W.W. Norton - January 2012
A heartwarming novel about larger-than-life characters and second chances.Former academic Arthur Opp weighs 550 pounds and hasn't left his rambling Brooklyn home in a decade. Twenty miles away, in Yonkers, seventeen-year-old Kel Keller navigates life as the poor kid in a rich school and pins his hopes on what seems like a promising baseball career—if he can untangle himself from his family drama. The link between this unlikely pair is Kel’s mother, Charlene, a former student of Arthur’s. After nearly two decades of silence, it is Charlene’s unexpected phone call to Arthur—a plea for help—that jostles them into action. Through Arthur and Kel’s own quirky and lovable voices, Heft tells the winning story of two improbable heroes whose sudden connection transforms both their lives. Like Elizabeth McCracken’s The Giant’s House, Heft is a novel about love and family found in the most unexpected places.
Great pick! Sounds like a character driven novel - which is what I like. Hard to believe we're thinking about 2012 books. I'm still trying to read all the books I have listed for 2011!
ReplyDeleteWhere has the year gone? Sheesh! Sounds like an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to that one too. Norton's literary fiction has been a huge hit for me lately!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds mighty good!
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of it!
ReplyDeleteDiane, I hope you will enjoy this one!
ReplyDeleteWow, that IS a coincidence! :) This one's going on my list...
ReplyDeleteThis one has caught my attention!!!
ReplyDeleteNow this one does sound unusual, and I love unusual books! I will have to keep my eye out for it!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it could be a good one!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting plot. Hope you get it soon!
ReplyDeleteWow! This looks like it could be a good one!
ReplyDeleteI love that cover and that sofa looks good. I hope you enjoy your read.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting read!
ReplyDeleteThis does sound good! One of my favorite books from last year was from Norton -- The Lonely Polygamist.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds wonderful. I really like books with offbeat, unusual characters and unexpected relationships.
ReplyDeleteHow do you find your Waiting on Wednesday picks? You always have great books listed!