Tim Sandlin (1950–2026)

Maurey Pierce Talbot is a pain in the ass. She's also an alcoholic. This second book in the GroVont series is told from her point of view. As obnoxious as she is, I've never cheered harder for a fictional character.

If you liked [bc:Skipped Parts|9078|Skipped Parts (GroVont Triology, #1)|Tim Sandlin|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1165859407s/9078.jpg|550158], the first GroVont book, you'll probably like this one even more. I certainly did. The characters are varied and interesting, and show more alcohol isn't the only villain that Maurey has to deal with on this road trip from Wyoming to North Carolina. show less

Teton County Library was my first job outta library school. Tim Sandlin sat at a particular table, on the Southeast side of the building, where the light filtered in just right and he was seldom bothered by anyone who knew who the hell he was. I was in awe. And remain so today.

This book is hilarious, and full of observant truths about the human condition that mere mortals like ourselves know deep down, but can never quite seem to put into words the way Tim Sandlin can. A lot of great authors show more are capable of this, but few can wrap these zingers up in a plot about characters you actually kind of care about. This skill alone is why you should read Tim Sandlin. show less

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader as part of a quick takes post to catch up. The point of these posts is to be pithy, not thorough (as I typically strive for).
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This is quotable, clever, and filled with interesting characters. It's also a little too convoluted; it's hard to believe some of the interpersonal relationships with the characters, and the solution is a bit of a letdown.

That said, from the first page to the last I was hooked and couldn't stop reading it. Most of show more it worked in the moment, or was something I could shrug off while reading it. But when I was done and started thinking about it, I the doubts and quibbles kept growing.

Maybe Sandlin couldn't really figure out the book he was trying to write—tone, characters, and/or outcome—he wouldn't be the first author to do that. As much as a lot of the passages sang—the book, in retrospect, was just good enough. Read this one to enjoy the journey, not necessarily the destination. show less

Maurey Pierce Talbot is a pain in the ass. She's also an alcoholic. This second book in the GroVont series is told from her point of view. As obnoxious as she is, I've never cheered harder for a fictional character.

If you liked [bc:Skipped Parts|9078|Skipped Parts (GroVont Triology, #1)|Tim Sandlin|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1165859407s/9078.jpg|550158], the first GroVont book, you'll probably like this one even more. I certainly did. The characters are varied and interesting, and show more alcohol isn't the only villain that Maurey has to deal with on this road trip from Wyoming to North Carolina. show less