"No two persons ever read the same book."--Edmund Wilson

By registering this book, I am sharing this book with the wider world--enjoy!

A reclusive writer, M.M. Banning (Mimi), has penned one stellar, classic novel before hiding herself away. (Think: Harper Lee, perhaps...I did). Now, after being swindled out of her money, she must write another novel. Any novel will do. Her fans (fanatics) will buy it...an assured bestseller.

Enter Alice Whitley, a young editorial assistant. Sent by Mimi's publisher to help, but instead of helping with the novel, she becomes a companion to Mimi's nine-year-old son, Frank.

Frank is an atypical lad...a devotee of films, a snappy dresser with a wardrobe of a 1930s movie star, and an intellectual giant (Think: Sheldon Cooper of 'The Big Bang Theory'). There are two rules to understanding Frank. Rule One: No touching Frank's things. Rule Two: No touching Frank.

Thus begins the education and relationship between Frank and Alice. This is a charming debut novel about a unique child and his companion Alice, all told through her perspective. There are laugh out loud moments; there are poignant silences; there are 'double entendre' moments. And lots of jokes that fall flat (knock, knock), and dialog that doesn't. Frank is adorable and lovable, and the story is a joy to read. Lots of classic movie references, too.

Quotes to remember:
"There are a lot of words for nothingness," Frank said. "Love means nothing."
"That's not true."
"Yes it is. In tennis." (page 83)

(about mothers in LA) "If you ask me, I think every small town mean girl in America who's pretty but not much else comes out here to die. Which they start to do the minute they realize there are a million girls already here who look just like them but have more talent.... The ones who smile like lunatics and wear yoga pants all day are the worst. (page 117) I know someone like this....smiles, is mean, and wears yoga pants and that's why this quote appealed to me, or maybe I am just a mean girl.

"No two persons ever read the same book."--Edmund Wilson

Sharing this book with the wider world--enjoy!
I have either registered it, or received it from another person who is willing to share it, too. Consider logging onto www.bookcrossing.com and letting us know where it is been and where it is going next. It can be done anonymously or join the site as a member.

In a box with other ARCs/giveaway books. I hope you find something that you enjoy reading.

Thanks for sending this. I'm looking forward to reading it.

I loved the quirkiness of these characters. But I found myself reading a huge chunk, and then having difficulty getting back into it.

Sending to spoiledrotten as a wishlist tag.

Book has arrived safely. Thanks so much for the tag.

I LOVED this book. I cannot add anything to minesayn’s review, she said it all. I chose this for my bookclub to read this month, can’t wait to hear everyone’s opinion. After bookclub it will become avl.

Left at the VA