Helpful Score: 10
Caney Paxgon wanted his cafe to have the biggest and brightest sign in Eastern Oklahoma--the "opening soon" part was supposed to be just a removable, painted notice. But a fateful misunderstanding gave the wheel chair bound, Vietnam vet, Caney the flashiest joke in the entire state.
Twelve years later, the once-busy highway is dead, the joke is old, and the sign is as worn a Caney, who hasn't ventured outside the diner since it opened. The regulars at the Honk, still gabbing and crabbing over hot java and eggs easy, haven't changed much either.
Then one day a thirtyish Crow woman blows in with a half-dead three-legged dog in her arms and a long-buried secret on her mind. Hiring her as a carhop, the first in many years, Vera Takes Horse is soon shaking up business, the locals, and Caney's heart...as she teaches them all about generosity of spirit, love and the possibility of promise---just like the sign says.
"It serves up laughs and tears while reminding the reader that it is never too late to find what you always wanted."
---San Antonio Express News
Twelve years later, the once-busy highway is dead, the joke is old, and the sign is as worn a Caney, who hasn't ventured outside the diner since it opened. The regulars at the Honk, still gabbing and crabbing over hot java and eggs easy, haven't changed much either.
Then one day a thirtyish Crow woman blows in with a half-dead three-legged dog in her arms and a long-buried secret on her mind. Hiring her as a carhop, the first in many years, Vera Takes Horse is soon shaking up business, the locals, and Caney's heart...as she teaches them all about generosity of spirit, love and the possibility of promise---just like the sign says.
"It serves up laughs and tears while reminding the reader that it is never too late to find what you always wanted."
---San Antonio Express News
Helpful Score: 9
A very good book, with memorable characters that you come to care about. I had the definite feeling that I knew these people, because each one reminded me closely of someone from my past or present. Highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 9
A great read! when I got to the end, I hoped for a sequel. Thoroughly entertaining! A collection of intracate lives exposed in all of their vulnerability!
Helpful Score: 7
Filled with humor and fascinating twists and turns. You will remember thes characters long after you have finished the last page.
Helpful Score: 4
I really enjoyed this book. The Honk and Holler Opening Soon is a little cafe owned by Caney, a Nam vet who fell out of a helicopter and broke his back. He is now in a wheelchair. Molly O is his waitress who also raised him when he was a child. A woman named Vena shows up one day to ask for a job. Before long, Caney and Vena fall in love. Molly O is destined to fall in love too. Molly O's daughter Brenda is 17 and has run away to make it big as a country singer. She comes backs now and then to reek havoc on her mother's life. Bui is a Vietnamese man who can hardly speak any English that is good at fixing things. He gets a job at the Honk, but all he does is burn toast. I really like the way Ms. Letts entwines all of her characters' lives and how everything works out for the better at the end of the book. If you liked her first book, you will definitely like this one.
Helpful Score: 4
This was a very entertaining read. The book contained a eclectic cast of characters, each of which had a storyline that kept you turning pages to see what happens next to them. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
Helpful Score: 2
Cliched and predictable, nonetheless The Honk is perfect summer reading; plenty of "oh, my, what's going to happen?" and delightfully oddball characters. It's a classic feel good story; a few tears, plenty of chuckles, and certainly worth a quick read.
Helpful Score: 2
In the small town of Sequoyak, OK forge friendships and become like family to each other. Detailed emotional descriptions. Good story.
Helpful Score: 2
Another great book by Billie Letts! A HEARTWARMING STORY!
Helpful Score: 2
Caney Paxton wanted his cafe to have the biggest and brightest sign in Eastern Oklahoma - the "opening soon" part was supposed to be just a removable, painted notice. But a fateful misunderstanding gave Vietnam vet Caney the flashiest joke in the entire state. Twelve years later, the once-busy highway is dead and the sign is as worn as Caney, who hasn't ventured outside the diner since it opened. Then one blustery December day, a thirtyish Crow woman blows in with a three-legged dog in her arms and a long-buried secret on her mind. Hiring on as a carhop, Vena Takes Horse is soon shaking up business, the locals, and Caney's heart...as she teached them all about generosity of spirit, love, and the possibility of promise - just like the sign says.
Helpful Score: 2
A good read, interesting characters, twists and turns that keep you turning the pages.
Helpful Score: 2
The "Honk," as it is lovingly called by its paraplegic owner and eccentric customers, is fictitious. It is patronized by a mix of characters the figment of Billie Letts' imagination. However, as I read, I felt like I was sitting at the counter sipping coffee with them. Perhaps that is because "The Blue Bird," "The Sweet Basil," "The Blue Rose," and "Mohr's" are real places I have been. There is a little of "The Honk" in each of these and other such places across America.
I felt welcomed there and part of the lives of each person: I struggled with Bui to become accepted; I felt Molly O's longing for her daughter; understood Vena's search for the meaning of her life; and somtimes, I'm as seemingly crazy as Big Fib. I was welcomed. I felt at home. You will,also. Just visit the "Honk and Holler Opening Soon" and see.
I felt welcomed there and part of the lives of each person: I struggled with Bui to become accepted; I felt Molly O's longing for her daughter; understood Vena's search for the meaning of her life; and somtimes, I'm as seemingly crazy as Big Fib. I was welcomed. I felt at home. You will,also. Just visit the "Honk and Holler Opening Soon" and see.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wonderful book. You really feel for the characters. I loved it!
Helpful Score: 1
Funny-quirky--and moving story!!
Helpful Score: 1
Billie Letts writes for the everyday person. Her character's feel like friends. I can not wait to finish the book, then when I do... I am sad that it is over. This book is reflective of 1980's Oklahoma. Something for everyone. Mixes cultures from around the world. Great READ!
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. It was filled with wonderful characters that were well developed and delightful. The Honk & Holler Cafe - where the quirky are always welcome. Very enjoyable read.
Helpful Score: 1
"A touching story of people who discover the true meaning of home in the most unlikely of places."
Helpful Score: 1
If you are thinking about reading this book, do it!
It took me a few pages to get involved, but once I had I was hooked.
Billie Letts' characters are so lifelike! You want to know them, hug them. You will want to sit and have a cup of coffee and a slice of pie at the Honk and Holler Opening Soon.
I reccomend this book with my whole heart.
It took me a few pages to get involved, but once I had I was hooked.
Billie Letts' characters are so lifelike! You want to know them, hug them. You will want to sit and have a cup of coffee and a slice of pie at the Honk and Holler Opening Soon.
I reccomend this book with my whole heart.
Helpful Score: 1
Billie Letts paints her characters so beautifully! I laughed and I cried. I thought of the characters for days after I finished the book. Very satisfying.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. It was sweet and kind - gentle in a way it's not always easy to find these days. Billie Letts also wrote the book about the girl who lived in a Walmart (Where the Heart Is). Her style is consistent between the two books.
Helpful Score: 1
If I need to read something comforting and uplifting, I'll pick up this book. There's nothing difficult or surprising about it, but it's like chicken soup on a sick day.
Helpful Score: 1
Great Billie Letts book. Different, but heartwarming.
Helpful Score: 1
I think this book was better than "Where the Heart Is" and I loved that book! It has a silly title, but the story is anything but silly. The honest approach which the story is told makes it entertaining, but the story line carries the book!
Helpful Score: 1
This is a book by Billie Letts, who also wrote "Where the Heart Is" and "Shoot the Moon." From the back: Caney Paxton wanted his cafe to have the biggest and brightest sign in Eastern Oklahoma - the "Opening Soon" part was supposed to be just a removable, painted notice. But a fateful misunderstanding gave Vietnam vet Caney the flashiest joke in the entire state. Twelve years later, the once-busy highway is dead and the sign is as worn as Caney, who hasn't ventured outside the diner since it opened. Then one blustery December day, a a thirtyish Crow woman blows in with a three-legged dog in her arms and a long-buried secret on her mind. Hiring on as a carhop, Vena Takes Horse is soon shaking up business, the locals, and Caney's heart...as she teaches them all about generosity of spirit, love, and the possibility of promise-- just like the sign says.
Helpful Score: 1
Another endearing story. Billie Letts's voice is unmistakeable.
Helpful Score: 1
Caney Paxton wanted his cafe to have the biggest and brightest sign in Eastern Oklahoma - the "opening soon" part was supposed to be just a removable, painted notice. But a fateful misunderstanding gave Vietnam vet Caney the flashiest joke in the entire state.
Twelve years later, the once-busy highway is dead, the joke is old, and the sign is as worn as Chaney, who hasn't ventured outside the diner since it opened. The regulars at the Honk, still gabbing and crabbing over hot java and eggs easy, haven't changed much either. Then one blustery December day, a thirtyish Crow woman blows in with a half-dead three-legged dog in her amrs and a long-buried secret on her mind. Hiring on as a carhop, Vena Takes Horse is soon shaking up bisiness, the locals, and Caney's heart...as she teaches them all about generosity of spirit, love, and the possiblility of promise - just like the sign says.
Twelve years later, the once-busy highway is dead, the joke is old, and the sign is as worn as Chaney, who hasn't ventured outside the diner since it opened. The regulars at the Honk, still gabbing and crabbing over hot java and eggs easy, haven't changed much either. Then one blustery December day, a thirtyish Crow woman blows in with a half-dead three-legged dog in her amrs and a long-buried secret on her mind. Hiring on as a carhop, Vena Takes Horse is soon shaking up bisiness, the locals, and Caney's heart...as she teaches them all about generosity of spirit, love, and the possiblility of promise - just like the sign says.
Helpful Score: 1
I might've liked this one even better than Where The Heart Is. Letts' characters are just delicious, quirky and vibrant. The story is vivid...easy to go there in your mind. Hope to see this one made into a movie as well.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoy the flow of Billie Letts's writing. She doesn't fill in every blank space with the minutia; "scenes" go from one to another without the tedium of every last word of dialogue showing you how they got there. This book, like her others; is a little "chick-litty"; but not so much that every little thing is tied with a neat, pretty, pink bow by the end. We are left with semi-closure; characters that are on the way, just not there yet.
Helpful Score: 1
Great story, interesting characters. I enjoyed it!
Nice story - pleasant read - a little bit of romance mixed in with story about friends
Great story. Loved the characters. It draws you into their world of triumps and troubles.
I just loved this book!
Great book I loved it!
Caney Paxton wanted his cafe to have the biggest and brightest sign in Eastern Oklahoma - the "opening soon" part was suppose to be just a removable, painted notice. But a fateful misunderstanding gave Vietnam vet Caney the flashiest joke in the entire state.
A funny and heart-warming story by the author who gave us Where The Heart Is.
caney paston wanted his cafe to have the biggest, brightest sign in eastern OK-- the opening soon part was supposed to be just a removable painted notice. but a fateful misunderstanding gave vietnam vet caney the flashiest pole in the entire state.. 12 years later, the once-busy highwy is dead, the joke is old and the sign is as worn as caney, who hasn't ventured outside the diner since it opened. then along comes a 30ish CRow woman with a half-dead 3 legged dog. she teaches the town generosity, love and the possibility of promise.
I just finished reading this wonderful book and now I'm so disappointed that it has finished! Billie Letts has a firm, terrific way with her characters. No BS - these are real, breathing people here; charmingly portrayed and skillfully plotted for a wonderful story! Please Billie - more - more - more!
very entertaining. enjoyed it very much
Billie Letts spent some time as my favorite author after this book.
This book centers around a group "regulars" at a worn down roadside cafe. There is a short Q & A with the author, book club discussion questions and a short funny essay on writing at the end of the book.
Quirky characters and liked their interactions. Good book to read in one or two sittings.
Great book. First time I read a book that I wished a movie had been made of it. Great characters, story is interesting and not predictable (like so many others). I really enjoyed reading this book.
A heart warming story. I like a book that doesn't follow the formulas and this one pulls you in and keeps you there till the last page.
Very entertaining audio book.
Loved this book! If you're old enough to remember "Alice" and Mel's Diner, it gave me the feeling of being there and part of their family. All of the characters quirks make them that much more loveable and real. Highly recommended!
mangy cast of characters come together to make a sum better than their parts. Sometimes you chose your family. another homerun by Billie Letts and another two generation recommended.
Wow, what a great book! I read it for book club and I never would have picked it up on my own but it was wonderful. I fell in love with the characters deeply enough that when everything hit the fan towards the end I was glued to the pages to find out how it would end!
I love Billie Letts!! This book is perfect!
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters, feel good, even a good ending!
A great book! I could hardly put it down, the characters are normal people trying to make a life for themselves! Good read!!
This is one of the books I hated to end.I felt as though I were actually in the story .The characters were very real to me.
Good read. Author write "Shoot the Moon" which is excellent!
I loved this book. Didn't want to put it down.
This book was a little hard for me to become committed to, but about half way through I HAD to find out what happens to these characters! Well written.
read this book because I like the first one. I found this one moderatly interesting and read it in it's entirty, but have not read much more of Ms. Lett's later books.
This is the second book by her that I have read and once again I am thrilled. The story has a nice easy flow and the charcters are believible. I look forward to hearing more from this author.
I liked this book. The characters were well developed and you really started to care about them. I have read other books by this author and have liked them as well.
Billie Letts's refreshing, original voice sparkles again in a funny, quirky and moving story.
I love Billie Letts's writing and her ability to create relatable characters. A great story.
Abridged - 2 cassettes - 3 hours
I loved this audio! Kind of surprised that we enjoyed this storyline, but before the story was over we were involved in the characters life.
I loved this audio! Kind of surprised that we enjoyed this storyline, but before the story was over we were involved in the characters life.
Good book about common people with hard everyday lives.
This is a feel good book, a quick read and the characters are delightful. I enjoyed it very much. A nice book that causes both chuckles and tears in the heartland of America.
I can't say enough about Billie Letts' books. They are heartwarming, with real people and real towns. Makes you laugh, smile, cry.
GREAT BOOK. I could not put this book down for nothing. I read this book in about 3 1/2 days.
Quick and east read with wonderful characters.
What a great read! Funny and entertaining.
good & easy read. I enjoyed it.
This was an interesting fun to read book
This was a fun book! It has a lot of quirky characters, humor, and twists and turns in the story line. Truly lets you realize that "home is where the heart is".
This book is lots of fun.
I love Letts characters! Where the Heart Is is one of my favorite books. (The movie is great too, but the book is so much better.) She has the ability to create these people who are so real and who I wish were in my life. I poured through this book in one sitting, staying up until almost 4 AM so I could finish. She overlaps the lives of four main characters, showing their heartbreak and hopes as they navigate through life. All of them are broken in some way, but even in the darkness, they still are able to grab on to something and keep going. The supporting cast is at times hilarious and heartbreaking. I loved the themes and the ending. I'm not usually one for a pretty ending tied up with a nice bow, and that's not exactly what Letts does here, but it is satisfying and I feel like everything's going to be all right down at the Honk and Holler. This is one of those books where the characters are going to live inside my head for a long time and I'm going to wonder what's happening to them now.
I enjoyed this book tremendously. If you like Billie Letts, this should not disappoint.
I loved this book!I cant wait to read her third book!I think she may be my favorite author!
The neon sign had seemed appropriate when the Honk and Holler Opening Soon was being built. But twelve years later, the once-busy highway outside Sequoyah, Oklahoma, is little traveled, and "opening soon" is a tired joke. Today the sign is as battered and beaten as the cafe and its owner, Caney Paxton, a Vietnam War veteran who hasn't ventured outside since its opening. The characters who drift in and out of the Honk don't change much: Molly O, a four-times married earth mother who recognizes a wounded spirit when she meets one; Life Halstead, a widower who eats three meals a day in the cafe so he can be near Molly O; Hooks Red Eagle, Soldier Starr, and Quinton Roach, Cherokee veterans of World War II; and Bilbo and Peg Porter - Bilbo steadily puffing his smokes while Peg struggles for breath through her oxygen mask. With Christmas only days away, their lives are to be forever changed with the arrival of Vena Takes Horse, a Crow woman on a quest, and Bui Khanh, a Vietnamese refugee looking for home. Good read!
Loved this book.
This will live up to your expectations if you enjoyed "Where the Heart Is".
The quirky characters made this one of the most enjoyable novels I've read in a long time. It made me laugh out loud but also had a bit of bittersweet. I will remember this story for a long time.
Nice story with rich characters. Small town setting where everyone knows everyones business. New characters enter and change the direction of life for all. Good summer read from the author of "Where the Heart Is". One of my all time favorites! Susan
Sweet, funny book about redemption.
I really enoyed this book. It has a really great characters and interesting story.
Wonderfully written book and a great cast of characters.
I had a hard time putting this one down it was so good.
Started a little slow, but then I couldn't put it down. Another winner from Billie Letts
This is one of my all-time favorite books. The characters are rich and believable, yet not predictable. I loved this book.
I love Letts....I wish that she would write more books!
This is a heartwarming book, very well-written. I really enjoyed it.
Absolutley loved this book!
A compelling book that you don't want to put down.
Billie Letts' novel "The Honk and Holler Opening Soon" is a lovely story filled with off-the-wall characters. They are so unusual, I don't know if they are a fantasy or if the author has just had the opportunity to meet some very interesting people in her life. But even if the characters are a bit exaggerated, the story is still endearing with a satisfying love story. Sorry I can't repost this book, it's a keeper for my personal bookshelf.
I never read a book by Billie Letts before, I was not disappointed , could not put it down.
This book was a reall LOL! I really had to stifle myself several time.
I really enjoyed this book.
Love this book and her style of writing!
ABSOLUTELY AN EXCELLENT BOOK!
With a reading guide so you'll know what to think.
this book brings you in touch with the characters, draws you in, a very good read.
My first book by this author and definately NOT my last! Loved it!! This book is registered at bookcrossing.com
I just love a Billie Letts book. Her characters are so rich and warm that you hate to finish the book and see them go.
Caney Paxton wanted his cafe to have the biggest and brightest sign in Eastern Oklahoma---the "opening soon" was suppose to be just a removable notice. But fateful misunderstanding gave Vietnam vet Caney the flashiest joke in the state.
Twelve years later the once busy highway is dead. Hiring on as a carhop Crow woman Vena Takes Horse is soon shaking up business, the locals and Caney's heart, as she teaches them all about generosity of spirit, love and promise.
Twelve years later the once busy highway is dead. Hiring on as a carhop Crow woman Vena Takes Horse is soon shaking up business, the locals and Caney's heart, as she teaches them all about generosity of spirit, love and promise.
Bille Letts is also the #1 best seller of Where the heart is, not to be confused with Connie Fancis where the boys are!
ok just to tell u that this book smells a little like cigarettes. not by my doing. but i just wanted to say that just in case anyone has a problem with that. it's still a good book to read!! -thanks!
