Riding with the Queen

by Jennie Shortridge

Take the long way home...

Full of big dreams of the fast life, Tallie Beck hit the road at the age of seventeen to become a rock ’n roll star—and vowed never to look back. Now, at thirty-four, she’s little more than a down-and-out singer who smokes and drinks too much and knows better than to make promises she can’t keep. Dumped by her latest band and low on cash, Tallie has no choice but to go back to Denver. Back to her crazy mother, and her resentful younger sister, Jane, who’s never forgiven her for leaving.

But seeing her family again after all these years stirs something unexpected in Tallie. And after so many miles on that long, exhilarating, scary—and often lonely—road, she’s looking back to trace some wrong turns, and figure out the way to where she really wants to go...

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit

331 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2003

About the author

Jennie Shortridge is the author of five bestselling novels: Love Water Memory, When She Flew, Love & Biology at the Center of the Universe, Eating Heaven, and Riding With the Queen.

She is an avid volunteer and mentor, and is co-founder of Seattle7Writers.org, a nonprofit collective of authors that raises money and awareness for literacy.

Jennie is currently working on a memoir.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Jennie Shortridge's book "Eating Heaven". It was based in Portland and a bit in my neighborhood which added to the enjoyment. So I grabbed "Riding With the Queen" on a whim, only knowing I liked the author in the past. Had I only read the back cover, I might not have gotten it, but I was instantly drawn in...I wanted to know where the main character was headed...I instantly liked her and wanted the 'right ending". It took many turns. I enjoyed reading about her figuring herself out, finding new layers & interests and finding love where she least expected it. Great read.

[Marcy Mancini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the characters in this book, especially Tallie & Miss Thing. Wish I had my own Big Gal Sal to guide me sometimes. This book really got you invested in all their lives and I just had to keep reading to see how it turned out. They were no Leave It To Beaver family, and it dealt with some good issues, but it was still a fun book to read even with all the mess. Great book.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is mainly about a 34-year old woman named Tallie Becker, who always had a dream of becoming a rock and roll singer. She haven't seen her family for the past seventeen years after leaving with her ex-husband to become rock n roll singers together. After being dumped by her latest band with no offers afterwards. She have no job or enough money to use for the rest of the week. Until her agent introduce a job, being a singer in a piano bar in her hometown Denver. Where she would need to face her Bipolar Disorder mother and mouthy younger sister.

I can connect to this book with a text to self connection because I can relate to Tallie where I always dreamed of being a singer (except not a rock and roll one) and also I have always been like a musician where I play the piano,sing,and also dance,but if I was Tallie I would also focus on my skills and find a job and earn money.

I rate this book 4 stars because this was a amazing book.Tallie can be described as a fresh, unique character. This book is described as a poignant, riveting adventure full of moments that are touching and insightful, but never predictable story.

[Brenda]

Tallie Beck has spent most of her life trying to forget her past—her crazy mother and the younger sister she left behind. She has the gift of a beautiful voice, but is self-destructive and difficult. Her only true companion through the years is the ghost of Big Gal Sal, a long dead singer that appears to Tallie from time to time and guides her when she seems to be most in need, but also makes her wonder if she isn’t as crazy as her mother. After years on the road trying to make something of her singing career, her luck and resources run out and she’s forced to return home, the place she swore she’d never go back to. There, she’s of course forced to face her demons and in the process, manages to do some much needed growing up.

Tallie was, throughout the book, a difficult character for me to like, but overall I really liked the cast of characters and the story. I'd recommend it.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read. I will admit I wasn't crazy about the narrator at first- she's sassy, drunk, selfish, and promiscuous- but she grew on me. This is sort of a coming-of-age story for a mid-thirties woman who took that long to grow up.
The book begins with Tallie Beck heading home to Denver after spending 17 years away from her family trying to make it as a rock star. She comes home to find that all of the problems she left behind have been festering and waiting for her return. After reluctantly accepting a job singing in a piano bar, Tallie reconnects with her estranged family and finds herself in the process, all with the help of Big Gal Sal, the ghost/guardian angel/blues singer/life coach who shows up when Tallie really needs her. Overall, a cute book with a great message about learning to love someone else more than yourself.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read the book; "Eating Heaven" and really loved it and so I was looking forward to reading another book by Jennie Shortridge. This book was her first novel and I didn't enjoy it as much as "Eating Heaven".

I had a difficult time trying to connect and therefore care for her main character, Tallie. I found myself feeling more for her mother, even though Tallie and her sister Jane had such a rough childhood due to their mother's mental illness.

I think Jennie Shortridge did a wonderful job of describing the torment and frustration the mother went through with her illness and her efforts to express herself through her painting and still stay on her medications.

[Kolby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am finding this book difficult to slog through. The main character is irritating, and all the characters feel really cliched and silly. The plot seems to meander and plod and I find myself wondering what the point of the book is and wishing something interesting would happen. The "big gal" ghost character feels like an afterthought instead of a central player. Disappointing over all.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My copy of Riding With The Queen is very worn. I've been reading the book since I was 14-15, since I found the book - I believe I bought it when it was released.

I've always had an interest in books with characters trying to find their own way. Troubled, lost characters seem to make me feel like someone else seems to understand how life is in my perspective.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. About a girl in search of herself. And along the way she finds love and family connection in ways she never thought possible! Funny and easy to read.

[Maheen Naeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is dark, emotional, and romantic. It is a story that portrays what its like to live with a drunk, bipolar person. I really enjoyed this book.

[Momoftwnz B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this story! The main character, Tallie, is easy to root for, especially after reading about her challenging childhood. Mental illness isn’t usually it’s own character and in this book it makes a big impact. I would def recommend this to my (gurl)friends ages 30-60, as it is such a well-written heartbeat of a story.

[Mikelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the writing, but the story was meh at best. I’d like to try something else from this author.

[･:*summer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't even know how i get to finished this book.
Filled of scenes that take us to nowhere, and, an absolutely boring plot.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book several years ago and, for some reason, I still recall bits and pieces at times. I'd looked online and at the library to remember the author, the name of the book, but couldn't find. I need to go back and read again now. If it stuck with me this long, than I need to enjoy it one more time.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really quick feel good book. There is a lot about learning to live with family and how to face issues when you are used to running from them. Not everyone's life is perfect. Easy, fun, good plot. A few really interesting characters.

[Jlago · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Jennie's third book first (Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe) and enjoyed it quite a bit, but didn't love it. Riding with the queen is Jennie's first novel, but seemed to me a more finished product than love and biology.

[Carol Johnson]

Just a fun book to read! Easy but very interesting....great characters! Very hard to put down. I found myself really cheering and pulling for the main character. Even with all her warts....I really wanted her to be OK. Definitely recommend this one!

[TKieninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I would like this book as the main character is so different from me. She's not very likeable in the beginning but slowly you start to see her evolve into a different person. You can help but root for her to overcome her difficult past.

[Rowan Velasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I have read this book, so I think I am going to revisit it again. I really enjoyed Jennie Shortridge's debut. I love the music that accompanied the book and felt like it adds another rich layer to the experience of Riding with the Queen.

[Kme_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoy this one. It definitely had funny moments along with heart wrenching ones. I love the characters. The author wrote it so you wanted to read just to find out about the characters. Really good read.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

nice mindless reading

[Jannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jennie Shortridge's writing. And this book was no slouch. Great characters and an engrossing story line.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book, I would recomend it! Very funny in some parts.

[Gael Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am definitely a fan of Jennie Shortridge. Will read her other 2 books as soon as I can.

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

most of the characters an interesting mix of good and bad, although there were a couple totally slimy. much more complex than it sounds in the canned description

[Katherine Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my one of my favorite books. Loved our flawed heroine and her search for real love and family. This is a great book and the writing is engaging.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. It read fast like cheap pulp fiction, yet...seemed to be much more. I can't wait to read more of this author and to hear her speak in town in May.

[kansasreader · Rating 1 out of 5]

A good book for a book club. Comes with a book club guide. Just a little to obvious for me

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book very enjoyable read. families are always just perfect even if we don't realize it.