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mm11's review against another edition
3.5
ctrl_shift_dlt's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Grief, and Pregnancy
sarahsbookshelves's review
2.0
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
5.0
missjackieoh's review
5.0
I am totally and unashamedly in love with this novel. It has been 6 minutes since I finished the book and I STILL have goosebumps, a broken heart, and dried tear tracks.
The story was incredibly intriguing and slow burning. It took a while to really come to the point of the mystery, but that was okay because I was absolutely invested in Ben Jones and his cast of odd customers along the 117 highway. The romance was slightly insta-love but tender and beautiful. The whole mystery was just a bit anticlimactic but that was okay as well, because the story wasn’t about the mystery; it was about Ben and Claire, but mostly Ben and his ragtag of Utah ‘neighbors’ living off the grid.
This is going to down as a classic in my book. I am enamored completely; in fact I kind of want to read it again!
Oh and Whelper is a piece of shit! I needed to get that out!
I would like to thank Blogging For Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Happy Reading
Jackie
wordylocks's review
5.0
Deserts. Places of heat and light. Of magic and mystery. Of the will to live. In The Never-Open Desert Diner, James Anderson brings the desert to life like never before.
Ben Jones is a trucker who operates on Route 117, an isolated road somewhere in the remote recesses of the Utah desert, delivering what the few residents of the desert need. Ben has a soft corner for these tough people. One of these people is the grumpy Walt, owner of a once (relatively) popular diner with a tragic past, now closed down and nick named “the never-open desert diner”. Deep in debt, he may soon lose this life he has grown to love so much. Until, on one of his runs he runs across a mysterious woman named Claire, who is hiding in the desert from someone or something. Intrigued by this woman, Ben attempts to get to know her better, sparking a chain of events that changes his life.
On reading the description for the book, I didn’t think I would enjoy it much. However, the book turned out to be different from what I thought it would be. Where I expected a typical action-oriented thriller, I found a fresh, lyrical narrative.
This is not to say that there is no “action’. Just that instead of blazing guns and crazy car chases across the desert landscape (which I wouldn’t have liked) I got action on a human, psychological level. It is the people and their relationships with each other and the desert that makes the fabric of this novel. This is probably not the book to pick up if one wants a fast-paced thriller, but is perfect for someone looking for a slower but dramatic book.
There is a beautiful earthiness to Anderson’s writing. It manages to be poetic without being flowery, rich while remaining simple. I could feel the burning sun on my skin, see the wondrous sunset in the desert and taste the butter brickle ice-cream that his characters seem to prefer. So vivid and detailed are Anderson’s descriptions.
The highlight of the book is the experience of the desert. Anderson manages to create a sense of calm, an almost meditative atmosphere of the desert.In describing life and survival in this harsh place, he finds the kindness in the cruelty of its landscape.
The characters are memorable and well-rounded, each with a back story that elicits the reader’s empathy. I got the feeling that I know these people and would recognize them if I met them.
Like the desert itself, the beauty of The Never-Open Desert Diner is a new and wonderful thing, best experienced first hand. For those who can appreciate the abundance of light in the desert, this is an excellent read.
FTC disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books for this honest review.
Author Bio: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/597/james-anderson/
themoodyambr's review
3.0
nkmeyers's review
4.0
rezelazny's review
4.0
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mechee91's review against another edition
4.0
I wouldn’t really consider this a mystery novel, so much as I would call it a humanity piece. I really felt like the characters were whole, each with a backstory that understandably brought them out to that stretch of desert. I would recommend this to people looking for something a little different but very well written. You might not like the ending but like life, some stories end in unexpected ways. With a diverse cast of characters, and a worthwhile 295 pages, The Never-Open Desert Diner, is luckily getting a second push from Crowne Publishing and I have to thank Blogging For Books for getting this one out to me to review.