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The One That Got Away
On the eve of the Great Mississippi River Flood of 1993, Terri Zimmerman returns to her childhood home in South St. Louis, and her life is changed forever. When she was growing up, Terri lived with her parents above the Zimmerman Bakery, which is now a tavern named the Stag Club. Terri becomes friends with Dinty Smith, the proprietor of the Stag Club. She also gets reacquainted with Glen Wunsch, a childhood friend who is the last member of a once-prominent St. Louis brewing family. Glen's grandmother is Anna Grosse, the infamous Lavender Lady who once dominated St. Louis high society and who again finds herself in the spotlight as the namesake of a new floating casino called the Belle of Calhoun. Terri sells perfume at the Famous-Barr store in Crestwood Plaza, and one of her customers is Barbara Grogan, who does a television program about the sport of fishing. Barbara is known as the Happy Hooker. Terri and Barbara become friends, but they eventually have a falling out. Terri's best friend is a girl from the Philippines named Paz Militante. The two girls work together behind the Estée Lauder counter at Famous-Barr. This is a lighthearted, humorous, romantic story that moves dramatically to the cataclysmic conclusion as the great flood sweeps through South St. Louis, destroying everything in its path.
216 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 4, 2024
In this latest offering from Clint Hofer, "The One That Got Away" masterfully intertwines the personal with the historic, set against the backdrop of the Great Mississippi River Flood of 1993. Hofer, with a keen eye for detail and a deft hand at storytelling, captures the essence of South St. Louis through the lens of Terri Zimmerman's return to her childhood home.
The narrative, brimming with local color, weaves a rich tapestry of connections. From the transformation of Zimmerman Bakery into the Stag Club tavern, to the complex web of relationships involving Terri, the narrative unfolds with a lighthearted yet poignant touch. Glen Wunsch, a key character, symbolizes the fading legacy of St. Louis's brewing heritage, while his grandmother, the infamous Lavender Lady, represents the city's storied past.
Hofer's work shines in its portrayal of friendship and community. The dynamic between Terri and Barbara Grogan, a television personality, and Paz Militante, her Filipino colleague, adds depth and diversity to the narrative. The story, with its humorous and romantic undertones, builds to a dramatic crescendo, mirroring the destructive path of the flood.
"The One That Got Away" is a testament to Hofer's ability to capture the heart of St. Louis and its people. It's a story that balances the lightness of everyday life with the weight of historical events, making it a compelling read for anyone fascinated by the interplay of personal journeys and the broader strokes of history.
The narrative, brimming with local color, weaves a rich tapestry of connections. From the transformation of Zimmerman Bakery into the Stag Club tavern, to the complex web of relationships involving Terri, the narrative unfolds with a lighthearted yet poignant touch. Glen Wunsch, a key character, symbolizes the fading legacy of St. Louis's brewing heritage, while his grandmother, the infamous Lavender Lady, represents the city's storied past.
Hofer's work shines in its portrayal of friendship and community. The dynamic between Terri and Barbara Grogan, a television personality, and Paz Militante, her Filipino colleague, adds depth and diversity to the narrative. The story, with its humorous and romantic undertones, builds to a dramatic crescendo, mirroring the destructive path of the flood.
"The One That Got Away" is a testament to Hofer's ability to capture the heart of St. Louis and its people. It's a story that balances the lightness of everyday life with the weight of historical events, making it a compelling read for anyone fascinated by the interplay of personal journeys and the broader strokes of history.
February 12, 2023
Interesting reading about St Louis history.
December 24, 2023
If I could rate it less, I would. Outside of the callouts and throw backs to St. Louis, this book is filled with lazy writing, furniture females, and a literal Nazi who is the catch everyone wants. The only likeable character in this is one of only two people of color in this book and has maybe 3 pages of 'screen time'.
June 17, 2024
This author keeps visiting Barnes and Noble stores and simply leaving his books on the shelf. He buys his own books and then puts them in the store which booksellers then have to remove and destroy/recycle because they're not a part of the inventory. He's completely clueless and spending his own money to make himself look successful and/or just an idiot who doesn't know how publishing works. If he bothered to ask any manager they would tell him how to get his books properly into the store.
June 2, 2023
This novel has humor, romance, and suspense all tucked together in a neat package. Once you start reading you won't be able to stop. This is the funniest novel I have read in a long time.
September 18, 2023
This novel is so beautiful and so good for the mind and soul! I totally recommend it, and I trust this brilliant author! Be a good reader of this novel and masterpiece!
April 7, 2024
Nicely done - well worth the read!
August 9, 2024
This is a wonderful novel that helps people cope with all the insanity in the world today. It has been a consistent Barnes & Noble Best Seller and has made the B&N Top 100 list numerous times. The St. Louis Public Library has included Clint Hofer on a list of the Top 46 St. Louis authors, a list that includes Jonathan Franzen, Kate Chopin, and Sally Benson. "The One That Got Away" is available in libraries throughout America. All the St. Louis libraries have it, including the library of the Missouri Historical Society. I thoroughly recommend this novel to people who have a good sense of humor. After all, humor is the best medicine! This novel is harmless innocent fun. This novel is for people who have a good sense of humor and don't take things too seriously.
May 9, 2019
This was a great book. A very easy book to read. If you are a St. Louis fan at all, read this book. It is full of storylines that will keep you interested from page one to the very end! Music lovers will enjoy the lyrics and mentions of St. Louis' finest! I highly recommend this book for men and women of any age!!!!! A must read!!!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews