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There are currently 29 member reviews
for Extraordinary Adventures
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Marci G. (Sicklerville, NJ)
Extra - Ordinary Adventures
This Book is Extraordinary! In the fashion of A.J Filkery, A Man Called Ove, Britt- Marie Was Here, this books deals with the mundane part of life with a whimsical bent. Edsel Bronfman see his life as forgettable. He does not like change, he does not understand people and people do not understand him, if they even think about him! A mysterious phone call offering him a free visit to a beach condo in Florida sends him into a tail spin. With the stipulation that he brings a guest and attend a short time presentation, he agrees to the trip. Now who will he take? Except for his mother, Edsel does not know any one he can take. His journey to find a woman who would be willing to go with him sends him in all sort of crazy directions. Frustrating, fun and heartwarming, I couldn't put this book down!
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Anita S. (Santa Barbara, CA)
Clueless or Wise?
This book is filled with wonderful and unusual characters and Edsel Bronfman is the most unique of them all. For 34 years Edsel has walked through life without a clue to what is happening with the rest of the world. The nuances of life completely escape him and yet he has a great imagination and is able to 'size up' people except maybe his mother. Muriel is also a wonderful character as are all the other people in this book. I have never met any like them in real life which is why this book is so great. This book is funny, strange and a terrific read. I loved it. I couldn't put it down. Book clubs will also love it because there is so much to discuss. I recommend it to everyone who likes to read a well-written book.
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Miller
Great Book
Extraordinary Adventures was a wonderful book! The story focuses on Edsel Bronfman and his 'quest' to find a companion for the trip to Destin that he won. The author's vivid and detailed writing painted an excellent picture in my mind of Edsels predictability and 'boring' life. The book really draws you in and I could not put the book down until I knew which one of the three he finally ended up with. I thought it was a wonderful story with an excellent plot and the authors excellent skill in writing made the story come alive in my mind. Excellent read and I highly recommend this book. One of the best that I've read in a while.
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Joan V.
Extraordinary Adventures
I was hooked after the first few pages. This book is a fast read and very entertaining. Socially inept and set in his ways Edsel Bronfman hates change. However, one phone call was all it took for him to begin the biggest (and first) "extraordinary adventures" of his 34 years. And I loved going along for the ride! He accidentally blunders into situations that will make you laugh and at other times be very touched by him and the people he meets. One of my favorite Bronfman sayings is "Telling a lie was like having a baby, you had to take care are of it for the rest of your life."
If you enjoy Richard Russo's writing, I think you definitely will enjoy this book. I plan on recommending it to my book club. Although it is light reading there are quite a few topics that would lead to a good discussion.
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Beth B. (New Wilmington, PA)
Extraordinary Adventures -- one person's journey toward self-understanding
It all starts with a phone call and in the 300 pages that follow we learn about 34-year old Edsel Bronfman as he learns about himself. He has 79 days to respond to an invitation and in that time he endears himself to us as he develops his wings. (One of the best stories-within-a-story involves a unique bird who nests on the ground.)
The author, Daniel Wallace, whose picture is enough reason to start reading is a master of what I term "wisdom sentences." These gems hit you, make you pause, then say, "YES"!!
I encourage readers to dive into the building suspense. I guarantee that it requires discipline to scan the next pages to find who the "she" is who will journey with Edsel in this romp of a read. (You will laugh at loud and be thankful you met Bronfman.)
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Lisa G. (Wheeling, IL)
Extra-Ordinary Adventures
i enjoyed this somewhat quirky but well-crafted book since it touched on many pertinent themes. It was a fast read and held my attention throughout. Finding one's place in the world, finding love and dealing with parent issues were all addressed in this lively book that just seemed to gallop along. One unfortunate thing after another seemed to happen to the main character who was aptly named Edsel which of course was the name of the failed Ford automobile. It all starts with a phone call offering a free trip but Ed, as he wishes he were called, does not hang up and the story unfolds from there.
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Patricia W. (Homewood, AL)
I dare you to read this book and not feel good.
As I was going through my mail and realized my copy had arrived, I took it in hand to look over. In reading a few pages to get the feel of the story, I kept on reading caught up with Edsel and his adventures. When I put it down, I was half way through and finished it the next day.
Edsel reminds me of Forrest Gump in his innocence and way of looking at life. When he receives an award, it causes him to look closer and consider ways for jumping into LIFE with both feet.
While he stands up to each challenge, we share his sadness, hope, joy and wisdom. The humor is outstanding!! We're not laughing at him, but the situations we recognize as mutual.
Edsel is a kind, caring, loving son and he does the best he knows how with his mother. Like most men, he has trouble understanding clues from the other women in his life.
This book was a wonderful read!!
If you want to be entertained.......
If you want to relive your younger days.......
If you want to remember your early pursuits of love and sex........
If you want to root for a character you will find it hard to forget.......
If you want to see how a small change ends up into a large ripple....
You need to spend time with Edsel and his extra-ordinary adventures.
