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leannecoppola's review against another edition
2.0
The main character in this book got on my nerves. The only reason I finished it was because I didn't know what to read next and I always need something to read. I'd skip this one.
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
While the decisions facing the characters were interesting to ponder, and the premise kept me reading, the writing was lacking. It bogs down in places. Our book club was disappointed, given all the hype the book received.
Carrie and Mike are engaged but drifting apart. Before Carrie can voice her doubts, Mike dives into shallow water, breaking his neck and becoming a quadriplegic. Does she stay? Does she go?
Carrie and Mike are engaged but drifting apart. Before Carrie can voice her doubts, Mike dives into shallow water, breaking his neck and becoming a quadriplegic. Does she stay? Does she go?
Spoiler
The answer is "yes." Off to New York City and a love affair with a selfish older man. Carrie abandons her fiance, her friends, her mother; and indulges herself. But eventually she returns - not to the same relationship though.adefreitas's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
karinlib's review against another edition
4.0
Carrie Bell's boyfriend, Mike, was showing off when he dove off of Clausen's Pier. What he didn't imagine was that he would end up breaking his neck. Mike and Carrie were engaged, high school sweethearts. On the brink of adulthood at 23, their lives were just beginning. The dive changed everything.
This book was split between Madison, Wisconsin and NYC. I found that enjoyed the NYC part more than the Madison part. I can't really say why I liked this emotionally charged book, but I did. The reviews for this book seemed to be mixed, and I understand why that is. I didn't always like the main character, but I did enjoy Ann Packer's writing.
This book was split between Madison, Wisconsin and NYC. I found that enjoyed the NYC part more than the Madison part. I can't really say why I liked this emotionally charged book, but I did. The reviews for this book seemed to be mixed, and I understand why that is. I didn't always like the main character, but I did enjoy Ann Packer's writing.
sjruskin's review against another edition
3.0
Really had a hard time getting into this book. Mainly because I never like the main character and just didn't care.
elbierly's review against another edition
3.0
I’m torn - the main character was someone I both felt for and couldn’t stand; the writing was good, but some characters were underdeveloped in a frustrating way. Overall, a good read and one that resolved in a less fairy tale way than expected
lisawhelpley's review against another edition
4.0
The premise of this book is great: what do you do when you are with a guy, but not sure if he's THE GUY...and then something terrible happens to the guy?
juliasilge's review against another edition
3.0
This is actually the second time I've read this book; I first read it soon after it came out in 2002 when I was in my early 20s like the main character. My book club did this novel last month and it was pretty interesting to revisit it now in my early 30s. The protagonist Carrie is the final rocky throes of a long-term relationship that stretches back to high school when her fiance is in a catastrophic accident and is paralyzed. The bulk of the narrative shows her navigating what she is going to do, who she owes what kind of loyalty to (family, friends, lovers), and what kind of life she is going to make. I think essentially this book is about being at the brink of adulthood and deciding who you are going to be. It's dramatic but not in a trashy way, fairly contemplative and serious. Nice.
ericfheiman's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book for my novel writing class, and as with Mark Haddon's novel, it's a great teaching tool even if Packer hasn't quite given us a novel for the ages. The book ably tackles a difficult predicament of life and love that I hesitate to reveal here, but can say of it that no one will be impervious to the questions raised. Packer is also a deft unspooler of first person narrative and the novel never flags. Her dialogue rarely feels canned and while the last third's plot developments are a little contrived, overall the journey feels real and earned.