At the end of every month I like to look back to see what my favourite book of the previous month was. While it can be difficult to decide, January had a clear winner. Frank & Red is a beautiful story about a grumpy old man and an enthusiastic six year old with a trampoline. Not only was it my favourite book of January, but one of my new favourites of all time. Not only did it check the two measures I have for easily deciding if a book has made an impact on me, which are making me cry, and occupying my thoughts for a significant time after finishing it, but it had so much more. Vulnerable characters that find their way to a little corner of your heart? Check. Real human connections? Check. A book that makes you wish characters were real so you could give them a big hug and tell them everything will be allright? Check. Matt Coyne has made an impression on me with his debut novel and I intent to read a lot more by him.
The story follows an old man, Frank, whose deeply rooter sorrow in losing his wife has made him secluded and a real grump. One day, six year old Red moves in next door with his mom, since his parents just got divorced. They are both struggling in their own way, and find unexpected companionship in each other. Despite Frank’s reluctance to let Red in, the latter’s persistence eventually warms the old man up. Red wriggled his way into Frank’s heart the same way this book and its characters did into mine.
While the novel has a strong plot that kept me intrigued, especially in the second half, Coyne’s real strength lies in his character work. Both of the protagonists are round, fleshed-out and go through an inner transformation. While the initial premise can be seen as stereotypical, grumpy old man meets happy kid who turns his life around, the characters overcome these stereotypes as we learn more about them. This goes beyond the two protagonists, as we also see how Red’s mom is struggling to provide her son with a stable and happy home, while going through her own life changes after divorce. Even Red’s classmates who don’t appear in a lot of the novel, feel like more than side characters towards the end.
Coyne portrays different human connections: between a parent and a child, husband and wife, friends, neighbours, classmates and even strangers. Every connection feels very real, and characters are vulnerable because we can see the person behind the facade. The combination of character work and realistic human connections is what made this book so wonderful for me and why it has stayed with me since the last word.
I think it is great for people who enjoy Frederik Backman, since it reminded me of A Man Called Ove. However, both are incredible in their own way and have a unique take on the premise. If you like reading about vulnerable characters, seeing them overcome their challenges, connect to each other and you want a story that warms your heart, you should pick up Frank & Red. And if you do, please let me know your thoughts.
It might be the most dreaded moment in a romance novel, and one that has readers groaning aloud upon reading: the dreaded third act breakup. Like everything in literature, taste differs and while some people might enjoy the tension and disruption in the story line that it might bring, it’s not for everyone. This post is specifically catered to those readers who enjoy a romance that proves the characters can have a healthy and strong relationship that overcomes hardships without having to break up over them.
Specific tropes or writing devices are always used for a reason, and in this case, advocates often describe the third act breakup as a way to ensure character growth. By challenging the protagonist with the breakup, they can show how they have evolved and overcome the flaw or trouble they have been dealing with for the entirety of the storyline by making up and ending with their loved one. While I have enjoyed romance novels with this narrative device, I prefer a story that shows the couple can resolve their issues, individual or joined, before getting together. I don’t think showing breaking up at the first issue that shows up after the protagonists getting together promotes a healthy relationship, because in my eyes, things can usually be resolved without them breaking up. That being said, even a romance novel needs some kind of conflict or obstacle, sometimes very small. I think there is a big difference between a third act breakup and a third act conflict. The first usually arises from miscommunication or the characters handling something in an obviously bad way, while the latter can be an external or internal conflict that the characters either resolve before getting together, or tackle together in a mature way. So, here are my recommendations that either have a third act conflict that is resolved in a well thought-out way, or does not have a third act conflict altogether.
Out on a Limb by Hannah Bond-Young
When Win has a one-night stand at her best friend’s costume party, the last thing she expects is to see those two pink lines on a pregnancy test. Surprised but confident in her decision, she decides to keep the baby, and Bo, the father, steps up to the plate. Together, Win and Bo get to know each other, so they can be the best platonic parents for their child on the way, but along the way they find that maybe they can have it all.
This heartwarming story portrays one of the healthiest relationships I have read about and does not need a third act break-up to ensure character growth or to keep readers engaged.
2. If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
This book caught readers’ attention last year for being a nostalgic autumn romance set in the late nineties and reminiscent of Gilmore Girls. Michelle, after losing her mother and divorcing her husband, moves from Seattle to Vermont, to temporarily run her late mother’s bed-and-breakfast, until her sister graduates and can take over. Her new neighbour is a single dad and runs a bakery, but he still finds the time to help her get settled in the bed-and-breakfast and offer companionship. They quickly develop a strong friendship, but as the end of Michelle’s three months in Vermont nears, they wonder if their relationship can blossom into something more than friends.
Despite outside factors complicating their situation, there is no third act breakup in this cosy romance, portraying a healthy adult relationship.
3. The Flatshare by Beth O’ Leary
Beth O’ Leary has some unique concepts for her novels, and her debut, The Flatshare, is no exception. When Tiffy needs to find a new apartment to get away from her cheating ex-boyfriend, she ends up sharing a flat with Leon. The catch? The apartment only has one bedroom. The solution? Tiffy takes the flat from the evening until the morning, while Leon, who works the night shift, uses the flat during the day. The new roommates get to know each other through a series of notes, and despite never meeting each other something starts to grow.
This romance was very unique, sweet, and completely third act breakup free!
4. Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren
As Tangled was my favorite princess movie growing up, this book was an easy hit for me. Tangled Up In You is a modern day retelling of the fairy tale, following Ren and Fitz. Growing up on a homestead, Ren has never partaken in regular teenage activities, never been to school or even held an iPhone before. She is twenty-two years old, she finally convinces her parents to let her go off to college so she can learn about new farming techniques to bring home. It is there she meets Fitz: smooth talker, teacher’s pet, and does not do charity work. When Ren finds out something shocking in their shared immunology class, the two find themselves embarking on a road trip that will change the course of both of their lives. Ren discovers more about the world she has never seen before, and Fitz discovers that the girl sitting next to him can show him new things too.
Perfect for fans of Disney and real life fairy tales.
5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A sure way to make sure your romance book does not have a third act breakup is to pick up a classic, because in that time, separation was not a possibility. Pride and Prejudice was a romance book in its own time, and while there are obstacles keeping the protagonists apart, there is no third act breakup. Set in nineteenth century England, a mother with five daughters’ main goal is to ensure they are all married to a rich and respectable husband. When a rich gentleman moves into the estate near them, Mrs. Bennet is confident one of her girls will marry him. While Jane, the eldest, forms an early attachment to the newcomer, Mr Bingley and makes a great impression, but Lizzie is less impressed with his stern and unsociable friend, Mr. Darcy. The two find themselves in each others company more often than expected, and feelings start to stir, but will Mr. Darcy’s pride and Lizzie’s prejudice prove to strong to be overcome by true love?
For those who like romantic books and want to get into classics, Pride and Prejudice is a perfect place to start. It is popular for a reason and, as a bonus, will spare you from modern day third act breakups.
