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There are currently 35 member reviews
for With or Without You
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Pamela C. (Boxborough, MA)
Compelling story
Picked up this book expecting a light domestic drama and instead found it to be a deep exploration of identity and transformation. Author has given us a well detailed view into a struggling marriage. Stella, a nurse, is married to Simon, a rock musician. They want different things, but are trying to make it work. One night, she agrees to take a pill with him to "celebrate" his up coming tour with a famous band. The meat of the story is that she goes into a long coma and their lives and marriage are turned upside down.The author beautifully decribes their struggle and what happens after she wakes up- the transformation of their individual identities and their marriage. Fascinating to learn about unusual coma outcomes. Enjoyed this book!
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Nancy L. (Staunton, VA)
With or Without You
"With Or Without You", by Caroline Leavitt, is a story of what can happen to us when our lives are turned upside down by an unforseen traumatic event. After a mysterious coma for one of them, the three main characters; a young nurse, her musician boyfriend, and her best friend, a doctor all struggle to regain their previous roles. Instead, they discover that their old selves no longer ring true and each gradually uncovers a more authentic piece of themselves. I was fascinated watching the characters change and grow. Leavitt burrows deep into the characters' souls and shows us the forces that shape their lives. These are people just like us, and we see their goodness as well as their flaws. This was a totally satisfying read and I loved it.
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Mary B. (Laguna Woods, CA)
Perfect escape for stay-at-home
This was the first book I've read by Caroline Leavitt and I will now read others. Her characters are well drawn and feel like people you could know. This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and only got better. The characters grew and overcame their flaws as the story progressed. Interesting and enjoyable read.
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Doris K. (Mountain Iron, MN)
With or without you
This is a fascinating book. I had trouble putting it down. But what a great time to read. Because of the Shelter In Place order I was able to finish it in two days. The author beautifully describes the inner feelings and thoughts of the characters. The plot is challenging and keeps the reader wondering what will happen next. Any
discussion of what happens throughout the book would spoil the intrigue for the reader. A book club would have a great discussion about the choices made by the people in the book. I'm sure there would be a variety of opinions.
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Theresa W. (Ocala, FL)
Change is coming
I liked this book as it looks at the changes that we all face as we grow, and face trials and tribulations in our ever changing lives. I have reflected on my own life since I recently retired and in looking back I see that I have changed and what was once important no longer has a first place priority. This book has some unexpected twists, turns and outcomes for Stella that end up being just what she needed. It is will worth your time to reading it.
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Janet S. (Terrace Park, OH)
Enjoyable Book
This was an interesting read centered on three main characters whose lives become intertwined. All three characters have their flaws,,,as all of us do. While I enjoyed the read, was drawn to finish it, and appreciated the life lessons, I just found it somewhat lacking.
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Cynthia V. (New York, NY)
Very Readable Novel
I found this to be a page-turning, readable novel that was worth my time, but that's about it. The characters are well developed and the story is an interesting one about people who share a history and yet find their paths diverging. Some of it seemed melodramatic to me and not especially well written, but not poorly written either. On the whole, however, I was glad to be reading it and certainly made for a good, pandemic read.
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