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Katherine D. (Rochester, NY)
A Good Family
A Good Family is a study of the Bronson family. Henry,the father of this family has left home hoping to resurrect the successful businessman he once was, and instead is in crisis as he watches younger people assuming the importance he once held. Julie, the mother, has given up her dreams of being a dancer, in order to be a nurturing mother. She is barely getting through her days thanks to the comfort of her Zoloft pillow. Charlie, the charming handsome athletic older son is clearly holds a strategic position in this carefully crafted ' Calder mobile' story. The younger son, Barkley, has been shaped by being
…more eclipsed by Charlie. He is rather introverted, but has become a keen observer of the dynamics of this family. Charlie's return from a tour in Afghanistan is the catalyst which blows this deeply fractured family apart as surely as if he were a bomb arriving on their doorstep.
As the story is carried forward by each member in turn, the repercussions affect Barkley enough to finally force him find his own voice. We are witness to the disintegration and reintegration of these ultimately very strong characters. His keen observations, and thoughtful actions over time knit the pieces of this family together. Just how the fragments from this explosion are allowed to fall into place by Erik Fassnacht will keep your spirits soaring and sinking on an exhilarating ride. This reader wishes there were a ticket available for the continuation of this amazing journey. (less)I so thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each member of the Brunson family is undergoing their own personal crisis; a theme generated in many novels. However the format of this novel and the interactions (or non-interactions) among the family members is what makes this book stand out. Whether or not you like the way their lives progress throughout the book, the family captures your heart and universally connects us all. I would most certainly recommend this book for book clubs or just a great read.
Kenan R. (Liberty, MO)
A Finely Drawn Character Study
The Brunson family has imploded. Told from the perspective of the 4 adult members of the family this story starts as a slow burn. The characters are all drowning in the minutia of their own existences and cannot seem to figure out how to move forward. Corporate downsizing, empty nest, post-grad stall, xanax, and PTSD - this family is running the gamut of 21st century problems. The author uses their four separate voices to create fully formed characters in whom we become invested. Together they form a family who, for better or worse, keep moving forward to some type of personal and familial resolution. The
…more characters are flawed and altogether human, not necessarily likeable in the beginning, but by the novel's end we care and need to know that they will come out the other side. A compelling and well written story. (less)
Becky H. (Chicago, IL)
A GOOD Family
I almost quit reading – then I got to page 58 and I was hooked. The four members of this family are damaged, damaged by each other, damaged by their past, damaged by their own actions. The characters are finely drawn, believable and you get to know them intimately. The situations are timely and true. The writing is expressive. These are people and situations you want to know and care about deeply – even when they are being incredibly stupid in their actions. The tempo and tension increase as the book travels to its conclusion. There is sufficient humor to lighten what could be a depressing book.
I especially
…more liked the sections about Barkley and his illustrious Catholic high school. The politics of schools are spot on (I'm a former teacher at a religious school). I rooted for Julie to detach from her stifling marriage and find (re-find?) herself and her dreams. The male writer got women right –Julie, Ginny and Margaret.
Book groups will a plethora of topics to discuss, including the endings for each family member. (less)A very good family saga that would be perfect for book groups. This is a story of the four members of the Brunson family which becomes disrupted by the twists and turns of life. Told from each family member's point of view you will be drawn into their world and as they are each torn apart they will have to find their own individual ways to move forward and to survive. Lessons will be learned!
Barbara O. (Maryland Heights, MO)
A Good Family
A page turner. We all know these people or think we do. All families struggle but what circumstances cause a successful "good" family to fall apart? How they find their way back, individually makes for a great read. Wonderful debut story hope to read more from Erik Fassnacht.
Helen M. (Petaluma, CA)
So insightful
A Good Family, as you would suppose, is all about one particular family. It"s strong point, and a very strong point, is how each person in that family is presented, evolves. This book has all the ups and downs, ins and outs, of family life. Nerds, PTSD, fidelity and infidelity.........the whole ball of wax. I enjoyed reading it and think it a great discussion book.
Priscilla M. (Houston, TX)
Great debut book
This was an excellent book! When I first started reading, I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy bumbling but ever hopeful Barkley, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him as he tries to find a job and a girlfriend. Barkley is the youngest member of a shattered family. Dad is a driven man who left his family to pursue the life he feels he is missing, Mom lives in a Zoloft cocoon, and big brother Charlie is fresh from Afghanistan, with a PSTD he is trying to face down. Doesn't sound promising? The story moves from character to character as each tries to find their way out of what appears to be a downward
…more spiral. The fact the the author is successful in making us care about these people is evidence of his talent as a writer. The story is told with humor, lively dialogue, and compassion. I will be recommending it to friends. (less)
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