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annels789's review against another edition
4.0
Every time I read something by Anna Quindlen, I end up wishing that she lived next door. She clearly understands so much about the mix of joy and pain at each stage of motherhood. I loved the start of this book with its descriptions of the hidden undercurrents in the relationships between the main character and her teen-aged children, husband, and friends in this outwardly happy, successful family. Then the "tragedy" hinted at on the back cover occurred. It was so outrageous that it felt like a punch in the nose. I put the book down angrily and refused to read it again for several days. It felt like the kind of plot device poorer writers are forced to throw in to give their work emotional impact. Quindlen's quieter insights are dramatic enough without the use of this "big event". Nevertheless, I am glad I did finally pick the book up again and finish it. It made me cry several times, but it was written so sensitively and honestly that I no longer felt cheated by this gifted writer.
burghblakebooks's review against another edition
4.0
I found it very odd how much I liked this book, but I suppose I connected easily with the darkness of it. Be prepared to cry and shudder at every turn of the page. The book is emotion and character driven, not plot driven. So if you're in the market for a murder-mystery thriller, look elsewhere. Quindlen does a fine job at reaping the sorrow that engulfs her main character and walking us step-by-step through her mourning process as we learn what it might be like to cope after tragedy. Every Last One is an extraordinarily written piece of literature.
mokate17's review against another edition
3.0
This book is slow to start, and you can't even be sure where it's going. But a major event mid-book made the rest of the book a fast, interesting and emotional read. Not one of my favorites, but a decent book.
maisonsoper's review against another edition
2.0
I like the premise of the novel and it’s characters, but not the actual execution of it. It jumped around a lot and it wasn’t always immediately clear what point of time they were at. This is my first Anna Quindlen novel so I’m not sure if this is her style or an anomaly, but it took me three or four tries to finish this book and I don’t see myself picking up another book by her anytime soon. The only reason I kept coming back to it was because I felt attached to the characters and wanted to know what happened.
emilyisreading2024's review against another edition
4.0
I liked Every Last One, but I didn't love it and I don't think it is Quindlen's best. I didn't really identify with the character of Mary Beth and I felt at times like the author wasn't quite sure what type of book she wanted this to be. I think others (e.g. Lionel Shriver) have handled somewhat similar subject matter in a more compelling way.
wsk56's review against another edition
3.0
I LIKE HER WRITING AND THE STORY, WELL, IT'S JUST SHOCKING. I DIDN'T READ THE INSIDE COVER OR READ ABOUT THE BOOK. DIDN'T HAVE A CLUE WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. I READ IT IN A SHORT TIME, COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. I WANTED TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. I HATED WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CHARACTERS. BUT IT WAS A GOOD BOOK. IT WILL STICK WITH YOU. I LOVED THE CHARACTERS, ESPECIALLY THE KIDS. IT WILL BREAK YOUR HEART.
marisa39's review against another edition
5.0
Realistic and relatable. The writing is good and just so...real. I could relate to Mary Beth which made the story so much more haunting.
cheraford's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book more than I thought I would. The characters drew me in from immediately, thought I thought it petered out by the end
lindsayharmon's review against another edition
4.0
Trying to describe the plot of this book makes it sound like a Jodi Picoult novel--and I hate Jodi Picoult novels. For me, the major difference is that Quindlen is much more focused on characters than on plot, so she doesn't need to rely on crazy plot twists to carry the novel. The "shocking act of violence" mentioned in the jacket copy is almost secondary--there's no mystery to solve and no manipulative revelations. The focus is simply on the family and the way they react to and slowly rebuild from what happens.