Right off the bat I enjoyed Ms. LeBlanc’s energetic narrative voice and that she captures the vibe and angst of the late teen/new adult crowd perfectly. I was also intrigued with how the author managed to work in many real-life issues – emotional and mental- with this charming, and at times sentimental tale. It is witty, profound, and poignant and while it had its sadder moments and touched on serious subjects like anxiety and death, it never gets too heavy or maudlin. I enjoyed the personality of the different characters and the fact that there were different elements to Augie’s story, and it didn’t just focus on the “romance”, or even his anxiety, but of connecting with others and helping each other to get stronger.
FIVE BOUNDLESS STARSAugust has anxiety. He is starting college, his mom is getting a divorce, and now his grandma has escaped her retirement home. This first escape changes his world in so many ways.Let me just start off by saying this story is hilarious. It was such a fun read, but I found out that it was also full of deep and serious meaning. I really have no words. It was so much fun to read and at other times it was so touching it made me want to cry. This book was just really good. It was full of humor, romance, and drama. The characters were awesome. All around it was a great story and I really enjoyed it.-Stormi
I thought the story itself was cute. It’s a decent “feel good” story, kind of like a Lifetime movie or something you’d see on the Hallmark channel. (And let me tell you, I’m a total sucker for those movies.) I enjoyed it and I think you would too.
An exciting and relatable debut with a laugh out loud effect.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style. I loved the first few lines of the book. The story flowed well, and the characters were engaging.-Literary Titan
Jennifer LeBlanc’s coming of age story for new adults, The Tribulations of August Barton, is an hilarious and life-affirming tale that kept me enthralled and thrilled throughout my entire reading experience. I love LeBlanc’s Augie whose geekiness, romanticism and kind heart make him so very special. Seeing as his outrageous grannie and her best friend, Tunes, drag him kicking and screaming into life is sheer joy. LeBlanc’s story is beautifully written, and her characters are finely drawn and unforgettable. And, like Isaac, I suspect anyone who has the good fortune to come across this book will see senior citizens in an entirely different way afterwards. The Tribulations of August Barton is most highly recommended.-Jack Magnus for Reader's Favorite
The Tribulations of August Barton is a delightful original story. Augie is adorable, he doesn't have sleek moves, but he's friendly, quirky and smart. He also treasures his grandmother and they're quite a pair. Gertie is a true spectacle. She has plenty of pizzazz, she still has looks, crazy people skills and plenty of pluck. She does whatever she likes and people love her for it. Augie and his grandmother are both main characters to fall in love with. They're wonderful and when they are together nothing is ever boring. I totally loved this amazing duo and enjoyed every single one of their adventures.Jennifer LeBlanc has a great sense of humor. I laughed out loud many times while reading The Tribulations of August Barton. Because of Augie's endearing and wise character in combination with his grandmother's fierceness excitement is guaranteed. The Tribulations of August Barton is one big adrenaline rush. I loved Jennifer LeBlanc's creativity and really enjoyed reading this heartwarming story.
The Tribulations of August Barton (Audiobook) was awarded Honorable Mention in the 2019 International Reader's Favorite Contest in the Fiction-Audiobooks category.
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Tribulations of August Barton is a new adult coming of age book written by Jennifer LeBlanc. Augie was a somewhat geeky and introverted creature of habit, who, at the lofty age of eighteen, was convinced that he would absolutely hate his college experience. As he dragged his stuff through the dorm, the party atmosphere he was met with only confirmed his misgivings. When he reached his assigned room, he was further dismayed to find his roommate was already there. Opening the door, he beheld his athletic roomie setting up his side of the room. The classy stuff he was pulling out of his leather bag made Augie suddenly reluctant to disclose the contents of his own: the Dr. Who pajamas, Marvel posters and action figures. Isaac was good-looking and seemed to instinctively know how to dress and act as a student, and he was majoring in mechanical engineering. He didn’t get Augie’s being interested in gerontology or having it as his major. Who would be that interested in old folks anyway? But then again, Isaac hadn’t met Gertie, Augie’s grandmother, yet, so he really had no idea.
Jennifer LeBlanc’s coming of age story for new adults, The Tribulations of August Barton, is an hilarious and life-affirming tale that kept me enthralled and thrilled throughout my entire reading experience. I love LeBlanc’s Augie whose geekiness, romanticism and kind heart make him so very special. Seeing as his outrageous grannie and her best friend, Tunes, drag him kicking and screaming into life is sheer joy. LeBlanc’s story is beautifully written, and her characters are finely drawn and unforgettable. And, like Isaac, I suspect anyone who has the good fortune to come across this book will see senior citizens in an entirely different way afterwards. The Tribulations of August Barton is most highly recommended.
The Silver Award is bestowed on books that expertly deliver complex characters, intricate worlds, and thought provoking themes. The ease with which the story is told is a reflection of the author’s talent in exercising fluent, powerful, and appropriate language.