Surprisingly touching story
587440
This is both a funny and touching story with the classic Bill Murray and Melissa McCarthy letting him get most of the laughs but still playing a strong role
1126485
I think what I expected was a book that would make me laugh. Something lighthearted about two boys having the run of the house while their mother has left for a few days. Instead, I got a touching and heart wrenching story about two brothers fighting to survive and not being taken from their home by social services, while they try to find their mother who disappeared without a trace.

Reading it from a parent's point of view, 15 Days without a Head is quite a disturbing read.  I also have to boys slightly younger than the two in this story which I would never dream of abandoning - ever. I understand there are mothers out there who finds it difficult to deal with the challenges of raising two children on their own, but abandoning them without food or money? Unthinkable! Seeing as I would never do such a thing to my children, this novel touched me on so many levels. I couldn't relate to their mother at all and I felt her reasons for abandoning her kids weren't good reasons at all, since most things in life - especially parenthood - boils down to the choices we make. But still, reading about a fifteen-year-old boy in the role of a parent was completely new to me as this is not part of my reality.

Needless to say, I didn't like Jay and Laurence's mom, but I adored Laurence, Jay and Mina. These are such inspiring and extraordinary characters, especially with the strengths they showed in dealing with the circumstances they were forced into. Laurence taking on the role of his mother and doing the best he can with no money to try and keep his little brother fed and safe while their alcoholic mother is who-knows-where, is simply admirable. He is, of course, the hero of this story as he had to deal with the responsibilities of an adult and at the same time he didn't resent his mother for leaving them behind, even when he discovers why she gave up on them. It didn't take long for Laurence and Jay to find a spot in my heart. Mina was just amazing. She brings a positive tone and hope to this story, and like Laurence she shows maturity and understanding beyond her years. I enjoyed the parts where Laurence were phoning in for the competition to win a holiday for his mother, himself and Jay, and every scene where he had to answer three questions to go through to the next round of the competition, added suspense to the story. Will he or won't he make it through to the next round to win the grand prize? Nailbiting stuff, I tell you.

The writing is spot-on with the characters' emotions and the dialogue keeps the plot moving at an easy pace. I'd recommend this terrific novel to parents who, like me, can't imagine ever leaving their children to their own peril, and to anyone who'd like to read a story about courage, hope and determination.  I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's books!
2435308
I didn't realize, for some reason, that I would be so totally drawn into this story as fully as I was.  One of my daughters is a breast cancer survivor and while her treatment protocol was different (as there are many types of cancer organisms), her sense of facing her own mortality and dealing with the fallout in her personal relationships was very similar.  While most of us know intellectually that we are mortal and have no guarantee of long life, we still love in the illusion that we are each going to successfully cheat the Grim Reaper.  These two main characters have had to deal with havoc wreaked by pride and stubbornness, secrets, exaggerated pursuit of ones personal independence, fear of loss, and to cap it all off, inability to trust.  It is not an easy tale to read, but the characters are real and gutsy, living in a culture where the beautiful people set the standards, and dealing with a reality the seems bent on throwing the worst at them.  The writing itself is excellent which is such a joy to read.  Such is not always the case.
164437
I will sometimes finish a book that will have a greater effect on me a couple of days after reading it than when I first finish it.  This book is one of those.  To try to explain without spoiling anything is difficult, but here goes:

The narrator and her friends are graduates of a boarding school in England, where they have some notion they are somehow different, and even among those who are different, are set apart for having attended the school (see how hard this is?).  The narration is a bit disjointed, but I liked that, as it really felt like this young woman was sitting with me and telling me her story off the top of her head.  I also got the impression that she was remarkably sensitive, and could read people's emotions well (or at least fancied she could).  As she tells her story, you feel confused -- like the information is incomplete -- which is brilliant, because this is how the students feel as they're growing up.

This is a story about humanity, what it is to be human, what it means to be compassionate.  As the truth is revealed, you may be shocked and think that there is no way that humanity could cross such a line, but think of the many ways people are dehumanized today.

I have to say, almost everyone in my public library's book club did not like this book, so I was in the minority.  But I think if you are open to a different way of hearing a story, and are open to letting the story make you think a bit, you will find this book a worthwhile read.
3843327
I got into this book not realizing that it would contain one of those rare stories where it's almost too hard to read because of the emotions it evokes.  I almost stopped reading it because it was actually depressing me but knew I couldn't put it down without finishing it. I'm glad to say I did finish the book, had a good cry and felt that I was actually a better person for reading this story of how a family deals with devastating news.  It certainly made me realize that I, like so many others, trivialize my many blessings while overlooking the fact that millions of people deal with heartbreaking news of a terminal illness every day.  The author is so good at creating real characters and situations, the story hooks you in from the beginning and never lets you go.  Just be ready to shed a few tears.
1417181
I recommend this book to middle school students and older readers. THe story deals realistically with emotional isues; readers should be mature enough to understand these concepts.  I liked the way the author moved the narration among six diferent characters, rather than telling the entire story from one point of view. I enjoyed reading the book because the story was touching and moving.
4288720
I decided to read this book because it has received so many accolades.  During most of the time I was digesting the inner turmoil of the story's protagonist, I wondered what all of the hoopla was about - until I reached the last few pages.  The denouement of this short and gripping story makes the journey well worthwhile.  Tony Webster, the protagonist, is frequently told throughout the narrative: "You just don't get it."  It took this reader a while to "get it," but this touching tale of a long ago friendship and a broken romance takes an unlikely twist that sears the heart.  The author reminds us once again that things are not always as they appear to be.
4033287
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this one up, but it definitely wasn't what I got. This story is unique and powerful, telling the story of Jeannette's childhood, her relationships with her parents and brother and sister, and the many places they go. It is clear that the author has struggled with the love she feels for her parents, and the shame she feels in their behavior. Not only are her life and the characters in it interesting, her reactions to them help define her childhood and the woman she has become.

At first, the book seems like a scattered telling of one's childhood. Eventually, the title begins to make sense, and as the book comes to a close, you feel that you have shared an intimate journey with the author, learning a few things about life and love along the way.
2692149
I agree with a previous reviewer who said this is a sad book, but worth reading for it's happy ending. I thoroughly enjoyed THE REVISED FUNDAMENTALS OF CAREGIVING!  It's a rather strange story of a man hit hard by life and down on his luck and through circumstances is put into the position of caregiver for a 19 year old wheelchair-bound young man. The banter between the two, especially their rather demeaning phrases concerning women and what they'd like to do to them, may be off-putting to some, but pass over these phrases quickly and you'll find a gem of a story. The twists and turns of life has brought Benjamin, the older main character, to a place in his life he never expected. But by the end of the story you know, despite additional twists and turns and his interaction with Trev, who seems to at first want nothing more from life than to adhere to a tight schedule of watching the Weather Channel and eating waffles, that Benjamin and life in general have once again come to terms.

It's a difficult book to describe, as it's not your run-of-the-mill work. But it's  unique story line is what makes it a stand out piece of fiction. I highly recommend.
3546539
A very touching story based on true events.  I fell in love with the characters immediately.  I cried for Giovanna and Nuncio and felt heartbreak over their extremely difficult lives.  I have no complaint about the story except that I wish the author would have told us more of how the main characters'  lives ended.  The story stayed with me and had me searching Google in the hope of finding photos of Giovanna, Nuncio and the rest of the people in the story.  I experienced the story through an audiobook and the narrator was extremely good, bringing the story even more to life for me.  I highly recommend this book.
462714
This is a surprisingly heartwarming and yet sad story, all at the same time. Unbelievable how some people can be so cruel to another living, breathing, feeling creature, all just in order to make a buck.

I literally had tears in my eyes listening to Sonny describe his first meeting with his rescuer, the man who would take him from being a neglected, injured race horse; and give him the life of a happy, well cared for pet horse.

You would never think that a story written for adults, in the perspective of a race horse, could be anything but laughable, but this is seriously touching and very memorable book.
2712217
A touching story. Makes you think about what attachments you have in life, and why.
462474
I rarely cry when reading books, but this story touched me deeply. The consequences of impossible circumstances, poor decisions, and the cruelty of fate are paired against deeply rooted characters who hold unswervingly to the memory of abiding love. With just a little serendipity thrown in, the result is a moving story of unimaginable loss, long-time healing of deep wounds, and eventual reclamation of the essence of that which was lost. I would love to see this story made into a movie.
4753485
It was a surprisingly well-written story with good character development. Grace L. Hill can be cloyingly sweet sometimes, but this novel blends the spiritual aspects seamlessly with an nearly realistic narrative. The plot consists of the efforts of a poor young woman trying to find a home for her family after they have been evicted from the slum house they rent. She faces the challenges of caring for her mother, younger brother and sister with faith and creativity. I highly recommend this book.
153799
I was expecting a preachy self-help sort of story, but I was pleasantly surprised by the brutal-don't-surgar-coat-it approach the author took.  His story, and the way he told it, really moved me.
4384492
This movie was surprisingly touching. I loved the animation and characters but most of all, I loved the story. Sacrifice, love and friendship were the over-riding themes throughout this touching story. Highly unpredictable, it  showed how we all are capable of reacting toward acts of kindness and acts  of fear, which lead to violence, which in the end, always makes a 360  degree turn. It was smart, funny and dealt with real human emotions in a  very real way. A movie to cherish with children for ages to come.
1572284
a moving and touching story that shows that kids are always willing to be honest and open even when you don't expect it