Looking Back... In an effort to transfer my book journal entries over to this blog, I'm going to attempt to post (in chronological order) an entry every Friday. I may or may not add extra commentary to what I jotted down in these journals.
Fiction
2002
Finished on April 10, 2002
Rating: 4.5/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
A suspenseful, richly layered first novel that asks: How much do we owe the people we love?
The Dive From Clausen's Pier will speak to all those who have ever thought about leaving when they knew they should stay, anyone who has ever felt trapped, not only by circumstance, but by the strength of their own love. Carrie Bell has lived in Wisconsin all her life. She's had the same best friend, the same good relationship with her mother, the same boyfriend, for as long as anyone can remember. But when her fiance, Mike is paralyzed by a tragic accident, Carrie has to question everything she thought she knew about herself and about the meaning of home.
Ann Packer has written a morally complex, deeply satisfying novel about the desire to live fully and the conflict between who we want to be to others and who we must be for ourselves. A magnificent debut from a remarkable new talent.
My Original Thoughts (2002):
Terrific! Couldn't put it down. Felt like I was watching a train wreck, though. Sad and depressing, but I couldn't stop reading. Very engrossing. Excellent dialogue. Complex story of friendship, loyalty, and love. Look forward to future releases by Packer.
My Current Thoughts:
I remember how much I enjoyed this thought-provoking novel. I've only read one other book by Packer (The Children's Crusade), and I thought it was also very good. It seems that both novels were depressing in nature, but I liked both of them well enough to give them high ratings.
I remember this book, but didn't ever read it. Looked back and I haven't read anything by Ann Packer. Maybe one day or maybe not. I've been reading some family drama/romance-sort-of books for a few days just for a change of pace. Soon, I'll be back to my mysteries I expect.
ReplyDeleteKay, it's nice to have a little variety in our reading, isn't it? I have a few mysteries on my shelves that I hope to get to this summer.
DeleteI remember reading this one---I think it might have been a group read. Back then I was eager to read anything others were reading and enjoying.
ReplyDeleteDeb, I think you're right about it beinga group read. Like you, I read all the group read selections. Now, with my f2f book club, I'm more selective.
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