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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
I have loved every single one of Jackson’s books so far. Part of the enjoyment is listening to the author read the books—she really brings them to life.
Really good. A little hard to get into but once I did I loved it!
I love Joshilyn Jackson, and this is probably my new favorite book by her. While the primary character is a minor character from a previous book, I didn't remember her at all, and I don't think it's at all necessary to the story to be familiar with the previous book. Frankly, the last book was probably my least favorite by this author, but this book more than redeems it. Examining all the complications of family and love, strong emotions reign in this book without it feeling hokey (sweet is not the way this book can be described, though it's not bitter either, both trappings to which it could have fallen). Strong, wonderfully complex primary characters in Paula and Birdwine. Advance e-galley provided by Edelweiss and the publisher.
**read in audiobook format**
The opposite of everyone is such a intriguing story to me. “The story ends with you”. That is the last words the main character Paula (Kali) receives from her estranged mother. Soon after Paula is on a journey to find something her mother lost and a surprise among the way. Both will ultimately change the woman’s life for the better.
There are so many meanings and lessons one could learn from this book. It takes a special author to tell this complicated story without overwhelming the audience but Ms Jackson pulls it off. From the subtle warning of watching what you name your children to the more important message of forgiveness,redemption, and that even in the most estranged circumstances many people at their core love their mother and wish for more time to hear more of their stories.
My favorite part of the book is unrelated to the main plot and I won’t spoil it. I’ll just say when you read it it will involve a bar and a lesson of what happens when you mess with the Indian Goddess Kalis namesake.
The opposite of everyone is such a intriguing story to me. “The story ends with you”. That is the last words the main character Paula (Kali) receives from her estranged mother. Soon after Paula is on a journey to find something her mother lost and a surprise among the way. Both will ultimately change the woman’s life for the better.
There are so many meanings and lessons one could learn from this book. It takes a special author to tell this complicated story without overwhelming the audience but Ms Jackson pulls it off. From the subtle warning of watching what you name your children to the more important message of forgiveness,redemption, and that even in the most estranged circumstances many people at their core love their mother and wish for more time to hear more of their stories.
My favorite part of the book is unrelated to the main plot and I won’t spoil it. I’ll just say when you read it it will involve a bar and a lesson of what happens when you mess with the Indian Goddess Kalis namesake.
This is a novel about a divorce lawyer who has no relationship with her mother through her adult life. She discovers that her mother has passed away. Her mother had other things go on in her life that we learn about later. I had a hard time connecting to the main character. However, I enjoyed the story.
This novel begins with the story of one broken adult trying to find her way in the world. As she begins to learn more about the truth of her past, she starts making ties to people again. Having given up on relationships after a drift from her mother, Paula Vauss is living a wealthy but stark life.
The book winds its way back into the past to pick up the pieces for the reader until it gets back to the present, finally showing a complete picture of where Paula begins to pick up the pieces of her life. The mysticism and skepticism of truth and tales blends into an uplifting story of family and what it means to belong to one.
The book winds its way back into the past to pick up the pieces for the reader until it gets back to the present, finally showing a complete picture of where Paula begins to pick up the pieces of her life. The mysticism and skepticism of truth and tales blends into an uplifting story of family and what it means to belong to one.
Loved this book! Had me hooked. I couldn't put it down.
I'm just a fan of Joshilyn Jackson. Full stop. Her stories are engrossing and her characters jump off the page. This one is no exception...recommended.
Paula Voss is a lawyer, and she is good at what she does. Her ex-boyfriend/PI isn't speaking to her, but he's started working for her again. When her mother returns the check she sent her and leaves a cryptic message, Paula falters. Then a stranger shows up at her office looking for her. The novel is told in both present day and flashbacks to her unconventional upbringing.
I like Joshilyn Jackson's books, but I don't make a point of seeking her out. I enjoyed this book. It's read by the author, and she does a good job. Her fiction is light without being too fluffy. It's probably closer to 3.5 stars than a 4-star for me, but I think that has more to do with me than the book.
I like Joshilyn Jackson's books, but I don't make a point of seeking her out. I enjoyed this book. It's read by the author, and she does a good job. Her fiction is light without being too fluffy. It's probably closer to 3.5 stars than a 4-star for me, but I think that has more to do with me than the book.
A powerful story of love, hurt, survival and redemption. I have to admit to skimming some of Kai’s creative stories which I now regret as they may have added to the richness of the novel. I was delighted to read in the acknowledgements that the children who grew up in state care in the novel, surviving to become happy adjusted adults giving back to the social system, was based on reality.