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by: Jon Hassler
List Price: $13.95Amazon.com's Price: $11.86 You Save: $2.09 (15%)Prices subject to change. Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN: 9780345410177
ISBN: 0345410173
Label: Ballantine Books
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 336
Publication Date: August 27, 1996
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Release Date: August 27, 1996
Sales Rank: 61269
Studio: Ballantine Books
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
Twelve-year old Brendan tells the story, set in 1944-45, that begins with his parents' decision to buy a run-down grocery store in a tiny Minnesota town. What they discover about small town idealism, bigotry, and good old American values will change them and the town forever....
'A writer good enough to restore your faith in fiction.'
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
From the Paperback edition.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating: - Small town life...
I have many different ways of rating a book; writing style, emotional impact, what it has taught me, etc.
Although I have read quite a few good novels this past year I think Jon Hassler's Grand Opening has been my favorite despite the fact there was really nothing spectacular in the style of writing. There was something very real about this book. It's the perfect portrayal of how certain individuals will just never be accepted into small town life. I have grown up in small towns all my life ... Read More
Rating: - An Engrossing Look At Small Town Life
GRAND OPENING is like taking a step back in time to 1944 and makes the reader both want to return to a simpler place and time while also being glad that times have changed and we don't have to live in Hassler's fictional town. In the book we meet the Foster family: Hank and Catherine and their son Brendan and Catherine's father. The family is staunchly Catholic and moves to the small town of Plum to open a grocery store. They soon discover that the town is evenly split between Catholics and Lutherans, ... Read More
Rating: - 1940s Small Town Life
I first read this novel some years ago after "Staggerford" and it made me a true-blue Hassler fan. Its rich cast of characters keeps this novel moving along. Though a few of the characters are merely great window-dressing (for example, I wanted to see more done with grandfather), most are fully developed and integral to the plot. Overall, the theme of redemption through action is clear, and, sadly, many negative elements of small town life haven't changed in the 21st century.
"Staggerford ... Read More
Rating: - Great Book
If you grew up in a small town in America, you will enjoy this book. The best book that Mr. Hassler has written. Hollywood should make a movie!
Rating:  - Thought-provoking and moving novel
This is one of those books that will stay with you for a while. I read it two weeks ago, and still find myself thinking about the characters, especially Dodger. Don't be fooled by the blurb, this isn't a cute story about a cozy, friendly town, but has darker undertones. The characters struggle to deal with intolerance, and indifference; Hassler really makes you care about all the characters, and the story. I think he is a wonderful writer, and would recommend this novel as a good start for anyone who wants ... Read More
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