I came to this novel with equal amounts of enthusiasm (because I had previously read and laughed my way through A Boy of Good Breeding) and trepidation (because I had previously read and cried my way through A Complicated Kindness). Both sentiments were experienced as I read, laughed and cried my way through The Flying Troutsman. You may think that it is only the characters in this novel who are on a road trip but as a reader I found that I too was (thankfully) firmly buckled into their white knuckle emotional adventure. Once again Toews' genius for deftly painting the intricate contradictions inherent in human nature and motivation captivate the reader's attention from the very first words. ( )

Sadly, Min, Hattie’s sister, has to be hospitalized due a mental breakdown. From France, Hattie flies home to Canada to be with Min’s son and daughter so they would not be left alone. Not wanting to be the sole caregiver for her nephew and niece, Hattie hatches a plot to return the youngsters to their father, or so she thought.

This is an absolutely delightful read. It’s written in youngster-speak, but so intelligently and with such dry humor, that I’d love to jump into some of the conversations that go on in this book. By the end of the story, I really fell in love with the two kids under Hattie’s care.

This novel explores family relationships and obligations. It looks at those things we do willingly and, at other things, not so willingly. It also explores the challenges and rewards of taking an active part in family life when things get especially tough.

I like that this book is by a Canadian writer. I’m especially glad that that it’s book worthwhile reading and one which makes me want to read more from this author. I would recommend it both for teens and adults as the subject matter spans both ages and is certainly entertaining enough for both. ( )

A quirky cast of characters heads out on a road trip. Funny and sensitive. A better version of Little Miss Sunshine. ( )

I've found a new favorite writer, methinks. This is one of a string of books that all but destroyed my own will to write. But in a good way.

This book is hilarious but also hits you where it counts. Here's a little taste, after the narrator Hattie has been picked up from the airport by her (underage) nephew Logan and niece Thebes:

"Logan ended up driving back to their house because I didn't know how to tell him not to and because he hadn't seemed interested in relinquishing control of the wheel anyway. Logan and Thebes yelled at each other all the way back, the music cranked the whole time.

Thebes: Stay in your lane, moron!
Logan: Don't lose your f***ing sh**, man!
Thebes: I don't want to die, loser! Use two hands!
Logan: Do NOT grab the steering wheel!

Then Thebes went into this strange kind of commentary thing she does, quoting the imaginary people in her head. The time it was a funeral director, I think. She said: With an impact this severe there is not a hope of reconstructing this kid's face. She banged the back window with her fist.

What was that? I asked her.

The lid of my coffin, slamming down, she said. Closed casket. I'll be unrecognizable anyway."

Man, I loved those kids. They broke my heart and cracked me up at every turn.

I will definitely be reading more by this author. ( )

Wonderful writer in top form in The Flying Troutmans. I need to read her other books. I loved this story Hattie who returns from Paris to take care of her 11-year-old niece and 15-year-old nephew when their mother, Min, gets admitted to the psychiatric ward, again. Hattie decides to take them from Canada down to California to their find their father. Through her thoughtful writing, word choices, descriptions and characterizations, Toews makes The Flying Troutmans simultaneously touching, amusing and thoroughly engaging. ( )