Latest 5 Reviews Here is what people are saying about the Love Warps the Mind a Little: A Novel
"Note: FEMALES love this book too!"
2008-09-21
- Reviewed By User: A3T6J9ABEPUOY2
The characters in this book were unforgettable.
John Dufresne has the ability to pack a lot of emotion into a few words.
The Chapter titles were very clever - and sometimes made the pages turn even faster.
While I never felt a connectness with any of his characters (and no, I did not see Judi as a wonderful, compassionate person) I kept reading as I wanted to see what the main character, Laf, would do next.
As a woman - it was very educational to read how he felt about his ex-wife Martha, he loved her, but did not want to be married to her.
The other characters were extremely memorable and entertaining! They had depth. I really began anticipating the second storyline.
My all time favorite however occurs around page 270 where Dufresne through Laf questions why Life can't work backwords: we are born old with infirmities, have them lessen with the decades, love our years of employment, get to the point of wanting education, go thru childhood and then have nine months of rest and rejuvination before we to to the next adventure.
The reviewer who compares Dufresne to Irving was spot on. Both authors have the ability to take material/situations out of every day live and illuminate them into much more.
Can't wait to read more written by Dufresne!
"This is a 10 billion star book!!!"
2005-06-07
- Reviewed By User: A3RI65N34WZFWT
Never in my life have I read a book that is so utterly thought provoking. I fell in love with this book one summer day and it has been a long term love affair. Every heartache brings me to this book. Want to know how to survive a broken heart? Read Dufresne. Want to know that your grief, while painful, is not unique? Read Dufresne.
When my grandfather passed away, after the hours of tear stained pillowcases, this book was the first thing I reached for. It's a warm blanket on a cold evening. I can not praise Mr. Dufresne enough for his amazing talent. I have never been disappointed in anything of his I have read.
"The Best Book I Have Ever Read"
2003-04-18
- Reviewed By User: A2UCXXQAMWKZO6
'Love Warps The Mind A Little' is my all time favorite book. I read about 50 books a year, and first read this one a few years ago, but haven't found one to match it yet. Makes you laugh, makes you cry, kiss your old favorite author good-bye!
"Read This Book--Now!!"
2002-03-26
- Reviewed By User: A98EV0FUQJF29
Am not sure what possessed me to buy this book--I had never heard of the author and didn't know anyone else who had read it. What a pleasant surprise! I fell in love almost instantly with the narrator and his faithful Irish setter, Spot. The description and details of chemotherapy are pretty graphic, but it addresses this topic--and death itself--without being morbid or melodramatic. It moves along with a wonderful cadence. It's funny and sad in equal measure--get ready to laugh while you're crying!
If you're looking for a book to lift your spirits and set your heart soaring, "Love Warps the Mind A Little" is not the book you're looking for. Dufresne's novel tells the story of Laf Proulx, a man who has quit his regular job (he is an aspiring writer) and left his wife (or more accurately been thrown out for his indescretions with another woman). More accurately, perhaps, this novel tells the moving story of the other woman -- Judi Dubey. Not long after Laf moves in with Judi, she discovers she has Term IV cancer and the majority of the novel deals with the wrenching, painful reality of her disease and poignently describes how she (and to a lesser extent those around her) deals with the disease. This is a powerful novel with some lightness early on as Laf tries to figure out what to do with his life and whether or not he loves Judi or the wife he left (the only sure thing is his love for his dog Spot). Once Judi's cancer is diagnosed the novel moves quickly and despondently toward its conclusion. Judi's suffering through chemotherapy and desire to live are documented in such a way that the reader actually feels involved (albeit miserable) with the characters in this story (most of whom are fairly quirky). There's some talk of life after death, reincarnation (Judi believes she's led several lives), hope for an afterlife and salvation, but the narrator (Laf is apparently an agnostic) offers little encouragement for these ideas thus adding to the weight of dread ensconcing the reader as this book lunges toward its end. Overall, this is more a well told story of a woman's bout with cancer and those who surround her than a story about love and its trials. It's not uplifting, but it is thought provoking and poignent. Recommended.
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"This Book is NOT Full of Joy"