AN AMERICAN BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION ADULT DEBUT HONOR BOOKWINNER OF THE AUDIE AWARD FOR BEST FEMALE NARRATORLOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLERA sparkling talent makes her fiction debut with this infectious novel that combines the charming pluck of Eloise, the poignant psychological quirks of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and the page-turning spirit of Where’d You Go, Bernadette.… Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and the page-turning spirit of Where’d You Go, Bernadette.
Reclusive literary legend M. M. “Mimi” Banning has been holed up in her Bel Air mansion for years. But after falling prey to a Bernie Madoff-style ponzi scheme, she’s flat broke. Now Mimi must write a new book for the first time in decades, and to ensure the timely delivery of her manuscript, her New York publisher sends an assistant to monitor her progress. The prickly Mimi reluctantly complies—with a few stipulations: No Ivy-Leaguers or English majors. Must drive, cook, tidy. Computer whiz. Good with kids. Quiet, discreet, sane.
When Alice Whitley arrives at the Banning mansion, she’s put to work right away—as a full-time companion to Frank, the writer’s eccentric nine-year-old, a boy with the wit of Noel Coward, the wardrobe of a 1930s movie star, and very little in common with his fellow fourth-graders.
As she slowly gets to know Frank, Alice becomes consumed with finding out who Frank’s father is, how his gorgeous “piano teacher and itinerant male role model” Xander fits into the Banning family equation—and whether Mimi will ever finish that book.
Full of heart and countless “only-in-Hollywood” moments, Be Frank with Me is a captivating and unconventional story of an unusual mother and son, and the intrepid young woman who finds herself irresistibly pulled into their unforgettable world.
more
Really enjoyed this book
Loved the characters in this book!
Fun and entertaining book, a light, but enjoyable read.
Just wonderful characters and empathy.
Certainly an original plot that kept me engaged. The ending was a bit too abrupt for me but I enjoy this one
I enjoyed this tale of a brilliant challenged child and the people who love and guide him. Truly thoughtful and wise portrayal of a boy with special needs.
You’ll fall in love with Frank. He’s the type of intelligent, original misfit that doesn’t fit into society’s idea of “normal”. Great writing that will keep you on your toes.
Loved this book! Can’t wait until the author writes more books!
Unique. Interesting. Enjoyed reading.
Delve into this book and find people you have never known before. They are at times awkward, unloveable, yes, outliers who march to a different drummer. Spend the time to know them and they will tug at your heartstrings. Favor them with a glance, a smile, and cheer them as they confront the challenges living bravely in a world where they are overlooked or chided for their differentness. Then be thankful that there are authors who see beauty in unexpected places.
This is an exceptional book that will appeal to those who like quiet, joyful, thoughtful and thought provoking writing. Claiborne characters feel like people I know or would want to know. Frank, the child at the centre of the story, is a delight. Bright, funny but unusual, he’s tribulations are beautiful drawn. Read this book!
I loved this book!
I absolutely loved this book and especially Frank.
A DELIGHTFUL read!!
Offered a lot of insight on the different aspects of living with those that are ‘specially gifted’ .
I thought this would be interesting, but I didn’t think it would be as much fun as it was. The focus on the little boy could have been trite or preachy, but instead he, like all the other characters, held his own in perfect balance, never too perfect or too flawed. This was an amazing accomplishment by the author, given the various ‘types’ among the characters. I am honestly impressed by the writing talent shown here.
Excellent read!
I truly loved this author’s writing style and character development. I just wish she had been able to carry through with story development. It seems that after she introduced and developed the characters, she didn’t quite know what to do with the story so she let it kind of “fizzle” out. I hope she eventually reworks this story; it has good bones but needs more muscle to flesh out a really good plot.
Strange
a well-told story about an odd 10-year old boy whose idiosyncrasies are really his way of dealing with his famous mother, the reality of life around him and all that goes with it. one can’t help but be attracted to “frank” and wonder what he’ll do next. ultimately it’s really a story about love.