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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
I was totally into the story in this book until I hit the halfway mark. That is when the story started to bog down and become less interesting to me. I tried to get back into it but wasn't very successful so the second half of the book was a bit of a slog for me. I admit there were sections I skim read because I just wanted the book to be over with.
Don't get me wrong. It is a well written book. I guess it was just not a good match to me at the moment and I felt like I had to slog through to the end.
Don't get me wrong. It is a well written book. I guess it was just not a good match to me at the moment and I felt like I had to slog through to the end.
Slow to start but once I got into the meat of the story I loved it.
Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy.
Wow- I loved The Art Racing in the Rain and this book was totally different- but a great read. When Trevor's parents marriage is on the rocks and he is sent with his dad to the old homestead out on Puget Sound, he doesn't know what he is in for. His dad has "issues", his grandad has dementia and his aunt Serena is more than a little off. I loved the way Stein developed the characters. Each one is so different and has a very specific role in the novel- not just placeholders.
The natural beauty of the estate, the whole history of the timber industry and of course family drama are all seamlessly interwoven in this book. I was shocked at the ending, but perhaps it had to be that way...
Read it, you'll like it.
Wow- I loved The Art Racing in the Rain and this book was totally different- but a great read. When Trevor's parents marriage is on the rocks and he is sent with his dad to the old homestead out on Puget Sound, he doesn't know what he is in for. His dad has "issues", his grandad has dementia and his aunt Serena is more than a little off. I loved the way Stein developed the characters. Each one is so different and has a very specific role in the novel- not just placeholders.
The natural beauty of the estate, the whole history of the timber industry and of course family drama are all seamlessly interwoven in this book. I was shocked at the ending, but perhaps it had to be that way...
Read it, you'll like it.
A haunting and heartfelt, masterful work... eloquently, soulfully and skillfully rendered. Stein wraps his readers up in his prose in such a unique and profound way. I was consumed in the narrative from the first page to the last. It tugged at my soul in a way that is difficult to describe... in a way that can only be felt; like music, or flying, or leaping from an airplane, or some kind of spiritual awakening. I can't even compare "A Sudden Light" to "The Art of Racing in the Rain," or tell you that if you liked his first work, you will surely like his newest (Though I did). Stein's latest creation is not at all the same and it is immeasurably more entrancing. He has lovingly, tenderly, expertly rendered a stunning and triumphant piece of art.
(I know that didn't convey any hint of what this book is ABOUT... but what do you need me to tell you that for? It's on the jacket!)
(I know that didn't convey any hint of what this book is ABOUT... but what do you need me to tell you that for? It's on the jacket!)
Big disappointment. I loved Art of Racing in the Rain. This doesn't even come close.
This precious book explores relationships, faith, and the sweet sweet green forests I miss so much. Would read again.
Best book I have read in many months. Garth Stein has a way of writing that conveys a precise emotion and message that is rare to find. This is carefully crafted and it shows. I wish I could read it again and experience it for the first time. Relationships are complex and characters are layered like in real life. Loved the Seattle setting and how that is incorporated into each scene. The timber industry is receding and it was so interesting to learn the history of it and share in the appreciation and magic of trees. Amazing book by a truly talented author.
As a lover of old houses, I really enjoyed this one. An adult ghost story, kind of like Scooby Doo for adults (and I mean that as a good thing). Granted, I knew what was going on pretty quickly, but still enjoyed it.