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Nancy D. (West Chester, PA)
Nothing is Black or White
Although this book is not an action packed book, it held my attention from the beginning. I appreciated that the characters were drawn in a very realistic manner. No one was completely admirable, but no one was completely despicable; they were human. The issues facing the main characters, while colored by the war, are also 21st century family issues. The book also did a fine job of showing how far reaching the consequences of war are for our servicemen and their families.
Josephine J. (Goshen, CT)
Outstanding novel
Blue Stars, set in 2006-7, is the story of two women with loved-ones in the army: One, a university professor, and the other, a personal trainer, and how they are thrown together when their soldiers injured in the line of duty. More than that, it is the story of the appalling conditions at Walter Reed Hospital; a story of friendships arising in unlikely places; and a story of how literature matters, how reading is important. This would be a great Book Club selection.
Mary B. (Laguna Woods, CA)
War's impact on home life
This story of two very different women who meet under trying circumstances & help each other was well written. The characters are very believable and realistic. I learned a lot about the problems of our military care for the wounded & their families. I think Book Clubs could find a lot to discuss in this book.
Ruth O. (Downingtown, PA)
Emotional read
I was very conflicted about this book at the beginning as it seemed to be anti-military, which is not what I expected from the description. As the story unfolded, two themes became apparent and not necessarily anti-military. One theme demonstrated a total lack of understanding of what military life encompassed, the other was all on board with the military but demonstrated how deployments can shatter normal family life. This was a gut-wrenching tale of the effect of severe injury on the lives of two service members and their families. Emotions run high throughout the book, both in the characters and also in the
…more reader. This was a tough read but worthwhile, a good recommendation for book clubs. (less)This was such a great book. I really enjoyed it because it was a story about military families left behind and when their fathers and sons return from war. As a wife of a veteran, although I didn't know him when he first came back I dealt with aftereffects such as PTSD. This book will open your eyes to the families go through. It was a wonderful realistic book.
Mary Lou F. (Naples, FL)
Treating our soldiers
Very insightful story especially with the conditions found at Walter Reed Hospital. This novel deals with the care or lack thereof of returning soldiers. Eye awakening--makes you wonder how close to realistic events this novel conveys.
MaryMargaret
War as an Equalizer
The refined college professor Ellen is thrust into the role of military mom when her legal ward unexpectedly enlists. This brings her into the world of the coarse Lacey who is married a military man. Serious injuries to their family members bring them together at Walter Reed Hospital and they both endure the hardships that caretakers experience in this most emotional and straining situation. Each one handles their situation and in turn, help other military wives.
The families are front and center in this moving setting; we look at war and its consequences through them. Both women's strengths are tested and we
…more view their plight and their aftermath.
I struggled a bit at the beginning of the novel, but my interest grew in relationship to the development of the characters.
The novel gives a necessary insight into the lives of those who stand behind and aside those who serve. (less)When I first began this book I felt that I would not enjoy it and would be just reading it to finish my commitment. I did not fine the characters interesting. I was surprised to find out that after the first 50 pages I was engaged and the characters held my interest. As an outsider to this subject I learned a lot. I had not thought of how the patients are treated after they are discharged but still need services. I found the writing good and was able to become observed in the story. I would recommend it to anyone interested in this subject.
