Grand Opening [Paperback]

Jon Hassler (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (1993)
• ASIN: B001L9U2FC
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Keeper, August 20, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Grand Opening (Paperback)

I seldom keep any of the many books I read, but this one is an exception. I first read this book at least 15 years ago and I still pull it out once in a while to reread. It is one of those stories that remain timeless in capturing small town America and the characters that make these small towns interesting. The story is told through the eyes of 12 year old Brendan, moving to a new town when his mom and dad took over a defunct grocery store. As Brendan and his family struggle to adjust, they meet people along the way that will change their lives. The writing is rich and draws you in to each character. I'm very surprised this hasn't been made into a movie, done right it would be a great one.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why Don't More People Read This Book?, January 25, 2000

By 

Allen Smalling "Constant Reader," (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Grand Opening (Paperback)

Jon Hassler is amazing, and I am amazed more people don't know about him. He has carved out a slice of Minnesota and made it his own as sure as John Cheever owned the New York suburbs and Faulkner staked out rural Mississippi. "Grand Opening" is a most satisfying book, a poignant coming-of-age about a 12-year-old and his family's attempt to make a go of a ramshackle grocery store during the waning days of World War II. Hassler's writing style is graceful, yet economical; his insights into small town life are dead-on. Without giving the plot away, there is more to this Lutheran "Mayberry" than meets the eye! Try it; you won't go away disappointed.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, April 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Grand Opening (Paperback)

I own many books by John Hassler, and cherish them all. This is my favorite (except The Love Hunter).

The story is dark: about that child whom we've all met. Unruly, boistrous, unwanted, but terribly lovable. It is about the goodhearted family who takes in that child, and the disasters that occur thereafter. It is a tale of hope, love, redemption. It is a tale that makes one examine, oh so gently, ones responsibility to their bethren.

Like all of Mr Hasslers work, this is not a book which demands, threatens, accuses, or grabs you by the neck and throttles you. It is gentle and subtle and sweet. And in it's darkest moments, warm rays of light shine and you are left hopeful, albeit thoughtful. Read them all. Then read them again.