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Editorial Reviews
Review
“An unforgettable book…a poignant, touching and funny adventure of two people setting off in their 1978 Leisure Seeker that takes them off to relive some cherished memories and allows them to take their lives in their own hands for the final years of life ‘s journey. I loved this book.” (Escapees )
“Zadoorian’s offbeat humor and obvious sympathy for his characters takes a story that could have been grim in the wrong hands and turns it into one of the most delightful books I’ve read in years.” (Carol Schneck (Schuler Books & Music), for GALLEY TALK in Publishers Weekly )
“A highly unusual, quirky treat…it would make a dandy movie for those who enjoyed The Notebook. Sad and funny, heart-warming and heart-breaking, Zadoorian’s mesmerizing tale is definitely one to savor, deftly told by a clever, witty master craftsman.” (Lansing State Journal )
“The humor is dark, the story poignant (for instance, Ella describes their RV as a “recreational sarcophagus”) and the journey so descriptive that it makes you want to take the trip yourself.” (Flint Journal )
“Zadoorian has done no less than re-invent the American road story. These Easy Riders—drugged-up on meds, desperately in need of their naps, and determined to enjoy every last moment—are some of the most memorable characters I’ve ever met on the page.” (Pagan Kennedy )
“Second Hand is a wonderful book about life at yard sales, garage sales, and the like, where many antiques begin their journey ‘up the ladder’ into the upper retail realms.” (Chris Jussel, host of Antiques Roadshow, PRAISE FOR SECOND HAND )
“This is a sad, sweet love letter to a fading America, elevated beyond its simple premise by its sharp humour about aging and a quietly shocking ending…it’s hard to think of a more purely likeable novel in recent times.” (Sydney Sun Herald )
“An evocative tale….Zadoorian mixes some dark humor with issues that touch nearly everybody. This reviewer, usually hooked on crime novels and sports, found The Leisure Seeker hard to put down.” (Daily News (Michigan) )
“Pick of the Week: This book evokes with great insight, tenderness and humour the absurdities and indignities of old age but also its freedoms and consolations.” (Sydney Morning Herald )
“A funny, bittersweet and courageous story as they cross the country, stopping at forgotten roadside attractions, watching old slides and remembering their life and love. In a word: touching. ” (Melbourne Herald Sun )
“A wonderful novel, poignant and salty and full of those small, clear truths that become important when one draws close to the end of the road…Author Michael Zadoorian has captured an American icon in the forthright and feisty Ella…Read it before it becomes the next big thing.” (Tampa Tribune )
“This is no golden-age “Thelma and Louise” story. Zadoorian, like his protagonists, sticks to the slow lane, and the pace and sense of inevitability surrounding the Robinas’ journey is almost reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road.” But there’s wry humor…along with a host of tender moments.” (Orlando Sentinel )
“An elderly couple face down death by taking one last, thoroughly unauthorized vacation…A bittersweet fable of the golden years likely to offer consolation to readers who’ve ever known anyone old, or have plans to get old themselves.” (Kirkus Reviews )
“Michael Zadoorian serves up an affectionate, clear-eyed peek at a pair of self styled “down–on–their–luck geezers” who just aren’t ready to go gentle into that good night…Here’s to hoping that we all handle our last days so well.” (BookPage )
“Ella is a remarkable creation...Her middle-aged children’s panicked demands that the couple return home will resonate with any adult who has feared for a parent’s well-being. he Leisure Seeker is pretty much like life itself: joyous, painful, moving, tragic, mysterious, and not to be missed.” (Booklist, starred review )
“Michael Zadoorian’s bittersweet story about two runaways who are in their 80s and in failing health could be a lovely film… I could see Clint Eastwood and Shirley MacLaine in the lead roles…Call it Kerouac-lite. It’s On the Road with shorter sentences and less drugs and sex.” (USA Today )
“One of the standards for a book is: Would I recommend it to friends?…I would recommend Michael Zadoorian’s “The Leisure Seeker” to almost anyone. It’s a beautifully simple story…: readable, frequently funny, sometimes all too realistically poignant…This is Detroit-area writer Zadoorian’s second book; watch him; he’s going places.” (Detroit Free Press )
“Faces head-on what the parents (John and Ella) have to deal with when faced with painful death…Zadoorian is true to these geezers. He draws them in their most honest light…I hoped for a book that would make me laugh during these tight times, and I was rewarded.” (Los Angeles Times )
“Road trip novels are as common as snow in Siberia…but Zadoorian adds some refreshing detours to the genre in his second novel…told from Ella’s mordantly funny point-of-view…the gripping conclusion deserves to be read, not told.” (The Hour, Detroit )
“In this affecting road novel, an elderly married couple leave their Detroit home and take off in their camper for one last adventure together… it’s impossible to deny that Ella’s wise, feisty voice turns what could be a sappy melodrama into an authentic and funny love story.” (Publishers Weekly )
“Both achingly sad and intensely romantic, this unforgettable story of a last honeymoon hooked me from the first page. The Leisure Seeker depicts the heartrending choices of a loving couple, illuminated by events both past and present. I couldn’t put it down.” (Marjorie Hart, author of the national bestseller SUMMER AT TIFFANY )
“A couple of terminal senior citizens skip the end stage of hospitals and anxious children, step on the gas and stoically hightail it out of town…Death foretold, absolutely, but also the delight and adventure that comes late in life. The Dangerous Book for Seniors!” (Bob Morris )
“Zadoorian’s pace is deceptive, it’s restful. But unexpected scenes jump out at you. Come to the end and you’ll say ‘Oh my God.’” (Elmore Leonard )
“Zadoorian’s offbeat humor and obvious sympathy for his characters takes a story that could have been grim in the wrong hands and turns it into one of the most delightful books I’ve read in years.” (Carol Schneck (Schuler Books & Music), for GALLEY TALK in Publishers Weekly )
“A highly unusual, quirky treat…it would make a dandy movie for those who enjoyed The Notebook. Sad and funny, heart-warming and heart-breaking, Zadoorian’s mesmerizing tale is definitely one to savor, deftly told by a clever, witty master craftsman.” (Lansing State Journal )
“The humor is dark, the story poignant (for instance, Ella describes their RV as a “recreational sarcophagus”) and the journey so descriptive that it makes you want to take the trip yourself.” (Flint Journal )
“Zadoorian has done no less than re-invent the American road story. These Easy Riders—drugged-up on meds, desperately in need of their naps, and determined to enjoy every last moment—are some of the most memorable characters I’ve ever met on the page.” (Pagan Kennedy )
“Second Hand is a wonderful book about life at yard sales, garage sales, and the like, where many antiques begin their journey ‘up the ladder’ into the upper retail realms.” (Chris Jussel, host of Antiques Roadshow, PRAISE FOR SECOND HAND )
“This is a sad, sweet love letter to a fading America, elevated beyond its simple premise by its sharp humour about aging and a quietly shocking ending…it’s hard to think of a more purely likeable novel in recent times.” (Sydney Sun Herald )
“An evocative tale….Zadoorian mixes some dark humor with issues that touch nearly everybody. This reviewer, usually hooked on crime novels and sports, found The Leisure Seeker hard to put down.” (Daily News (Michigan) )
“Pick of the Week: This book evokes with great insight, tenderness and humour the absurdities and indignities of old age but also its freedoms and consolations.” (Sydney Morning Herald )
“A funny, bittersweet and courageous story as they cross the country, stopping at forgotten roadside attractions, watching old slides and remembering their life and love. In a word: touching. ” (Melbourne Herald Sun )
“A wonderful novel, poignant and salty and full of those small, clear truths that become important when one draws close to the end of the road…Author Michael Zadoorian has captured an American icon in the forthright and feisty Ella…Read it before it becomes the next big thing.” (Tampa Tribune )
“This is no golden-age “Thelma and Louise” story. Zadoorian, like his protagonists, sticks to the slow lane, and the pace and sense of inevitability surrounding the Robinas’ journey is almost reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road.” But there’s wry humor…along with a host of tender moments.” (Orlando Sentinel )
“An elderly couple face down death by taking one last, thoroughly unauthorized vacation…A bittersweet fable of the golden years likely to offer consolation to readers who’ve ever known anyone old, or have plans to get old themselves.” (Kirkus Reviews )
“Michael Zadoorian serves up an affectionate, clear-eyed peek at a pair of self styled “down–on–their–luck geezers” who just aren’t ready to go gentle into that good night…Here’s to hoping that we all handle our last days so well.” (BookPage )
“Ella is a remarkable creation...Her middle-aged children’s panicked demands that the couple return home will resonate with any adult who has feared for a parent’s well-being. he Leisure Seeker is pretty much like life itself: joyous, painful, moving, tragic, mysterious, and not to be missed.” (Booklist, starred review )
“Michael Zadoorian’s bittersweet story about two runaways who are in their 80s and in failing health could be a lovely film… I could see Clint Eastwood and Shirley MacLaine in the lead roles…Call it Kerouac-lite. It’s On the Road with shorter sentences and less drugs and sex.” (USA Today )
“One of the standards for a book is: Would I recommend it to friends?…I would recommend Michael Zadoorian’s “The Leisure Seeker” to almost anyone. It’s a beautifully simple story…: readable, frequently funny, sometimes all too realistically poignant…This is Detroit-area writer Zadoorian’s second book; watch him; he’s going places.” (Detroit Free Press )
“Faces head-on what the parents (John and Ella) have to deal with when faced with painful death…Zadoorian is true to these geezers. He draws them in their most honest light…I hoped for a book that would make me laugh during these tight times, and I was rewarded.” (Los Angeles Times )
“Road trip novels are as common as snow in Siberia…but Zadoorian adds some refreshing detours to the genre in his second novel…told from Ella’s mordantly funny point-of-view…the gripping conclusion deserves to be read, not told.” (The Hour, Detroit )
“In this affecting road novel, an elderly married couple leave their Detroit home and take off in their camper for one last adventure together… it’s impossible to deny that Ella’s wise, feisty voice turns what could be a sappy melodrama into an authentic and funny love story.” (Publishers Weekly )
“Both achingly sad and intensely romantic, this unforgettable story of a last honeymoon hooked me from the first page. The Leisure Seeker depicts the heartrending choices of a loving couple, illuminated by events both past and present. I couldn’t put it down.” (Marjorie Hart, author of the national bestseller SUMMER AT TIFFANY )
“A couple of terminal senior citizens skip the end stage of hospitals and anxious children, step on the gas and stoically hightail it out of town…Death foretold, absolutely, but also the delight and adventure that comes late in life. The Dangerous Book for Seniors!” (Bob Morris )
“Zadoorian’s pace is deceptive, it’s restful. But unexpected scenes jump out at you. Come to the end and you’ll say ‘Oh my God.’” (Elmore Leonard )
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More About the Author
ABOUT MICHAEL ZADOORIAN:
Michael Zadoorian was born in Detroit, Michigan and has lived in the area for his entire life. His father Norman was a photographer for The Detroit Edison Company for 35 years, photographing nuclear power plants, parades, "All Electric Kitchens," corporate bigwigs and victims of electrocution. His mother Rose Mary was a homemaker. Both encouraged creativity in Michael and his sister Susan. He attended the public schools in Detroit, then went on to graduate from Wayne State University with a Liberal Arts degree. In the mid eighties, he discovered the work of Raymond Carver, which inspired him to start writing fiction.
During this time, he continued to work his day job writing advertising copy for used car dealers,processed meats, banks and pizza chains, but kept working on his stories. Though it took a while to shake off the influence of Carver, he soon started to develop his own voice and a style that reflected his own sensibilities. More and more, he found himself writing about his hometown of Detroit and the people he knew there. Before long, his work started to appear in various literary magazines and journals including The North American Review, Beloit Fiction Journal, The Literary Review, American Short Fiction, and the European journals Panurge and Paris Transcontinental.
Michael Zadoorian's first novel, Second Hand (W.W. Norton), about a Detroit junk store owner was released in 2000. The New York Times Book Review wrote Second Hand "may be a gift from the (Tiki) gods" and called it "a romantic adventure that explores what Yeats called 'the foul rag and bone shop of the heart.'" Second Hand was selected for Barnes & Noble's Discover Great New Writers Program and as an AmericanBooksellers Association "Book Sense" pick; it also received the Great Lakes Colleges Association prestigious New Writers Award. Recently translated into Italian, it continues to be a cult favorite, still popping up on blogs and "favorite book" lists nine years after publication.
Zadoorian's second and most recent novel The Leisure Seeker has already garnered rave reviews from all over the world. In a starred review, Booklist wrote "The Leisure Seeker is pretty much like life itself: joyous, painful, moving, tragic, mysterious, and not to be missed." The L.A. Times said: Zadoorian is true to these geezers. He draws them in their most honest light. I hoped for a book that would make me laugh during these tight times, and I was rewarded." And the Sydney Morning Herald stated: "This is a sad, sweet love letter to a fading America, elevated beyond its simple premise by its sharp humour about aging and a quietly shocking ending...it's hard to think of a more purely likeable novel in recent times." A screenplay for the book is currently in development from producer Jeffery Sharp of Sharp Independent,
His short story collection The Lost Tiki Palaces of Detroit (Wayne State University Press) follows characters coming to terms with the past and the present in a broken city. "These are stories that grab you, shake you and slap you upside the head...working toward perfection in short-story form." (Lansing State Journal)
Zadoorian still works as a copywriter in the Detroit area. He has also worked as a journalist, a magazine feature writer, a voice over talent, a shipping room clerk, and a plant guard for Chrysler. He lives with his wife Rita, a librarian, in an old house filled with things that used to be in the houses of other people. He still loves Detroit, no matter what anyone says.
Michael Zadoorian was born in Detroit, Michigan and has lived in the area for his entire life. His father Norman was a photographer for The Detroit Edison Company for 35 years, photographing nuclear power plants, parades, "All Electric Kitchens," corporate bigwigs and victims of electrocution. His mother Rose Mary was a homemaker. Both encouraged creativity in Michael and his sister Susan. He attended the public schools in Detroit, then went on to graduate from Wayne State University with a Liberal Arts degree. In the mid eighties, he discovered the work of Raymond Carver, which inspired him to start writing fiction.
During this time, he continued to work his day job writing advertising copy for used car dealers,processed meats, banks and pizza chains, but kept working on his stories. Though it took a while to shake off the influence of Carver, he soon started to develop his own voice and a style that reflected his own sensibilities. More and more, he found himself writing about his hometown of Detroit and the people he knew there. Before long, his work started to appear in various literary magazines and journals including The North American Review, Beloit Fiction Journal, The Literary Review, American Short Fiction, and the European journals Panurge and Paris Transcontinental.
Michael Zadoorian's first novel, Second Hand (W.W. Norton), about a Detroit junk store owner was released in 2000. The New York Times Book Review wrote Second Hand "may be a gift from the (Tiki) gods" and called it "a romantic adventure that explores what Yeats called 'the foul rag and bone shop of the heart.'" Second Hand was selected for Barnes & Noble's Discover Great New Writers Program and as an AmericanBooksellers Association "Book Sense" pick; it also received the Great Lakes Colleges Association prestigious New Writers Award. Recently translated into Italian, it continues to be a cult favorite, still popping up on blogs and "favorite book" lists nine years after publication.
Zadoorian's second and most recent novel The Leisure Seeker has already garnered rave reviews from all over the world. In a starred review, Booklist wrote "The Leisure Seeker is pretty much like life itself: joyous, painful, moving, tragic, mysterious, and not to be missed." The L.A. Times said: Zadoorian is true to these geezers. He draws them in their most honest light. I hoped for a book that would make me laugh during these tight times, and I was rewarded." And the Sydney Morning Herald stated: "This is a sad, sweet love letter to a fading America, elevated beyond its simple premise by its sharp humour about aging and a quietly shocking ending...it's hard to think of a more purely likeable novel in recent times." A screenplay for the book is currently in development from producer Jeffery Sharp of Sharp Independent,
His short story collection The Lost Tiki Palaces of Detroit (Wayne State University Press) follows characters coming to terms with the past and the present in a broken city. "These are stories that grab you, shake you and slap you upside the head...working toward perfection in short-story form." (Lansing State Journal)
Zadoorian still works as a copywriter in the Detroit area. He has also worked as a journalist, a magazine feature writer, a voice over talent, a shipping room clerk, and a plant guard for Chrysler. He lives with his wife Rita, a librarian, in an old house filled with things that used to be in the houses of other people. He still loves Detroit, no matter what anyone says.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved this funny, sad, beautiful love story!,
By
This review is from: The Leisure Seeker LP: A Novel (Paperback)
5.0 out of 5 stars Whopee on the road!, May 18, 2009By Susan L. Anderson "Sunny Susan in AZ" (Tempe, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME) As a motorhome traveler I can surely relate to many things in this book. This is a very funny book, in some ways a sad book, and it is also a beautiful love story! The author is surely right on in his descriptions of aging and how things change. I enjoyed this very much and recommend it to all of the age 40+ crowd.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Leisure Seeker,
By Katherine McConnell (Winfield, IL United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Leisure Seeker LP: A Novel (Paperback)
This is a wonderfully touching story. It was my book club's selection for the month. The author did an excellent job narrating a strong, courageous and loving 80+ year old woman. She wasn't a CEO, a politician, a movie star, but an ordinary Detroit housewife and mother who defies doctors and adult children to take one more cross-country trip with her husband on Route 66. It's sad, funny and romantic all at the same time. A great read from beginning to end.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Driving into the Sunset,
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This review is from: The Leisure Seeker LP: A Novel (Paperback)
Zadoorian's novel packs a punch. It forces the reader to face the question of his or her own mortality. What's life all about? Is there any rhyme or reason for any particular life? Can we take charge of our own dying? These are big questions. This novel doesn't give the answers, but it poses the questions. It is a moving story of love and courage. The reader is drawn in and wants a happy ending that is only an ending. "The Leisure Seeker" is a name for a brand of motor homes. Zadoorian inplies that we are all seekers on the journey of life.
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New Mexico, Santa Monica, Main Street, Auto Club, Mickey Mouse, Los Angeles, Louis L'Amour, Thank God, Pelvis Shake, Madison Heights, After John, Paul Bunyan, Lake George Browse Sample Pages:
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New Mexico, Santa Monica, Main Street, Auto Club, Mickey Mouse, Los Angeles, Louis L'Amour, Thank God, Pelvis Shake, Madison Heights, After John, Paul Bunyan, Lake George Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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