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Debbie M. (Grand Junction, CO)
The Laws of Gravity
The Laws of Gravity presents an interesting problem. How far would you go to help a family member? We'd all like to think we're there for family, but when actually confronted with the problem, will we be there?
It started out slow, but then became a page turner. You really want to know how it ends.
Julie H. (Pine Grove, PA)
Laws of Gravity
This is a thought-provoking book which examines family ties, medical ethics and the law. Good character development, although there were several areas which could have been more developed, particularly the years between Nicole and Ari's childhood and adulthood. I especially liked the use of the secondary story of the judge's family. I thought it added another layer to the theme of family. This book will make a great book club selection.
Michelle (Hillsdale, NJ)
Good Book - Well, Parts of It Anyway!
That's a strange way to start a review, but that's exactly how I felt - the book starts off with Ari and Nicole as close cousins; then goes forward to when they are adults. Nicole has cancer and wants to use the cord blood that Ari stored when his son was born - Ari initially agrees; then changes his mind, and therein lies the rest of the story, where we watch Nicole sue Ari for the cord blood. Aside from some confusing time line issues, at this point we are introduced to some new characters - namely the judge hearing the case and his daughter, and some chapters deal with aspects of their lives that have nothing to do with the court case. I found myself wondering why these characters were even introduced - it almost felt like they were being used to beef up the story a bit. Unfortunately, I started skimming through these chapters - there wasn't enough on the Judge's daughter to even capture your interest (well, mine anyway!) so to me this was a bit of a disappointment. The chapters dealing with Nicole and her family were interesting and you will definitely want to know the outcome of their story. But the others, I just didn't care and didn't get how they fit into the story. For these reasons, I can't really say this was a great read - it was just okay.
Caryl L. (Williamsburg, VA)
Laws of Gravity
This book is sad, but riveting and touching. Nicole and cousin Ari have been very close friends since birth and they are truly bonded. Now, as adults they have reached an impasse. Nicole has been stricken with cancer. Ari has the means to save her life. Does he make the right choices?
Even the judge on case his last case before his retirement is touched by this case as never before in his years on the bench. Does he make the right choice?
A story of love, family and the power to protect the ones we love. This is an powerful book worthy of reading. I recommend it highly.
Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
The Laws of Gravity
A beautiful story full of the joys, disappointments, and love that go into being a family. The characters are set up well, each is real and the author makes us care about them all.
Ari and Nicole are cousins, and best friends since childhood. When Nicole becomes ill she asks Ari a life-altering question and it is this question and the after effects his answer causes that make up the heart of the story.
While there is sadness in the story it is not the main tone. This is truly a beautiful story about family. It would be a good book for a book club to read, as it is bound to lead to a lot of discussion.
Loves to Read (Burlingame, CA)
Is Blood Thicker Than Water?
If you are looking for a quick read this summer this is the book for you. This book definitely tugs at the heart-strings; you might find yourself a little teary eyed at times. Filled with family drama, this book speaks volumes on relationships between family and friends.
Hazel R. (North Eastham, MA)
The complicated role of Transplant for Cancer
This is a story with medical drama, family drama, and legal drama based on the premise that the central character, Nicole, will die without a cord blood transplant using her cousin's child's banked cord blood. Having worked in hematologist malignancy research for over a decade (albeit not in a scientific capacity), I was disappointed with the medical storyline. Specifically, it would have enhanced the story to have more interaction with her medical team, and have them be more involved in her road to transplant. There was only one reference (page 73)to having made a search for transplant cells. The National Marrow Donor Program is a vast bank, and a search in the Bank would be worthy of more discussion. Lastly and most importantly, although cord blood is used in adult transplant, there are significant disadvantages such as not having enough cells for a successful transplant in an adult. Due to these disadvantages, collecting stems cells from the matching child's blood might have been a better option for efficacy, and a solution to get Nicole transplanted without using the banked cord blood. While I understand the need for some simplification, laying the foundation for the medical drama would have significantly increased my enjoyment of the book