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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
Good, but….
Overall, I enjoyed this story. But, I never could get into all the Quaker verbiage and focus. I found Isaac to be an extremely odd man. I was much more interested in Evangeline’s (the homeless girl) and Lorrie’s (the much abused wife and mother of Jonah) story. I could actually understand why Isaac’s wife left him and their teenage boy, Daniel. Of course, all the bows were tied at the end. I have been to a Quaker church and I don’t recall it being near as odd as this story paints the religion to be. Would have been a much better story without all the references to “meeting”, the Divine one, and hours of silence.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. But, I never could get into all the Quaker verbiage and focus. I found Isaac to be an extremely odd man. I was much more interested in Evangeline’s (the homeless girl) and Lorrie’s (the much abused wife and mother of Jonah) story. I could actually understand why Isaac’s wife left him and their teenage boy, Daniel. Of course, all the bows were tied at the end. I have been to a Quaker church and I don’t recall it being near as odd as this story paints the religion to be. Would have been a much better story without all the references to “meeting”, the Divine one, and hours of silence.
I didn't think this book was either a mystery or a thriller. It was a complicated story of what could happen in a small town anywhere in the USA. Teens get confused and lose their way. The adults they need for guidance can also get lost. This is a hopeful story that the best way out is always through
Pretty mediocre. Very like…. of its genre? You know that like, adult drama that’s just like… fine and claims to have big themes and revelation and super meaningful. Like, Celeste Ng time shit, you know? But like… not as interesting. Maybe I’ve just read too many of these for it to hit me anymore? I dunno.
Also, Jesus, this book is way too long. Becomes a HUGE slog to get through in the last, like 4 hours? So could’ve been cut by like a third at least.
Also, this is the second book that I’ve listened to as an audiobook recently, and I wonder if that might affect my reading experience? Like, the book demands less of my attention, and makes the experience less immediate? Perhaps!
Also, Jesus, this book is way too long. Becomes a HUGE slog to get through in the last, like 4 hours? So could’ve been cut by like a third at least.
Also, this is the second book that I’ve listened to as an audiobook recently, and I wonder if that might affect my reading experience? Like, the book demands less of my attention, and makes the experience less immediate? Perhaps!
emotional
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was interesting and there is a lot to uncover. There is an emotional depth to this book that is sometimes like a juicy rumor, but is also so complex. Main themes are forgiveness, loss, grief, and hope. The progression of the main characters, and the side characters really pulled this book along for me, unwrapping the plot as the characters grew.
I thought the Quaker religion added an interesting element to the book, as it was not something I am too familiar with. I also enjoyed how Evangeline and Isaac were really prominent (and Jonah to a slightly lesser extent), but the side stories of Isaac's wife and Peter were relevant, but not overpowered.
Again, a lot of unpack in this one...but I suppose this is the Spark Note version of my thoughts directly after reading.
I thought the Quaker religion added an interesting element to the book, as it was not something I am too familiar with. I also enjoyed how Evangeline and Isaac were really prominent (and Jonah to a slightly lesser extent), but the side stories of Isaac's wife and Peter were relevant, but not overpowered.
Again, a lot of unpack in this one...but I suppose this is the Spark Note version of my thoughts directly after reading.
Really enjoyed this one—some strangeness to it for me, but it was endearing at its core and a good read
Solid writing, keeps you interested with an ending tied with a bow.
3.5 stars. I ended up liking this book, but the first half was easy to turn away from and so it was a very slow read at first. Hard to put my finger on why, as I liked the characters well enough. But it picked up for me in the second half and I enjoyed following both Isaac and Evangeline on their parallel journeys to healing.