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Be Frank With Me
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
A sparkling talent makes her fiction debut with this infectious novel that combines the charming pluck ofEloise, the poignant psychological quirks ofThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Timeand the page-turning spirit ofWhered You Go, Bernadette.Reclusive literary legend M. M. Mimi Banning has been holed up in her Bel Air mansion for years. But after falling prey to a Bernie Madoff-style ponzi scheme, shes flat broke. Now Mimi must write a new book for the first time in decades, and to ensure the timely delivery of her manuscript, her New York publisher sends an assistant to monitor her progress. The prickly Mimi reluctantly complieswith a few stipulations: No Ivy-Leaguers or English majors. Must drive, cook, tidy. Computer whiz. Good with kids. Quiet, discreet, sane.When Alice Whitley arrives at the Banning mansion, shes put to work right awayas a full-time companion to Frank, the writers eccentric nine-year-old, a boy with the wit of Noel Coward, the wardrobe of a 1930s movie star, and very little in common with his fellow fourth-graders.As she slowly gets to know Frank, Alice becomes consumed with finding out who Franks father is, how his gorgeous piano teacher and itinerant male role model Xander fits into the Banning family equationand whether Mimi will ever finish that book.Full of heart and countless only-in-Hollywood moments,Be Frank with Meis a captivating and unconventional story of an unusual mother and son, and the intrepid young woman who finds herself irresistibly pulled into their unforgettable world.
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ShaniaAJ
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
Pickpick

I was surprised by how much I liked this one, I read it for a book club. I love how Alice tries to figure everything out with Mimi and Frank

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Readswithcoffee
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

Frank is such an endearing character. I really enjoy books with quirky kids and Frank certainly qualifies. The ending was lacking, but the journey was worth it anyway.

CarolynM I enjoyed this one too🙂 3y
31 likes1 comment
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Readswithcoffee
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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My, my. Mimi is quite the unlikable character, now, isn‘t she???

Prairiegirl_reading Frank is so great though! 💜 3y
Readswithcoffee @Prairiegirl_reading Agreed!! He is such an endearing, quirky little guy.💕💕💕 3y
29 likes2 comments
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candority
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Mehso-so

I‘m a sucker for any book with an eccentric character, and nine-year-old Frank Banning definitely fits the bill. Be Frank with Me is a cute story, but there were a few things that bothered me and lowered my enjoyment of the novel (which I won‘t mention because they‘re spoiler-y). 3⭐️

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Blueberry
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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1. Be Frank With Me
2. The Green Mile
3. Last night, Be Frank With Me

#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

Prairiegirl_reading I thought Frank was adorable. I couldn‘t put it down either. 4y
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Aseleener
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

A young woman is sent by a publisher to basically nanny an eccentric writer's son while she writes a book. The kid is quirky, to put it mildly. I didn't like Mimi at all. She was so mean to Alice. This book didn't give me that "can't-wait-to-read-more" feeling, but it was a good read. Found on #scribd. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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kyraleseberg
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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It just doesn't feel like summer is around the corner with everything so mixed up right now.
Grabbed some lemon balm and strawberries from the garden and made these cake doughnuts today to put a little summer in my life.

Scochrane26 Those look so good. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Nom nom nom ... 🍩 4y
25 likes2 comments
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ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

Enjoyable - worth reading for the Frank character alone. I liked the story, but the ending was lackluster.

TieDyeDude It wasn't perfect, but I really enjoyed this 5y
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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

Frank crushed my heart!! The narration by Tavia Gilbert definitely elevated this one!! She gave a fantastic voice for such a special boy! And Mimi too. And Alice. I loved listening to this one!

Prairiegirl_reading I loved Frank too. ❤️ 5y
Penny_LiteraryHoarders @Prairiegirl_reading such a wonderful character. 5y
34 likes2 comments
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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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My latest audiobook. 🎧

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cherinium
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
Pickpick

I really enjoyed this light read. It's a cute story about the difficulty of caring for a child that doesn't fit in, especially when the mother doesn't quite fit in, either. I absolutely love how Frank relates almost everything to films and their stars.
#SetInHollywood #Booked2020 @Cinfhen @4thhouse @BarbaraTheBibliophage

Cinfhen This would also work for #HatOrHeadCovering 5y
cherinium @Cinfhen Yes, it would! 🎩 5y
CarolynM I liked it too🙂 5y
See All 6 Comments
BarbaraTheBibliophage Glad to know you liked it! 🎩 5y
BarbaraTheBibliophage This was just on Kindle sale. Picked it up on your review! 5y
cherinium I hope you enjoy it! 5y
26 likes6 comments
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cherinium
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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My choice for the #SetInHollywood prompt in #Booked2020. I'm half way through this story about Frank, a 9 year old obsessed with old school film stars and has his own unique style, his mother, and his new nanny. Frank is charming; his mother is a famous one-off author struggling to get a second novel onto paper; and the nanny is just trying to fit into the household with all their quirks. 🎩🎬
@4thhouseontheleft @Cinfhen @BarbaraTheBibliophage

BarbaraTheBibliophage Sounds interesting! 5y
Cinfhen I recently bought this on #AudibleDailyDeal 5y
CarolynM I really enjoyed this one. 5y
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jdiehr
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

This was a cute, quick read about a young lady tasked with making sure an eccentric author is actually working on her book. Part of this task is keeping the author's very special son entertained and out of trouble.

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CarolynM
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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#BookReport Finished and reviewed The Most Fun We Ever Had, read and reviewed Be a Frank With Me, read first part of The Thirties for #chunksterchallenge2020 and read first 300 pages of Sofia Khan is not Obliged.

Cinfhen Lots of good progress this week!!!! You‘re off to a great start 😄👊🏼📚 5y
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CarolynM
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

What a charmer this is - sweet, funny and touching. Frank could almost be a 10 year old version of Don Tillman from the Rosie Project if he was being brought up by a mother with her own difficulties in human interaction. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Prairiegirl_reading Frank is adorable! 5y
Rissreads I've never heard of this one. 5y
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Sharpeipup
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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“Youth isn't wasted on the young, literature is. “
#audiobook

❓❓❓Is there a book you read as a child that you hated only to love later? ❓❓❓

LazyDays Do you have one? I've been trying to think but can't seem to recall anything. 5y
LazyDays Good question 5y
Sharpeipup Anything by Shakespeare or Faulkner. At that age, I couldn‘t appreciate the drama. @LazyDays (edited) 5y
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thebooksugar
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick
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erinhroberts
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

Book 1/50 for 2019. 4/5 stars. Quirky character, Frank, stole my heart! Interesting story and unexpected details made this story to come to life for me. Some things left open-ended in the end that I didn‘t love, but that‘s just a personal preference.

CoffeeNBooks Welcome to Litsy! 📚 6y
Cinfhen Well that‘s a great start to your reading year!! 6y
Megabooks Great review! Welcome to Litsy! 6y
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RaimeyGallant Nice review. And welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon Some of us put together Litsy tips to help new Littens navigate the site. It's the link in my bio on my page in case you need it. Or if you prefer how-to videos, @chelleo put some together at the link in her bio. @LitsyWelcomeWagon
6y
Slajaunie Welcome to Litsy!📖📚💚 6y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Welcome to Litsy 📖💙 6y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 🌼 6y
AlwaysForeverReading Welcome to Litsy!! 6y
10 likes8 comments
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Amiable
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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I should be packing boxes because we are moving in less than two months but the couch and the blanket and the book are calling to me ...

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wanderinglynn
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Mehso-so

Somewhere between a pick and meh. I absolutely adored Frank. The rest of it was so-so.

My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2438059769

britt_brooke I‘ve had this on my kindle for ages. This is good to know. Maybe I‘ll get to it one day. (edited) 6y
Jenny Frank totally made the book for me. 6y
wanderinglynn @britt_brooke A lot of people really liked it. It just didn‘t quite make it for me. 6y
wanderinglynn @Jenny Yes! He was adorable. 6y
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Victoriahoperose
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

I love this story and I love Frank. He‘s the best child character in a book. He‘s precocious, and funny and smart and just such a great character. I love all the other characters also with their own stories and eccentricities. This was a really great book!

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Lauren890
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Mehso-so

I thought this was good, not great. I think something about the writing made me feel detached? The narrator irritated me for the most part. I liked Frank, but I found his mother so interesting and I wish she had been focused on more. I enjoyed the humor in this book - it‘s definitely charming. I think it‘d be a good book for book clubs. 📚

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JoyNorstrom
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

Okay, great book. This one was recommended to me quite a while back. I bought it and it sat on my kindle UNREAD for 2 years. Mistake! I could have read it several times since then. Unique characters, engaging storyline. Readers who enjoyed #EleanorOliphant might love this one too.

Jenny I loved this one too. 6y
InnerSavvy I was surprised to enjoy this one to look. 6y
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LeslieO
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Big July for me. 10 books! Here's a few of them.

DivineDiana Just discussed Eleanor Oliphant at Book Club today. Well liked by all! 6y
LeslieO @DivineDiana ❤️ Eleanor! 6y
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BethFishReads
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

🎧 Day 8: #Audiobook recommendation for #JIAM Tavia Gilbert‘s award-winning performance is not to be missed!

Dogearedcopy Is there a social media effort and hashtag for “June is Audiobook Month?” I didn‘t hear anything at APAC and haven‘t seen anything on Twitter or Facebook. Am I just not looking in the right places? (edited) 6y
BethFishReads @Dogearedcopy I‘m going with #JIAM18. I haven‘t seen much for audiobook month except APA‘s giveaway (I‘m one of the blogs) 6y
32 likes2 comments
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Karen3
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

The story of Alice becoming the full time “nanny” to the eccentric fourth grade Frank and assistant to the novelist M.M. Banning was a ton of fun. We get to watch Alice fall in love with the quirky little boy and try to earn the respect of the prickly Mimi. There are several bumps and accidents along the way. Very enjoyable. 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Soubhiville I loved Frank! 7y
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wanderinglynn
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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There‘s still time to enter my #giveaway! You have until 5:00pm EDT on April 5!!!

Make a post indicating the book you‘d like to win. I might also include a bookish goodie! And don‘t forget to tag me!

Open to all (U.S. & international)

61 likes1 comment
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BiblioLitten
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Congratulations on your milestone! Thank you for this cool #giveaway
@wanderinglynn

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alekreads
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Be Frank With Me sounds like such an interesting read, this would be my pick! Thanks so much @wanderinglynn for the opportunity, and good luck to everyone! ☘️ #giveaway

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kricheal
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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This would be my pick. It's been on my tbr for awhile. Thanks for doing this awesome #giveaway @wanderinglynn

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hufflepuff-ish
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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@wanderinglynn hey!! Congrats on your milestone 🌸🌸. I would love to read Be frank with me. 🌸🌸
#giveaway

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StephanieGeiser
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Congrats on the milestones, @wanderinglynn 🎉🎉🎉 I would love the chance to win Be Frank with Me! Happy Saturday! #giveaway

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NoRoadsStudio
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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This is the perfect light sweet read that I need right now.

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Soubhiville
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Thanks for your #giveaway @Cinfhen and congrats on your milestone! Here‘s my #pickpanbailsoso. The one that surprised me was Georgia Peaches. I love 🏳️‍🌈 and usually like YA, but this one felt preachy to me, as the MC is a preacher‘s daughter... I couldn‘t stick with it, got too annoyed.

Cinfhen I'm also surprised about which books end up disappointing me 😞usually the ones I MOST want to read😞thanks for sharing your list ❤️ 7y
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Bookish_B
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Had a Booze & Book Club meeting last night. We celebrated our four year anniversary back at the place where it all started, Angel City Brewery. It was a great time! As for the book, we liked the voice, we liked Frank, we thought the story was lacking. But still an enjoyable read. Cheers! 🍻

Prairiegirl_reading I loved Frank!! 7y
LiteraryinPA I remember being underwhelmed when I read this a while ago. It‘s cool that your book club is so solid! 7y
40 likes2 comments
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Reita325
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
Mehso-so

Not much of a story but the kid‘s a trip. Frank makes it entertaining.

RaimeyGallant A belated welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon And here's a compilation of Litsy tips that some of us put together:
https://raimeygallant.com/2017/10/31/litsytips/
7y
4 likes1 comment
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Krissajeldy
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Walked around Balboa Park listening to Be Frank with Me earlier today. So beautiful! #readathon

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InnerSavvy
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

I enjoyed the book overall. Not one that is a must read, but quaint and enjoable.

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TieDyeDude
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

I just finished what I just learned to be an award-winning audiobook. Tavia Gilbert gives a masterful reading, the obvious highlight being Frank's monotone rants. The story is full of heart and humor, while not shying away from examining some seriously messed up people.

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TieDyeDude
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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#10questions @LazyOwl

1 Heard about it at Book Riot Live
2 It's always been there
3 Redwall, The Giver, Stellaluna
4 Tears We Cannot Stop
5 Bats, concerts, Funko Pops
6 Crazy Ex Girlfriend
7 Bats of the Republic by Zachary Dodson
8 Working through owned TBR books
9 None while unemployed...
10 Mom always read to us growing up and encouraged reading

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Ncostell
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

I thoroughly enjoyed this book which revolves around a quirky nine year old boy who loves old Hollywood movies and dressing in 1930s attire. He is the son of a famous reclusive author and builds a heartwarming relationship with the woman from the literary agency who comes to stay with them as his mother finishes her long awaited follow up novel. This could have been sappy or cutesy but was not at all. Very witty and charming.

Centique Great review! (Already on my TBR or I would have stacked it 😊) 7y
Ncostell @Centique Thank you! Hope you enjoy this one. 7y
60 likes5 stack adds2 comments
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Soubhiville
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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The 24in48 readathon boosted pages read by quite a lot this month. Not to mention giving me the whole weekend to read 📚💙

LibrarianRyan Fried green tomatoes. Loved that book. 7y
Soubhiville @LibrarianRyan I know I saw the movie long ago, but I really don't remember it being very much like the book! I need to rewatch it. But I did enjoy the book very much, especially the ending. 7y
LibrarianRyan @Soubhiville it's only about 50% to the book. The movie left out the sexual relationship between the two. 7y
Soubhiville @LibrarianRyan I thought so, that's too bad. The times I guess. You know, maybe it'll get remade, every other movie under the sun is getting remade !🙄 7y
63 likes4 comments
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A_Biblioteca_da_Joao
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Um livro doce, uma história bonita. Uma prova que as aparências enganam.

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Happiestwhenreading
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

Fans of A Man Called Ove will love this one! The only difference is the quirky, eccentric, totally lovable character is not an old man, but a nine-year-old named Frank. He steals the show - and your heart - as he peppers ever conversation with little known facts. He dresses peculiarly, which totally adds to his charm. Alice, the assistant sent to help with Frank while Frank's mother writes a novel, is also very charming and endearing.

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webhau1
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson

http://cinlib.org/2oAdA25 loved this audio book the narrator was really good, I am not surprised it is on this list that my library forwarded.

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LizKay
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

I inhaled this book. Inhaled it. It's just wonderful. And next week I'll get to see the author at #VaBook2017! I cannot wait!

tpixie Awesomeness! 8y
54 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Luv2readbookz
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

If you need a delightful, light read, this is your book. Frank is quite a character. You don't know if you want to hug him or strangle him. 🎩 #audiobook #recommendsday

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Swissmisstwiss
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

Just finished listening to this treasure. I loved it!

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LitHousewife
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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This #Audies2017 category really excited me. I've already listened to Be Frank With Me and The Little Red Chairs. The rest are really interesting to me - and it doesn't hurt that Another Brooklyn and The Underground Railroad are in both categories I want to judge for Armchair Audies.

www.armchairaudies.com

Penny_LiteraryHoarders Seriously awesome finalists for this category this year!! 8y
jessdean I really enjoyed the narration for Be Frank with Me. But have listened to any of the others. 8y
BethFishReads When I reviewed BE FRANK WITH ME for AudioFile I told them this was going to be an award winner. I stand by that prediction. 😊😊😊 8y
See All 10 Comments
LitHousewife @BethFishReads You are spot on there! I loved that audiobook, too. 8y
LitHousewife @jessdean Be Frank With Me is going to be hard to beat. 8y
LitHousewife @Penny_LiteraryHoarders I know! I'm so looking forward to judging this category!! 8y
BethFishReads I gave Underground Railroad high marks too, though 8y
DebinHawaii I didn't listen to Be Frank With Me (although sounds like I should) but both The Underground Railroad and Another Brooklyn were brilliant! 👍👍 8y
LitHousewife @BethFishReads @DebinHawaii I read Another Brooklyn in print and loved it. The audio is going to be great. I'm glad to hear that The Underground Railroad is good, too. 8y
BethFishReads I read Brooklyn in print too but may do a reread. It's short. 😊 @DebinHawaii 8y
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