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There are currently 38 member reviews
for The Resurrection of Joan Ashby
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RebeccaR
A Very Unique Book
in some ways it is difficult to describe this book when you recommend it to another person. I found myself getting wrapped up in the stories within the story, and then it would be a jolt when it ended. I found myself thinking : this partial story needs to be its own story. At times the protagonist's emotions might seem surprising, but I couldn't help but think about how Kate Chopin's honest-emotion stories were considered shocking in the 1800's. Even if a woman's life is totally different than protagonist Joan's life, I feel that Joan's soul-searching is something any woman can relate to.
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ReeneS
The Resurrection of Joan Ashby
I was as surprised by this book as Joan was about finding herself pregnant. It is the life story of Joan and the stories written by Joan. She finds herself trying to answer that question that all women asked themselves, "Can I do it all?" It is the story of motherhood, sacrifice, great love, and all the burdens that come with life and love. For a debut novel, it deals with far reaching questions in simple yet beautifully written language. Joan goes on the journey of life and takes us with her,(and without a room of her own). The main character is no longer just a character, she becomes our friend, our neighbor, and at times she is me. Totally enjoyed this book and would strongly recommend it for reading clubs.
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Sue D. (Hudsonville, MI)
My friend, Joan Ashby
I fell in love with this book from the very first word. Cherise Wolas is my new favorite author. I love books about author's writing processes, and this is the best book of that genre that I have read. It makes me wish Joan Ashby was my best friend. I highly recommend it.
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Carol F. (Lake Linden, MI)
Resurrection
I opened this book and then inhaled it. The main story is gorgeously written but the secondary stories written by Ashby are riveting! I want to know these substory characters better, find out how their story ends but I also want to get back to the main story. It is a lovely dilemma to have. Ashby says "writers have infinite choices and mothers nearly no choice at all" Let's hope that this writer's choice is to write more books such as this one.
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Harriette K. (Northbrook, IL)
The Resurrection of Joan Ashbury
I seldom give a 5 rating, but the story and the writing held me from the first to last page without my interest flagging at any point. The story starts with a rave review of a novel, just published, by the long absent author, Joan Ashbury. We are then taken on her long journey as a dedicated writer who vows to avoid marriage and motherhood in order to dedicate her life to her craft. Surprise! She marries and, very reluctantly, becomes mother to two boys. Her life is so filled with domestic duties that her writing is put aside for the time being. The story takes many twists and turns. There is fulfillment, betrayal and, as the title tells us, resurrection. I felt her joys, disappointments and all the other emotions. I will be waiting for the next novel from this remarkable writer, hoping that it will measure up to this effort.
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Penny P
The Resurrection of Joan Ashby
A beautifully written book that because of both its length and complexity took some time to read. I really hope to see more of Wolas's work in the future.
This book centered on the core relationships in our lives and how we change as we go through the different ages and stages. It addresses both the joys and dissatisfaction inherent in marriage and motherhood. Also the book showed how we try our best in our parenting but sometimes it just isn't what we intended. It is often the case that what we give up in order to marry and raise a family, is never truly forgotten. If at some point in our lives, we can get in touch with who we are, not who we have become, we can return to our original aspirations, just as Joan Ashby did in this book. I loved the book and will highly recommend it to others.
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Sally H. (Geneva, OH)
The Resurrection of Joan Ashby
This debut novel is as accomplished and masterful as its title character. The stories within the story are as engrossing as the book itself, and I was only sorry that they could not be completed. I was pulled under Wolas' spell almost from the beginning and was left mourning the end when I finished. Like Ashby's fictional fans, this book leaves readers eagerly waiting for the author's next book. I will whole-heartedly recommend this book to my book club and other readers I know.
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