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By: AUCK 037
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2024-08-29 15:54:50 |
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We gave this book a 4, and most said they had enjoyed it. We had a wide-ranging discussion about religion including community vs faith and the power of the congregation, twins, relationships within and between the two couples and the different backgrounds they each came from and lastly autism. There was some scepticism about the ending and the setting up of a school for autistic children within the church and also that Will could live successfully with his twin brother.Recommended. |
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By: CHCH 389
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2024-06-17 10:13:31 |
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The book was generally enjoyed by all. Good discussion regarding personalities and relationships. |
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By: AUCK 014
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2024-04-10 10:50:51 |
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Some of us liked the book; others were underwhelmed; some disliked! That said,it prompted considerable discussion. |
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By: PICT 007
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2024-04-09 20:39:51 |
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Overall a very depressing book. That's how most of the group felt. It generated some interesting discussion but it was a frustrating read because Lily seemed a badly written character, who acted so irrationally. Had some discussion on whether homes for autistic children is right or wrong - 50/50 for and against. |
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By: RAWEN 001
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2023-10-12 12:20:34 |
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Very good description of an autistic child and how parents cope. Most members enjoyed this book. Some questions quite long and involved, but we had a good discussion. |
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By: DUNED 006
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2023-09-11 13:12:36 |
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Really enjoyed this book. We had a good discussion as a result of it. |
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By: FEILD 004
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2023-08-07 12:19:32 |
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We enjoyed the book, and the building of the characters was well thought out. Challenging themes and subject matter. Interesting portrayal of American culture. |
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By: ASHB 003
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2023-08-07 10:09:35 |
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Some enjoyed this book. Others found it contrived with characters positioned to represent a different view on faith. |
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By: AUCK 293
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2023-07-19 11:37:40 |
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We all thoroughly enjoyed this book. A good insight into how very different personalities can actually make relationships work. And that there is always a solution to a problem, even though it can sometimes take time. |
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By: NELS 083
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2023-07-13 13:56:42 |
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A multi-layered book involving people from widely different backgrounds, provoking thought and discussion on belief, friendship, life complications and humanity. |
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By: AUCK 208
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2023-07-03 12:00:13 |
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The start of the book was very slow - probably the author setting the stage. Very real and different characters. The autistic child was quite a trial for the parents. We enjoyed the ending. |
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By: AUCK 335
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2023-06-02 14:36:29 |
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We were agreed that this was easy to read but opinions were divided. Some enjoyed it, particularly its focus on relationships - husband and wife, parents and children, friends and couples who have a different relationship with God. Others found it rather pedestrian with unconvincing characters. Much of the discussion was about autism. |
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By: AUCK 008
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2023-05-25 11:51:10 |
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We all liked this book even though it was very much centred around grief. There was also much talk about Autism. |
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By: WHANG 015
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2023-05-18 13:23:48 |
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Well-written - a good story but not everyone's cup of tea. |
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By: MATAM 001
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2023-05-01 14:55:10 |
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We enjoyed this book, and felt that Cara Wall depicted the four friends' characters very well, especially the differences in James' and Charles' approach to their religious calling, and their wives' part in their lives. We thought the description of autism and Lily's outstanding ability to get the best treatment for her and Charles' son, was very clearly told. |
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By: FEILD 002
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2023-04-13 13:43:12 |
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A most unusual novel that provoked much in depth discussion. |
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By: WELL 168
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2023-03-27 14:10:33 |
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We all thoroughly enjoyed the book, and had a very good discussion before we even looked at the discussion questions provided. |
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By: QUEEN 003
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2023-03-13 10:36:58 |
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This book, approved by all of us, gave rise to a really good discussion. We felt that while the plot's framework was not necessarily very auspicious, the way the story was written was what we enjoyed. The characters, each flawed in his or her own way, were drawn in fine detail, creating a "realness" about them, which made us feel alternately compassionate, irritated or warmly disposed to them... The imagery was bright, the prose was beautiful and we appreciated the thoughtful study of faith in all its forms. The book also gave us an insight into the early stages of understanding autism. |
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By: NAP 011
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2022-11-05 07:05:43 |
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Nearly everyone enjoyed this book, particularly the 2nd half. Easy to read and fascinating to discover those relationships that you initially think will never work....but do. |
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By: AUCK 209
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2022-09-23 14:05:55 |
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The best loved book for a very long time. Interesting and real characters and beautifully written. |
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By: MATAM 004
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2022-09-05 14:31:22 |
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Very interesting. |
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By: DUNED 111
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2022-08-31 10:21:15 |
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Half of our group loved this book, the other half found it "humdrum". We are thankful that things have moved on in most Churches. |
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By: GORE 006
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2022-08-16 11:48:57 |
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We all really enjoyed the book, thanks. It inspired much conversation. |
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By: DUNED 022
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2022-08-08 11:20:43 |
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We all enjoyed it. |
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By: WHANGA 003
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2022-06-16 12:18:39 |
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We found this book a compelling read. There wasn't anything major happening, but for some reason we couldn't put it down. Well-written. Strong, interesting characters. Emotionally evocative. |
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By: RANGI 003
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2022-06-01 10:42:55 |
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We all enjoyed reading this book. Particularly enjoyed the individuals' characters, and the way this impacted on their journey through life. |
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By: AUCK 447
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2022-05-02 12:18:15 |
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Very mixed. One definitely liked it, some warmed to it, and others found it unconvincing and disappointing. |
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By: ROTO 002
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2021-10-11 10:01:07 |
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Enjoyed by all. Animated discussion prompted by real, raw characters. Religious calling, relationships, love, raising children, and community are explored in a very human way. Highly recommended. |
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