I just finished listening to the audio version of Labor Day. I liked it. I like it a lot.
When I sat down to write this review, I found out that a movie was made from the book. It was actually out in January of this year but never made it to my theater. Sadly, Rotten Tomatoes, a site that reviews movies doesn’t sing lots of praises for the movie yet Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin star in it. Here is a link to the movie trailer.
Here’s their review: “”Labor Day” centers on 13-year-old Henry Wheeler, who struggles to be the man of his house and care for his reclusive mother Adele while confronting all the pangs of adolescence. On a back-to-school shopping trip, Henry and his mother encounter Frank Chambers, a man both intimidating and clearly in need of help, who convinces them to take him into their home and later is revealed to be an escaped convict. The events of this long Labor Day weekend will shape them for the rest of their lives.”
They made a reference that the plot was bad….Let me just say that over a Labor Day weekend, two people fall in love. I think many people don’t believe that can truly happen..that’s why they say the plot is bad, but me…I believe in love at first sight. I believe people can know they will be together after a few days together. That’s why the story works for me. The book was told by the 13 year old son…I think that’s what drew me to it too. I will be watching for the movie to come out in DVD. I will be checking for other books from the author too.
Here’s what Amazon had to say, ““Joyce Maynard is in top-notch form with Labor Day. Simply a novel you cannot miss.”
—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of My Sister’s Keeper and Keeping Faith
“Maynard has created an ensemble of characters that will sneak into your heart, and warm it while it breaks.”
—St. Petersburg Times
Joyce Maynard, acclaimed author of At Home in the World, is back with Labor Day. The unforgettable story of a mother and son forever changed during a long summer weekend when a mysterious man comes into their lives. Labor Day is “a sexy, page turning, poignant story” (Jane Hamilton, author of A Map of the World) that “affirms Maynard’s reputation as a master storyteller and shows her to be a passionate humanist with a gifted ear and heart” (People)”
Amazon readers give the book four stars…me, I’d give it 4 1/2. I really liked it.
We saw the movie not knowing at all what to expect. We thought the trailers made it look interesting. We were pleasantly surprised. It was very good and we enjoyed the whole story-line. I bet you would enjoy it. Look for it to rent sometime!
I saw the movie at the $1 theater here on a girls afternoon out. I had no idea what it was about, but found it very enjoyable. I liked the story very much and it was a great way to spend the afternoon. I loved the ending.
Saw the movie just last week Thoroughly enjoyed it. Worth a look.