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beth_zovko's review against another edition
2.0
This was mind-bleach after two Soviet non-fictions, so maybe it's biased to say the novel was a little too sugary, but here goes:
Elderly, world-weary Addy and sweet, abandoned Sharla were not difficult characters to like, but they lacked enough depth to love them. The writing (much of the time) was spot-on funny or wistful or furious. Descriptions of lake towns and farm people bordered on poetry, and the author's empathy for Addy and Sharla was real.
The book began well enough with the circumstances (ie shitty mother) that brought them together, and continued to look promising as it moved onto Addy's past. There's where the story started to lose its shine.
Early on, there's a neat twist that was never pursued, one I thought was more compelling than what the book actually delivered. Instead, we follow Addy as she ricochets from onesub-plot town to the next, meeting an array of villains/saviors who seemed to exist just to move the story along.
In all this Addy came across as so unshakably (*cough* maddeningly) patient and good, that it was hard to root for her--SPEAK UP, WOMAN! Add on an ending that left one of the major conflicts unresolved and, like Addy, I was ready to say goodbye to the whole thing.
Elderly, world-weary Addy and sweet, abandoned Sharla were not difficult characters to like, but they lacked enough depth to love them. The writing (much of the time) was spot-on funny or wistful or furious. Descriptions of lake towns and farm people bordered on poetry, and the author's empathy for Addy and Sharla was real.
The book began well enough with the circumstances (ie shitty mother) that brought them together, and continued to look promising as it moved onto Addy's past. There's where the story started to lose its shine.
Early on, there's a neat twist that was never pursued, one I thought was more compelling than what the book actually delivered. Instead, we follow Addy as she ricochets from one
In all this Addy came across as so unshakably (*cough* maddeningly) patient and good, that it was hard to root for her--SPEAK UP, WOMAN! Add on an ending that left one of the major conflicts unresolved and, like Addy, I was ready to say goodbye to the whole thing.
jansbookcorner's review
5.0
I'm not sure how I hadn't come across this book before, but I am glad I found it now. It's rare to read a 500 + book and be disappointed when I see the end is near. I was drawn into this story and these people and enjoyed it all.
heathssm's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
d52s's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful story. This is one of those books I just couldn't stop reading. The older woman was so likable and caring, and the little girl was so innocent and good despite her hard life. You just couldn't help turning the page to hear the outcome. Often times I get frustrated when a book keeps shifting from present to past, but it worked beautifully for this book.
ovenbird_reads's review against another edition
4.0
While many books have made me ache while confronting the sorrow and the beauty of the world, rarely do books make me cry openly and fully. This book did that. Lansens has written a heartbreaking story of loss and redemption with just enough love for the reader to grasp onto like a raft in turbulent water. The protagonist Addy Shadd draws you into her world and, as if you are a child like Sharla yourself, teaches you the value of forgiveness as well as "how to live simply and simply live."
Lansens infuses her book with vivid scents--pie crusts, strawberries warm in the summer sun, sweat, death, decay, and the algae green smell of Lake Erie. The world she fashions is so close you can almost taste it. She brings you to the brink of human cruelty only to pull back into love--love that is flawed, human, often tragic, but nonetheless love that heals.
I would recommend this to anyone who has ever wondered how to get home.
Lansens infuses her book with vivid scents--pie crusts, strawberries warm in the summer sun, sweat, death, decay, and the algae green smell of Lake Erie. The world she fashions is so close you can almost taste it. She brings you to the brink of human cruelty only to pull back into love--love that is flawed, human, often tragic, but nonetheless love that heals.
I would recommend this to anyone who has ever wondered how to get home.
positivewoman2013's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 It took me a bit to get into it, but when I did I enjoyed the characters. We learned about Addy's life while she cared for an abanded little girl. I liked how the author ended the story.
evaosterlee's review against another edition
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
meme_too2's review against another edition
4.0
This book was difficult reading-language, rough characters, but so well written with believable characters. I wanted them to find happiness, or at least satisfaction.
ginabyeg's review against another edition
5.0
Very moving novel. It does depict an ample amount of sensitive topics right from the beginning, including poverty, rape, racism, and adultery. This took a minute to adjust to as a reader; however, it makes the main characters' overall story all the more powerful. I'll admit, the theme of forgiveness alluded to in the description felt weak to me; however, the story of resilience and integrity in the main character stood out to me as a strongly woven element throughout the novel.
beastreader's review against another edition
5.0
Five year old Sharla Cody is sent to live with seventy-year old, Addy Shadd. Addy is in no way related to Sharla but she is the first person who answered her door when Sharla’s mother, Colette knocked and offered to take Sharla for the summer. Addy lives in a trailer park. She is all alone, so when Colette is looking for someone to take Sharla; Addy agrees. It will be nice to have someone to talk to again. Sharla and Addy will teach each other things despite their age differences.
Ok let me first get this out of the way by say this “Oh My Gosh”. I did not realize how much this book was going to affect me. The reason is that Lori Lansens has such a distinct, prolific writing style that Addy and Sharla just came alive for me. It was like I was living in that trailer park along with Sharla and Addy. The friendship that Sharla and Addy formed with each other was precious and one to be treasured forever. I started reading this book last night and in a matter of only a few hours I had finished reading Rush Home Road. For being Lori Lansens first novel as well as the first one I have read by this author, I give it a perfect ten! Rush Home Road just became one of my new favorite books. Lori Lansens is one author to watch out for. A true powerhouse.
Ok let me first get this out of the way by say this “Oh My Gosh”. I did not realize how much this book was going to affect me. The reason is that Lori Lansens has such a distinct, prolific writing style that Addy and Sharla just came alive for me. It was like I was living in that trailer park along with Sharla and Addy. The friendship that Sharla and Addy formed with each other was precious and one to be treasured forever. I started reading this book last night and in a matter of only a few hours I had finished reading Rush Home Road. For being Lori Lansens first novel as well as the first one I have read by this author, I give it a perfect ten! Rush Home Road just became one of my new favorite books. Lori Lansens is one author to watch out for. A true powerhouse.