Brilliant characterization, as always with Hassler, but the story itself lacks the appeal of most of his other books. ( )

Here's what I wrote after reading in 1994: "Easy to read book, both of them (see A Green Journey). Full of ordinary people characters living their lives as best they can. Full of miswestern values and human experiences. ( )

This is a wonderfully nostalgic glimpse into a small midwestern town in the 1940s - it's Mayberry with an edge. The characters range from poignant to evil with the Foster family at the epicenter. It's an engaging book. ( )

Good book - it ended too soon! I wish that Hassler had continued that storyline in another book! ( )

2894 Grand Opening, by Jon Hassler (read 4 Aug 1996) This 1987 book is the 5th Hassler book I've read. The book has no character or locale from his previous books, which I regretted. The characters are weirdos for the most part, and I did not think they were well or realistically drawn. Lots of false notes, I thought. Small town life is exaggerated--and a town of 1500, which his fictional town is, is not that small. I really believe this is the poorest of Hassler's novels which I have read. ( )

Hassler's engaging novel about 1940s Midwest town (Plainview, MN) . . . family seeks new life in small town only to find problems in small towns are just as bad (if not worse) than life in the city. ( )