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There are currently 29 member reviews
for The Fortunate Ones
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Carmel B. (The Villages, FL)
Universal Truths Re-Examined
From Saturday morning's first cup of java to Sunday evening's last glass of wine, this compact, riveting story is mesmerizing. The engaging pace, believable characters and heart-warming, sometimes melancholy narrative is the first "weekend read" I have enjoyed in a long time. It is rare to find one novel pondering dichotomies relative to so many subjects: family, friendship, politics, and self-discovery; love, longing, and lust; faith, fear and forgiveness, particularly self-forgiveness. Tarkington illuminated one of my long-held personal truths: "Sometimes, one has no choice but to follow reckless urges." This is my first Tarkington novel, but it will not be my last.
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Sharon R. (Deerfield, IL)
A Coming of Age Novel
This remarkable novel is a coming of age story that is very contemporary. There is the privileged side of town and the "other side of town". Both sides have the same struggles but obviously, because of money, there issues are resolved differently. There are multiple twists and turns that I did not expect or see coming. The writing by Mr. Tarkington is engrossing, I finished the book in one day. I HAD to know what the outcome was going to be! One of my favorite quotes in the book comes from one of the teachers in the book, "It seems these days more and more people assume that because a man is wealthy he should be trusted to lead, or to govern. They overlook the fact that wealth is often acquired without discipline or principle" Book Clubs are going to have a field day with all components of this fine novel.
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Cynthia A. (Grand Rapids, MI)
All that glitters is not gold
All that glitters is not gold.
The grass is NOT greener on the other side of the fence.
These are just two of the sayings that came to mind while reading this book.
I was hooked from the beginning. This is such a good story with many interesting characters and lots of twists and turns. The characters are from different societal groups, income levels, education, talents and walks of life. And yet deep down they are all the same, with hopes, dreams, plans, insecurities and confidence.
I wish there was a sequel because I want to know what comes next
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Laura C. (Woodworth, LA)
The perils of privilege
The Fortunate Ones could be summed up with several platitudes. "Be careful what you wish for. All that glitters is not gold. The grass is always greener on the other side." But Ed Tarkington's tale of the haves and the have nots of Nashville is a deep dive into the sobering reality of wanting and trying to be what one is not. Teenager Charlie Boykin walks that tightrope in an elite private school where his admission is thanks to the generosity of wealthy donors. Charlie's assigned big brother, Arch Creigh, football standout, opens all the doors into Charlie's new world. But even as Charlie learns the ropes of his new privileged life, the secrets and flaws of his new friends emerge, including of his mentor, Arch. Disillusioned and torn between going along and distancing himself from the pull of what he knows is wrong, Charlie struggles with the moral choices he faces. Tarkington, with Charlie as narrator, paints a remarkably touching and realistic picture of the angst experienced by someone suddenly pulled from poor to privileged, while trying not to lose oneself in the process. Tarkington writes a cautionary and thoughtful tale for anyone who has wondered what it would be like to live the high life. The Fortunate Ones has huge book club potential.
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Sue P. (Albuquerque, NM)
The Fortunate Ones
Lots to think about here - class distinction, different perspectives of friendship, casual racism.
When Charlie Boykin, a young, content-with-what-he-has, boy is introduced to a new, privileged world through acceptance to an elite private school, he begins to dwell in a totally new, exciting echelon. Archer Creigh, an influential upperclassman, befriends him, and Charlie is seduced by the wealth and privilege he encounters. His perception is skewed, but as he becomes aware of the corruption surrounding Archer and his type, he begins to question his own morals and beliefs.
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Daniel H. (Palos Heights, IL)
Sad, with redeeming qualities
In the late 60s, a teen living in the South becomes pregnant by a soon-to-be drafted local boy. Unwilling to abort the child, as her parents wished, she chooses to become a runaway.
This is a tale of unrequited love and searching for meaning in life. I came to love the stepfather, the erstwhile villain of the story, and very much dislike the "good guy." Who and what make us happy? What are we willing to do to be happy? What is loyalty? A bittersweet ending. Overall, a pretty good read.
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Karen L. (Wilton, IA)
The haves and the have nots
I really enjoyed this book. I think it would be great for book clubs. The politics reminded me of political families like the Kennedys. In some ways it shows you that riches and power don't make a person fortunate. The haves were not happier then the have nots. I think it also shows that politicians almost have to become somewhat corrupt in order to be elected. I wish Charlie would have gone into his grandparents house and talked to them. He could have brought his mom and her parents back together again. In some ways the story was rushed. There should have been more character development. There should have been more on the divorce of Jim and his remarriage to Charlies mom.There should have been more on Bonnie's parents.
