Bettyville

By: George Hodgman

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

A witty, tender memoir of a son's journey home to care for his irascible mother - a tale of secrets, silences, and enduring love

When George Hodgman leaves Manhattan for his hometown of Paris, Missouri, he finds himself - an unlikely caretaker and near-lethal cook - in a head-on collision with his aging mother, Betty, a woman of wit and will. Will George lure her into assisted living? When hell freezes over. He can't bring himself to force her from the home both treasure - the place where his father's voice lingers, the scene of shared jokes, skirmishes, and, behind the dusty antiques, a rarely acknowledged conflict: Betty, who speaks her mind but cannot quite reveal her heart, has never really accepted the fact that her son is gay.

As these two unforgettable characters try to bring their different worlds together, Hodgman reveals the challenges of Betty's life and his own struggle for self-respect, moving listeners from their small town - crumbling but still colorful - to the star-studded corridors of Vanity Fair. Evocative of The End of Your Life Book Club and The Tender Bar, Hodgman's debut is both an indelible portrait of a family and an exquisitely told tale of a prodigal son's return.

©2015 George Hodgman (P)2015 Recorded Books

Close to home

An only child totally afraid of the future with aging parents. I listened to every word and I found one: Hope. I can do this. Thanks for a lovely story.

I adore this book! Listening for the second time..

What did you love best about Bettyville?

It kept me hooked! I loved the gentle barbs between George and Betty. In spite of this, the listener has no doubts of the strong love and caring between mother and son.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I cannot make a choice here - George is such a colorful and charming character. Betty has a soft heart, but doesn't show it often. Just an unbeatable combo!

Which scene was your favorite?

Hard to choose.. so many. I was literally rolling during the scene where George took his mother to listen to the author speak. We have been there, done that with our 90's Pops.. the loud unfiltered commentary.. oh my! No one understands this unless you have actually gone through it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and cried.. it is a beautiful yet often hilarious story of a Mother and Son, and so much more.

Any additional comments?

Not only is this an absolutely beautifully written book, the narrator does a fabulous job with all the voices. I am listening for the second time! I cannot recommend this book highly enough. A favorite! Don't miss this one!

One to remember

The narrator and author have made such a masterpiece together—one I won’t soon forget.

Wonderful read

Truthful and insightful bearing of an individual coming to terms of self and life relationships

If I live as long as Betty I hope I have the love and devotion of a “ George” in my life. 🩷

FUNNY, heartbreaking, tender , endearing and honest. Did I say funny??? SO FUNNY!
I absolutely loved this little gem of a book . 🥰

More complex than I expected

I anticipated the story of an aging mother. What Bettyville provided was that and the long-time-coming coming-of-age story of her son. The tale of how the son found, embraced, and hid his sexuality and how the mother responded to it was unexpected, but helped make sense of their relationship.

A profound and personal story of love and loss.

This book is like a kindred spirit for anyone who has lost, or is losing, their mom. Even though this experience is unique and personal to each of us, this writer shares his pain in a way that we can all see as profoundly similar to our own.

He left his career in New York to move in with, and care for, his frail, ill, 90 something year old mother, in a very tiny town, thinking it was temporary, and stayed till she passed some three years later.

Though his mom lived long enough to see this book published, and was quite astonished at her ensuing celebrity after they both appeared on the CBS Sunday Morning show, she passed not very long after.

His mom was funny and difficult and fragile and so terribly loved. There are some sections of the book dealing with the authors addiction issues that I felt were more suited to a different book, but this was his story to tell and there is little he leaves out. The narrator that was selected (not the author) does an outstanding job. There are tears, and laughs, and perhaps a few sections that may offend the sensitive, but this book, this story, is brilliant, and moving, and the people within will stay with you.

Addendum: The author of Bettyville died by suicide in July of 2019. The loss is profound and heartbreaking.

Relatable on several levels.

What did you love best about Bettyville?

A humerouse perspective on small midwestern towns, growing up gayand aging parents; whats not to like?

Recommendation of a friend

Growing up in a small town, being gay, a lot to relate to and understand. Moments of understanding and realization that brought back a lot of memories.

Very enjoyable read!

I loved all the characters and humor! I would recommend to others especially if you are from the St. Louis/Columbia area.