What do readers think of Lookaway, Lookaway by Wilton Barnhardt? Write your own review.

I haven't lived in Charlotte since the late '70's but this book immediately took me back to those days and to many characters and character types I grew up with and knew only too well. The powerful archetype of Jerene willing reality to bend her way felt totally real, as did all of the imperfect mortals in orbit around her. Layers and layers and layers of things being other than they seem and oddballs at every turn - wow, I feel like I went home for a holiday! If you enjoy family sagas with strong central characters you'll enjoy this book very much.

A short way into the read I began to suspect the author was invested more in venting his own frustrations with the hypocrisy in politics, religion, and social constructs than telling a story and was growing impatient with his "rant'. However, I came to respect his knowledge of historical facts that I had been ignorant of and his adeptness at weaving them into what actually was a good story. His vivid characters so engaged me that they could rile me, enlighten me, shock me, make me laugh out loud, sometimes all at the same time. Ultimately I found the book to be provocative and entertaining. I intend to explore more of this author's writing.

Once again we have the story of a totally dysfunctional Southern family. The story is set in North Carolina which happens to be where I live and, yes, I think I know some of the characters in the story. Each character had their own set of flaws and some of them were surprising. This is a great beach read.

When I read the first chapter of "Lookaway, Lookaway," I thought I was reading another stereotypical southern novel: rich Daddy's good girl (Jerilyn) goes to college and then goes wild. The fraternity pranks reminded me of the movie "Animal House," but were not nearly as funny. I thought I was in for a disappointing read, until the next chapter when Gaston "speaks." The book was redeemed by his sarcasm and caustic wit. From that point forward, each character "speaks" and they all prove more interesting than Jerilyn. Jerene (Mama) is a typical upper class southern woman, very concerned with her image in the community, but she has some unique qualities and some secrets too.

The author's description of the family's Christmas dinner was such a disaster that it begs belief. How can one family have so much drama! Because I found the excessive amount of drama to be depressing, I really did not enjoy reading this book. However, I gave it four stars because it was well-written.

The book is divided into sections about the various family members. For me the problem with the book is that I didn't enjoy reading about all of them,. A book devoted to Gaston, Annie or Jerene would have been enjoyable. I really didn't like the section on fraternity and sorority life and almost gave up on the book right then. The book is described as funny on the cover. I found it depressing. I gave the book 3 stars for the sections I enjoyed.

I have lived in the Carolinas for nine years and the author of "Lookaway, Lookaway" has captured contemporary history of the Carolinas perfectly. The importance of family history, "the old boy network" and the transition of Charlotte from large city to medium metropolis are depicted with truth and historical honesty. In many ways the writing style and subject matter remind me a bit of Pat Conroy. However, the author spends too much time on unnecessary detail and by the time one gets to the end of a paragraph, the beginning of the passage is forgotten. He also seems to believe that most Southern history descends from out of wedlock children and illicit, immoral lifestyles. On the whole, the book was readable, but not exciting.

I wanted to like this book. It was billed, on the cover, as "A wild romp through the South...". This book was not a romp. Carl Hiaasen writes romps and I love them. This was a tedious story about a dysfunctional family that went on far too long. The book is told from the viewpoint of eleven different characters, most of whom are in the same family. Each character was less likeable than the last until you get to the end of the book and you realize you've read 359 pages about people you despise. There were some funny lines in it, but not enough to make it a book I would recommend to anyone. I say pass on this one.

I had to press myself to keep reading beyond the first 50 pages at which point it seemed we might never leave the stale frat humor stage. And so far, none of the members of the Johnston family of the Old South, young and old, with their fine old Charlotte manners and illusions of self-importance, had had enough time to endear themselves to me in any way. But I did keep reading and finish the book. Probably what saved Lookaway, Lookaway: Wilton Barnhardt is a good writer and there were enough scenes of interest and conflicts to keep one to want to keep reading. But in the end, I felt I would rather reread Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell which is filled with characters that one could love, hate, fear for and care about.