The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler

I wasn't sure about this book when I started reading it. About 1/2 way through the book I started to get hooked and wanted to know how things were going to turn out. I liked the way the author developed the characters through family histories and past relationships. The author effectively setup the rigid nature of the main character (Macon) after his wife left him. He seemed lost, hopeless and at times bordering on the insane with his systems and routines. The changes that start to take place after meeting the love interest, (Muriel) were right in line with what someone from his background and in his situation would do. I believed the premise. All the characters remained true to the authors setup. The use of the dogs training with the changing of the man was a good technique and allowed for some mildly funny comic relief . I was glad at the end when Macon left his wife to go with Muriel. The personal growth and change of thinking that the main character (Macon) went through made for a refreshing read. The book club meeting was real nice. A great barbecue and some meaningful discussion. Lets do it again next month.

This book was intersting. I kept picturing Geena Davis in the Muriel role. Macon's quirky family situation was rather funny. I blame it all on the mother. Taking charge of your life and the situations that are presented to you is always good advice.

The Accidental Tourist was everything I expected it would be. I saw the movie years ago, and felt at the time, much of the story was missing, however the casting of William Hurt, Geena Davis and Kathleen Turner in the key roles was dead on. It just took 15 years and the book club to get me to read the book. And as is often said, the book is much better than the movie. The emotional growth that Macon experiences throughout the course of the story was very believable, and his relationship with Muriel's son a poignant element in the story given the loss of his own son. This story reassures that change can be achieved given the right circumstances.