Gloria Norris’s KooKooLand is a memoir written on the edge of a knife blade. Chilling, intensely moving, and darkly funny, it cuts to the heart and soul of a troubled American family, and announces the arrival of a startlingly original voice. Gloria Norris grew up in the projects of Manchester, New Hampshire with her parents, her sister, Virginia, and her cat, Sylvester. A snapshot might show a … A snapshot might show a happy, young family, but only a dummkopf would buy that.
Nine-year-old Gloria is gutsy and wisecracking. Her father, Jimmy, all dazzle and danger, is often on the far side of the law and makes his own rules–which everyone else better follow. Gloria’s mom, Shirley, tries not to rock the boat, Virginia unwisely defies Jimmy, and Gloria fashions herself into his sidekick–the son he never had.
Jimmy takes Gloria everywhere. Hunting, to the racetrack, to slasher movies, and to his parents’ dingy bar–a hole in the wall with pickled eggs and pickled alkies. But it is at Hank Piasecny’s gun shop that Gloria meets the person who will change her life. While Hank and Jimmy trade good-humored insults, Gloria comes under the spell of Hank’s college-age daughter, Susan. Brilliant, pretty, kind, and ambitious, Susan is everything Gloria longs to be–and can be, provided she dreams big and aces third grade like Susan tells her to.
But, one night, a brutal act changes the course of all their lives. The story that unfolds is a profound portrait of how violence echoes through a family, and through a community. From the tragedy, Gloria finds a way to carve out a future on her own terms and ends up just where she wants to be. Gripping and unforgettable, KooKooLand is a triumph.
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Fascinating book written in a smart kid’s voice about a twisted childhood.
This is a disturbing but very well written memoir by Gloria Norris. The writing fleshes out every character. Sadly, these characters are real people. This story helped me to understand why some people are the way they are. And to truly admire & respect those who are able to escape a dysfunctional family & live a happy and productive life. Highly recommended.
Didn’t want to put the book down.
I loved this book!!! I couldn’t put it down.
Excellently and honestly written.
It’s about the area where I live so that made it interesting. It also was a good story well told.
It was an easy read. Fast moving and fascinating. If you like memoirs of wacky families this will curl your toes. It is a dark tale but it did address the issues of men’s obsession with dominance and control. The violent culture some of society inhabit and the costs to families.
This book was inspiring to me. No matter how dysfunctional a family is, there is always hope to work through the rough times and still reach your goals.
One of the best memoirs I have ever read!
Beginning this book was difficult. I nearly put it down several times but I am glad I finished it. Enough said. I don’t want to spoil it.
This book is both tragic and historically funny… You’ll remember this family long after you’re done reading. Will probably ready it again some day.
Here is an excellent review. Better than I could write.
http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/KooKooLand/Gloria-Norris/9781682450789