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moirastone's review against another edition
3.0
Solid, but ultimately uninspiring. I'm not even sure I could put my finger on what I felt was lacking, only that as I closed it, I felt that I had been told a good, thoughtful, interesting story, but that I emerged unchanged and unchallenged. The novel does end, though, with an unexpectedly surreal image. It might be the only thing that sticks with me.
mrsfligs's review against another edition
4.0
Brief Description: After the most tragic wedding day you can imagine, the Copaken and Tetherly families struggle to make sense of their lives and put themselves back together again. Following the families over four summers in the Maine town of Red Hook (the Copakens are a “summer” family while the Tetherleys are “townies”—a primary source of tension between the two), the individual members come together in various ways to grieve, heal and get on with their lives.
My Thoughts: I just love a good tragedy, and this book starts out with a whopper. I thought Waldman’s writing was fluid and graceful, and she does a good job of breaking these families down and building them back up. However, I thought she spent way more time on the Copaken family at the expense of the Tetherleys. As I write this review, I realize that most of the story lines had a Copaken at the center, with the Tetherleys playing supporting roles. I’m not sure if this was Waldman’s intention, but I definitely felt as if her heart was with the Copakens. There is a lovely sub-plot between a gifted music prodigy and her elderly teacher that I found oddly touching and satisfying, but the primary focus of the book is the grieving and healing process and how we can lose ourselves in the aftermath of a loved one’s death. All in all, it was a rich and satisfying read, and I wouldn’t hesitate to read another Waldman book.
My Thoughts: I just love a good tragedy, and this book starts out with a whopper. I thought Waldman’s writing was fluid and graceful, and she does a good job of breaking these families down and building them back up. However, I thought she spent way more time on the Copaken family at the expense of the Tetherleys. As I write this review, I realize that most of the story lines had a Copaken at the center, with the Tetherleys playing supporting roles. I’m not sure if this was Waldman’s intention, but I definitely felt as if her heart was with the Copakens. There is a lovely sub-plot between a gifted music prodigy and her elderly teacher that I found oddly touching and satisfying, but the primary focus of the book is the grieving and healing process and how we can lose ourselves in the aftermath of a loved one’s death. All in all, it was a rich and satisfying read, and I wouldn’t hesitate to read another Waldman book.
mrk_eastbay's review against another edition
2.0
I read it. Not saying much more. I actually liked the structure of the book, and was willing to suspend expectations that the characters were exactly as advertised.
abbiejrpg's review against another edition
4.0
I was so excited to win this from Goodreads! This was really a well written story about a family hit by tragedy and the different ways they all dealt with the trauma. I read the entire thing on a plane ride and found it very satisfying. A solid book!
glitterbomb47's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Lyrical and moving at times, but her attempt at multiple voices falls flat.
melpen's review against another edition
3.0
Good character study. Although somewhat predictable. Anti-climatic conclusion.
bookwitchkatie's review against another edition
3.0
A good summer read- an intelligently written drama set in modern Maine. Though the novel takes place during four summers, the narrative is anything but light and cheery. It focuses on dealing with grief, but the book never feels too gloomy. A surprising page-turner.
txkikind's review against another edition
2.0
I couldn't finish this book. The climax happens so quickly that I just couldn't care about the rest of the characters. I really tried to give this book a go but I was forcing myself to read it. Game of Thrones just came to me from the library so I'm abandoning this book for that. Maybe i'll come back to it at a later date. I kinda doubt it.
swrrlgrrl's review against another edition
5.0
Phenomenal snapshots of suffering and coping with loss. Beautifully written.
mmc2153's review against another edition
3.0
I had a tough time getting into this book, but something kept me reading.