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lememories's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i love lovee hyde’s writing style so much. i love to see other character’s perspective especially aubrey’s growth. i love how we truly feel like we r in character’s head & how they feel. it’s just w this storyline it was abit more difficult for me to wrap my head around & long, BUT, still loved reading this book.
sssnoo's review against another edition
4.0
Another nuanced book by CRH, one of my favorite authors. This book explores the importance of projection, and how, by not seeking other’s motivations and perspectives we can get it all wrong. There are also just wonderful passages capturing conversations between Aubrey and his therapist. This could be used as part of a psychtherapy teaching program I think. I also loved the breakfasts - those prepared by Isobelle, Hamish and others. I don’t want to put in spoilers so I won’t say more.
brittanymariereads's review against another edition
4.0
I have yet to read a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde that I didn't love. This was no exception.
marceelf's review against another edition
2.0
http://www.anurseandabook.com/2016/01/ask-him-why-by-catherine-ryan-hyde.html
I love Catherine Ryan Hyde, and usually her books are an easy win for me. But this one dragged on a little. I think mostly because I'm sick of hearing about Bowe Bergdahl - first the Serial podcast, then this book. I wasn't that interested in the first place, to be honest.
So this issue may have been mine - especially since I see it has a high 4 rating on Goodreads, but I just had a hard time getting into it.
The main theme was the entire family didn't know how to communicate and kept their feelings to themselves, but this also made the narration of the story very flat, and didn't pull me in emotionally like most of Hyde's books.
So this is the first official unfinished book of 2016. And it's killing me, with my compulsive need for closure.
I love Catherine Ryan Hyde, and usually her books are an easy win for me. But this one dragged on a little. I think mostly because I'm sick of hearing about Bowe Bergdahl - first the Serial podcast, then this book. I wasn't that interested in the first place, to be honest.
So this issue may have been mine - especially since I see it has a high 4 rating on Goodreads, but I just had a hard time getting into it.
The main theme was the entire family didn't know how to communicate and kept their feelings to themselves, but this also made the narration of the story very flat, and didn't pull me in emotionally like most of Hyde's books.
So this is the first official unfinished book of 2016. And it's killing me, with my compulsive need for closure.
jerzgrl626's review
3.0
Overall, I enjoyed this book but I felt that the ending was a little predictable. I liked the POV from the two siblings and how it went back and forth between them. The introduction of Hamish's character also brought an interesting twist to the story.
mirel's review against another edition
4.0
Even 4.5. Strong and insightful story
Strong writing and story-telling exploring family relationships, judging others and more. Great voice and dialog.
Joseph S's return in disgrace from Iraq after 3.5 months in the army affects his whole family in ways none of them could have imagined. We follow the situation as it deteriorates through the alternating perspectives of his younger, adolescent sister and brother, and then again as they learn new truths and grow ten years later.
Great read
Strong writing and story-telling exploring family relationships, judging others and more. Great voice and dialog.
Joseph S's return in disgrace from Iraq after 3.5 months in the army affects his whole family in ways none of them could have imagined. We follow the situation as it deteriorates through the alternating perspectives of his younger, adolescent sister and brother, and then again as they learn new truths and grow ten years later.
Great read
tatebasildon's review
5.0
I Really Liked Thus Book
This is not a high suspense melodrama. This is a beautifully written story about a dysfunctional family's navigation through a very public tidal wave of events resulting from one member's action or inaction, as told through the different perspectives of a brother and sister. I could not stop reading.
This is not a high suspense melodrama. This is a beautifully written story about a dysfunctional family's navigation through a very public tidal wave of events resulting from one member's action or inaction, as told through the different perspectives of a brother and sister. I could not stop reading.
mugglemom's review
4.0
CRH definitely has a knack for making her fictional character feels like I could bump into them at my local store and be wrapped up in their lives. This is another story with a theme of a military member who is struggling with PTSD and/or some moral conflict and how it affects the entire family situation.
Her prose is so touching and thought-provoking. This was a 'sheltered' and complex story – which mirrors family life; nothing on the surface is what it seems and communication or lack of communication is the linchpin that ultimately reveals the true situation.
At first, I wasn’t enjoying Aubrey as the 13yr old protagonist but as CRH pulls back the layers and the impact is poignant and realistic.
Again, a solid story from an accomplished writer. On to her next book..
Her prose is so touching and thought-provoking. This was a 'sheltered' and complex story – which mirrors family life; nothing on the surface is what it seems and communication or lack of communication is the linchpin that ultimately reveals the true situation.
At first, I wasn’t enjoying Aubrey as the 13yr old protagonist but as CRH pulls back the layers and the impact is poignant and realistic.
Again, a solid story from an accomplished writer. On to her next book..
kyjoyce's review
5.0
Great book, pretty good audiobook as well
I half read, half listened to this one. I'm not sure which was more enjoyable, but I rather liked them both. The story was well-timed, believable and engaging. The characters were likable, and aside from making me cry on my way to work, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Kudos.
I half read, half listened to this one. I'm not sure which was more enjoyable, but I rather liked them both. The story was well-timed, believable and engaging. The characters were likable, and aside from making me cry on my way to work, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Kudos.