The Vacation: Summary and book reviews of The Vacation by Polly Horvath, plus links to an excerpt from The Vacation and a biography of Polly Horvath.

When his mother decides on a whim to be a missionary in Africa and drags his unwilling father with her, Henry is left in the care of his Aunts Magnolia and Pigg. Henry's sure they dislike him and he's trying to keep his distance, but that becomes more difficult when Mag decides they should take a destination-less road trip. Mag, convalescing from an illness that makes her look like death, is downright crabby. Pigg, tense from driving, is becoming more assertive and less willing to submit to Mag's whims. And while they poke each other – literally – Henry is finding it hard to keep his resolution. They go to Virginia Beach (it's too hot); try camping in the Everglades (Henry accidentally spends four days floating in a swamp); visit their daddy, Henry's granddaddy (Henry's never met him!); and lose Pigg to love in Oklahoma (what would the radio psychologist Daly Kramer say?) before they finally receive word that Henry's parents are coming back and will meet them in Tulsa to finish the trip with Mag and Henry. But his parents are bickering and Henry is in despair – until he surrenders to the road and decides to let whatever happens happen, but to be there in it all. Complete with her signature cast of eccentric characters, absurd situations, and heartfelt moments, Polly Horvath writes an on-the-road epic like no other!

Media Reviews

The Horn Book Bitingly funny. A celebration of the clarity that can come when one simply decides just to be.   Kirkus Reviews ....the steady flow of sour outlooks, ill-humored repartee and self-pitying comments is a bit much, even for Horvath. Some will laugh; some will be put off, Horvath fans included. But a new offering from the queen of offbeat is always a welcome holiday. (Fiction. 11-13)   School Library Journal - Connie Tyrrell Burns This latest book, like its predecessors, bounces from the hilarious to the heartrending. Another hit for Horvath.   Publishers Weekly Starred Review. At once poignant, funny and wise, this book gives new meaning to the phrase, "The best journeys never end."

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Am
Honest Review
I would recommend getting the book on tape of this and listening to it on a car trip. It is perfect for the entire family to enjoy listening to. It is very funny, yes, but notice the metaphors and messages embedded in this. The man who reads the...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Kelli
:)
This book was really fantastic full of adventure. I would recommend this book to every one of my friends.

Rated of 5 by Will
The Vacation
I think this is an action packed book that will leave hanging and on the edge of your seat. Strap yourself in and get ready for a roller coaster.

Readalikes

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Books with similar themes

• Children's Books Ages 9 up
  
• USA 
  
• Contemporary