Author: John Burnham Schwartz
Genre: Fiction, 1 of 2
Published: 1998
Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count: 78
Ethan, Grace and their daughter Emma suffer from the sudden death of their son and brother due to a hit-and-run accident. The story is told by three alternating points-of-view: Ethan, Grace and Dwight (driver).
Morose + More Morose + Even More Morose = BLAH. I enjoyed the way the story was told, but the entire book was just so gloomy. The general story was of loss, so of course there's going to be grief and sadness, but the entire book?! Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for such a solemn read. The writing was great - no problems there. I don't know what Northwest Corner (sequel) has in store, but I have to admit, I'm a little leery.
Too much gloom probably wouldn't suit me right now either. Good writing is a definite plus though.
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline ~ I just glanced at your blog post on Google Reader, but haven't gotten to commenting on blogs yet. I'm so very sorry for your loss, Wendy. I'm surmising that this is a very difficult time for you. I certainly would not recommend this book for you right now. {{{Wendy}}}
ReplyDeleteI've seen this movie and I could definitely see where especially the book is morose+more morose!
ReplyDeleteJenny ~ I didn't know this book was made into a movie until right before I starting listening to it. Also, didn't know it was written in 1998! It sure took a long time for a sequel to come out!
ReplyDeleteAfter digging and searching through 9 (NINE!) reading journals, I finally found the one with my notes about Reservation Road. Not much there other than:
ReplyDeleteHorribly, terribly sad! Riveting. Engrossing. Very readable. Quick read.
How tragic to lose a child to such a senseless death.
I'd like to read Northwest Corner, but I doubt I'll give this a second reading.
Somewhat anti-climatic ending.
Rating: 4/5
I read this in January 2000. Never in a million years would I have believed someone if they had told me I'd lose a child in five years.
Les ~ No, that would not be something any parent would believe. I am so deeply sorry that you have experienced the loss of a child. I had a very difficult time reading this because of the depth of sadness. I can't imagine actually living it day in and day out. I know the loss of love will always be there, but I hope time has lessened the deep, physical hurt in your heart. You have a beautiful grandchild that I'm sure embodies some of the spirit of your daughter. I know she has been a blessing to you and your husband.
ReplyDeleteI loved Northwest Corner and still have to read this one. I downloaded it to my Kindle.
ReplyDeleteStaci ~ I have a hard copy of Northwest Corner, but I don't think I'll be reading it any time soon. I'm just not in the mood for those people.
ReplyDeleteI have this one on the shelf and on the shelf it will probably stay for a while. I need something upbeat! Just finished Unbroken which was an amazing listen but holy cow. Now onto Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter and I'm just not sure about it. Recommend anything funny?
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ I posted that I thought Unbroken was "profoundly embellished" and still believe that. The torture endured would have been debilitating in one form or another. But anyway - I don't read a lot of funny books, but you may want to give the Tina Fey book a try. I literally had some laugh-out-loud moments with that one.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I'm happy to see you. :)