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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
Jon Harrison’s debut novel, The Banks of Certain Rivers is a mixture of family drama, tragedy, humor, love and loss. One man’s heartbreaking, moving and emotional story, as it spins out of control, and in the midst of extraordinary circumstances--life changing decisions in a fragile world.
In the lakeside resort town of Port Manitou, Michigan, dedicated teacher and running coach Neil Kazenzakis is in the midst of a melt-down (he deserves it). While vacationing with his family, (Wendy –wife, Chris-son), an accident, leaving his wife seriously debilitated. He is left alone to care for his teenage son, Chris, his wife, he also has the burden of caring for his mother-in-law who suffers from dementia and to further complicate matters—he is secretly dating Lauren, his mother-in-law’s caregiver. (Some heavy stuff).
So, now life must go on in the midst of tragedy. Time does not stand still. Years later, Wendy is in long term care, and is not responsive. Carol, Wendy's mother, isn't well and she lives next door to them. While the secret relationship heats up between him and Lauren, he knows he has to find a way to tell his son. When Lauren discovers she is pregnant – it is imperative he bring the relationship out in the open.
Too add fuel to the fire, he is breaking up a fight at school, and someone videos it, making it appear as though he was involved, questioning his integrity as a teacher. It goes viral and now he is close to losing it all, as he has to prove his innocence.
In combination, his secret love affair with Lauren, and his fear of telling his son; his guilt, betrayal, and loyalty. How much can one man handle? How will he cope? As Neil fights to keep his job, his relationship with Lauren, Chris’ feelings, and the pressure of perhaps having to sell his in-laws' land to cover the bills.
With the emails, twists and turns, and slow building suspense, the novel’s voice told from Neil’s POV, allowing the reader to experience firsthand the hard choices, a caregiver, memories from the past, the turmoil of the present and the uncertainty of the future – there is much depth, and emotion from this flawed realistic character.
I listened to the audio version, narrated by Mikael Naramore and while his voice was pleasant, he was reading it more like a script than most, which sometimes threw off the impact of the overall novel; however, Jon Harrison’s The Banks of Certain Rivers is a beautiful and funny debut novel, and look forward to reading more!
In the lakeside resort town of Port Manitou, Michigan, dedicated teacher and running coach Neil Kazenzakis is in the midst of a melt-down (he deserves it). While vacationing with his family, (Wendy –wife, Chris-son), an accident, leaving his wife seriously debilitated. He is left alone to care for his teenage son, Chris, his wife, he also has the burden of caring for his mother-in-law who suffers from dementia and to further complicate matters—he is secretly dating Lauren, his mother-in-law’s caregiver. (Some heavy stuff).
So, now life must go on in the midst of tragedy. Time does not stand still. Years later, Wendy is in long term care, and is not responsive. Carol, Wendy's mother, isn't well and she lives next door to them. While the secret relationship heats up between him and Lauren, he knows he has to find a way to tell his son. When Lauren discovers she is pregnant – it is imperative he bring the relationship out in the open.
Too add fuel to the fire, he is breaking up a fight at school, and someone videos it, making it appear as though he was involved, questioning his integrity as a teacher. It goes viral and now he is close to losing it all, as he has to prove his innocence.
In combination, his secret love affair with Lauren, and his fear of telling his son; his guilt, betrayal, and loyalty. How much can one man handle? How will he cope? As Neil fights to keep his job, his relationship with Lauren, Chris’ feelings, and the pressure of perhaps having to sell his in-laws' land to cover the bills.
With the emails, twists and turns, and slow building suspense, the novel’s voice told from Neil’s POV, allowing the reader to experience firsthand the hard choices, a caregiver, memories from the past, the turmoil of the present and the uncertainty of the future – there is much depth, and emotion from this flawed realistic character.
I listened to the audio version, narrated by Mikael Naramore and while his voice was pleasant, he was reading it more like a script than most, which sometimes threw off the impact of the overall novel; however, Jon Harrison’s The Banks of Certain Rivers is a beautiful and funny debut novel, and look forward to reading more!
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
A book that centers around a man, Neil, who from the beginning is dealt with a major life tragedy, the loss of a spouse, but this is just the tip of the iceberg for this book as his life takes major hits, but reading his story was enlightening. I rarely read a book that not only centers around a male character, but is written by a male, and now I just may look for more of them!
A book that centers around a man, Neil, who from the beginning is dealt with a major life tragedy, the loss of a spouse, but this is just the tip of the iceberg for this book as his life takes major hits, but reading his story was enlightening. I rarely read a book that not only centers around a male character, but is written by a male, and now I just may look for more of them!
This is a story that grabbed me from the prologue. I love when that happens! I just couldn't read this book fast enough. This is a very well written story and I immediately cared for the characters. Neil is a school teacher who really cares about his students and his family. There are troubled times on the horizon for everyone but the reader really is rooting for the good to overcome the bad.
This story has it all, enough variety to keep everyone happy. Let's see, there's tragedy, family bonds, love, drama, action, suspense. Something there interest you? I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a fast-paced read with great storylines and fabulous writing.
This book is Jon's first novel but it reads like an experienced novelist's work. I can hardly wait to see what he writes next!
It is soooo good!
This story has it all, enough variety to keep everyone happy. Let's see, there's tragedy, family bonds, love, drama, action, suspense. Something there interest you? I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a fast-paced read with great storylines and fabulous writing.
This book is Jon's first novel but it reads like an experienced novelist's work. I can hardly wait to see what he writes next!
It is soooo good!
I wouldn't have picked up this novel normally, but my book club selected it. I'm glad they did; what a terrific book. The characters are realistic and I felt as though I was experiencing the troubles and setbacks right along with them. Harrison's writing was top notch. Even though I've never been to Michigan, I could envision it perfectly. I highly recommend that you read this book!
I'm going to cut right to the chase, I loved everything about this book. The characters were all likeable and believable. The story slowly built in intensity, but was never boring. In fact, the more I got into the story the more trouble I had putting the book down. We all have times in our lives when we feel like everything is crashing down on us and I think the author really depicted that well with Neil's character. I found this story totally engrossing and I highly recommend it!
This book wasn't that bad, it just wasn't that good. You are half way through the book before you get to the "conflict" and then it becomes predictable and by the end everything ties up into nice, tidy conclusions. So don't expect much and you won't be disappointed - maybe I just expected too much from all the rave reviews.
I loved this book. I was hooked within the first page... and as I continued to read I started to care about each and every character: not just the protagonist, but also the secondary characters as well. This is a story about love, loss, adjustments, shocks, personal growth and challenges ... it's about life. It's about relationships. Father - son. Best friends. Lovers. Young love. Family. It covers it all ... without being forced or seem out of place. It's honest and tender. If you loved "One Day", "Little Bee",and "Gold" then I honestly believe you'll love this too. If you haven't read any of these books ... pick them up. You'll meet characters and stories that will inspire you. A solid, enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
The past few years for high school physics teacher and running coach Neil Kazenzakis have not been easy. A tragic accident has left his wife Wendy in a permanent vegetative state at a long-term care facility. He is a single parent to teenage son Christopher and takes care of his mother-in-law, Carol, who suffers from dementia. If that were not enough, he has kept his relationship with Lauren, Carol’s caregiver, a secret from his son. When an incident at school results in career ending allegations, his carefully reconstructed life threatens to shatter. Although surrounded by a good support network of colleagues and friends, Alan and Kristen, Neil struggles with the decisions he needs to make and the memories and emotions he has tried to forget.
Jon Harrison has written a compelling novel about a man just like us. The character of Neil Kazenzakis was refreshing and honest, and the fact that the author chose for his main character to be a man (instead of a woman as most of the characters are in these types of books) was what made it even more interesting.
Throughout the book, Neil is searching for answers to questions that we have all struggled with at some point in our lives. We are all searching for love, happiness, friendship and acceptance, forgiveness and absolution, health, happiness and success for our children and family members. Jon Harrison touches on so many issues that we also deal with everyday and has captured these human emotions and struggles beautifully.
A wonderful, touching and thought-provoking read. I give this book 4/5 stars.
Jon Harrison has written a compelling novel about a man just like us. The character of Neil Kazenzakis was refreshing and honest, and the fact that the author chose for his main character to be a man (instead of a woman as most of the characters are in these types of books) was what made it even more interesting.
Throughout the book, Neil is searching for answers to questions that we have all struggled with at some point in our lives. We are all searching for love, happiness, friendship and acceptance, forgiveness and absolution, health, happiness and success for our children and family members. Jon Harrison touches on so many issues that we also deal with everyday and has captured these human emotions and struggles beautifully.
A wonderful, touching and thought-provoking read. I give this book 4/5 stars.
This is a wonderful read. I became attached to the main character and his son immediately and knew I was hooked. As the reader, you are invited into Neil's life of heartbreak and obstacles and are there on the sidelines while he struggles with moving on, love, parenting and accusations. The story is raw, real and never drags on. Jon Harrison does a great job of keeping your attention and putting you in the moment. You can see yourself there, know the characters, picture yourself there. When a book flows smoothly like this and you can get lost in it, it's a beautiful read. Well done.
This is a great story. Once I started this book it was hard to put down. The main character Neil goes through love, tragedy, loss and love again. I cared about the characters and the emotional ups and downs. The ending left me satisfied.