Lean on Pete

I'm a huge fan of Willy Vlautin's songs and stories and Lean on Pete is no exception. Vlautin's sparse matter-of-fact prose suits his stories of down-and-outers, misfits and losers (or "loosers" if you happen to be new to writing reviews or ranting on craigslist). His characters are so vividly drawn, mostly through their actions and words. Believe me, Willy gives great dialogue. Yes, there were times when the redundancy of Charley's life told in minute detail made me antsy. I didn't want to dilly-dally; I was anxious to see what would happen next. Contrary to what a previous reviewer wrote - and I thought he had some valid points and wrote a great review - I did root for Charley and I did care about him. Just as Charley pushed past his physical pain in the hope of making the football team, so did he push past his emotional pain in order to survive. Should he give into his grief, the kid'd be a gonner. As I read Lean on Pete, I couldn't help but make some comparisons to Annie Proulx's "Postcards." I remember reading that book years ago and with each page thinking gosh, I hope something good finally happens. It never did. Charley does meet some kind people along his journey which gave me hope that Vlautin's book would have a happy ending - or at least an ending with some hope of happiness. You'll have to read it yourself to find out. In the meantime, enjoy the read and the ride.

When it comes to taking us into the worlds of so many down-and-out Americans - worlds that too many Americans never visit and too often,judge and fear - Willie Vlautin is the master. I work part-time in a center that serves homeless and low-income people. I spent a year on the street in my twenties. Charlie Johnson is a beautifully written and resolved boy - not a character, a boy. Every detail of this book is rendered with accuracy, profound compassion and not one sliver of sentimentality. I read a novel every two or three nights. No t.v. I'm a writer, so no social life or money. Lean on Pete is the best novel I've read in over two years. I finished it last night. I found myself having to remember to breath aa I moved toward the ending - holding my breath for Charlie. If you love the work of Raymond Carver, John Steinbeck (without the sentimentality) or any good contemporary Irish novelist, you'll be mesmerized by Lean on Pete. Thanks, Willie, for reminding us of what's important.

I can't review the book because I haven't read it yet. I heard the author on NPR and he stories want to read 2 of his books. This is one of them. I haven't finished what I am reading but this is next on the list. It arrived in the condition the seller had said. A very good buy for the money.

Vlautin triumphs with his third and most heart wrenching story..... With a somewhat more refined style than his first two novels, he tells a gritty tale of heartache, a lost childhood, friendship and ultimately the strength and beauty of the human spirit..... Grab a bottle of whiskey, a box of tissue and get ready to lean on Pete.

Lean on Pete My first Willy Vlautin nove. I really liked the story and the style of writing. I wiil be reading Mr. Vlaytins other works. Thank You Willy. Gunner