darbter's review against another edition
3.0
Read this because my father recommended it to me & generally speaking, we enjoy a lot of the same books - across a wide genre of them! However, this was just not my cup of tea. I think I was expecting the storyline to build & crescendo at a quicker pace, so I set myself up to not appreciate this book as much as I could have.
pamelas's review against another edition
3.0
This came very close to being really good, but it fell just short of that for me. The plot seemed unnecessarily complex, there were some odd coincidences within it, and also odd random characters that didn’t really seem to serve a purpose. For the record, I am not talking about the Preacher or some of the area’s residents. They added color, gave the setting it’s sense of place.
But on the good side, the writing is solid and enjoyable. I liked the main character, which is what kept me reading. A tighter plot line and more action happening onscreen rather than off, and this would have gotten more stars from me,
But on the good side, the writing is solid and enjoyable. I liked the main character, which is what kept me reading. A tighter plot line and more action happening onscreen rather than off, and this would have gotten more stars from me,
punkrockingnerd's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mm11's review
medium-paced
3.5
Quick read with interesting voice. Sounds like a Julius Pepperwood book. The love plot wasn’t developed enough and I didn’t care for the ending but otherwise good read.
ctrl_shift_dlt's review
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
sarahsbookshelves's review against another edition
2.0
[2.5 stars]
The Never Open Desert Diner begins quietly, with a strong sense of place and a eerie, Twilight Zone-type feeling…all of which held promise for me. I enjoyed the concept of a creepy diner in the middle of nowhere that, while perfectly maintained, is never open to the public. And, lovable curmudgeon Walt Butterfield (the diner’s owner) and “down on his luck, but trying to do the right thing” Ben Jones were both characters I could get on board with. BUT…
At the 20% mark, I had no idea where the book was headed and was kind of excited about that prospect. But annoyance set in when I felt the same way at the halfway point. I needed some sort of bone to keep me going because the writing itself, while fine, wasn’t carrying the book alone. When the action finally did pick up, it was completely ridiculous and eye-roll inducing. I really wish I could tell you the two lynchpins to the ending without spoiling the book because you might snort with laughter.
Visit www.sarahsbookshelves.com for more reviews.
The Never Open Desert Diner begins quietly, with a strong sense of place and a eerie, Twilight Zone-type feeling…all of which held promise for me. I enjoyed the concept of a creepy diner in the middle of nowhere that, while perfectly maintained, is never open to the public. And, lovable curmudgeon Walt Butterfield (the diner’s owner) and “down on his luck, but trying to do the right thing” Ben Jones were both characters I could get on board with. BUT…
At the 20% mark, I had no idea where the book was headed and was kind of excited about that prospect. But annoyance set in when I felt the same way at the halfway point. I needed some sort of bone to keep me going because the writing itself, while fine, wasn’t carrying the book alone. When the action finally did pick up, it was completely ridiculous and eye-roll inducing. I really wish I could tell you the two lynchpins to the ending without spoiling the book because you might snort with laughter.
Visit www.sarahsbookshelves.com for more reviews.
jenndian's review against another edition
5.0
Great, wonderful read! Captivating story with incredible,characters! The author uses language beautifully! The descriptions are poetic! Loved this story about a trucker named Ben Jones and the colorful customers along 117.
shelf_love's review against another edition
3.0
James Anderson is an excellent storyteller. This book though I do not think was marketed correctly. It is literary fiction that is character driven. There is a mystery but that is not even slightly the main point of this story.
I was given a free copy of Lullaby Road and it kept hinting at this even that happened. I was so utterly confused I dived in and read tons of reviews on James Anderson and that is how I found The Never-Open Desert Diner. Originally these two were not hooked up as a series or companion novels and I think that its very good that they are now. Now that I officially know what happened, have a lot of the character building under my belt. I think I will enjoy Lullaby Road so much more.
You have to be in the mood for this book. Do your research and settle in to a quite, uninterrupted time to enjoy this!
I was given a free copy of Lullaby Road and it kept hinting at this even that happened. I was so utterly confused I dived in and read tons of reviews on James Anderson and that is how I found The Never-Open Desert Diner. Originally these two were not hooked up as a series or companion novels and I think that its very good that they are now. Now that I officially know what happened, have a lot of the character building under my belt. I think I will enjoy Lullaby Road so much more.
You have to be in the mood for this book. Do your research and settle in to a quite, uninterrupted time to enjoy this!