- Paperback: 336 pages
- Publisher: Ballantine; Reissue edition (Aug 1996)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0345410173
- ISBN-13: 978-0345410177
- Product Dimensions: 13.9 x 1.8 x 21 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,711,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Twelve-year old Brendan tells the story, set in 1944-45, that begins with his parents' decision to buy a run-down grocery store in a tiny Minnesota town. What they discover about small town idealism, bigotry, and good old American values will change them and the town forever....
"A writer good enough to restore your faith in fiction."
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
From the Paperback edition.
"A writer good enough to restore your faith in fiction."
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
From the Paperback edition.
From the Author
An account of the writing of GRAND OPENING
This novel, more or less the story of my boyhoodin Plainview Minnnesota, grew out of an exercise I carried out in 1978-79, whereby I spent several months writing down boyhood memories at random.
This novel, more or less the story of my boyhoodin Plainview Minnnesota, grew out of an exercise I carried out in 1978-79, whereby I spent several months writing down boyhood memories at random.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
AS THEY FOLLOWED THE Mississippi out of the Twin Cities on U.S. 61, Brendan wondered why his parents and his grandfather seemed not to share his dread. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
AS THEY FOLLOWED THE Mississippi out of the Twin Cities on U.S. 61, Brendan wondered why his parents and his grandfather seemed not to share his dread. Read the first page
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Concordance
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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback
Having recently discovered Mr. Hassler, I am happily making my way through all his works. This book has been my least favorite of the four I have read, but it is very enjoyable and well-written. I just didn't warm to some of the characters as much as in Mr. Hassler's other novels. But all the characters are well-drawn, the story never gets boring, and the ending was certainly a suprise. I like the way he writes and think he deserves to be much more widely known.
Format:Paperback
This book is a wonderful bit of Hassler storytelling. If you like a book that envelopes you in the characters and their lives to the point where you hate to leave, then you will enjoy this Hassler. A heart-wrenching, middle of America, nostalgic book with a wonderful, cohesive story. It has been two years since I read it, and I still think of the characters from time to time. My favorite Hassler (second only to STAGGERFORD)
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
16 reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
A Keeper
21 Aug 2002
Format:Paperback
I seldom keep any of the many books I read, but this one is an exception. I first read this book at least 15 years ago and I still pull it out once in a while to reread. It is one of those stories that remain timeless in capturing small town America and the characters that make these small towns interesting. The story is told through the eyes of 12 year old Brendan, moving to a new town when his mom and dad took over a defunct grocery store. As Brendan and his family struggle to adjust, they meet people along the way that will change their lives. The writing is rich and draws you in to each character. I'm very surprised this hasn't been made into a movie, done right it would be a great one.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Why Don't More People Read This Book?
26 Jan 2000
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Jon Hassler is amazing, and I am amazed more people don't know about him. He has carved out a slice of Minnesota and made it his own as sure as John Cheever owned the New York suburbs and Faulkner staked out rural Mississippi. "Grand Opening" is a most satisfying book, a poignant coming-of-age about a 12-year-old and his family's attempt to make a go of a ramshackle grocery store during the waning days of World War II. Hassler's writing style is graceful, yet economical; his insights into small town life are dead-on. Without giving the plot away, there is more to this Lutheran "Mayberry" than meets the eye! Try it; you won't go away disappointed.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Beautiful
19 April 2000
Format:Paperback
I own many books by John Hassler, and cherish them all. This is my favorite (except The Love Hunter).
The story is dark: about that child whom we've all met. Unruly, boistrous, unwanted, but terribly lovable. It is about the goodhearted family who takes in that child, and the disasters that occur thereafter. It is a tale of hope, love, redemption. It is a tale that makes one examine, oh so gently, ones responsibility to their bethren.
Like all of Mr Hasslers work, this is not a book which demands, threatens, accuses, or grabs you by the neck and throttles you. It is gentle and subtle and sweet. And in it's darkest moments, warm rays of light shine and you are left hopeful, albeit thoughtful. Read them all. Then read them again.
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