Land of a Hundred Wonders (Paperback)

by Lesley Kagen (Author)
Key Phrases: meticulous investigation, lesley kagen, awfully good story, Miss Lydia, Miss Jessie, Miss Florida (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Set in Cray Ridge, Ky., in 1973, Kagen's winsome second novel (after Whistling in the Dark) offers laughter and bittersweet sighs. As a child, NQR (Not Quite Right) Gibby McGraw survived an auto accident that claimed her parents' lives, but left her somewhat mentally challenged. Now 20 and living with her beloved grampa, Gibby publishes Gibby's Gazette, distributed from local hot spots like Loretta's Candy World and Washateria. Gibby's latest scoop, complete with photos, is her discovery of the body of politician Buster Malloy, who aspired to become governor. Gibby launches a meticulous investigation complicated by nasty Sneaky Tim Ray Holloway stealing her briefcase. Other distractions include her best friend Clever's getting knocked up and disturbing times in Browntown, an African-American community. Though Gibby can get discombobulated, this wonderfully wise Nancy Drew strives mightily to become QR (Quite Right) in the head: she was already QR in the heart. Author tour. (Aug.)
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Review
"A truly enjoyable read from cover to cover...Ms. Kagen's moving portrayal of a unique woman finding her way in a time of change will touch your heart."
--Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

"I've been a Lesley Kagen fan ever since I read her beautifully rendered debut Whistling in the Dark. Set against the backdrop of the small-town south of the 1970's, Land of a Hundred Wonders, is by turns sensitive and rowdy, peopled with larger-than-life characters who are sure to make their own tender path into your heart."
--Joshilyn Jackson, author of Gods in Alabama and The Girl Who Stopped Swimming

"Lesley Kagen has crafted a story that is poignant, compelling, hilarious, real, and absolutely lovely. Her characters are enchanting and will have you racing to the end of this terrific novel."
--Kris Radish, author of Searching for Paradise in Parker, PA

"Lesley Kagen's lucid, confident prose shines on every page...giving a unique and unforgettable voice to her moving and heartfelt story. The humor and passion of Gibby and her compatriots will stay with you long after you reach the end."
--Tasha Alexander, author of A Fatal Waltz

"With all the charm of Cold Sassy Tree's Will Tweedy, Kagen has created an equally memorable character in Gibby McGraw. Gibby will make you laugh and touch your heart, proving that even someone who's Not Quite Right can still remedy the broken lives of those around her. For everyone who loved Whistling in the Dark, Lesley Kagen has worked her magic again.
--Renee Rosen, author of Every Crooked Pot

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Product Details

• Paperback: 289 pages
• Publisher: NAL Trade (July 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451224094
• ISBN-13: 978-0451224095
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #126,025 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An charming cast of characters ... the best book I've read this year, July 29, 2008

By	Shana Schmadeke - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Three years ago, Gibby McGraw was involved in a car accident that took the lives of her parents and left Gibby NQR or Not Quite Right. Now twenty year-old Gibby lives with her Grampa in the small town of Cray Ridge, Kentucky, bussing tables at his diner and reporting for Gibby's Gazette, which is available for free at several local businesses. Land of a Hundred Wonders by Lesley Kagen is the story of how Gibby tries to become Quite Right, and in the process discovers love, acceptance and that miracles do happen.

There is a lot going on in the little town of Cray Ridge, and in Gibby's life, for that matter. She sees this as the perfect opportunity to prove to herself and everyone else - including her mother who is restless in heaven, worrying about her daughter - that she is Quite Right. Her plan is to produce a superbly written, excellently investigated breaking news story about the murder of local politician Buster Malloy. Gibby found the body, and has pictures to prove it.

But things go awry when some shady local characters interfere with her plan. The disreputable county sheriff, Gibby's pot-smoking neighbor, and Sneaky Tim Ray Holloway, who can't seem to keep his hands of Gibby, much to her disgust. Thank goodness Gibby has plenty of good guys on her side. Her Grampa, gruff and wise, is completely devoted to making sure she is safe and well cared for. Her best friend Clever, despite being a little rough around the edges, would do anything for Gibby. And then there's Billy, not quite right in his own way after what he saw in Vietnam, but handsome, smart, and solid - and it seems his feelings for Gibby constitute a bit more than friendship.

This book easily rates as my favorite of 2008. If I used ratings in my reviews, this one would get a 5/5 rating, which is saying something since the majority of the books I read top out at 4/5. Gibby McGraw is the most incredibly endearing character I've met in a long time. And she's funny - so funny. Without meaning to be, which always makes a person funnier than if they're trying to be, doesn't it? Her sweet innocence and struggle to grasp the nuances of the English language - commonly used homophones and double entendres throw Gibby for quite a loop - result in some misunderstandings that will make you laugh out loud.

Besides Gibby, there are many other memorable characters in Land of a Hundred Wonders. Typically I fall in love with one or two characters in a novel - three is a stretch - but here there were so many well-developed characters - Grampa, Clever, Billy, and a host of others, from Miss Jessie who happened to be in love with Grampa to Miss Florida, who worked at the diner and made the best pies for miles around. I was completely charmed with all of them.

This book has it all, a little suspense, wonderful characters, even a love story or two. What impressed me the most was how very clever it was. The plot lines were varied, yet well developed and fully intertwined. The humor was absolutely brilliant and satisfyingly witty. Kagen's debut novel, Whistling in the Dark, was impressive, but she has outdone herself with Land of a Hundred Wonders.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic! , February 23, 2009

By	Yolanda S. Bean (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Land of a Hundred Wonders (Paperback)

Oh, I really loved this book! It was "wonderful" - ha ha. Really, though, it was excellent. It was well-written, humourous, excellent plot... and what an original and charming narrator! I just adored this book. She is a very talented writer and her second book has really lived up to the high standard she set with her excellent first book, _Whistling in the Dark_. I am really looking forward to reading more of her work, as this was such an absolute joy to read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh Out Loud, November 26, 2008

By	D. Ebratt (Milwaukee, WI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Land of a Hundred Wonders (Paperback)

Funny as hell while still heartwarming,sad and hopeful! Thank you, I needed the many laughs! A genuine story of love, hate, tolerance and acceptance. Very lovable and "hateable" characters. Lesley Kagen portrayed the true flavor of the south and the year (1973)! She truly has a gift to share! I highly recommend this book as another form of anti-depressants! Thank you!