The Longest Trip Home: A Memoir
by John Grogan
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Book Reviews of The Longest Trip Home: A Memoir
Book Review: Honor thy father and thy mother and thy religion??
Summary: 4 Stars
John Grogan really opens up and tells it all. He is a great author. While reading this book, I felt like I was John Grogan. A major part of this book is about John's parents and his Catholic upbringing. I am not a Catholic but I was raised by strict religious parents as well and this book recaps what growing up in a strict religious environment is like. Just because your parents are Catholic does not mean that you will be. John was just a typical boy growing up and he did try to obey and respect his parents but life took its turns. His parents were not especially happy with John as a young adult. I think John always felt guilt over the fact that he let his parents down but in reality, he did not. His parents were very hurt when John lived with his girlfriend and periods as such. John is a very decent human being and I think the reason he is so successful is because he is a good person. Good things happen to good people. He mentions his dog Marley briefly. John did make amends with his parents but it was a long road to get there. I think John so badly wanted a good relationship with his parents but just couldn't get it together. They are who they are and when John finally accepted that and his parents accepted who he was, they became a family again. I am not so sure that John's wife did but she always supported John and was very understanding with the way he handled his family affairs. I think John is happier as an adult than a child and I think his Dad was very proud of John by the time he died.Book Review: Excellent book in its own right, but being a cradle Catholic myself
Summary: 5 Stars
it was outstanding. It went from laugh out loud funny, to sobbing uncontrollably. I grew up about the same time John did, was raised Catholic Irish, and abandoned the church at about the same age John did. John poked a little fun at his Catholic upbringing, but never crossed that line to irreverence or disrrespect. There are parts of this book that difinitely hit home (counting the Virgin Mary statues in the house)and the non Catholic may not find quite as entertaining, because they will probably think they are fabricated- they aren't!!! I love the part where John and Jenny stay in their parent's bedroom as newlyweds- with the crucifix, the Virgin Mary's and the rosary all staring at them.
I was a hippy, always in trouble, and was the first rebel in my family to quit Catholic school after sixth grade and attend public school. But will wonders never cease- after 30+ years of not stepping inside a church except for an occasional wedding or funeral I started attending Catholic Masses on a regular basis about 3 years ago. I thank God that I had a good foundation, and when I was ready to go back to church I knew where to go. I look back and am so appreciative that my family gave me the start that they did. This is a heartwarming book that I will definitely recommend- especially to my Catholic family and friends
Book Review: a wonderful book!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the most rewarding books I've read in years! At times both poignant and funny, its the account of one man's journey from boyhood to middle age. At times I was laughing out loud, others touched me as he made the emotions he feels almost palpable. Some autobiographies are interesting because they reveal to us a life in an area in which we may have little personal knowledge; think of books by astronauts, doctors, successful businesspeople, etc. Others are accounts of their lives by famous people. Grogan's book strikes a more universal chord. And we are fortunate that Grogan is a skilled writer, his craft honed by years of newspaper work. The book I'd say this compares most closely with is another one of my favorites, "Be True to Your School" by Bob Greene, coincidentally (or not) a newspaper reporter that wrote his book about just his high school years. Both Greene and Grogan capture the thoughts and feeling of childhood, although Grogan's book extends much farther down his life path. I only hope he is working on another book!Book Review: Honesty, laughter and tears
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an extremely delightful book--Grogan writes about his childhood and deeply religious upbringing in true ornery schoolboy style, varnishing nothing. To say he was a handful would be a gross understatement-- he certainly lived an exuberant childhood, the tales from which are PG13 to NR17 in nature but funny as all get out. There are also tough issues being discussed here--becoming okay with being a person other than the one your parents wanted you to be, and, eventually dealing with aging parents illnesses and death. The last few chapters, which deal with the death of his father, are full of a painful honesty that will cement me as a fan of this writer for life--I was in his shoes
and can tell you that he held nothing back and puts you in a moment you hope to never face but that has a beauty and purity to it that enriches your life in numorous ways. I truly cannot recommend this book enough, the laughter AND the tears.
Book Review: NOT A VINE REVIEW
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Longest Trip" by John Grogan is a love story. Not one about a man and a woman --although there is that-- but rather a love story about a family. It touches upon many of the trials and tribulations that come with modern families. The growing apart, the maturing, the constant arrival of events like children or grandchildren that bring new perspectives. It ends with a changing of the guard as the once reigning caregivers find themselves cared for. And the thread of love and respect, which sometimes seemed dead and buried, is clearly visible, having been there all the time.
For those of us over 40, it could very well be the story of "Every Family".
I found the ending deeply moving. For days my thoughts were haunted and I found myself returning to this family's journey.
Slow to start. Excellent Read. Be sure to have a box of tissues handy.
Pam T~