unter den Füßen nimmt. Einem erfolglosen Erfinder, der seiner verlorenen Liebe nachhängt. Einem Ehepaar, das erst gemeinsam „genau richtig“ ist. Und anderen sehr eigenen Individuen... Man schwelgt in den Erinnerungen der Bewohner, erfährt ihre Geheimnisse und nimmt am Geschehen teil. Und dieser eine erzählte Tag ist tatsächlich sehr ereignisreich... Die Einblicke offenbaren neben den Geheimnissen auch die Ängste und Probleme der Bewohner, und innerhalb weniger Stunden wird das Leben aller radikal verändert.
Nach allem, was ich über das Buch gehört/ gelesen habe, hätte ich mir mehr davon versprochen. Ich liebe skurrile Figuren und abgedrehte Handlungen, hier bekommt man allerdings eher „schwere Kost“ als schräge Unterhaltung. Mit anderen Erwartungen hätte mir das Buch besser gefallen, denn schlecht ist es nicht, auch wenn es m. E. nicht an Irving heranreicht, der eine Vermischung skurriler Charaktere und tragischer Schicksale meisterhaft beherrscht. So bin ich innerhalb weniger Stunden durchgehetzt und habe die versprochenen Seltsamkeiten gesucht statt mich genüßlich auf die ausgebreiteten Leben einzulassen. Den Anfang fand ich recht schleppend, doch das Tempo nimmt rasant zu. Hinzu kommt ein ständiger Wechsel der Perspektive zwischen Tagebucheinträgen und Blicken auf die verschiedenen Protagonisten - eine sehr gute, ungewöhnliche Lösung.
Von solchen Passagen hätte ich mir mehr gewünscht:
"Er wusste insbesondere, dass die Erde wie ein Ballon davongeschwebt wäre, hätte er sie nicht festgehalten, indem er auf ihr ging oder lag. Er versuchte deshalb so wenig wie möglich hochzuspringen, denn frühere Experimente hatten damit geendet, dass der Boden von unten gegen seinen Körper schlug." (...überlegte der Hund Selber)
Nach allem, was ich über das Buch gehört/ gelesen habe, hätte ich mir mehr davon versprochen. Ich liebe skurrile Figuren und abgedrehte Handlungen, hier bekommt man allerdings eher „schwere Kost“ als schräge Unterhaltung. Mit anderen Erwartungen hätte mir das Buch besser gefallen, denn schlecht ist es nicht, auch wenn es m. E. nicht an Irving heranreicht, der eine Vermischung skurriler Charaktere und tragischer Schicksale meisterhaft beherrscht. So bin ich innerhalb weniger Stunden durchgehetzt und habe die versprochenen Seltsamkeiten gesucht statt mich genüßlich auf die ausgebreiteten Leben einzulassen. Den Anfang fand ich recht schleppend, doch das Tempo nimmt rasant zu. Hinzu kommt ein ständiger Wechsel der Perspektive zwischen Tagebucheinträgen und Blicken auf die verschiedenen Protagonisten - eine sehr gute, ungewöhnliche Lösung.
Von solchen Passagen hätte ich mir mehr gewünscht:
"Er wusste insbesondere, dass die Erde wie ein Ballon davongeschwebt wäre, hätte er sie nicht festgehalten, indem er auf ihr ging oder lag. Er versuchte deshalb so wenig wie möglich hochzuspringen, denn frühere Experimente hatten damit geendet, dass der Boden von unten gegen seinen Körper schlug." (...überlegte der Hund Selber)
January 22, 2008
Joe Coomer, Apologizing to Dogs (Scribner's, 1999)
Apologizing to Dogs does, finally, take off. If you're fifty pages into it and ready to throw it into the fire, take heed; it does eventually start going somewhere. The problem is, it takes so long to get there.
Apologizing to Dogs is, ultimately, the story of Worth Row, a series of antique shops in Fort Worth, Texas, and its inhabitants (including the stray dog to whom one character apologizes). Worth Row has stood for years, with inhabitants coming and going, all along the way building up secrets, lies, blackmail, and other various oddities. But then a stray dog digs for a bone, and the radio reports a tornado warning, and it all starts to unravel like one big sweater. It's a small premise for a book, but a good one, and it's been done many times in the past. The problem with Apologizing to Dogs is that Coomer tries to pack just too much into the book without it really needing to be there; it's almost as if he thought that if he focused on a few main plotlines, the book would be too short, so he added a few more for filler. The end result is that a good portion of the book, especially during the first three quarters, feels like filler. Some sections drag on forever, while others flit by like nobody's business. Once it all comes together eighty or ninety pages form the end, everything falls into place and this becomes a fine comedic (in a deadpan way) novel. It's just getting through the first bit that's likely to alienate some readers. ** 1/2
Apologizing to Dogs does, finally, take off. If you're fifty pages into it and ready to throw it into the fire, take heed; it does eventually start going somewhere. The problem is, it takes so long to get there.
Apologizing to Dogs is, ultimately, the story of Worth Row, a series of antique shops in Fort Worth, Texas, and its inhabitants (including the stray dog to whom one character apologizes). Worth Row has stood for years, with inhabitants coming and going, all along the way building up secrets, lies, blackmail, and other various oddities. But then a stray dog digs for a bone, and the radio reports a tornado warning, and it all starts to unravel like one big sweater. It's a small premise for a book, but a good one, and it's been done many times in the past. The problem with Apologizing to Dogs is that Coomer tries to pack just too much into the book without it really needing to be there; it's almost as if he thought that if he focused on a few main plotlines, the book would be too short, so he added a few more for filler. The end result is that a good portion of the book, especially during the first three quarters, feels like filler. Some sections drag on forever, while others flit by like nobody's business. Once it all comes together eighty or ninety pages form the end, everything falls into place and this becomes a fine comedic (in a deadpan way) novel. It's just getting through the first bit that's likely to alienate some readers. ** 1/2
April 10, 2009
Whoa! Not quite sure how to comment about this novel? I wanted to read it mainly because of the title and figured it would have 'something' to do with dogs! Not to be, well, unless you count the strays hanging around underneath the house next door to Effie.
I think the author was attempting to be "quirky and original" but somehow lost his way. The characters were quite eccentric and the one I got the most kick out of was Effie. A 71-year-old snoopy, antique dealer who has had a store on Worth Row for many years. Her daily journal entries of everyone else's comings, goings and doings sound like an ongoing soap opera! These neighbourhood folks have more secrets than most any people I know.
However, as compelled as I was to finish this novel, it is certainly not high on my list of recommendations. I usually have a hard time giving a novel a 'low' rating but, this one has forced my hand!!
I think the author was attempting to be "quirky and original" but somehow lost his way. The characters were quite eccentric and the one I got the most kick out of was Effie. A 71-year-old snoopy, antique dealer who has had a store on Worth Row for many years. Her daily journal entries of everyone else's comings, goings and doings sound like an ongoing soap opera! These neighbourhood folks have more secrets than most any people I know.
However, as compelled as I was to finish this novel, it is certainly not high on my list of recommendations. I usually have a hard time giving a novel a 'low' rating but, this one has forced my hand!!
June 12, 2011
This was like watching a very weird & farcical yet strangely compelling soap opera. Lots of characters and as usual I have a really hard time remembering who's who so I referred frequently to the handy little map of the Row to get my bearings. Can't say as I was completely satisfied with the ending. It felt unfinished to me. Overall it was fun and I liked the way the pov kept moving around with short bursts from various characters. I may have to check out this author's other books if they have a similar humorous and weird style. Still not too sure what the title means. [adored the names of Verda's little dogs: Dideebiteya and Yeseedid and of course, the late Wheresyurbone] Read for f2f discussion- should be fun.
April 18, 2008
This book was quite different than the books that I have read lately. In the beginning of the book the author, Joe Coomer, switches between narration and jounal entries a little too much for my liking. The author of the journal entries, Effie, is a crazy old bird of a lady who thinks everyone is out to get her and her precious antiques. The characters in the book all live on this one street in Texas, and they all sell antique goods from their houses. Coomer does a good job of making this interesting towards the end of the book, but the beginning of the book was a little boring for me.
October 27, 2008
Ich habe schon ein anderes Buch von Joe Comer gelesen, das ich sehr witzig fand. Ich denke auch, dass dieses hier gar nicht so schlecht ist.
Aber nachdem mir bis Seite 50 die einzelnen Charaktere und deren Geschichte immer noch recht egal waren, habe ich beschlossen, nicht weiter meine Zeit zu 'vergeuden', auch wenn ich sicher schon deutlich schlechtere Bücher bis zum Ende durchgehalten habe. Schade, vielleicht greife ich es zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt ja noch einmal an.
Aber nachdem mir bis Seite 50 die einzelnen Charaktere und deren Geschichte immer noch recht egal waren, habe ich beschlossen, nicht weiter meine Zeit zu 'vergeuden', auch wenn ich sicher schon deutlich schlechtere Bücher bis zum Ende durchgehalten habe. Schade, vielleicht greife ich es zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt ja noch einmal an.
February 19, 2010
This is a strange, but entertaining book. It was quite funny and very strangely written with different P.O.V.s all over the place. I don't know that I would read another book by this author though everything was well-written. The characters were certainly ridiculous, but I don't know how well it ended - some storylines weren't wrapped up enough. I don't think I would recommend it either... It was just missing something...
February 7, 2013
Takes just a bit of effort to get going on this one, as the style of writing and the number of characters takes a bit to sink in, but it is a quirky and hilarious book. One of my favorite reads of all time, and probably one of the strongest contemporary authors. He'd better be writing something new!
I've probably purchased a dozen copies of this book and given them to friends and family over the years. Everyone has enjoyed it immensely.
I've probably purchased a dozen copies of this book and given them to friends and family over the years. Everyone has enjoyed it immensely.
couldn-t-get-through-it
December 15, 2013One of my favorite authors gave this 5 stars and I liked another Coomer book "The Loop", but this one was too twee for me. But it does have some great writing - like this simile on the first page:
"His elbows rested on the bar and his two front teeth sat on his lower lip like a washer and dryer, the washer having wobbled away on spin cycle leaving a gap between his teeth large enough to see a pink wad of lint which was his tongue."
"His elbows rested on the bar and his two front teeth sat on his lower lip like a washer and dryer, the washer having wobbled away on spin cycle leaving a gap between his teeth large enough to see a pink wad of lint which was his tongue."
January 2, 2010
Nearly abandoned... couldn't understand Coomer's voice. Certainly NOT the Coomer of Beachcoming ... or Pocketful of Names. However, the different story-telling-style made me curious. What WAS the story??? Well, about half-way through, I was laughing out loud! Chuckling at Effie, marveling at the secrets untold and interpretations and surprises I learned! I compromised with the 3-star rating.
January 16, 2010
There’s only one dog in it, not negatively portrayed, so I don’t get the title, perhaps for lack of something better. 12 houses on a run-down southern street occupied primarily but not entirely by antiques selling same. The neighborhood gossip with her journal entries is amusing, eventually tiresome. There’s enough stuff going on for a whole set of “Desperate Housewives”.
June 19, 2011
This book is for anyone who like s slow to start books with absolutely no background information and that starts in the middle of everyone stories! It was very hard to get into but I had read the reviews so I stuck with it. Once it gets going and you figure out each character it is an enjoyable little book. Having lived in Fort Worth for the past 11 years it was fun to read about my old haunts!
May 17, 2012
I was absolutely clueless as to what I was walking into but after a couple of minutes of feeling like I was in Sound and Fury, I got a handle on it and it became a fun read. The action takes place in one day on Worth Row but what a day. Long buried secrets are spilled, lives are changed forever and in the end it was a run ride.
Read
July 7, 2015What a fun break from fairly heavy, more serious books. I've loved Joe Coomer since I read his Beachcombing for a Shipwrecked God, and this one is almost that good!
My favorite character is the guy who realizes his house is built out of cypress and so starts deconstructing it from the inside out, using the salvaged wood to build a big sailboat -- in the shell of the house!
Great fun!
My favorite character is the guy who realizes his house is built out of cypress and so starts deconstructing it from the inside out, using the salvaged wood to build a big sailboat -- in the shell of the house!
Great fun!
February 7, 2009
Quotes from the book:
“I’ve just been waiting for this moment for so long, and now this is the last of the waiting.”
“It’s all new to me. The past isn’t at all what I expected. My own mother is a different person now than the day she died.”
“I’ve just been waiting for this moment for so long, and now this is the last of the waiting.”
“It’s all new to me. The past isn’t at all what I expected. My own mother is a different person now than the day she died.”
May 26, 2009
Another great Joe Coomer novel......I love his quirky and unique characters - this one has some of his best! And they all live in their shops on an Antique Row in Texas - love the way their lives intermingle and relationships get revealed Joe Coomer style!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews