Fender Lizards

De: Joe R. Lansdale, Cassandra de Cuir - director

Narrado por: Kasey Lansdale

Dot waitresses on roller skates at the Dairy Bob, doesn't care for smoking, at least partly on account of her dad having never returned from a cigarette run, and carries on the family tradition of philosophizing. Life hasn't done her any favors in her 17 years so far. But if there was ever a heroine built for turning things upside down and seeing what shakes out, it's Dot. Determined to find out who she is and why she's the way she is, an opportunity presents itself when her heretofore-unknown uncle suddenly moves his camper into the front yard.

As in his classic novels The Bottoms and The Magic Wagon, Lansdale instills place with character and character with place. Here is an overlooked world and a cast of real folks that prove unforgettable, all rendered in one of American fiction's most authentic voices.

©2017 Joe R. Lansdale (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc., and Skyboat Media, Inc.

He said, she said

Enjoyable except for all the “he said, she said”. It was so overused that it had to be the writer’s choice.

Fun Story

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. I love Joe Lansdale, he always writes entertaining books. The characters were well developed, the story was very entertaining, and the narrator was excellent.

Funny and Charming

A appealing coming-of-age story, quite different from the crime and horror novels I've read by Mr. Lansdale, but no less entertaining. As usual, the characters are memorable, there's a nice dose of humor and you can't wait to find out what will happen next. Kasey Lansdale (the author's daughter) does a superb job of narrating the story. Highly recommended!

great feel good story.

Not the norm. for landsdal. as usual the character development and story line was perfect.

Pure Fun

I had no idea what I was getting when, on a whim, I downloaded Fender Lizards by Joe R. Lansdale. Lansdale is a favorite of mine. He writes in many genres and so you never know what you are gonna get when you leap blindly into his world. And, as often is the case, what I got was something I didn’t quite expect yet fell in love with. Fender Lizards is basically a book about a roller skating waitress who decides to start a Roller Derby team. Lansdale takes this simple story and makes it come alive with witty dialogue, an engaging main character and lots of humor. Fender Lizards is like a spontaneous road trip with a fun new friend. You don’t know where exactly you’re heading but you sure as hell are enjoying the ride.

Kasey Lansdale handles the narration with simple lovable charm. Fender Lizards is a first person tale, and Kasey becomes Dot. She infuses the tale with an almost musical style, using an upbeat tempo and catchy twang to fully pull the listener into the story. It seams impossible not to like Dot, and even when she can be frustrating, she’s like cute little sister frustrating. Fender Lizards is a prime example of how fun a well told story with engaging character can be when brought to life by a talented performer.

My Favorite Lansdale Novel to Date

Would you consider the audio edition of Fender Lizards to be better than the print version?

Yes! Kasey Lansdale's narration breathes life and soul into this wonderful novel. She is perfect!

What other book might you compare Fender Lizards to and why?

It is just as funny as the Hap and Leonard books. In this one, though, the author has nailed the female perspective.

What does Kasey Lansdale bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Kasey Lansdale is the voice of East Texas! Her narration is beyond perfection!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was moved by every moment of this book. It is funny, irreverent, and the characterizations are unforgettable.

Any additional comments?

I love this book and I will listen to it again. And again. It is so sweet and hilarious. Although there are legions of imitators, there is only one Joe Lansdale. I hope he revisits the characters of FENDER LIZARDS soon. Of all of his amazing novels, this one is my very favorite. Kasey Lansdale brought this novel to life and is perfectly suited to the reading of this novel. I cannot praise the novel and its narration highly enough!

Fun story

This just goes to prove that a book can be written without offensive language and still be an excellent read. Way to go!!

Great story

Excellent match between voice and story. It's as if the book was written specifically about and for Ms. Lansdale to read aloud. A short and bittersweet tale of adolescence and growing up poor but doing fine in spite of that.

An Unexpected Treat from the Lansdales

This is the lightest of any Joe Lansdale book I've read, basically a YA novella about a teenage roller-skating waitress from small-town Texas. This one is all about family, friends, growing up, and roller derby. Yep, roller derby.
Compelling characters, slathered in Lansdale's signature wit, and read by his daughter Kasey Lansdale, a skilled actress and performer in her right. She delivers every line with perfection. This book turned my teenager into a Lansdale fan.

Derby Coming Of Age Works

I enjoy Joe R. Lansdale's work. I have heard other folks comment that they don't feel he writes from a woman's POV effectively. I would say that while he is not *quite* as accurate in embodying that perspective, he does a pretty damned decent job and I enjoy the switch. I also enjoyed this narration by his daughter, Casey, and I hope they collaborate on more projects.