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Iris F. (West bloomfield, MI)
The children
I was initially very disappointed with this book. For almost 100 pages I felt that the story felt contrived as the author worked hard to be funny at the expense of the story. When the "humor" ended the story improved tremendously. The characters were fleshed out and explanations to the various motivations of the characters behavior was explained and my interest was piqued.
What started out as a chore to read became a book that I couldn't put down. The last third of the book was read in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I would say that all the individual story lines were tied up in a neat little bow, but that
…more wouldn't be exactly the truth as the end took a turn that I didn't see coming,
If the author had told the story without the attempt to be funny in the beginning I would have enjoyed it more. I would've rated the beginning a three while the end was almost a five. (less)I am a sucker for a good dysfunctional family story, and this didn't disappoint. The pace was good and my interest was held. I enjoyed this one as much as her first one.
Molly B. (Longmont, CO)
The Sins of the Fathers...
The Children was an easy read - it flowed easily, moved fast and had interesting characters. Everyone was flawed in some way, so it was realistic. The dialogue was funny, especially when the two daughters were talking with the mother and calling her on her stuff. The dark underbellies were disturbing, and the biggest villain was truly without conscience or heart. My only complaint would be that the story stopped short, that the conclusion seemed hurried. I would have liked to have the story be more complete, to have a better picture of where the sisters ended up - perhaps this could lead to a sequel? Overall,
…more this was a well-crafted and balanced story with characters that I cared about, and exposing some of the sadder sides of humanity. (less)This is the first book I have read by Ann Leary - and it was certainly different and entertaining! What a family - two daughters with problems - one bi-polar, the other afraid to venture out. One angry son; one who appears to be well adjusted until he meets the woman who will become his wife. I will recommend this to my friends as I think they will enjoy it as I did.
Christine
Summer at the Lake
I enjoyed this book. The setting seemed idyllic--a cottage on a lake in Connecticut just as summer was beginning. The characters were interesting, and kept me reading because I wanted to learn what would happen to them. I could not have guessed or anticipated what that would be. I am looking forward now to reading Ms. Leary's other books.
Pam
Fun, easy, quick beach read
An unconventional family with an unconventional story - I read it in a single sitting while sitting at the beach. Each family member is quirky, but believable, and the storyline takes many twists and turns until the surprisingly satisfying ending. It's basically the story about what remains of a blended family after the actual owner of the home passes away and none of the rest of them move out - or move on - until a whirlwind wedding changes everything for all of them. It was the perfect book for a lazy afternoon!
Milda S. (Warwick, NY), WG Book Club moderator
The Unraveling
Upon the death of a wealthy unconventional father, the thread that holds the blended family together begins to unravel. Long surpassed feelings of resentment begin to appear fueled by a conniving new family member. This page turner is full of surprises and told with humor and poignancy.
Joan P. (Owego, NY)
The Children
The children are all grown up. They are the two girls, Sally and Charlotte, that Joan brought to the marriage and Perry and Spin that came with Whit. Add to the group, Everette, the caretaker's son. You might say that Lakeside Cottage and Holden, the private school, are almost minor characters.
The story takes place after Whit's death. His will ensures that Lakeside Cottage will belong to his boys. Joan has been permitted to continue to live there. Sally visits often and Chalotte lives there and writes a blog and rarely leaves the grounds. Spin brings his fiancée, Laurel, home to meet the family. He is a teacher
…more at Holden and met Laurel while skiing. As Laurel gets to know the family we see that there is another side to their seemingly ideal childhood.
Ann Leary is skilled at character development and I especially liked frugal, self centered Joan. She enjoyed telling about her glorious youth and that she ran five miles a day. An interesting minor character is "Mr Clean" who would break and enter cottages and never steal a thing but did a little cleaning while there.
I'm very stingy with my stars but believe this is a solid four. I stayed up past my bedtime to finish and will pass it on to a friend today. This is a good book club book as each character would make a good discussion. (less)
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