The Honk and Holler Opening Soon

I loved this novel! The characters were loving, quirky, funny, and endearing, for the most part. It's a story of love, hope, forgiveness and caring. Just a really good, enjoyable read that had a message and was at times sad but uplifting at the same time. I definitely recommend The Honk and Holler Opening Soon!

When I read and then finished Billie Letts's first book Where the Heart Is, I seriously doubted that I would ever read another book by this author I could enjoy more than this, her first title. But then I read The Honk and Holler Opening soon and I am now hard pressed to say which book I enjoyed more. So now let me say that perhaps Billie Letts's third book will break the tie. At least I am waiting ever so patiently for this book to be published as I imagine many of Ms. Letts's loyal fans are also doing.The Honk and Holler is a roadside diner whch is populated by some local men who come in daily and truck drivers passing through. The diner is owned by Carney, a Vietnam veteran who lost both of his legs in the war. Carney is a former rodeo star who is so depressed that he never leaves the diner nor his bedroom in the back. Carney who is now confined to a wheelchair, dwells on that he lost his legs during a fall from a helicopter and not on the field of combat. But Carney has great suppport from a waitress named Mollie, who not only misses her husband but also worries about her runaway teenage daughter who has dreams of becoming a country western singer. And then one day two people seeking refuge and kindness arrive at the diner. One is Bui, a Vietnamense man, who works as a cook and is saving money to bring his wife to the US. And the other is Vena Take Horse, a Native American woman, with a history of drug abuse, a bad marraige and now has to deal with the suicide of her sister. How these four people help each other to put their lives back together with meaning and love provides the reader with many hours of pleasure and poignancy. It is as if the author allows us to take this wonderful journey with these memorable characters with us asking only to know more about them as we close the book. Billie Letts has written a one of a kind book which ranks with other novels about lonely and unfulfilled people who finally find camaraderie and love. The setting of a dismal roadside stand with an opening sign never fixed right is the perfect place for these people to come together. How they try to brighten the diner for the holidays and ultimately brighten their own lives, is not only the background of this book but where the roots of this book are planted. This is a wonderful read and will appeal to those who have enjoyed books like The Bingo Queens of Paradise by June Park and Patty Jane's House of Curl by Lorna Landvik. Strong on emotion and characters, I can assure you that once you have read this book, you will never pass a roadside diner without thinking about Carney, Mollie, Vena and Bui and wondering how thay are doing.

I read her first book "Where the Heart is" and just fell in love with her unique characters. No boring people here. The next book " Honk and Holler Opening Soon" I just couldn't put it down. I think I read almost the whole book in one night...I don't think I have ever done that ever before. I made all my friend read it...I lived in Texas for 10 years and understood the atmosphere. I don't think my yankee friends got it as much as I did, but I know they enjoyed it alot. Now that her first novel has gone to film...opening up the end of April 2000, I hope this book won't be far behind. The characters here were even more endearing. Listen Hollywood...this book would make an even better movie. Billie...when are you writing another book? I will be first in line to buy it. Please say it's almost here...

I found this to be an absolutely wonderful story. The 'quirky cast of characters' is so charming I want to move in with these people! (Her other book, Where the Heart Is, is also a 5 star read! )

The Honk and Holler Opening Soon by Billie Letts What a terrific book! I loved the characters from the moment I set eyes on the first page. In all honestly, I waited to start it until I had completely finished another book.(an 800 page thing that really got tedious in parts-but I did finish, a mistake not to be repeated) The story opens in a small cafe in OK where we find Caney a Vietnam Vet,with a lot of baggage and unresolved issues. Also, we find his friend Molly O,a woman with her own set of problems. Everything is as normal as can be expected, until one-day in walks an Indian woman with a three legged dog looking for a job. The main characters in this book are great, but it is the minor characters and how they respond to the unfolding events that kept me turning pages to see what happens next. The town gossip, the three elderly guys that meet every morning for breakfast, the town villain, all add contrast to the picture beautifully painted with words by Billie Letts. I'll tell you right off I love to read, however, I am not a fast reader and for me to go through a book in a few days is a feet in itself. I very rarely do that unless I am really enjoying the story....I finished this book in 3 days. I found myself reading late into the night and crawling into bed(where I read) earlier than normal.