Stop That Girl: A Novel in Stories

This hapless character warmed my heart and gave me many laughs. The book is surprising all the way with comical ups and downs and genuine sadness. A lovely book with lovely writing and imagination.

I could not put "Stop that Girl" down, and have now read it several times -the first time I read it, I was so captivated by the characters and what they were going through that I read it really quickly. Each time I have returned to it, though, I have slowed down to savor McKenzie's incredible turn of phrase, descriptive power, humor and tenderness. So many times while reading it, I laughed out loud and cried as well. Some people I know have asked on hearing the title, "is this a 'girlie-book'"? - I am able to tell them that is is a powerful tale about people, relationships and life told with humor and flair - this book will appeal to all. It's beautifully written. I am glad to see that the paperback is out, as it might reach an even wider audience. I can't wait to read more by Elizabeth McKenzie. She's brilliant.

"STOP THAT GIRL" is quite a little accomplishment. Each story stands alone but then when taken in the context of cumulative meaning, they tell a complete look at the life and times of native Californian Ann Ransom. The stories are warm and humorous. An extremely wonderful book deserving of many praises. I also recommend "MY FRACTURED LIFE", "THE GLASS CASTLE", "PREP", and "RUNAWAY."

I bought the book after a reading at Women and Children First in Chicago and discovered a delightful, poignant book. The characters have real affection for one another at the same time they revel in the others' failings and weaknesses. The relationship between the mother and grandmother woven through the book make you want to read from section to section as you learn that the underlying love in families carries them through some truly wild rides. The book is that life adventure I expected to put down but didn't until there were no more pages to read, and then I shut Stop That Girl reluctantly.

Just reading the first few delicious pages of Stop That Girl, I knew I was in for a treat (I remember sinking into it one night and I kept waking up my husband accidentally by laughing out loud so much). I read the opening story over twice, I found it so funny, witty, and qwirky but then the rest of the book turned out to be just as good. The stories are hilarious, but there is a underlining psychological thread that makes this go way beyond humor -- this is satisfying story-telling, poignant. The main character has alot of spunk and insight. She's brought up by a crazy family such as only California can produce. Rollicking, sad, sassy, and irreverent, this is a fun world to be in and includes an unforgetable sojourn in Europe with Dr. Frost the grandmother, a weird risk-taking mother, antics at a hamburger stand, an outrageous car ride with Alan Ginsberg. Delicious is the word that continues to come to mind. I'll watch this author closely.