What a fun read! I loved the bond between the 2 main characters and all the plot twists along the way!

Unique, unusual and captivating are the words that come to mind when I read a book by Colleen Oakley. I think I’ve read everything by this author and I am always fascinated by her storylines! This book is an exploration of a most unexpected friendship between 21 year old Tanner and 84 year old Louise (aka Patty) whose daughter insists she has a live in nanny. Louise is running from the law and although Tanner doesn’t exactly know why, she is willing to help. Both of them need a friend even though they weren’t really looking for one. It’s a delightful Thelma and Louise type story that grabs you from the start. Well done and I am a forever fan! #TheMostlyTrueStoryOfTanner&Louise #ColleenOakley #NetGalley

Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts. Tanner is in need of a friend. After having to drop out of college, she has become bitter and isolated. She moves into the home of an 84 year old woman, ostensibly to help her out. They help each other as they embark on a cross-country trip, though tanner isn’t quite sure why they’re doing it. You don’t have to have much in common to be friends - you just have to open your heart to the possibility.
Heartwarming and enjoyable reading.

I loved this book! This was my third Colleen Oakley and probably my favorite.

What I enjoyed:
- the unlikely friendship between Tanner and Louise
- the unexpected twists! (George being a woman, Louise actually stealing the diamond, Jules being Sal’s daughter)
- commentary on domestic violence against women
- mix of important topics (gender, aging, injury, etc.) with humor
- the writing

Overall I really enjoyed this! There were a few random plot points that took away from the story (the detectives backstory) and I didn’t buy into the romance between august and tanner, but overall I really enjoyed it.

4.5/5

I love this author! Such a fun, charming story. I love books that have multigenerational relationships. Lots of wit and heart.

There's so much to love about THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF TANNER & LOUISE: The unlikely pairing of the two protagonists, the relatable absurdity of the road trip gone wrong, the strong themes of women helping women, the triumph of friendship against the odds. I just adore Colleen Oakley and everything she writes. With deep appreciation to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this one early—what a treat!

This is the first book I've read by Colleen Oakley and I'm now a big fan! This has to be one of the most FUN books I've read! You think you're on a Thelma & Louise adventure - two women on an "escape" ride and a hunky male sidekick - but this turns out to be a beautiful ending...with a little twist. Fantastic book!!!

My first Oakley book, so I had no idea what to expect but thought the cover and title sounded fun so I figured “why not?” Oh goodness, this was such a delightful, heartwarming read! I can’t remember the last time a book made me laugh so hard. The characterizations of Tanner and Louise was incredibly well done and they are officially my favorite odd-ball duo. Tanner starts off the book as a huge brat, but learning about the reason she is acting this way, as well as how her character progresses was written in such a real, earnest way. Louise was a firecracker from start to finish and I really enjoyed reading her inner monologue and interactions with other characters. Aside from the fantastic titular characters, I also really enjoyed the pacing, the side characters, the humor, and the twists and turns of the plot. I’m a huge fan of mysteries and the one in here was a nice addition to the story, kept me guessing right until the very end. Overall, just an incredibly fun read that will have you smiling all the way though. Highly recommend!

I have only read two of Colleen Oakley's previous books but I loved both of them so much. I am always telling myself I need to read more of her books, so I'm so glad I got the chance to read <i>The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise</i> early.

Once I picked this one up, I had a very difficult time putting it down. The twists and turns are exciting and unexpected, and I loved the unlikely duo of Tanner and Louise. It is filled with so much charm and wit, accompanied by characters that will delight and surprise you at every turn. It really is such an utterly heartwarming story and I sincerely enjoyed every minute.

4 stars

I can’t explain how much I loved this book. It came full on with the nostalgia of the 80’s and 90’s pop culture. It’s quite a fun and refreshing novel to dig into.

I expect we will see more of these kinds of odd-couple pairings as the Me Generation ages into the truly geriatric. A buttoned up Zoomer who self-punishes for not reclaiming her space, an elderly widow whose on the run and tons of fun ... A likable pairing and a great escape.

I don’t have enough words to express how much I loved this book! What a fun reading with classic 90’s movie vibes: Thelma& Louise, Driving Miss Daisy, Midnight Run.

The characterization was perfect! The mysterious plot blended in laugh out loud text and interrogation transcripts between Louise’s kids and witty banters between Tanner and Louise! For so long I haven’t laughed so hard! If this book will be adapted into screenplay ( definitely should be) Helen Mirren is my candidate to play Louise!

Let’s take a look at the entertaining plot;

Tanner & Louise are the oldest pair: Tanner: dropped out college girl at the age 21, wearing dirty t-shirts, sweatpants, glued to the couch, playing video games all day.
Louise: eighty four, sharp witted, blunt, stick to 4 o’clock vodka happy hours, finishing her crossword puzzles.

Tanner is sulking, bottling up her anger and frustration after having a unfortunate accident which harms her leg, destroying her dreams to be soccer player and losing her full scholarship.

As an intervention, her parents kick her out of her childhood house, finding her a job and new home: she’s going to take care of Louise who also fractured her hip, needing someone to drive her to several places, running errands.

Tanner slowly adapts in her new life, barely sleeping at restless bed, listening disturbing ticking sound of grandpa clock, serving 4 o’clock vodkas, sniffing abrupt smell of her new landlord, ogling August who stops by to repair Louise’s car!

But she watches the breaking news. They released an aged photo of notorious jewelry thief who is running from the authorities nearly 4 decades ! Why this woman is carbon copy of Louise?

And why she appears in her room in the middle of the night to scream at her pack immediately! She also offers her to pay for driving her to California as the police sirens are blasting out outside!
Tanner has to make choice: she can live her uneventful, boring life: without any hope to go back to college and old life or she can break her rules, driving Louise to her destination, getting paid, living like outlaws for a few days. She can tell the authorities Louise kidnapped her is things got out of control!

Tanner decides to drive Miss Wilt without having any idea what kind of big double she gets herself into.

I adored those characters and this mind blowing, exciting, humorous and also heartfelt road trip story!

This is so far my favorite book of the author! I advise you just read it, read it and read it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

I loved this book! The relationship between and Tanner and Louise is sweet, heartfelt and real! This book would be great for a book club group or a book discussion. I highly recommend!

Tanner Quimby cannot be described as having an excess of ambition. She’s looking for a place to live and a job that won’t require her to actually get dressed in real clothes. She finds an opportunity to work as a live in carer for an elderly woman and figures she’s landed on her feet. Unfortunately, Louise did not land on her feet when she slipped on a rug, and now her daughter has insisted that she have a live-in babysitter. These two women soon become unlikely allies when they go on the run after a big jewelry heist. Forget Thelma and Louise,Tanner & Louise are the duo you’re going to root for