Early Morning Unknown Binding

A friend recommended this book for its quirky story and characters--in fact, it is a delightfully absorbing and very Anne Tyler-esque story style. People in Heiny’s story are stubbornly themselves, at times to a fault, and at other times to correct that fault. Even if guilt was a motivating impulse for a life-changing choice, more poignant is what nestles underneath the guilt--the heart. Everyone in Heiny’s story evolves, even secondary characters.If you’ve ever experienced or known an extended family or modern family household, here you are. The author’s droll wit and dusky drama keep us tilted--and Jane and Duncan rival the best of comedically paired romantic partners. Reckless fools for love.Jane has a little bit of Annie Hall in her, with her love of thrift store furniture and clothing, and Duncan possesses the irresistible Burt Reynolds love-‘em-and-leave-‘em charm, but he will gladly go fix anyone’s fence or sink like a gentleman handyman, and is only glad to do so. But, at his woodworking shop, he has pieces there for months overdue to his inaction and totally laid-back lifestyle. Allergic to marriage, too. A rake, a lover, and a unicorn.There are a couple of characters on the spectrum, like Jimmy, who is likely IDD, but is easy to please, genuine, and lovable. He works at Duncan’s shop—Duncan keeps him employed--and lives with his mother. Duncan’s ex-wife, Aggie, is annoying and intrusive (but means well most of the time), Aggie, who still maintains contact and cooks like James Beardsley or Julia Child, has a flat affect and inattentive husband who Aggie mothers. Freida, Jane’s best friend, goes nowhere without her mandolin and is fierce about music, plays everywhere she goes.The novel stretches 17 years, but not like a saga or epic. Just a quiet story in Boyne City, Michigan. Ordinary people, until they mean something to you. Jane teaches second grade, and if I forget much of the novel in the future, I’ll always remember those rug rats, with all their little big personalities. A book for any season and every mood.“You gave it to him. You carved out a crucial little part of yourself, and you not only gave it to him, you begged him to take it…you were sure at that moment that you would always have an endless supply…because you were one of the lucky ones. So you gave it to him. You did it--you did--you stupid, reckless fool.”

In "Early Morning Riser," Katherine Heiny crafts a charming and insightful story about love, jealousy, and the complexities of relationships. Jane's infatuation with the charismatic Duncan quickly becomes complicated as she navigates the reality of dating someone with a vast romantic history in their small town. Heiny's witty prose and relatable characters bring to life the humorous yet often challenging dynamics of sharing a partner in a tightly knit community.As Jane grapples with her feelings of insecurity and the colorful cast of characters that surround Duncan, including his ex-wife and their eccentric neighbor, the narrative deepens with unexpected twists following a tragic accident. This event forces Jane to confront the nature of her happiness and what it means to find fulfillment amidst chaos. "Early Morning Riser" skillfully blends humor with poignant reflection, making it an engaging read that resonates with the intricacies of modern love and the bonds that tie us together, even in unconventional circumstances.

An odd book set in an odd place about an odd woman, her odd friends, her odd family, and all the odd things that happen to them. Not a total waste of time but IMO, not even remotely as good as all of the positive reviews and hype make it sound. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a mandolin in my life but after reading this, I know more than I ever wanted to know about them. And if I ever see an odd looking woman carrying one around I’m going to turn and run the other direction.

I’m not going to mince words here: I loved “Early Morning Riser” so much that when I finished I almost turned back to the first page and started over. I would have, too, if I didn’t have commitments to review other books right now.How do I love thee, Katherine Heiny, let me count the ways! Your writing is wonderfully evocative, so full of humanity, brilliantly witty, compelling, and IMMEDIATELY captivating because your characters are so perfect.Would it live up to “Standard Deviation” which I adore and have read multiple times? Well, I’m happy to report that I knew it would after just the first page. I DEVOURED it like I was starving and it was my favorite meal (Mexican Food), even though I wanted to savor it! (I’ll savor it when I read it again.)Heiny again creates characters that are quirky, funny, complex, deep, and totally unforgettable.This is the story of second-grade teacher, Jane, whom at the start has just moved to a small town in Michigan (where the author happens to live). What I love about Heiny’s stories is that just when you think it’s going one way, she zags instead of zigs and you are in an unexpected place – just like in real life! This happens with Jane and you will NOT be able to stop reading because you will be dying to know what will happen next!I recommend avoiding reading anything about the plot of this novel; just jump in with glee, as I did! All you need to know is that it’s full of great characters (Duncan! Jimmie! Jane’s mom! All the second graders!) and it presents Jane’s life and loves in a beautifully poignant, hopeful, and thoroughly satisfying way.Not every writer can truly capture children; Heiny does does does! What a pleasure.Note to Anne Tyler fans (as I am): Heiny’s characters are quirky and wonderfully flawed as Tyler’s are; the difference is that Heiny’s characters have sex [I write with a smile] there's a reason there is a bed on the cover.