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Susan B. (Rutledge, MO)
wish I liked it more
I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. The writer’s voice is interesting, but uneven in ways that don't seem to be stylistic choices: the language is sometimes formal, almost stilted, and other times gut-punchingly in-your-face. Although a few characters were memorable in themselves, I found most of their actions to be inexplicable, and struggled to feel much sympathy for them. As a first outing it’s worth a read if you really like the Roches and want some insight into the mind of Suzzy, or to learn about some people who are most likely not like you or anyone you know. I do hope she writes a second novel for adults.
Molinda C. (suffolk, VA)
Quirky but rewarding
This is a good story about a mother and daughter finding themselves and each other after long years of estrangement. The writing is somewhat heavy handed with a few too many extraneous adjectives that got in the way of the plot for me. I appreciate that the author avoided a cliched feel good ending and left it up to the reader's own imagination.
Linda N. (Dallas, TX)
Wayward Saints
Mary Saint, the wayward-has-been rock singer and Jeanne,her mother, are both victims of family violence. Mary acts out in drugs and sings angry lyrics, and her mother tries to quietly put her past behind her. Both have a lot to swallow when an invitation to sing in the small town high school brings Mary's and her mother's reunites the two. I had difficulty connecting with Mary as a believable character. Jeanne, while more credible, did not get my sympathy. I found the book casually interesting.
Daveann (Eureka, MO)
Slow start
I must say that I wasn't very interested in the beginning. I was curious enough to finish, it was an easy, fast read and I would rate it as average.
Bonnie B. (Port St. Lucie,, FL)
A Novel of Redemption, Love, Spirituality and Secrets
The author of this novel was a member of a band called 'The Roches' which I have to admit I have never heard of. This is a tale of secrets, redemption, spirituality and love. It is a first novel and so there are some uneven spots in it and could use some better editing. Ms. Roche shows promise as an author and I look forward to her future works.
Wendy F. (Kalamazoo, MI)
Wayward Saints
Mary Saint left Swallow NY to become a raunchy rock star but never really shook the pull of home. This was an entertaining book but some things I felt were never really explained. What really happened with Garbagio? What was the back story of Mr. De Sockie? The characters were engaging and I would like to know more about them. Maybe in the next book?
Lucy B. (Urbana, Ohio)
Mary from Swallow
I have to admit that I never heard of the Roches. It is my feeling that a lot of the people in the traveling music business have demons in their past. The storyline about Mary Saint from Sliced Ham was sad. Her family troubles that caused her to leave home, plus her troubles along the way, and finally ending up back in her hometown after many years did make an interesting read.
Nancy A. (Woodstock, Georgia)
A Bunch of Nothing
I did not enjoy this book. The characters did not seem "real", the plot seemed contrived, the descriptions seemed forced and the profanity was gratuitous. Even so, I think fans of Suzzy Roche, fans of the three-sister band the Roches, people interested in the music business and women of a similar age as Mary Saint, will appreciate the book and the story of "going home" so long after high school.
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