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There are currently 24 member reviews
for A Good Family
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Priscilla M. (Houston, TX)
Great debut book
This was an excellent book! When I first started reading, I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy bumbling but ever hopeful Barkley, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him as he tries to find a job and a girlfriend. Barkley is the youngest member of a shattered family. Dad is a driven man who left his family to pursue the life he feels he is missing, Mom lives in a Zoloft cocoon, and big brother Charlie is fresh from Afghanistan, with a PSTD he is trying to face down. Doesn't sound promising? The story moves from character to character as each tries to find their way out of what appears to be a downward spiral. The fact the the author is successful in making us care about these people is evidence of his talent as a writer. The story is told with humor, lively dialogue, and compassion. I will be recommending it to friends.
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Doris K. (Angora, MN)
A Good Family
This is a powerful book. The author informs the reader of powerful feelings of each of the members of the family. Erik Fassnacht makes us feel the horrors of war, the discomfort of not belonging, the comfort of drugs, and the feelings of discontent with family and employment. He also has many positive aspects of family life and the importance of friendships.
It's hard to describe without giving away the plot but I found I needed to keep reading as there was always something new on the next page.
The author's descriptions of scenery, feelings and dreams make it a fascinating book. At first I thought men would prefer this book rather than women but as I got into the subplots and relationships it is a book for anyone who wants a good read.
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Sylvia G. (Scottsdale, AZ)
Better than good
This is one of the best books I've read this year. Told from the viewpoint of each of the four members of the family, this novel manages to combine great humor, tremendous sadness, and lots of wisdom. I've already recommended it to 6 friends and it isn't even published yet. Outstanding.
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Marie D. (Waretown, NJ)
Oh, what tangled webs we weave....
Many authors have taken on the subject of the dysfunctional American family -- some stories take a comic turn, others are bittersweet, all are tales of lost opportunities -- this book explores how one family, seemingly with every advantage, plunges toward self destruction despite its education, wealth and talents.
The parents, Henry and Julie Brunson, and sons, Charlie and Barkley, are delineated separately for the most part in stories about their lovers, friends, hopes, and fears. Communication between the Brunsons is painfully lacking. Secrets are kept from one another in destructive and thoughtless ways.
This debut novel sets the stage skillfully with well written prose. He keeps the reader eager to see what becomes of his characters who appear to be struggling in separate universes. Perhaps the author plans a sequel -- I would like to read the rest of the story!
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Robert G. (Takoma Park, MD)
A Year of Awakening
This somewhat raw but enjoyable novel brings us into a year in the life of a suburban Chicago family, a year in which each of the four characters face life-altering challenges and change. The story line is closer to that of a good made-for-tv movie than ground-breaking literature. But that does not prevent the reader from following the arc of each character's story with genuine interest. Fassnacht puts each character into conflicts that we want to see resolved, even if some of those resolutions are a bit pat. The book is lifted by flights of fresh writing, with fine imagery and many humorous and relatable observations.
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Jan T. (Leona Valley, CA)
A Good Family
I was hooked from the very beginning. I enjoy family sagas and this one is very good. There are four damaged people and the story is told from the viewpoint of all four. I felt this story was told from a man's point of view. The two sons, one in the shadow of the other, puzzle to find their places. One of the brothers is a returning vet with PTSD - his anguish is told beautifully by the author. The other son is lovable and although he has been the distant second son, he brings the novel to a satisfying conclusion. The author, Erick Fassnacht, is a very good storyteller. I predict he will become a popular author.
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Melanie B. (Desoto, TX)
Thoughtful and realistic story of a contemporary family
I found the story intriguing and relatable, bittersweet yet optimistic. The personal journey of each family member is at times funny, sad, redeeming, and heroic. I recommend this book for its well-written and realistic depiction of modern family dynamics.
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