Book details

The Rich Part of Life

A Novel

Author: Jim Kokoris

The Rich Part of Life

The Rich Part of Life

$11.99

About This Book

Teddy Pappas is an eleven-year-old boy forced into maturity before his time. He lives with his younger brother and their eccentric Civil War historian father, a man more comfortable with discussing...

Page Count
336
On Sale
04/01/2007

Book Details

Teddy Pappas is an eleven-year-old boy forced into maturity before his time. He lives with his younger brother and their eccentric Civil War historian father, a man more comfortable with discussing Confederate footwear than what kind of day his sons had. Their lives have been quiet for a year since the real lifeblood of their household, Teddy's mother, died in a tragic car accident. On the one-year anniversary of her death, Teddy's stoic father plays his wife's favorite lottery numbers in a tender, uncharacteristic act. When it turns out that the family holds the $190 million winning ticket, their world is instantly transformed.

Seemingly overnight, a host of colorful characters demands their attention, including Teddy's hilarious aunt and uncle, a beautiful divorcée, a desperate former soap opera star, and a menacing stranger who threatens the very core of the family. As events spiral out of control, the family struggles to discover what "the rich part of life" really is.

Featuring a unique father-child bond, Jim Kokoris's moving first novel is flavored with the rich characterizations and poignant charm of early John Irving. Creating the perfect balance of humor and pathos, Kokoris takes us on an unforgettable journey through the ups and downs of this revelation of unexpected wealth.

Imprint Publisher

St. Martin's Press

ISBN

9781429976435

Reading Guide

In The News

“Mr. Kokoris's talent is evident on every page. He is in touch with the human spirit and offers, in this post-modern world, a refreshing hope for redemption.” —Howard Bahr, author of The Black Flower and The Year of Jubilo

“In The Rich Part of Life, Jim Kokoris has created the rarest of literary gems-- a narrator who is pure of heart yet entirely authentic. He writes through the eyes of Teddy Pappas with both clarity and innocence. This debut novelist is one of tremendous promise, and I look forward to all of his future books.” —T. Greenwood, author of Nearer than the Sky and Breathing Water

“A hilarious gem. Kokoris has a David Sedaris-like ear for the lyrical quirks and idiosyncrasies of his ridiculous yet endearing family of characters. A wonderful comic novel on a par with Richard Russo, at once madcap and absurd, with a plot that is always engaging, compelling, and yes, heartwarming.” —Richard Rushfield, author of On Spec

About the Creators

The Rich Part of Life

The Rich Part of Life

$11.99