Grand Opening

I seldom keep any of the many books I read, but this one is an exception. I first read this book at least 15 years ago and I still pull it out once in a while to reread. It is one of those stories that remain timeless in capturing small town America and the characters that make these small towns interesting. The story is told through the eyes of 12 year old Brendan, moving to a new town when his mom and dad took over a defunct grocery store. As Brendan and his family struggle to adjust, they meet people along the way that will change their lives. The writing is rich and draws you in to each character. I'm very surprised this hasn't been made into a movie, done right it would be a great one.

I absolutely loved this book. It started out slow for me, so I ended up putting it down to read a different book. But when I finished my second book I had nothing else to do so I started reading "Grand Opening" again. I could relate to a lot of the characters, and I found myself wondering what I would do if I found myself in this situation. This was my first Jon Hassler book, but you can bet that it won't be my last!

I would have to say that this is one of my favorite books that I've read the whole year in my Honors AM. Lit. class. My friend Megan says that it reminds her of Charles Dickins. But what I really love about this book is the characters and how they interact together in this tightly knited community. The ending was definitely surprising and I was kind of disappointed by it. However, over all the story has a great plot and I really enjoyed it.

I own many books by John Hassler, and cherish them all. This is my favorite (except The Love Hunter).The story is dark: about that child whom we've all met. Unruly, boistrous, unwanted, but terribly lovable. It is about the goodhearted family who takes in that child, and the disasters that occur thereafter. It is a tale of hope, love, redemption. It is a tale that makes one examine, oh so gently, ones responsibility to their bethren.Like all of Mr Hasslers work, this is not a book which demands, threatens, accuses, or grabs you by the neck and throttles you. It is gentle and subtle and sweet. And in it's darkest moments, warm rays of light shine and you are left hopeful, albeit thoughtful. Read them all. Then read them again.

Jon Hassler is amazing, and I am amazed more people don't know about him. He has carved out a slice of Minnesota and made it his own as sure as John Cheever owned the New York suburbs and Faulkner staked out rural Mississippi. "Grand Opening" is a most satisfying book, a poignant coming-of-age about a 12-year-old and his family's attempt to make a go of a ramshackle grocery store during the waning days of World War II. Hassler's writing style is graceful, yet economical; his insights into small town life are dead-on. Without giving the plot away, there is more to this Lutheran "Mayberry" than meets the eye! Try it; you won't go away disappointed.