Official Review: Friends by Gary Hope

[Julie Green]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Friends" by Gary Hope.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Two elderly gentlemen, Bill and Allen, decide to go on a road trip across America. Bill and Allen are old friends who have lost their wives through divorce and bereavement respectively. They set off together in a camper van, with no particular destination in mind. Visiting many famous locations on their travels, such as the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore and Niagara Falls, the two friends create adventures out of simple occurrences. In a glacier park in Montana, for example, their camper van is charged by a buffalo. In San Francisco, they meet Johnny Depp having a morning coffee. As they travel around the country, they share memories of their youth and ponder the meaning of life. When they return home, they are changed by their experiences on the road.

Friends by Gary Hope presents a gentle meander across America, through the eyes of two friends. This book reminds me of my own road trip across the country many years ago; the author does a good job of conveying the liberating impact of travelling, and the sheer bliss of having no commitments. I know this because, as I was reading the book, I wanted to join Bill and Allen on their trip.

The strength of this book lies in the description of shared experiences between two companions. I like, for example, how Bill and Allen find pleasure in competing to throw pebbles in rivers as they proceed around the country. It is true that this kind of simple experience can be as memorable as any landmark visited. I also empathise with their disappointment when souvenir shops seem to be given more prominence than monuments. In a similar vein, I like how the souvenirs that they do treasure relate more to their personal experiences rather than to the places they visited - for example, a mounted salmon that was received as a memento of a fishing trip. On their last night on the road, Bill and Allen reminisce about their favourite experiences of the trip; this is a moment I recognise from my own travels.

The affection between the two friends is gladdening. The author makes a virtue of the banality of their conversations. For example, Bill and Allen discuss why Route 17 only stretches for 13 kilometres. The wryness of the dialogue made me smile, if not laugh.

This is one of the few times that I have truly struggled to choose a rating. I warmed to the characters and I enjoyed reading about their travels. Unfortunately, I am afraid that the writing is a little too simplistic and the dialogue a tad too mundane. As a result, I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. This book will appeal to those who enjoy simple stories about companionship. People who love to travel, as well as those who enjoy travel stories, will also find the book diverting.

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Friends
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Like Julie Green's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Debjani Ghosh]

I am already bitten by wanderlust after reading your review of this book. However, I would have liked the book to have more engaging conversations and a more sophisticated writing. Thanks for the review, Julie!

[kandscreeley]

Well, I like the thought of two friends setting out together to keep each other company. However, with the rather simplistic writing, I'm not sure I would have enough interest to actually complete this book. With too many others on my list, I'm afraid I'm going to pass on this one. Thanks.

[writer808]

The book seems to be a very interesting one.In addition, good review.

[Alicia09]

When I first saw the picture and the title of this book, I thought it was about two men falling in love with each other. Now my gay little heart is sad that was not the case. But seriously, I do appreciate you writing a review for such a humdrum book. I do think that this has an audience, if people want to read something that is relaxing and mellow. It's just that with all the literary options that are out there, I would imagine that most people would prefer to read something that is a little more action packed. Or a lot more action packed. Thanks, though. I will have to pass on this one. If I'm not reading gay/lesbian love stories, I love reading crime stories and horror books.

[evan1995muniz]

hmm, i am not sure about this novel. It seems like the author did put some time and all authors deffinatly deserve credit, but it is not my type. thanks for your review. shame it was a simplistic novel.

[FictionLover]

This is one of the few times that I have truly struggled to choose a rating. I warmed to the characters and I enjoyed reading about their travels. Unfortunately, I am afraid that the writing is a little too simplistic and the dialogue a tad too mundane. As a result, I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. This book will appeal to those who enjoy simple stories about companionship. People who love to travel, as well as those who enjoy travel stories, will also find the book diverting.

It is too bad that you found the writing simplistic. Good writers in this vein are hard to find. When I was younger I was lucky to happen upon John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley and William Least Heat-Moon's Blue Highways, which both set the bar pretty high.

I'm not sure if I will add this one to my list.

[gen_g]

The road trip certainly sounds really exciting, and I'm glad that you enjoyed it somewhat despite the various negatives. I suppose that I will give this a pass. Thanks for the informative review, still!

[Caylie_Cat]

I read a story once about a man who traveled with just his two cats for company, and this book reminds me of that story. I agree that simplistic writing can be a tad boring, but on the other hand, it might make a nice bedtime book- not too much excitement and nothing to induce bad dreams. Thanks for the review!

[wendos]

I hope other readers will enjoy reading the book, as for me I don't think it piques my interest. Nice review.

[Julie Green]

I am already bitten by wanderlust after reading your review of this book. However, I would have liked the book to have more engaging conversations and a more sophisticated writing. Thanks for the review, Julie!

Ah wanderlust, it's a wonderful thing .. thanks for your comment

[Julie Green]

Well, I like the thought of two friends setting out together to keep each other company. However, with the rather simplistic writing, I'm not sure I would have enough interest to actually complete this book. With too many others on my list, I'm afraid I'm going to pass on this one. Thanks.

Yes, the idea was good, just a bit thin on substance . Thanks for commenting.

[Julie Green]

The book seems to be a very interesting one.In addition, good review.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

[Connie Otwani]

The books title reminded me of the long time ago TV series. Sad that these friends adventures turned mundane unlike the friends in the series! Great review!

[Julie Green]

When I first saw the picture and the title of this book, I thought it was about two men falling in love with each other. Now my gay little heart is sad that was not the case. But seriously, I do appreciate you writing a review for such a humdrum book. I do think that this has an audience, if people want to read something that is relaxing and mellow. It's just that with all the literary options that are out there, I would imagine that most people would prefer to read something that is a little more action packed. Or a lot more action packed. Thanks, though. I will have to pass on this one. If I'm not reading gay/lesbian love stories, I love reading crime stories and horror books.

Ah yes, the cover photo is misleading.. also because the two young men shown are definitely not elderly, retired gents!