Be Frank With Me
By Julia Claiborne Johnson
- Release Date: 2016-02-02
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
AN AMERICAN BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION ADULT DEBUT HONOR BOOK
WINNER OF THE AUDIE AWARD FOR BEST FEMALE NARRATOR
LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER
A sparkling talent makes her fiction debut with this infectious novel that combines the charming pluck of Eloise, the poignant psychological quirks of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and the page-turning spirit of Where’d You Go, Bernadette.
Reclusive literary legend M. M. “Mimi” Banning has been holed up in her Bel Air mansion for years. But after falling prey to a Bernie Madoff-style ponzi scheme, she’s flat broke. Now Mimi must write a new book for the first time in decades, and to ensure the timely delivery of her manuscript, her New York publisher sends an assistant to monitor her progress. The prickly Mimi reluctantly complies—with a few stipulations: No Ivy-Leaguers or English majors. Must drive, cook, tidy. Computer whiz. Good with kids. Quiet, discreet, sane.
When Alice Whitley arrives at the Banning mansion, she’s put to work right away—as a full-time companion to Frank, the writer’s eccentric nine-year-old, a boy with the wit of Noel Coward, the wardrobe of a 1930s movie star, and very little in common with his fellow fourth-graders.
As she slowly gets to know Frank, Alice becomes consumed with finding out who Frank’s father is, how his gorgeous “piano teacher and itinerant male role model” Xander fits into the Banning family equation—and whether Mimi will ever finish that book.
Full of heart and countless “only-in-Hollywood” moments, Be Frank with Me is a captivating and unconventional story of an unusual mother and son, and the intrepid young woman who finds herself irresistibly pulled into their unforgettable world.
Reviews
Funny, charming, touching, unforgettable!
5By Mauri in Paradise ValleyI love everything about this book except that it ended! Every character was wonderful! Read it! You’ll see just what I mean.Be Frank With Me
3By KikiFrancis5144The book was fun to read but the ending ruined the story in my opinion. I would have liked to see that Mimi was finally able to dedicate her passion to her son Frank... now that she had finally finished her book and no longer had the fear of insolvency hanging over her head. Along with her observations of Alice’s gentle coaxing of her son to overcome his fears and Zander’s presence in Frank’s life that Mimi would try to give more of herself to her son Frank The ending was just a period at the end of a sentence. A lazy way to finish the book One suggestion off the top of my head would have been for Mimi, Zander and Frank to have seen Alice off ... all wearing Charlie Chaplain regalia... or some other character that had a deep meaning to Frank Mimi joining Frank in his world Also the name of her manuscript Julian and Alice was a let down... no imagination. What if the title was “J & J Went Down the Hill” As a reference to Julian and Jack and the sameness that they shared .. apart from the world around them. Their uniqueness by a genetic bond to be celebrated by those who live in their world but always in the sameness and ordinary lives of their classmates, their teachers, their neighbors who don’t try to appreciate the immense qualities of people who enjoy a different world and are brave enough to go against the “ grain” of what society deems to be “ normal “Be Frank With Me
4By Tiggy/CookieAn unusual book that might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but I couldn’t put it down. The most disappointing thing to me was the ending, or the non ending. What ultimately happens to all the characters ??????Be Frank with me
5By Diane SueReally super book, loved it. Wish there were a bunch more books by this author. Get busy writing more! I really want to know more about Frank's future. Thanks for this lovely book.Be Frank With Me
4By ChaosNurseAn entertaining read without being weighty.Loved it!
5By Max 529aWhat a great book! I will miss the characters. I didn't want it to end.Be Frank With Me
5By wordspriteThe only thing wrong with this book was that it had to end. Beautifully written, engaging characters, compelling story. I didn't want to put it down.From Start To Finish
5By Moops178This book was a satisfying story from the beginning to the end. I truly loved the characters who made me laugh and cry. As a reader, one is sure there are children and mothers that exist in life resembling them, however I would not want to know because the book does them better. I loved this book, and highly recommend it. I look forward to more from this author.Be Frank with Me
5By BluehairedladyAn absolutely refreshing,wonderful book.You can't help falling in love with Frank and Alice. If you enjoyed Jojo Moyes "Me Before You" you are gonna love this book!Be Frank with Me
5By Dogkrazy2016 is starting off great. I think I just read my favorite book of the year! I don't know what can top it. I couldn't put it down. I devoured it. I fell in love with Frank and the charm and quick wit of the author enchanted me. I hope that someday we catch up with Frank and Alice and see where life takes them.
