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nommie8's review against another edition
medium-paced
3.25
A bit 'meh' from a pacing and plot development perspective but an interesting and unique cast of characters.
sophiebentley's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
melohpa's review against another edition
3.0
A heart-warming story about people on the fringe of society; those that don't fit into society's ever-changing definition of "normal".
See my full review at https://topplingbookpile.blogspot.com/2020/06/a-thousand-roads-home-by-carmel.html
See my full review at https://topplingbookpile.blogspot.com/2020/06/a-thousand-roads-home-by-carmel.html
edenseve63's review against another edition
4.0
Perfect story for the Christmas holiday with its message of reaching out a helping hand to one’s fellow man. Though homeless each character has a unique story and spirit worth getting to know. Indeed, there are a thousand ways home and each of us is either on the path or looking for the right path to follow.
eile_mc's review
2.0
Book club - not for me, but I liked that the characters had 'real' problems vs. "just" a break up or non-dilemma to overcome. It was well liked overall in the Bookclub discussion.
portybelle's review
5.0
Tom O'Grady is a former doctor who is homeless and sleeping on park bench. We've all seen people like that and let's be honest, we've probably all been a little wary, judgemental even. As Tom's story is gradually revealed, we see the heartbreak which has caused his current situation. Despite his own difficulties though, he is always willing to use his medical knowledge to help other rough sleepers, or indeed anyone in need. He is a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.
Ruth Wilde is a single mother who has ended up in B&B accommodation with her son DJ. Through her, we see the restrictions and difficulties you perhaps never think about for families in her situation. Where do the children do their homework? How can you feed yourself if cooking facilities are limited? Where can you get your clothes washed and dried? I have occasionally helped at our local foodbank and know that many people in this kind of accommodation aren't allowed even a microwave so are restricted to what we call kettle food. Imagine having to survive on cup-a-soups and those pasta or rice meals you make in a cup. Ruth has added challenges as she has Asperger's which makes her rather obsessive about some things and very blunt in her conversation which doesn't always endear her to others.
Through their stories, Carmel Harrington explores grief and loss and mental health issues. She sensitively looks at living with Aspergers and how it affects everyday life. And she looks at how we can all change the world 'one person at a time.' Ruth, DJ and Tom - and the residents of the temporary accommodation - are all changed in ways they could never have anticipated, by simple acts of kindness, acceptance and love.
It is often said that any of us is only two pay cheques away from the streets. There are so many reasons why people end up homeless, on the streets or in temporary accommodation. It's not always the fault of the homeless person. Having read this book, I think I will be a bit kinder, a bit more ready to think about the story of why the person is living like this. A Thousand Roads Home is a beautiful and touching story of finding your place in the world, finding your home. It's emotional, engaging and thought-provoking. Ultimately, it is a hopeful and uplifting book showing the resilience of the human spirit and the way that love, in its many forms, can transform lives.
Ruth Wilde is a single mother who has ended up in B&B accommodation with her son DJ. Through her, we see the restrictions and difficulties you perhaps never think about for families in her situation. Where do the children do their homework? How can you feed yourself if cooking facilities are limited? Where can you get your clothes washed and dried? I have occasionally helped at our local foodbank and know that many people in this kind of accommodation aren't allowed even a microwave so are restricted to what we call kettle food. Imagine having to survive on cup-a-soups and those pasta or rice meals you make in a cup. Ruth has added challenges as she has Asperger's which makes her rather obsessive about some things and very blunt in her conversation which doesn't always endear her to others.
Through their stories, Carmel Harrington explores grief and loss and mental health issues. She sensitively looks at living with Aspergers and how it affects everyday life. And she looks at how we can all change the world 'one person at a time.' Ruth, DJ and Tom - and the residents of the temporary accommodation - are all changed in ways they could never have anticipated, by simple acts of kindness, acceptance and love.
It is often said that any of us is only two pay cheques away from the streets. There are so many reasons why people end up homeless, on the streets or in temporary accommodation. It's not always the fault of the homeless person. Having read this book, I think I will be a bit kinder, a bit more ready to think about the story of why the person is living like this. A Thousand Roads Home is a beautiful and touching story of finding your place in the world, finding your home. It's emotional, engaging and thought-provoking. Ultimately, it is a hopeful and uplifting book showing the resilience of the human spirit and the way that love, in its many forms, can transform lives.
fi91's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jaded618's review
5.0
Beautifully written story. Sad but impactful all at the same time. People can be lost in many different ways and just need to find the right way back to themselves. Loved this book!
anneduff's review
4.0
A heartwarming read about love and friendship. The ending was a bit too twee for me but, in general, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching their lives entwine.
caroline_clementine's review against another edition
5.0
A touching story set in Ireland that ties together two people struggling in different ways, always believing that everyone deserves a second chance.