Customer Reviews

Working Parts: A Novel

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Lori is a likeable protagonist who uses sarcasm, charm and wit to try to woo people over and distract them from the fact that she can't read. When her friend Mickey, who works with her in a bike shop, wants to open his own shop with her, she decides it's time to learn to read. Along the way, she meets Pam, a sexy librarian, Deidre Felix, the 60-something tutor who's getting a divorce, and Whitney, the professional lesbian whom Lori starts a relationship with. Though the novel drags its feet a little bit in the middle, overall it's an enjoyable, insightful read that explores relationships, friendships and class issues. It's also an interesting concept for a writer to write a novel about someone who has trouble reading.

Lucy Jane Bledsoe reviewed my first novel which made me take notice when Working Parts was published. I'm not a bike freak or a sports nut, but I [am] dyslexic and what I found between her pages was powerful stuff. The emotions surrounding her charachter's inability to read were wonderfully portrayed. Her teacher caring enough to find the key was very moving. This is an excellent novel. I look forward to her next.

I read this book because I knew Lucy's name from a group bike trip we took during our high school years and was curious, but I was not disappointed in it's content. If you pass on this book because it is a "lesbian" novel, you are missing out. This is the story of a strong woman who is improving her life. Funny also - an excellent, entertaining story!

I had to read this book for class, but unlike forced reading I actually liked this book. It is essential reading for the betterment of the feminist movement. The book is an illustration of how we all come together to sort things out.