Multiple Listings
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
What would you do if your ex-con father suddenly came to visit…indefinitely? Family drama ensues when Nicki’s dad unexpectedly wants to move in with her, her son, and her boyfriend in this comedic novel from successful TV writer Tracy McMillan.
Nicki Daniels owns a home appraisal business, but real estate is her true passion: she lives for open houses and really knows her way around a floor plan. And especially at this juncture of her life, real estate has come to signify the stability she is trying to build with her teenage son, Cody, and her much younger boyfriend, Jake. She’s finally ready to find the perfect house for the three of them and work on a new business venture with Jake that she thinks will jump-start their lives together.
Meanwhile, Ronnie, a longtime inmate at a nearby correctional facility, is getting some good news for once—there was a mistake in his sentencing, and he’s eligible to get out of prison. Ronnie decides his best option to avoid homelessness is to move in with his estranged daughter: Nicki. Even though they haven’t spoken in years, her door is always open to him, right?
Imbued with wit and profound insight into relationships, Multiple Listings speaks poignantly—and often hilariously—about the ties that bind families of all types together.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Memoir author McMillan (I Love You and I'm Leaving You Anyway) turns to fiction with a compelling family drama about a single mom and real estate appraiser in Portland, Ore., who rediscovers the meaning of family when her father unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep, having been early-released after 17 years in prison. The story is told in first person by Nicki Daniels and her father, Ronnie Daniels, a former drug dealer, pimp, and pool hustler who hasn't lost his "boogie" in prison, where he worked in the kitchen and read psychology books. Ronnie's arrival is especially complicated for Nicki as she narrows her search for a new house for herself, her teenage son, and her boyfriend. When a sudden turn of events upends the family and Nicki's future plans, Ronnie sees an opportunity to heal their frayed relationship. The plot unfolds predictably and can be somewhat sentimental, but McMillan's debut novel is a fun read, thanks to the conversational, fluid voice of Nicki, which is successfully sustained throughout.
Customer Reviews
Great book
I loved this book. So full of insight into the psychology of life. Great character development. I’m going to really miss each and everyone of the characters in this book. It was difficult to put down, and yet I didn’t want to read through it too quickly. I wanted to savior every moment I got to spend with these characters.
Wisdom and peace can come from the most unlikely place
Multiple Listings, is the third book by screen writer/author Tracy McMillan. This story takes a very honest look at a turning point in the life of Nicki Daniels, real estate appraiser and single mother of 16 year old Cody.
With a mother in name only and a father that has spent most of her life in the pen, it is no wonder that Nicki is looking for structure in her life and a love to call her own. However, Nicki's choices in love have not turned out well and structure comes from her need for control.
As Nicki makes the move to go into business and buy a house with her much younger boyfriend her dad, Ronnie Daniels gets a big surprise--he is to get early release with a stay at a half way house before going out on his own. With no job and nowhere to go, Ronnie appears on Nicki's doorstep seeking haven at just about the same time her plans seems to implode.
Having spent 17 years working on himself, reading psychology, meditation, and self help books, Ronnie's primary goal is to establish a good relationship with his daughter and grandson. Though rough around the edges, Ronnie has an outlook and demeanor that is somewhat infectious. Wisdom and peace can come from the most unlikely places! As he develops these relationships, there is growth in all family members and some surprises along the way.
An insightful story, Ms. McMillan shows how a person can take charge and decide how life will unfold rather than being the victim of outside forces. A tale told with humor and understanding, it is a story that makes you want to read on late into the night to see just how the cast of likable characters will evolve. I definitely recommend this book.