One Summer
by David Baldacci Fiction
2011 Grand Central Publishing
Quit on 7/26/11
Rating: DNF
Publisher’s Blurb:
It’s almost Christmas, but there is no joy in the house of terminally ill Jack and his family. With only a short time left to live, he spends his last days preparing to say good-bye to his devoted wife, Lizzie, and their three children. Then, unthinkably, tragedy strikes again [spoiler removed]. Just when all seems lost, Jacks begins to recover in a miraculous turn of events. He rises from what should have been his deathbed, determined to bring his fractured family back together. [Remainder of blurb removed due to spoilers]
It’s been close to a decade since I’ve read something by Baldacci. I don’t think I’ve ever read any of his thrillers, but I thoroughly enjoyed Wish You Well
and had high hopes for another outstanding departure from his usual books. Unfortunately, after close to fifty pages, I decided to call it quits. Pick a word, any word: Overly sentimental. Schmaltzy. Predictable. Sappy. Contrived. Overwrought.Blech.
Note to self: Read the back of the book before adding it to my stacks.
Lesley,
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly why reading fiction is so difficult for me...so many times the writing is so sappy and predictable. Yet, that is what many people LIKE to read...oftentimes, the bestsellers just leave me cold. Do you know this quote, "This book shouldn't be tossed away, it should be thrown with great force." Don't know who said it, but I like it!
the 'terminal' adjective would have stopped me.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to see it was a stinker.
ReplyDeleteKay - I love fiction, and it's rare that I even pick up a book like this, but I was just curious one day and decided to give it a try. Should've listened to that little voice in my head...
ReplyDeleteNan - Yep. :)
Kathy - Yeah, me too.
Boo.
ReplyDeleteJoy - ;)
ReplyDelete