Book Review: "The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise" By Colleen Oakley

A twenty-one-year-old college dropout and an eighty-four-year-old woman go on the run together—what more could you want out of a book?

Recently, I read The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise and gave it a 5-star rating. The plot is a bit silly in the best way and I absolutely loved it. The characters tugged on my heartstrings and weaved their way into my soul.

This 2023 release by Colleen Oakley is probably my favorite book I've read this year so far. The hilarious dynamic between Tanner and Louise is the major selling point of the story. Though the plot is super gripping and the twists and turns are solid, the wit of Louise and the constant shock from Tanner is what kept me immersed and laughing throughout the entire book. 

Tanner, who drops out of college after suffering an injury that ends her soccer-playing days, needs money and a place to live. Louise, whose children demand she has someone live with her once she suffers a fall, needs a caretaker who she hopes won't actually care. It seems like they should be a perfect match, but Louise is hiding something big. Then, when Louise forces Tanner to go on the run with her, they learn much more about one another than they first anticipated or desired. 

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise throws its reader through various emotional states while maintaining an air of absolute amusing foolishness in a way that not many authors can pull off. I thought this story was so funny, and as someone who isn't too far off from Tanner's age, I related to her angst and worries about life. There are a lot of female friendships between different ages and family dynamics and changes that many people can relate to and enjoy. 

The way Oakley took us through slowly learning about Louise through Tanner's eyes was so emotionally captivating and such a wild journey. I loved the way this story was plotted out and how everything was revealed slowly and with perfect timing. I highly recommend you check this book out and dive right into the chaos. 

You can find The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley here or on Libby here. 

By Julie Higginbottom | Library Assistant Ⅲ, North Birmingham Regional Branch Library