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Bettyville: A Memoir

Name: Bettyville: A Memoir
Price: 14.01 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.1 (3499 reviews)

4.1 of 5 Stars: Biographies & Memoirs - Bettyville: A Memoir

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Book Synopsis: “The idea of a cultured gay man leaving New York City to care for his aging mother in Paris, Missouri, is already funny, and George Hodgman reaps that humor with great charm. But then he plunges deep, examining the warm yet fraught relationship between mother and son with profound insight and understanding.” —Alison Bechdel, author of Fun Home NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERFINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD

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 readers 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 New York Times bestselling debut is both an indelible portrait of a family and an exquisitely told tale of a prodigal son’s return.

“A remarkable, laugh-out-loud book . . . Rarely has the subject of elder care produced such droll human comedy, or a heroine quite on the mettlesome order of Betty Baker Hodgman. For as much as the book works on several levels (as a meditation on belonging, as a story of growing up gay and the psychic cost of silence, as metaphor for recovery), it is the strong-willed Betty who shines through.” —The New York Times

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Are you looking for a heartwarming and hilarious memoir that will keep you hooked from start to finish? Look no further than Bettyville: A Memoir. This New York Times bestseller, written by George Hodgman, is a captivating exploration of the unique bond between a mother and her gay son. Hodgman's incredible storytelling ability will have you laughing out loud one moment and wiping away tears the next.

As George Hodgman returns to his small hometown of Paris, Missouri, he finds himself thrust into the role of caretaker for his aging mother, Betty. Despite their differences, George is determined to keep his mother in the place both of them cherish - the family home. But the challenges they face are not just about assisted living; they also involve the deeper struggle of acceptance and understanding. Betty, a woman of wit and will, has never fully accepted her son's sexuality. Through Hodgman's vivid storytelling, he takes readers on a journey that not only reveals the complexities of their relationship but also sheds light on the challenges of Betty's life and his own quest for self-respect.

With a writing style reminiscent of The End of Your Life Book Club and The Tender Bar, George Hodgman draws you into a world filled with heart, humor, and a sincere exploration of family dynamics. This memoir is a perfect blend of moving and comical anecdotes that will leave you feeling emotionally connected to the characters and contemplating the importance of acceptance and belonging.

The New York Times raves about Bettyville, describing it as "a remarkable, laugh-out-loud book" and praising the strong-willed and captivating character of Betty. Join the countless readers who have been captivated by this unforgettable memoir that explores the complexities of relationships, sexuality, and the search for self-acceptance.

To embark on this touching and thought-provoking journey, click here and discover why Bettyville: A Memoir has garnered critical acclaim and become a beloved favorite for readers of all backgrounds.

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