August Barton could never have mentally prepared himself for his freshman year of college: not only has his anxiety increased, but his parents are divorcing, his new roommate thinks Augie is the biggest nerd in existence, and his grandma, a retired prostitute named Gertie, has taken to running away from her nursing home. Augie just wants to hole up in his dorm room with his Star Wars collectables … collectables and textbooks, but Gertie is not about to let that happen. What ensues is a crazy ride including naked trespassing, befriending a local biker gang, and maybe-just maybe-with Augie defeating his anxiety and actually getting the girl.
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I absolutely adored this coming of age/new adult story! The characters were memorable and delightful. The author did a fabulous job of realistically describing what living with anxiety is like and it was great to see Augie, a college freshman, learn to cope with his anxiety in healthier ways. Ultimately, this is a story about discovery of one’s self which is often a scary, anxiety-ridden process. The author also kept it realistic in the story – Augie’s anxiety didn’t magically disappear, he just learned ways to deal with it so he could live a fuller life and not be crippled by it.
I enjoyed this journey with Augie and his friends/family. If you want a heart-warming read with characters who make you laugh (and wish you knew in real life) then this is the book for you! I look forward to reading the sequel and following Augie on his journey.
Great coming of age story! The author writes with an authentic voice about a tough and important time of life. Very much enjoyed it.
The Tribulations of August Barton is a sweet, lighthearted read. The characters are well depicted, likable, and you want them in your family. The relationship between Augie and his grandmother is terrific. I am looking forward to reading more books about Augie’s life.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
You know those stories that make you smile from the get-go?
Yes?
Then you’ll love this one.
No?
Then you’re missing out.
This was the first audiobook I’d ever listened to, and the narration truly did this story justice; a story reminiscent of the Spud books and movies, which I seriously enjoyed too. Maybe it’s the side of me that remembers all those awkward moments as you learn to become a man. (Although I’m still learning).
The Tribulations of August Barton is a fantastically entertaining journey of self-discovery, growth, and the challenges posed by relationships – and not just the romantic kind. Also, a part of me wishes I’d had a grandmother like Gertie…
I’m definitely getting my hands on the next one.
This coming of age story is a wonderful gem! Not my usual genre, but I throughly enjoyed it.
I found myself wanting to check in with the characters whenever I wasn’t reading it, which for me is a sign of a great story.
I jumped between the paperback and audiobook and have to say the audio artist James Oliva absolutely crushed it. He added an extra dimension to the story and characters that really elevated the experience for me.
Brutally honest, wonderfully descriptive and well written, I throughly enjoyed my time with August Barton, and I’ll definitely be digging in to the next installment.
And the payoff at the end?! It had me smiling from ear to ear.
The Tribulations of August Barton is a whimsical coming-of-age tale about Augie, a young man struggling to find his place in the daunting world of college. Aided by new friends and his quirky grandmother, he embarks on a journey to discover his true self.
A very fun and whimsical story about freshman in high school overcoming personal issues while pursuing a sense of freedom and his dream girl
This story is ridiculous and fun. Auggie is one of those genuine characters that is a bit awkward, but not compromising his beliefs for anyone, not even a chance at his dream girl. His grandma and Tunes. I just could not get enough of those crazy old broads. A shorter story to be sure, but fully packed of adventures. A great book for if you are looking for something lighter and different.