The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane Kindle Edition

This is just the sweetest book. I immediately fell in love with Maybelle: she is curious, talented, and hopeful, and also anxious, compulsive and judgmental. I felt myself rooting for her from the beginning, even though her adventure seemed intellectually ill-fated, because it was so emotionally compelling. She is a character you just want to win.Momma, Tommy, and Alice (Mrs Boggs) are just as lovely, and just as flawed. Kate has a unique talent for making characters realistic in their lovability and their vulnerability. Whether it’s Alice being completely selfless and determined, but also irritable and exhausted, or Tommy’s passion and genius balanced with exhausting energy, Kate is able to make her characters lovingly, realistically...human. This is no hallmark movie — the problems are real and evident, which makes the positives even sweeter.Kate touched on many tough topics without being pedantic. As in life, mentions of race, bisexual relationships, and poverty were real, and treated with respect, but not central to the story or a character. They just were part of real life, not separate topics to be explored.Kate took me on a journey of the heart, head and spirit. I already can’t wait to read her next novel.

The mom in the book is bisexual. I would have appreciated information about that prior to my third grader reading this book.

A tender and engaging story for fans of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. This book would make an excellent classroom read-aloud and is highly recommended for teacher and librarian purchase. Maybelle’s story of hip and family will delight everyone!

I absolutely LOVE this book. It is filled to the brim with soul, authenticity, wisdom and humor. For anyone who enjoys Kate Dicamillo-esque books, The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane is a beautiful book which skillfully weaves complex themes throughout including loneliness, loss, and disappointment (while never swaying too negative) while simultaneously delivering charm, humor and so much heart. You will likely cry but will ultimately leave feeling as if you’ve made new friends, fulfilled and inspired by its warmth, uplifting message, and wonderful characters.

I cried when I finished Maybelle because I just wanted it to go on and on forever. The way that O'Shaughnessy makes you feel and hear what Maybelle is experiencing throughout her journey pulls you into the story in a magical way. If you're looking for a book for a child (or an adult -- I read this as a woman in her 30s and loved it) that shines with themes of friendship, family, and finding your true self, this is the book for you. I applaud O'Shaughnessy for her powerful debut novel and can't wait to see what she writes next!

This book is BEAUTIFUL. The voice is so strong and heart-wrenching, and I don't think I've ever read another book that has as strong of a want as maybelle has. It made me laugh, cry, and want to collect sounds. So, so, so gorgeous I am in love

I had so much fun reading this! Great characters, beautiful writing. Such a fun adventure to follow along

This book was my favorite of the last year. Charming, sweet, full of heart and adventure. Reading it made me feel like a kid again, in all the best ways. I was left with a book hangover, wishing I could forget the whole book just so I could read it again. I cannot wait to see what else Kate has in store for us.