Anne Tyler’s The Accidental Tourist (1985) won the National Book Critics’ Circle Award (1985) and the Ambassador Book Award for Fiction (1986). I chose to read Anne Tyler because I’ve included a lot of award-winning books on my list this year. The author, who previously won a Pulitzer Prize in 1989 for her book Breathing Lessons, will take up space in my library with one or two more books. Anne Tyler is an exciting writer, and I can’t help mentioning that right away.
The subject of the book, however, may not be of interest to you unless you are divorced and have children. Unfortunately, you cannot enjoy much because you cannot empathise with ease. Moreover, it can be quite sad in some parts. Maybe that’s why I didn’t like it so much when I was reading it. Even though I was bored in most parts, when the book finished, I thought for a few minutes that it wasn’t bad at all. I guess one can fully understand a book after some time.
I’m beginning to think that maybe it’s not just how much you love someone. Maybe what matters is who you are when you’re with them.
Anne Tyler, The Accidental Tourist
The significant changes in life and the people’s reactions to these changes are exquisitely written. Sometimes what we do without thinking shows us how effective the decisions we make by immersing ourselves in the flow of life. But that complex structure of the human being is perhaps the only element that keeps us from most things. The book offers different perspectives as it focuses on the concepts of both happy and unhappy families.
In summary, The Accidental Tourist is one of those good books. If it didn’t win an award, it wouldn’t have caught my attention at all. So if you are hesitant to read it, there is also a film! Starring William Hurt, Kathleen Turner and Geena Davis. I’m definitely going to watch it. Enjoy!
About the book: The Accidental Tourist
In this irresistible novel, Anne Tyler explores the slippery alchemy of attracting opposites, and the struggle to rebuild one’s life after unspeakable tragedy. Travel writer Macon Leary hates travel, adventure, surprises, and anything outside of his routine. Immobilized by grief, Macon is becoming increasingly prickly and alone, anchored by his solitude and an unwillingness to compromise his creature comforts. Then he meets Muriel, an eccentric dog trainer too optimistic to let Macon disappear into himself.
Despite Macon’s best efforts to remain insulated, Muriel up-ends his solitary, systemized life, catapulting him into the center of a messy, beautiful love story he never imagined. A fresh and timeless tale of unexpected bliss, The Accidental Tourist showcases Tyler’s talents for making characters–and their relationships–feel both real and magical. Look for Clock Dance, the charming new novel from Anne Tyler, available now.
About the author: Anne Tyler
Anne Tyler is an American novelist, short story writer, and literary critic. She has published 22 novels, the best known of which are Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, The Accidental Tourist, and Breathing Lessons.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
