Lorrie Moore

Realizing during a trip to Paris that she no longer loves her husband, Berie Carr remembers her childhood in upstate New York, where she shared a deep friendship with a captivating older girl named Sils. Reprint.

A Novel

Who Will Run the Frog Hospital?

rida

I often think that at the center of me is a voice that at last did split, a house in my heart so invaded with other people and their speech, friends I believed I was devoted to, people whose lives I can only guess at now, that it gives me the impression I am simply a collection of them, that they all existed for themselves, but had inadvertently formed me, then vanished. But, what: Should I have been expected to create my own self, out of nothing, out of thin, thin air and alone?

"Touches and dazzles and entertains. An enchanting novel." --The New York Times In this moving, poignant novel by the bestselling author of Birds of America we share a grown woman’s bittersweet nostalgia for the wildness of her youth. The summer Berie was fifteen, she and her best friend Sils had jobs at Storyland in upstate New York where Berie sold tickets to see the beautiful Sils portray Cinderella in a strapless evening gown. They spent their breaks smoking, joking, and gossiping. After work they followed their own reckless rules, teasing the fun out of small town life, sleeping in the family station wagon, and drinking borrowed liquor from old mayonnaise jars. But no matter how wild, they always managed to escape any real danger—until the adoring Berie sees that Sils really does need her help—and then everything changes.

Although Lorrie Moore surely is a great novelist, something about the story and the prose didn't click for me.

Frederik De Bosschere

juno

(3.5) i like this writing style, though i expected more frogs.

maggie

i don't think i've ever read such a story that's as masterfully crafted as this. every line had purpose and direction that zinged far off into the crevices of my mind, reverberating back with a stab to my heart. the threads that weave friendship are so brittle and brave against the complexities of time and this book is resilient over it all. truly an inspiring read.

Trever

Ultimately this didn't leave a huge impact on me, but it was well-written and a fine read nonetheless

This novel follows the lives of two 11-year-olds intent on escaping childhood. As the strength of their friendship is tested repeatedly, they begin to take their first, exhilarating steps towards adulthood.

jillian tenner

Tbh really really sad I think,,, the last chapter I will need to reread not on a plane but beries relationship with her parents absolutely brought me to tears and I with Sils the absolute best

Who Will Run the Frog Hospital? A Novel

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