Bill Warrington's last chance : a novel

by James King

Paper Book, 2010

Status

Available

Call number

813/.6

Publication

New York : Viking, 2010.

Description

This insightful novel follows Bill Warrington, an elderly Korean War veteran and widower, on his quest to reconcile with his three grown children before he succumbs to Alzheimer's. When his fifteen-year-old granddaughter, April, runs away from home, Bill obliges her wish to drive from Ohio to San Francisco, where she hopes to become a rock singer. As the unlikely pair head west, he leaves clues intended to force April's mother and uncles to overcome their grievances and mutual distrust and work together to find them. A rich multigenerational saga, Bill Warrington's Last Chance soars with humor, compassion, and unflinching insight into the pain and joy of all family life, while the promise of a new generation shines bright against the ravages of aging in a man who does not go gently...anywhere.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member shazjhb
Some parts excellent. The author described dementia very well.
LibraryThing member fiadhiglas
I'm amazed and awed (and humbled) that this is a first novel. The characters are real people, dealing with painful situations. They grow, and relearn to love each other. We should all be so lucky.

My hometown, Naperville, makes a cameo appearance.

I loved this book.
LibraryThing member scgervais
English - proper - that says it all!
LibraryThing member 2LZ
The premise of Bill Warrington's Last Chance held such promise, but for this reader, it didn't deliver. An engaging idea of an elderly grandfather, suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's Disease, who "kidnaps" his 15 year old granddaughter with the hope of reuniting his estranged family fell flat.
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The characters were simply not likable and I didn't like them any better at the end of the book than I did at the beginning. It is a quick read, but not memorable.
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LibraryThing member SoulFlower1981
This was a very powerful book about family relationships. Each character is flawed in their own unique manner that showcases their unique individuality. Also you get a real sense at the same time that the characters are indeed from the same family and that they each responded to their childhood in
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a different manner. This brought a truth to the story that is lacking in a lot of fiction these days. King was able to mix into this story a true sense of the human experience as well.

The book focuses primarily on the relationship between April and Bill, granddaughter and grandfather, and their adventure no the road, but it is so much more than this. It is a story of growing up, growing old, and learning to love each member of your family.

This book is an emotional read throughout. There are times where you want to strangle characters for being so idiotic or just being evil, but then later on you understand why they feel the way they do. You embrace the characters even though they are flawed. This makes for a great read to feel connected so much to the characters.

I will state there are moments where you want to put the book down for a bit because the moments are so vivid and real. If you have had any real experiences with your own family King's book will bring them back to your mind. This is not a book you will finish in one setting because of this, but it is a book you definitely need to complete. You will appreciate life in a different manner after doing so.
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Awards

Ohioana Book Award (Finalist — Fiction — 2011)

Language

Physical description

304 p.; 24 inches

ISBN

067002161X / 9780670021611
Page: 0.4064 seconds