The Time Between by Karen White

This was my fifth Karen White novel and I continue to be a fan! Usually I like a bit of "grit" in my characters, whether that be meanness, dysfunction, multiple layers.... but Karen White's characters are generally likable - even the ones who are supposed to be less likable like Helena. The characters are developed in such a way that even when someone is being mean or a jerk, the reader knows there is something sad or tragic in their past that makes them like that. These characters come across as being harder on themselves than others - which makes the reader feel more compassion for them than anything.

It never hurts to throw in a beautiful woman who doesn't know she is; a handsome man who doesn't care about his looks; a cute little talkative girl who loves everyone, including a cold and unapproachable mother and a cranky great aunt; a setting on the river in the south; a few deep, dark secrets; and a satisfying ending.  That's what makes these novels so enjoyable.

I certainly understood why Ellie would feel guilty/responsible for Eve's fall - especially since Eve and their mother allowed Ellie to feel that way.  I also understood why Helena felt guilty/responsible for some of her actions when she left Hungary in 1944. Understanding her situation though, I would think that most people would have done exactly what she did to save her sister and escape from Hungary.  Helena was WAY too hard on herself.  I believe that Helena and Bernadett would have lived better lives if they had told each other the truth about everything - as soon as they discovered each truth. They were both frozen in the past - wondering what happened to their loved ones - rather than dealing with their tragic past and learning to live without the people they each lost.  By not sharing what they knew in order to "protect" each other, they actually suffered a lot more.

I have read a few books lately where music is a big part of the storyline. Since music is a big part of my life - and is very influential on my moods - I love how this book had so many characters (dead and alive!) that were talented musically.

Wendy's Rating: ****

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Very readable writing style - and easily read in nearly one sitting.  I very much enjoyed Mia's unique family, from her hipster-to-square dad to ex-rocker girl mom to blond hair-blue eyed Teddy. I love that this family was so close that they liked to spend time together. None of the typical teenage-angst drama.  One of my favorite characters was Gramps though. The man of few words, who is much more sensitive and emotional than he outwardly appears.

The relationships between Mia & Kim and Mia & Adam seemed more genuine for their flaws. Mia & Kim initially not liking each other; Mia not feeling comfortable around Adam's band or music; Kim & Adam both loving Mia but not really bonding with each other.

This was a thought-provoking book. Would you want to live if you lost your entire family? Would you want to live with the pain of the loss? And speaking of that.... The one thing I thought was weird is that everyone - all family members and friends - were hanging out at the hospital for Mia. Since Mia was a witness to this - and their reaction to her being in a coma - why was she not a witness to their grief upon losing three other members of this family??  Why was no one sobbing in the waiting room, talking about the loss of her parents and adorable little brother??  I thought this "absence of grief" was odd. Gramps and Gran were certainly there for Mia, but what about what they had lost??

I certainly saw reasons for her to stay and for her to go.  I felt like her decision in the end was reasonable - and well thought out.  I haven't seen the movie, but it's something I plan to do!

Wendy's Rating: ****

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

This is one of those books that doesn't allow me to pick up another one until "tomorrow". I often will finish a book and pick up the next one to read.  I absolutely loved this book.  It makes me cautious to read another book by this same author because it can't possibly be as good as this one.  Of course I will have to test this theory. ;)

Wow.  Where to start.... Wonderful characters: flawed yet lovable; seemingly cold yet sympathetic; funny and engaging; slightly irritating yet understandable.  I truly felt like I understood every character in this book they were so well drawn by the author.

I laughed out loud; I cried out loud (okay, openly sobbed in parts); I switched "sides" a few times.  I would have read it in one sitting, but I decided I needed SOME sleep and put in down @ 3:50am this morning.  Finished it up tonight as soon as my responsibilities of the day were done.  Whew.

This was an amazing and memorable love story. It also addresses, with quite an impact, the "Right to Die" issue that is a current topic in our nation.  Before I read articles about Brittany Maynard, the 29 year old terminal cancer patient who chose to end her life on November 1, 2014, I was completely 100% against "assisted suicide" - no matter how someone packaged it.  I was deeply moved by her story however, and although I don't know what decision I would make if I were in her position, I have to respect the decision she made for herself.  I felt the same way about Will.  I loved Will.  I loved Louisa.  I thought they both had compelling arguments.  I can see myself reacting exactly the same way as Louisa did!  From beginning to end.

I wasn't a huge fan of Patrick - and certainly his obsession with training was obnoxious - but he did seem to love Louisa.  I understood his concern with Louisa traveling with Will, but I was incredibly relieved and outwardly happy when they finally broke it off! Yay!  I think it's better to be with no one at all than someone that is not right for you.

This book is a Must Read.

Wendy's Rating: *****

We Are Water by Wally Lamb

I really like Wally Lamb's writing style.  It flows with the thoughts of all characters.  He introduces all the significant characters a little at a time and seamlessly interweaves the characters together - either physically or emotionally.  

Kent's chapters were a hard read. Quite disturbing. As we know, abusers were often abused themselves. (I wonder what the percentage is on that?) I disliked him though, nearly from the start. But, his mother should have listened to him when he initially told her over and over that he didn't want to go over to Irma's!!  If his mom had listened to him and made other arrangements for his care, his whole life would have probably turned out differently!  Why don't parents stop and listen to their children??  Kent's life might have turned out differently also if Sunny and Grace had not died.  So many events outside of Kent's control helped make him the awful person he turned out to be.  That makes me sad.

And speaking for abusers.... I really had a difficult time with Annie's abuse of Andrew! How awful for Andrew and his sisters to have their mom be so abusive. She could have killed him or left him permanently injured. She was so incredibly self-absorbed. I guess in the end, I was happy that she found someone to take care of her (Viveca) and that she dedicated her time and effort to take care of Orion.

I liked Orion the best.  He seemed to try so hard, but he simply met too many roadblocks in his life which made him change direction each time.  He may not have given Andrew the best advice after the death of Kent, but I can't say I wouldn't have done the same.  As time went on though, the stress of that secret was affecting both of them (as it would me) and even though we don't know what decision Andrew actually makes, I'm betting that he turned himself in.

So, secrets can be damaging if kept, which is clearly demonstrated in this novel!! I am hoping that the cycle of abuse is broken now so that Ari, Andrew, and Marissa's children - or potential children - will not be affected by the previous generation's tragedies.

Really good read!

Wendy's Rating: ****