I couldn't put this book down. It is a heartwarming story of two men as different as chalk and cheese whose lives are far from easy. I Ioved both characters instantly. The ending leaves you with hope that a second book may be on the cards, (I really really hope there will be). I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys an unconventional love story. But have tissues at the ready!

I loved this book. Difficult subjects are tackled without any sentimentality. Arthur weighs 550 pounds and hasn't left his house in years. When he is suddenly contacted by a former student Charlene who he was close to, he starts cleaning up to prepare for her arrival and this becomes the beginning of his new life. The points of view change between Arthur and Charlene’s son Kel Keller. Both characters are sympathetic as they are trying to make the best of difficult situations.

Through the voices of two of the main characters this book draws you into the lives of Arthur, Charlenne and Kel. How their circustances change and evolve at the present time and their connections with a past that is also revealed through the pages make you hungry of more. Hope and the possibility to change one´s life are the main thread of the novel. The importance of the family, the love of parents, friends, turn out to be the key for a happier life. Really a book to enjoy with, that I strongly recommend if you want to realize that are the small things of daily life what make you smile most of the times.

"Page Turner" is a phrase I believe is used both out of context and far too often. But not in this case. I couldn’t put this book down. Arthur Opp is 550 pounds in weight, reclusive and to all intents, housebound. Kel Keller, 17 year old sports mad student. Nothing in common apart from one thing… Charlene. Ex student of Arthur and mother of Kel. But wait there’s more… I have never felt such empathy and understanding for someone like Arthur until this book. I have read this book twice in a row, because it was so riveting. The author Liz Moore is a first time novelist. I do hope it’s not her last!

The idea behind the book seemed interesting, but I wasn't prepared for quite how much I would love this book. Despite the distance between the story lines of Arthur Opp, in his self-imposed exile, and Kel Keller, a boy trying to cope with his mother's demanding situation, both are linked through their struggle to break out of the mould society has created for them, and their slow, but sure journey to self acceptance is credibly related, and incredibly touching. This overwhelmingly positive novel, in the face of challenging circumstances, gives us hope, and provides a greater understanding of the innately human need to belong.