Set in Cray Ridge, Kentucky in 1973, Kagen's winsome second novel offers laughter and bittersweet sighs. As a child, NQR (Not Quite Right) Gibby McGraw survived an auto accident that claimed her parents' lives, but left her somewhat mentally challenged. Now 20 and living with her beloved grampa, Gibby publishes Gibby's Gazette, distributed from local hot spots like Loretta's Candy World and Washateria. Gibby's latest scoop, complete with photos, is her discovery of the body of politician Buster Malloy, who aspired to become governor. Gibby launches a meticulous investigation complicated by nasty Sneaky Tim Ray Holloway stealing her briefcase. Other distractions include her best friend Clever's getting knocked up and disturbing times in Browntown, an African-American community. Though Gibby can get discombobulated, this wonderfully wise Nancy Drew strives mightily to become QR (Quite Right) in the head: she was already QR in the heart.
After falling in love with Lesley Kagen's novel Whistling in the Dark, I was so excited to know she was writing a new one which debuted in July, Land of a Hundred Wonders. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and I had high hopes that it would be every bit as good as Whistling in the Dark, if not better. My mom generously bought a copy for us to share and even let me read it first!
Unfortunately I was sadly disappointed with this novel. It was nowhere near as clever as WITD, and the plot seemed awfully contrived and rather unrealistic to me. There were funny parts, but most of it was just pitiable. The author did her best to give a realistic-sounding southern Kentucky dialogue, but the permanent use of "ya" in place of "you" throughout the book just got on my nerves.
Don't waste your time. And I am really and truly sorry to say that, since I was so looking forward to this novel. In my opinion, Kagen really is a one-hit-wonder with her first.
3 comments:
I just got done reading Mistaken Identity about the bus crash in 2006 of some Taylor University students. Good book!!!
Oooh, I saw that in the bookstore, it looked really good but awfully sad! Did you boohoo your eyes out? I just can't even imagine being either one of those families and how awful it must have been...
No I didn't cry at it. It was pretty neat. Although the layout of the book was a bit confusing, but it was good.
If you want, I'll bring it to you when we come home for the wedding. I wont read it again and Jason has no interest in it.
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