I was captured by the storylines in this book from the minute I read about it. The idea of a woman involved in an accident after smoking pot, and a husband who is trying to rationalize the use of a drug for other purposes. I must admit as the story juggled the storylines, I felt myself speed reading through the husband's ordeal with the drug company. I did not feel this part of the story was as compelling as the wife's story. As I read I was looking for a turning point or a "oh my gosh" moment in the book which didn't happen. This left me slightly disappointed, however the overall story was enjoyable - just not exactly what I was expecting.

Making Toast, tells the story of loss, love and everyday stories of families...before and after their death. The book is simple to read, it takes you from happy to sad moments in time in this families life. The book centers around how this family deals with the death of a mother, daughter, and wife: Amy. The book does not tell the entire story from beginning to end, but rather tells moments the family share. Overall, it was good. I did often find myself wanting a little more depth, but I don't think that is what the author wanted. I think this was written to share blurbs...not an in depth story of death. With that in mind, the book serves it purpose well.

Let's see, I would have to say this is reminiscent of "Water for Elephants." Not completely because of the "elephant" theme, but rather a book in which you learn so much! I loved the characters ... all of them, from the Timothy to Lord Bidborough, good or bad, happy or sad. I even loved the obsessive nature of one of the characters, it makes that character all too real! I think many readers will immediately fall in love with learning the lives of elephants. I know I did, and I also learned what amazing memories elephants have. You can't help but look at the elephants at the zoo in a new way. Give this a try, I don't see how you could be disappointed! :)

The interesting part of this book is allowing the reader to be "in the head" of the two main characters. Your easily able to understand what's going on in the mother of the addict's head, as well as the addict. This gives the reader an understanding to the complex emotions of each character.

The not so interesting side of this novel is the overwhelming exhaustion I felt as I read. When I first read the synopsis, I suppose I had a Augusten Burroughs feel for the book. I was immediately excited to read this, why the Burroughs feel, I'm not sure. When I started reading I knew this was more intense than any other book I'd read. I pushed through to be able to give this a review...and give the book all of my attention until it was complete. Once I finished I was glad the book was over. I never felt anything other than sadness, depression and exhaustion as I read. The life of the addict and his mother is a never ending cycle of feeling drained. If the author wrote this in trying to capture these emotions, then they did a wonderful job. So dear readers...if you're looking for a book to keep you going at night, lift your spirits, or maybe take you on a little journey, I'd avoid this one. If you want to take a stroll in the lives of addicts and mental health issues ... this this is your book ... good luck.

I must point out that I have not read anything by Delinsky before "While My Sister Sleeps." Now I have to wonder why. This was a fabulous book, especially for book clubs who want to discuss a book with many topics that could lead to many different opinions: life support, relationships, the media, friends...and the many areas that are involved with a family crisis, even family secrets. I would have liked to read this at the same time as a sister, or friend to discuss it. That would be a great suggestion to anyone who would like to read this in it's debut. Pick up two copies and share with a friend while reading.

Without giving too much away, this was a book that forces the reader to ask questions of themselves. In fact this book sent me to the store for a journal to pass along my thoughts and feelings to my family. If a book can spark me to do anything in life...it must be good!

Thank you for allowing me the time to read this, I have to consider myself a Delinsky fan!

I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I actually "listened" to the book, and was slightly concerned in the beginning. If you enjoy audio books, you might be able to understand. Sometimes you "like" the voice, and other times you "hate" the voice. In this case...I didn't enjoy the voice for about the first hour...then couldn't wait to hear her again!

The story itself is about a girl who is forced to mature very young. Her father dies and her mother must move her and her daughter away from their village in order to survive.

I really don't want to give anything away. But I will say the author allows the reader to use all of their senses while reading this book. I could taste the food, picture the colors in the rugs, feel the pain of the characters. I fell in love with the main character, although all her decisions were not "great" decisions. Then again, haven't we all made decisions we had to live with? Isn't the point to learn from your mistakes?

I picked this up because of a review I read somewhere. Since, I have hunted down the author hoping she had written other books...needless to say she hasn't. This shouldn't stop the readers of the world. This is a book you'll love.

I have read the other reviews (elsewhere) on this book. It appears this is a "love it" or "hate it" book. I have to say it does not have a "cut in stone" ending, that some book lovers must have. But I felt the ending was perfect. The point of this novel (in my opinion) is not the ending, but the story itself. Oh, how I will miss this book.