The Vacation

By: Polly Horvath

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

When his mother decides on a whim to be a missionary in Africa and drags his unwilling father with her, Henry is left in the care of his Aunts Magnolia and Pigg. Henry's sure they dislike him and he's trying to keep his distance, but that becomes more difficult when Mag decides they should take a destination-less road trip.

Mag, convalescing from an illness that makes her look like death, is downright crabby. Pigg, tense from driving, is becoming more assertive and less willing to submit to Mag's whims. And while they poke each other, literally, Henry is finding it hard to keep his resolution.

They go to Virginia Beach (it's too hot); try camping in the Everglades (Henry accidentally spends four days floating in a swamp); visit their daddy, Henry's granddaddy (Henry's never met him!); and lose Pigg to love in Oklahoma (what would the radio psychologist Daly Kramer say?) before they finally receive word that Henry's parents are coming back and will meet them in Tulsa to finish the trip with Mag and Henry. But his parents are bickering and Henry is in despair, until he surrenders to the road and decides to let whatever happens happen, but to be there in it all.

Complete with her signature cast of eccentric characters, absurd situations, and heartfelt moments, Polly Horvath writes an on-the-road epic like no other!

©2005 Polly Horvath (P)2005 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, a division of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"At once poignant, funny, and wise, this book gives new meaning to the phrase, 'The best journeys never end'." (Publishers Weekly)

Depressing

Would you try another book from Polly Horvath and/or Kirby Heyborne?

no

What was most disappointing about Polly Horvath’s story?

one dull horrible thing happening after another

Which scene was your favorite?

the end.

Did The Vacation inspire you to do anything?

never buy an audio book just because it's on sale.

The Vacation

Our 11 year old girls are avid travelers, and they both enjoyed Henry's travel adventures throughout the US. They also liked his 2 crazy aunts.

Things that make you go "Hmmm?"

Would you recommend The Vacation to your friends? Why or why not?

A few of my Southern friends, but not to my general pool of friends...the whacky characters and far-fetched events require a specific literary taste.

Was The Vacation worth the listening time?

For me, it would be right on the cusp...I know some people who are similar to the ladies characterized in the book...without that connection, the book would fall over to the not really worth listening end of the spectrum.

Sweet Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was a sweet story to listen to. Nice pace, funny characters. If you want something casual to listen to while you are driving, on vacation or working around the house, this is a tale that will keep your attention without going too deep.