Catalogue

Lee Murray, a local author, read and discussed the book with us. Everyone enjoyed the book and expressed concern that we all tend to overlook or ignore signs of depression or stress. Lee gave an authors `slant` to the writing and content of the novel. We all agreed that no matter what kind of tragedy strikes, we all experience some guilt that we could have possibly done something to avert the tragedy. Tauranga 023

Wonderful book, well crafted. Masterton 004

Most of us were compelled to finish the book-despite it being an American family (and the mother too good to be true for some!). It handled the grieving mother very well and the characters were totally convincing, especially the daughter and Mum. Would definitely read more of Anna Quindlen's work. Renwick 001

Our members were very impressed with the style of Anna Qundlen's writing, and her portrait of family life and how the unexpected can happen at any time. A long discussion ensued. Auckland 058

Almost everyone read the book and found they couldn't put it down once they got to the terrible part. Napier 005

Some thought it was a very good portrayal of the grief process and middle class family communication. Others thought it was a portrayal of a dysfunctional family, and found it too slow. Wellington 062

What a read! The characters slowly develop over the first half of the book, but the reader senses (hopes) something is going to happen. When it does however, it is like a punch to the solar plexus. At this stage we lost one of our members who refused to read any further. Although the story itself is grim, it is based in reality. It is a picture of a woman going through various stages of grief, how people behave around her and how she herself handles the traumatic events of her life. The discussion was heated but well rounded for our group.We (except for the one member) enjoyed the book and the discussion that followed. We differed in our thoughts of how we would react under similar circumstances, and continued the discussion as we left for home - a sign of a thoroughly engrossing read. Auckland 006

We enjoyed this book despite its tragic story. It took a while to get into it, but as the story developed we saw how important the first pages were in character development.The characters were all believable and sympathetic. Even Kiernan's background and family dynamic made his later behaviour explicable. We were still able to have some understanding of him. Lower Hutt 004

While everyone agreed that this was a tragic story, plumbing unimaginable levels of grief, most felt it was over-written, and certainly didn't live up to the description of "spellbinding" on the cover. Everyone felt, however, that the characters were convincing, especially the teenagers. One member loved it, savoured it and wept as she read. Great discussion. Tauranga 016

Mixed opinions. Majority didn't like it. However, after a spirited discussion with relevant and insightful comments from those who DID like it, the "majority' were less critical, and took on board the more positive aspects. Wellington 134

This book delighted us, not for its subject matter but for the author's ability with language - many phrases you wanted to read over and over just to enjoy. The feel on your tongue was very satisfying - like a great coffee! Christchurch 219