Cover Image: Redhead by the Side of the Road

Redhead by the Side of the Road

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I always enjoy books like this, just following a regular person through their day-o-day life and yet diving so deep into their personal matters. Relatable, for sure. And bonus points for being set in my current city of Baltimore so I recognized many of the streets, neighborhoods, and restaurants mentioned along the way!

Was this review helpful?

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a nice enough story with characters I liked. But there didn’t seem to be a real point to the story. Everything flowed well and the author painted a vivid picture. But, when I got to the end I just felt like I expected.more.

Was this review helpful?

Micah doesn't like change. In fact, his routine is very important to him. His breakfast, his run, his business, his female friend (he's too old for a "girlfriend") all run very smoothly and with very little variance. He likes to know what to expect.

So when he suddenly meets a young man who claims to be his son at the same time as his female friend needs a new place to live, he finds his life to be in a bit of turmoil.

It's a sweet look at how our perceptions can differ, It's a quick read, the characters are likable, but it won't really challenge your thinking in any way.

Was this review helpful?

Another novel set in Baltimore. It's a fun, light book with typically quirky Anne Tyler characters. Nothing heavy, but well-written and a good read.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely beautiful title. Tyler at her best. This title did not disappoint and I will share the thrill and recognition of how the title came to be. The characters were engaging and relatable. A wonderful read.

Was this review helpful?

Somehow this was the first book I've read of Tyler's, despite the fact that I live in Baltimore (don't worry, I'll remedy that!). I enjoyed this one, but I think I'd prefer one of her older ones, just based on what I've heard. I'm a little tired of the quirky, curmudgeon characters, so that made me slightly more irritated than I probably would have been if that trope hadn't been overplayed for me. Otherwise I found her writing to be beautiful, her character development was perfect, and the pacing had me eager to keep reading.

Was this review helpful?

A very slow moving title that seems to be for an older generation of readers. It never gripped me and I was surprised I made it through the entire novel. A very hi hum book

Was this review helpful?

Anne Tyler has once again has created a cast of characters who slowly develop and leave you rooting for their success and happiness. A quiet novel of Micah, a computer repairman, as he moves through his daily routines until a stranger shows up believing he is his son and sets him on a course of self reflection and change.

Was this review helpful?

Anne Tyler returns with a cozy character study. As always, she weaves the narrative around lost souls and brings them together is a satisfying way.

Was this review helpful?

I liked this book for its simplicity. It was an easy read and the characters were likable and well developed. The story kept pace well and the ending was satisfying. I will definitely recommend at my library!

Was this review helpful?

Anne Tyler is always a favorite and Redhead by the Side of the Road does not disappoint. Tyler's trademark loner yet lovable character will win you over. Highly recommend!

Was this review helpful?

I really liked Ann Tyler’s new novel/novella :Redhead by the side of the Road. One of the things I like about her most is her utter lack of judgement. Her characters make mistakes, learn from them or not, but they are never castigated for their lack of awareness or downright foolishness - if judgement is made, it is by the reader.

She packs a lot into quite a slender volume. We follow Micah’s realization that his life has become too small and inward-looking, partly through the introduction of a distressed young man, the reconnection with a former girlfriend and the potential loss of the one person able to bring him out of himself. All done with that light, sure touch of an experienced writer. A delightful read that I heartily recommend.

With thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Micah, an underachiever and emotionally distant man, learns something about himself from a stranger. I love his epiphany at the ending.

Was this review helpful?

My Booklist review of the audio version is here: https://www.booklistonline.com/Redhead-by-the-Side-of-the-Road-/pid=9733686

The review is cross-posted to my Smithsonian BookDragon blog here: http://smithsonianapa.org/bookdragon/redhead-by-the-side-of-the-road-by-anne-tyler-in-booklist/

Was this review helpful?

Redhead by the Side of the Road is a charming quick read about a middle age loner named Micah who is set in his ways and trying to come to terms with his role in his failed relationships. Out of the blue, the runaway son of a former lover turns up at Micah's apartment, sure Micah is the father his mother never talks about. Micah is a sympathetic character, instantly likable despite his quirks. There are no great plot twists in this book, just a gentle story of ordinary life that is somehow captivating.

Was this review helpful?

Having read other Anne Tyler and living in Baltimore for over 30 years, I am drawn to her books. However, I found this book a bit boring and lacking in her usual style. It appears to be everywhere and it was hard to follow the story.

Was this review helpful?

Micah is so predictable, he leaves little room for mystery or surprise in his life. He does have a "lady friend," Cass, but he is in his forties and the term "girlfriend" seems inappropriate in middle-age. Then things begin to change. A college-aged son of an old friend shows up hoping for a new father. Cass is unhappy with his empathy and social skills and thinks it might be time to break up. His family makes fun of him because they are messy, unpredictable, and happy. Micah is forced to examine his life and choices. As he does, readers get to know him well. Given his past hurts, are relationships worth the trouble? Is life as he knows it so bad? ]s he too old to change? Readers will root for Micah in this well-written novel. Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

As the mother of a young adult on the Autism Spectrum I found this book to be quite accurate, while remaining lighthearted..Micah, the main character, is quite likely on the spectrum. While his peculiarities are amusing at times, you can't help but like him and wish him well. This book would be a great suggestion for those who enjoyed The Rosie Project.

Was this review helpful?

Read this book during pandemic quarantine & it was the perfect look for the times. A terrific character study about ordinary people yet so fascinating & well developed. This novella had characters you couldn't help root for & hope things turned out OK. A gem.

Was this review helpful?

I have read all of Anne Tyler’s novels. I didn’t set out to do that, but I learned quickly that I would fall in love with her rich characters. I was surprised to see that she had a new book published in April and am so thankful to NetGalley and Knopf for letting me read it past the pub date.

My book club met by Zoom this week and they were excited when I told them about this new book. One of our group said that she had re-read all of her books last summer. I was reminded of Accidental Tourist when I finished this book. They’re not all quippy and light. Amateur Marriage was bruising. I feel the need to make it clear that I am a fan and probably not an objective reviewer.

I loved this book and I wanted to bonk Mitch on the top of his knucklehead. He had created the shell of a life, protected by undeviating routine and his ability to be self employed. Every morning his routine was, well, routine - in order. One of the unique things about Tyler’s characters is that some of them don’t develop. We learn about character development in our writing classes, but in the real world, some people just don’t learn and grow. Especially in her earlier books, I’d want to shake the protagonist and say, wake up! This is your life and you need to live it!! So here I was, all attached to Mitch, hoping he wouldn’t be one of them. Maybe he is, maybe he isn’t. I’m not going to spoil it for you.

I adore the “why” behind the book title. I ran before work for years until I retired, my partner Pam and me. We both ran without our glasses because our eyes would run and tears pool. We saw the most amazing apparitions along our course. And yeah, I’m sure there was a redhead or two along the way.

Was this review helpful?