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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
At the beginning, I liked this book very much. The humor and warmth in a story about a tragic hunting accident was completely unexpected. Also, the structure of the writing, (The Call, What I Did, What the Kids Said, What the Wife Cooked for Dinner), was fun and brought in a picture of the narrating character and his home. However, over 100 pages in, it is feeling a bit precious and tiresome.
In the end, I really liked where the story went. I liked the kids a lot, and I liked the veterinarian. I liked the spaceman well enough, but the writer doesn't let us get to know the mom enough to know whether I would like her. I think the veterinarian has forgotten, a little, to pay attention to what he likes about her.
This is a story about choosing what to put your focus on, about choosing life and daily happiness. What is worth your energy and attention?
In the end, I really liked where the story went. I liked the kids a lot, and I liked the veterinarian. I liked the spaceman well enough, but the writer doesn't let us get to know the mom enough to know whether I would like her. I think the veterinarian has forgotten, a little, to pay attention to what he likes about her.
This is a story about choosing what to put your focus on, about choosing life and daily happiness. What is worth your energy and attention?
The writing style wasn't really my cup of tea, but I admit, now that I've finished, that this book is objectively "good." I bought it because my dad's a veterinarian and I like sci-fi, so a book with the back cover mentioning vets and spaceships seemed like a sure winner. It was unlike anything I've ever read - and I wouldn't call it science fiction. The ending is satisfying (but I won't say more than that).
Yes, I echo what everyone else said. Loved the unique format of the book, loved the characters. There were a lot of little family moments that made me smile and/or feel a little pang of heartache. Yes, it is hard to describe what this book is about, but it is a sweet little gem.
Murphy presents the reader with a deeply felt, emotional novel in a peculiar format; the veterinarian's daily log is what carries the story of the Appleton family through its regular routine and tragedy once it strikes. Vivid beauty, exacting heartbreak, and a quiet mystery are all present. The vet contemplates everything from spaceships and time travel to the intricacies of birthing livestock. The family dynamics are at once humorous and strained, feeling very real. A superb little book replete with big issues.
Horrible! Ugh. I hated the format. Storyline was just okay.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Hmmm...this is a tricky one. I loved the journal-like format, which is the main reason I picked this book. The writing style was just lovely. Plus, I learned how to do a tracheotomy on a horse using a milk jug handle, which may come in handy someday. As far as the plot goes, it was really sparse and lacked substance. After their son's accident, I would have expected some sort of assistance (food, candlelight vigil, etc.) from neighbors & classmates. There was no mention of any community involvement in the book. I know coming from a small town (but not as small as in this book) that people come out in droves to help out during times of crisis. The fact that this wasn't mentioned sort of bothered me. Second, I was so doggone tired reading about that annoying spaceship. For a while, I thought this guy's levels had something to do with some sort of psychological condition. So basically I would recommend this book for it's format, which is a nice change of pace from normal fiction, but as for the content, it was surely lacking.
I loved this book. The unique format of a veterinarian's log book makes the book a fast, entertaining read. I highly recommend.
Interesting structure, astute observations about family life, and a nice big ethical dilemma. The philosophy of the 12 year old at the end is a highlight, but the whole book is really about family love, and how we feel it, show it, live with it.