The Kids are All Right by Diana Welch and Liz Welch
I don't know if it is because I now have a child of my own but books like these hit me even harder. To imagine what it would be like to have both your parents die when you are young is just terrible (in fact it is something I don't even want to think about now). These two women write about it what it was like to be in that situation. And it is no holds barred. I read about parts of it and want to cheer them on to doing what is right and instead they make the mistakes that every teenager does. In the end though it was all about family and they ended up being able to do what was right.
This isn't an upbeat book. In fact it may bring you to tears several times. So if you are looking for something feel good- you will be disappointed. But it in many ways it is accurate. Told from the perspective of all the children it is quite the story - even if each of them have their own ideas about what happened and why.
This book just made me cherish my parents and my sibling all the more.
Showing posts with label family dynamics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family dynamics. Show all posts
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Book Review: The Hour I First Believed
The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb
At first I thought this book was all about Columbine High School shooting with discussion about the aftermath. But that wasn't really what it was all about. It was a combination of the aftermath of some sort of traumatic situation (as I thought) and about the family history of one of the characters. Seeing how the two intermingle.
I listened to it on CD - as opposed to reading it. And several times I stopped listening and moved on to something else. It just didn't entertain me the way I thought it would. Eventually I got more into the story as we moved towards the family history part of the book.
While parts of this book wasn't as entertaining as I was hoping - other parts evoked strong emotion. After just having a baby thinking about a tragedy like Columbine and how it affects so many people outside of the original victims just scared me.
I have often said expectation frame whether you like or dislike a book. If you think it is about one thing and it isn't it can mean you like it better or worse then originally thought. And this is one of those books that wasn't what I expected and negatively affected my view of it.
At first I thought this book was all about Columbine High School shooting with discussion about the aftermath. But that wasn't really what it was all about. It was a combination of the aftermath of some sort of traumatic situation (as I thought) and about the family history of one of the characters. Seeing how the two intermingle.
I listened to it on CD - as opposed to reading it. And several times I stopped listening and moved on to something else. It just didn't entertain me the way I thought it would. Eventually I got more into the story as we moved towards the family history part of the book.
While parts of this book wasn't as entertaining as I was hoping - other parts evoked strong emotion. After just having a baby thinking about a tragedy like Columbine and how it affects so many people outside of the original victims just scared me.
I have often said expectation frame whether you like or dislike a book. If you think it is about one thing and it isn't it can mean you like it better or worse then originally thought. And this is one of those books that wasn't what I expected and negatively affected my view of it.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Book Review: Between Sister's
Between Sister’s by Kristin Hannah
Thoughts: My first Kristin Hannah book was a book that I very much enjoyed – so I decided to go back and try out one that is a few years older. I found this one to be very much in the same style or vein. It delves into relationships between two sisters. They had a hard past that wasn’t either of their faults. But when you are forced to be both a mother and a sister things happen. You make hard choices that can affect both of you for the rest of your lives.
And you can either live with that pain – or let it go and let yourselves be part of each other’s lives. And in this case a wedding brings the two sisters together – and just in time. I think this is a great example of don’t let communication come between a relationship that you really cherish. Whether it is a sister/sister, friend/friend, husband/wife, daughter/father etc. They are all relationships that if they really are worth it should be fought for. And if you don’t fight for it now there may not be time to do it later.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about relationships. It shows that everyone can get past the feelings that made them hurt – if they let themselves and that is something that can help them have a more fulfilling life.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Thoughts: My first Kristin Hannah book was a book that I very much enjoyed – so I decided to go back and try out one that is a few years older. I found this one to be very much in the same style or vein. It delves into relationships between two sisters. They had a hard past that wasn’t either of their faults. But when you are forced to be both a mother and a sister things happen. You make hard choices that can affect both of you for the rest of your lives.
And you can either live with that pain – or let it go and let yourselves be part of each other’s lives. And in this case a wedding brings the two sisters together – and just in time. I think this is a great example of don’t let communication come between a relationship that you really cherish. Whether it is a sister/sister, friend/friend, husband/wife, daughter/father etc. They are all relationships that if they really are worth it should be fought for. And if you don’t fight for it now there may not be time to do it later.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about relationships. It shows that everyone can get past the feelings that made them hurt – if they let themselves and that is something that can help them have a more fulfilling life.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Book Review: No Time to Wave Goodbye
No Time to Wave Goodbye by Jacquely Mitchard
Thoughts: While I really liked this book – I don’t know that I would recommend it as reading to someone like me (as in a soon to be or new mother). It is a lot to take when there are already a lot of hormones going through your body. I hadn’t read (or watched) The Deep End of the Ocean which is the prequel to this book so I had no idea what it was going to be about when I got started. And despite not knowing the family (from the other book) I was quickly able to get connected and associate with them.
In fact I have now gone out and got The Deep End of the Ocean so I can see how it all started (even though I know it is probably not that great of an emotional decision!)
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Thoughts: While I really liked this book – I don’t know that I would recommend it as reading to someone like me (as in a soon to be or new mother). It is a lot to take when there are already a lot of hormones going through your body. I hadn’t read (or watched) The Deep End of the Ocean which is the prequel to this book so I had no idea what it was going to be about when I got started. And despite not knowing the family (from the other book) I was quickly able to get connected and associate with them.
In fact I have now gone out and got The Deep End of the Ocean so I can see how it all started (even though I know it is probably not that great of an emotional decision!)
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Book Review: Summer House
Summer House by Nancy Thayer
Thoughts: Stories about family dynamics can be something that you associate with or identify with – or they can be so out there that you just don’t see how that can happen. This book to me isn’t something that I personally identify with but I see this in the families of so many others. Everyone has something that they are ashamed of and want to make themselves better for. In this case you have Charlotte.
You have the family dynamic where the children are each trying to get along but everyone feels like they are entitled to from the parents. The thing is that you don’t have that entitlement. What your parents have is not yours just because they are your children.
Lastly you have the child who finds themselves reverting back to their “role” in the family. But the thing is they aren’t that person anymore but they can’t help but fall back in to the troublemaker role.
I found this book to be entertaining and something that I have seen in families all over the place. Definitely a good summer read.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Thoughts: Stories about family dynamics can be something that you associate with or identify with – or they can be so out there that you just don’t see how that can happen. This book to me isn’t something that I personally identify with but I see this in the families of so many others. Everyone has something that they are ashamed of and want to make themselves better for. In this case you have Charlotte.
You have the family dynamic where the children are each trying to get along but everyone feels like they are entitled to from the parents. The thing is that you don’t have that entitlement. What your parents have is not yours just because they are your children.
Lastly you have the child who finds themselves reverting back to their “role” in the family. But the thing is they aren’t that person anymore but they can’t help but fall back in to the troublemaker role.
I found this book to be entertaining and something that I have seen in families all over the place. Definitely a good summer read.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Book Review: Home Safe
Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg
Thoughts: I couldn’t imagine living with a man for years and when he dies suddenly finding out that there is something about him that you don’t know about him. Something significant. It would take you to another level of despair when you are already trying to deal with things.
Add to that the way the mother/daughter relationship works for the two of them. It is fine to rely on people but to be that close – and unable to function on your own just seems odd to me.
I wouldn’t say this is a feel good book (I mean it starts out with a death) but it is a book about the progression of a person to being someone new. And the movement of someone into or out of your life will do that to you.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Thoughts: I couldn’t imagine living with a man for years and when he dies suddenly finding out that there is something about him that you don’t know about him. Something significant. It would take you to another level of despair when you are already trying to deal with things.
Add to that the way the mother/daughter relationship works for the two of them. It is fine to rely on people but to be that close – and unable to function on your own just seems odd to me.
I wouldn’t say this is a feel good book (I mean it starts out with a death) but it is a book about the progression of a person to being someone new. And the movement of someone into or out of your life will do that to you.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Book Review; The Wedding Girl
The Wedding Girl by Madeleine Wickham (also known as Sophie Kinsella)
Description: Milly has it all. A wonderful fiance who loves her (even if he doesn't know the real her. A family that loves her (maybe a little too much at times). But what they don't know is she has a secret - she has been married before. But things have to work out for Milly - right? You see a family in turmoil as each member has their own secrets. But their intentions are all for the good. So they try to work out whatever they can - even if it means confronting their past.
Thoughts:I really enjoyed the Shopaholic Series and when I found out Madeleine and Sophie were the same authors I was looking forward to the book. It wasn't a bad book - but it really didn't interest me. The idea of a young to-be wife who lies to her fiance because she doesn't want him to know the real him has a touch of the Shopaholic in it. But the idea that things just get better (like still being married) without facing it -is just wrong. Maybe it is me that has changed instead of the writer. Because the plot in a lot of ways seems similar (substitute shopping for being married). I guess the major difference is you don't get to fall in love with this character before she sets herself up for a lifetime of things not working.
If you like chick lit set in England and you like the Shopaholic you might like this. Or you may be like me and find something missing.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics/Romance
Overall:
Description: Milly has it all. A wonderful fiance who loves her (even if he doesn't know the real her. A family that loves her (maybe a little too much at times). But what they don't know is she has a secret - she has been married before. But things have to work out for Milly - right? You see a family in turmoil as each member has their own secrets. But their intentions are all for the good. So they try to work out whatever they can - even if it means confronting their past.
Thoughts:I really enjoyed the Shopaholic Series and when I found out Madeleine and Sophie were the same authors I was looking forward to the book. It wasn't a bad book - but it really didn't interest me. The idea of a young to-be wife who lies to her fiance because she doesn't want him to know the real him has a touch of the Shopaholic in it. But the idea that things just get better (like still being married) without facing it -is just wrong. Maybe it is me that has changed instead of the writer. Because the plot in a lot of ways seems similar (substitute shopping for being married). I guess the major difference is you don't get to fall in love with this character before she sets herself up for a lifetime of things not working.
If you like chick lit set in England and you like the Shopaholic you might like this. Or you may be like me and find something missing.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics/Romance
Overall:
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Book Review: Summer Kitchen
The Summer Kitchen by Karen Weinreb
Description: Nora Banks had it all. A great house, a loving husband, children, and she wasn’t afraid to spend whatever she had to continue to keep everything going smoothly. But for her it wasn’t all about the money. Then one day she finds out that everything is gone. Her husband is going to jail and she and the children have nothing. What can she do? She no longer fits into the community that she has been making herself a part of. She has no marketable skills any more. That is where her summer kitchen comes in. She had built it as a historical piece that gave her the space to do what she loved to do – cook.
The summer kitchen and all that has happened to her, allows Nora to discover what it is that she wants. What the difference is between living and living to make yourself happy. It may be a lot of work but there is a certain amount of satisfaction involved as well.
Thoughts: This was a nice summer read. It has a lot to do with how women interact, how we feel we fulfill ourselves and how sometimes our children, families and possessions make us feel like all is well when really we are forgetting the most important thing – ourselves.
I think it ends appropriately where you don’t know if Nora belongs with someone or on her own – but that is a decision for herself to make. But either way she has finally found what makes her most happy.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Description: Nora Banks had it all. A great house, a loving husband, children, and she wasn’t afraid to spend whatever she had to continue to keep everything going smoothly. But for her it wasn’t all about the money. Then one day she finds out that everything is gone. Her husband is going to jail and she and the children have nothing. What can she do? She no longer fits into the community that she has been making herself a part of. She has no marketable skills any more. That is where her summer kitchen comes in. She had built it as a historical piece that gave her the space to do what she loved to do – cook.
The summer kitchen and all that has happened to her, allows Nora to discover what it is that she wants. What the difference is between living and living to make yourself happy. It may be a lot of work but there is a certain amount of satisfaction involved as well.
Thoughts: This was a nice summer read. It has a lot to do with how women interact, how we feel we fulfill ourselves and how sometimes our children, families and possessions make us feel like all is well when really we are forgetting the most important thing – ourselves.
I think it ends appropriately where you don’t know if Nora belongs with someone or on her own – but that is a decision for herself to make. But either way she has finally found what makes her most happy.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Book Review: Comfort Food
Comfort Food by Jake Jacobs
Description: Gus Simpson raised her children on her own and began to star in a very popular cooking show. Now that her children are raised she doesnt' have to concentrate on them, but instead on herself. But her cooking show which has defined her for years seems to be on the rocks.
The only thing that can bring back her popularity is a new idea. And she comes up with the perfect one. A family cooking show. She brings her daughters, her daughter's ex boyfriend, and friends to her show and includes them. It is a smash hit. But being together in this manner means that things get brought out that maybe none of them wanted. Can they deal with it as a family?
Thoughts: For me this book is all about family. Family isn't just who you are biologically related to but whoever you love and include in your life. The fact that they all need to lean on each other to get what they need out of life is really important. This book covers it all death, life, marriage, old-age, success, - everything someone wants out of life. It is here in its own special way!
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Description: Gus Simpson raised her children on her own and began to star in a very popular cooking show. Now that her children are raised she doesnt' have to concentrate on them, but instead on herself. But her cooking show which has defined her for years seems to be on the rocks.
The only thing that can bring back her popularity is a new idea. And she comes up with the perfect one. A family cooking show. She brings her daughters, her daughter's ex boyfriend, and friends to her show and includes them. It is a smash hit. But being together in this manner means that things get brought out that maybe none of them wanted. Can they deal with it as a family?
Thoughts: For me this book is all about family. Family isn't just who you are biologically related to but whoever you love and include in your life. The fact that they all need to lean on each other to get what they need out of life is really important. This book covers it all death, life, marriage, old-age, success, - everything someone wants out of life. It is here in its own special way!
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Book Review: Sleepwalking in Daylight
Sleepwalking in Daylight by Elizabeth Flock
Description: What does it mean when someone who identifies herself as a mother starts to realize that she isn't just a mother. When she starts to think something is missing? In this case Samantha Friedman abandons her family emotionally and starts to focus on herself.
Meanwhile her teenage daughter Camille who is adopted starts to begin her on her own path of destruction. Drugs, sex, and doing anything that can hurt herself. Can Sam figure out what Camille is doing in time? What about her father - is he willing to face what Camille has become and his wife is busy doing?
Thoughts: This is a sobering book about what happens when you wake up one day as if your life is a dream and you realize that things aren't as good as you thought they might have been. Instead of confronting that feeling you continue to live your life on the margins - looking for that fulfillment. The lack of communication in a family though affects so much more than yourself. I am not saying that Camille's actions couldn't have occured in the "perfect" family. But instead the mother's own emotional journey made Camille a little more in the shadows - leading her away from what should have been something that the family could have shared.
This was a interesting book, not exactly a feel good summer read, but at the same time worth reading all the same.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Description: What does it mean when someone who identifies herself as a mother starts to realize that she isn't just a mother. When she starts to think something is missing? In this case Samantha Friedman abandons her family emotionally and starts to focus on herself.
Meanwhile her teenage daughter Camille who is adopted starts to begin her on her own path of destruction. Drugs, sex, and doing anything that can hurt herself. Can Sam figure out what Camille is doing in time? What about her father - is he willing to face what Camille has become and his wife is busy doing?
Thoughts: This is a sobering book about what happens when you wake up one day as if your life is a dream and you realize that things aren't as good as you thought they might have been. Instead of confronting that feeling you continue to live your life on the margins - looking for that fulfillment. The lack of communication in a family though affects so much more than yourself. I am not saying that Camille's actions couldn't have occured in the "perfect" family. But instead the mother's own emotional journey made Camille a little more in the shadows - leading her away from what should have been something that the family could have shared.
This was a interesting book, not exactly a feel good summer read, but at the same time worth reading all the same.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Book Review: The Girl Who Stopped Swimming
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson
Description:Laurel Grey Hawthorn has everything she wanted out of life. She has a husband who loves her (I mean who cares that he spends most of his time closeted away in the basement working) and a daughter who is happy and healthy. Laurel has done a lot to move past her own growing up experiences and is finally at a happy place.
Laurel hasn't told her husband everything. She sees dead people. When she is woken up from a deep sleep only to find a dead teen leading her to her body in the Laurel's pool. Laurel is forced to ask her sister for help. Laurel believes that she her sister is stronger than her in so many ways. Thalia is different then her but she has her own ideas on what is right and wrong. Can they face their past and their fears before anything else bad happens in their lives?
Thoughts:Isn't it amazing how the things that you experienced cloud your judgment or make you believe that something is a certain way when it isn't? How we can live in our own little isolated world thinking that we are interacting and seeing how things truly are - but then someone enters that world and throws things for a loop. You realize that some of the things you believed are not even close to being true.
How you can be someone who wants to open someones eyes to what is going on around them - but what really you are doing is projecting your own thoughts and feelings on the situation into their lives.
For me this book was a bit of an eye opener in terms of how we all do things like that. We believe the worst in people based on our own experiences. We believe the best in people for the same reasons. We try to protect those around us from the evils that we think might be out to get them. Only they can really know what is going on in their lives and how it affects them and makes them feel.
The other theme for me in this book is embracing your past - where you come from. Good or bad it shapes who we are. Returning and confronting that past can only help you.
I definitely enjoyed this book and thought it was a great summer read.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Description:Laurel Grey Hawthorn has everything she wanted out of life. She has a husband who loves her (I mean who cares that he spends most of his time closeted away in the basement working) and a daughter who is happy and healthy. Laurel has done a lot to move past her own growing up experiences and is finally at a happy place.
Laurel hasn't told her husband everything. She sees dead people. When she is woken up from a deep sleep only to find a dead teen leading her to her body in the Laurel's pool. Laurel is forced to ask her sister for help. Laurel believes that she her sister is stronger than her in so many ways. Thalia is different then her but she has her own ideas on what is right and wrong. Can they face their past and their fears before anything else bad happens in their lives?
Thoughts:Isn't it amazing how the things that you experienced cloud your judgment or make you believe that something is a certain way when it isn't? How we can live in our own little isolated world thinking that we are interacting and seeing how things truly are - but then someone enters that world and throws things for a loop. You realize that some of the things you believed are not even close to being true.
How you can be someone who wants to open someones eyes to what is going on around them - but what really you are doing is projecting your own thoughts and feelings on the situation into their lives.
For me this book was a bit of an eye opener in terms of how we all do things like that. We believe the worst in people based on our own experiences. We believe the best in people for the same reasons. We try to protect those around us from the evils that we think might be out to get them. Only they can really know what is going on in their lives and how it affects them and makes them feel.
The other theme for me in this book is embracing your past - where you come from. Good or bad it shapes who we are. Returning and confronting that past can only help you.
I definitely enjoyed this book and thought it was a great summer read.
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Monday, May 18, 2009
Book Review: The Step-Mother
The Step-Mother by Carrie Adams
Description: Bea divorces Jimmy because he just isn't there for her. And you know what - even after the divorce things look like they haven't changed. But they have worked past many of their issues and are best friends again. They live for their children and Bea starts to wonder if they should be together again.
But Jimmy has met Tessa King and moved on. He has found a new woman to love. For Tessa walking into a ready made family complete with a mom/best friend is a lot to live up to. Jimmy talks about Bea as if she is perfection and maybe she is. Can a step-mother ever live up to that reputation? What does Jimmy and Bea's relationship mean for his relationship with Tessa?
If everyone is truthful can a wonderful couple and many friendships be made?
Thoughts: What a thought provoking book. You are married with children. You decide that you and your husband don't belong together (maybe because of communication problems and secrets) so you move on. Your ex-husband becomes your friend - but still has all the same issues that he had when you were together. But you realize how special he is too you and your life.
So you decide that you should be back together. But what you don't realize is part of the reason he is being so wonderful is because he has a new woman in his life - and it isn't you or your daughters. How do you deal with it?
What is it like to be the "other" woman? You want to make your new boyfriend happy - but you also want to make his children happy. Add a teen to that dynamic and things only get more complicated. Your husband still loves his ex (even if only as a friend and the mother of his children) so does that mean they belong together? Can you ever live up to his expectations or those of his children or family? How do you live with a paragon?
Add to that the fact that nothing is as they seem. The reason the couple broke up is not what you think it is. The life at home with the so-called perfect mother - isn't perfect at all. Can you be friends with your ex's new wife? What about your ex? How does that impact everything?
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Description: Bea divorces Jimmy because he just isn't there for her. And you know what - even after the divorce things look like they haven't changed. But they have worked past many of their issues and are best friends again. They live for their children and Bea starts to wonder if they should be together again.
But Jimmy has met Tessa King and moved on. He has found a new woman to love. For Tessa walking into a ready made family complete with a mom/best friend is a lot to live up to. Jimmy talks about Bea as if she is perfection and maybe she is. Can a step-mother ever live up to that reputation? What does Jimmy and Bea's relationship mean for his relationship with Tessa?
If everyone is truthful can a wonderful couple and many friendships be made?
Thoughts: What a thought provoking book. You are married with children. You decide that you and your husband don't belong together (maybe because of communication problems and secrets) so you move on. Your ex-husband becomes your friend - but still has all the same issues that he had when you were together. But you realize how special he is too you and your life.
So you decide that you should be back together. But what you don't realize is part of the reason he is being so wonderful is because he has a new woman in his life - and it isn't you or your daughters. How do you deal with it?
What is it like to be the "other" woman? You want to make your new boyfriend happy - but you also want to make his children happy. Add a teen to that dynamic and things only get more complicated. Your husband still loves his ex (even if only as a friend and the mother of his children) so does that mean they belong together? Can you ever live up to his expectations or those of his children or family? How do you live with a paragon?
Add to that the fact that nothing is as they seem. The reason the couple broke up is not what you think it is. The life at home with the so-called perfect mother - isn't perfect at all. Can you be friends with your ex's new wife? What about your ex? How does that impact everything?
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Book Review: Handle With Care
Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult
Description: Charlotte and Sean O'Keefe are pregnant with their first child together. Charlotte has an older daughter already and is assuming things will be easy for them to expand their family. Because it takes longer then expected, when they find out they are expecting they are even more excited.
But things aren't what they thought they would be. Paritally through the pregnancy they find out that their child has osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare defect that can cause death or will break bones in their child's body with very little pressure.
Bills mount and yet they love their daughter Willow. Their whole lives must revolve around her. When an opportunity arises for them to sue someone in order to make the money that Willow needs to live - they go for it. But what does it mean for a child to know that their parent is suing someone because if they had known earlier they might never have had that child? What does it mean to have someone in a family that changes everything in your life so dramatically? Would you have a child if you knew there were going to be problems?
Thoughts: As a woman who is newly pregnant with her first child - this book scared me. The idea that the whole book would be about someone who if had the choice because of medical reasons might have aborted their child is something no pregnant woman wants to think about. You want to imagine that the child growing inside of you is perfect and going to grow up to be a happy, healthy and productive member of society. So I wasn't sure if I could really get into this book based on the situation (add to that pregnancy hormones and things get even iffyier).
But for me this book wasn't scary. The situation was horrible. A family that could barely make ends meet. Who's life revolved around one member who was incredibly sick. The fact that a teenage girl was left behind in terms of time and effort. You see that happen to all families when someone has needs that outweigh the others.
Yes it is scary. But as usual Jodi Picoult tells the story in a way that makes you wonder who is right and who is wrong. Multiple sides are told and while you may have someone you are rooting for - you know that behind any corner something could be revealed that make you think totally differently. My first and favorite Picoult book was My Sister's Keeper and I feel that this book is almost on par with that one. So definitely read it!
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
Description: Charlotte and Sean O'Keefe are pregnant with their first child together. Charlotte has an older daughter already and is assuming things will be easy for them to expand their family. Because it takes longer then expected, when they find out they are expecting they are even more excited.
But things aren't what they thought they would be. Paritally through the pregnancy they find out that their child has osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare defect that can cause death or will break bones in their child's body with very little pressure.
Bills mount and yet they love their daughter Willow. Their whole lives must revolve around her. When an opportunity arises for them to sue someone in order to make the money that Willow needs to live - they go for it. But what does it mean for a child to know that their parent is suing someone because if they had known earlier they might never have had that child? What does it mean to have someone in a family that changes everything in your life so dramatically? Would you have a child if you knew there were going to be problems?
Thoughts: As a woman who is newly pregnant with her first child - this book scared me. The idea that the whole book would be about someone who if had the choice because of medical reasons might have aborted their child is something no pregnant woman wants to think about. You want to imagine that the child growing inside of you is perfect and going to grow up to be a happy, healthy and productive member of society. So I wasn't sure if I could really get into this book based on the situation (add to that pregnancy hormones and things get even iffyier).
But for me this book wasn't scary. The situation was horrible. A family that could barely make ends meet. Who's life revolved around one member who was incredibly sick. The fact that a teenage girl was left behind in terms of time and effort. You see that happen to all families when someone has needs that outweigh the others.
Yes it is scary. But as usual Jodi Picoult tells the story in a way that makes you wonder who is right and who is wrong. Multiple sides are told and while you may have someone you are rooting for - you know that behind any corner something could be revealed that make you think totally differently. My first and favorite Picoult book was My Sister's Keeper and I feel that this book is almost on par with that one. So definitely read it!
What genre would you consider this?
Family Dynamics
Overall:
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