Outstanding.
I read Outside Wonderland in one setting because I couldn't put it down. It is a fascinating story, very unusual with believable characters and events. The idea of how Heaven (or whatever) might be is beautiful. This is a beautifully written and the Epilogue is something to be read again and again. Simply amazing.
Rated of 5
by Karen L. (Troy, IL)
Outside Wonderland
Couldn't put the book down. The life situations that the Stenen's went through were believable. A storyline going for each of the Stenens but still their lives were intermingled with joy, sorrow, happiness and loss. I had to keep reading to see what choices each of them would be making. The chapters with parents "watching over" them didn't really add anything to the book for me and I found myself just skimming them by the end of the book.
Rated of 5
by Lisa G. (Riverwoods, IL)
Outside Wonderland by Lorna Jane Cook
This book is about a family that has no idea their deceased parents watch everything they do, kind of like Lovely Bones meets Touched by an Angel. The plot is a bit trite but it was an enjoyable story and I liked the character development. The story kept my interest and it would probably make a good book group discussion.
Rated of 5
by Martha L. (Warner, NH)
warm, wonderful read
Outside Wonderland has given me a warm glow. I would give this book more stars if it were possible. Life happens and days pass. Everyone struggles with something/someone, but life is what we make of it and how we move forward. This book highlights this with the wonderfully warm characters of Eve, Griffin and Dinah. The brother and sisters lost their mother in an accident when they were very young and then their father when they were a little older. They seem to struggle with finding themselves and their paths in life. I enjoyed the scenes with the parents watching the children through the clouds of heaven. This book gives you hope without preaching, reality without despair.
"As always, humans beings are endlessly heartbreaking and inspiring, their lives threaded with strands of despair and brighter ones of hope. They are as predictable and changeable as the weather."
Rated of 5
by Julie D. (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA)
A Very Different Type of Book
First let me say, I loved this book. It was so different than anything I had ever read before. I loved the characters and how each one told their own story. It was also very nice to have the story told from their mother as she watches from Heaven. I wasn't sure if I would like this aspect of the book, but I did. I highly recommend this one.
Rated of 5
by Kay B. (Lake Jackson, TX)
Outside Wonderland
I loved this book! Lorna Jane Cook writes about our earthly tragedies from an eternal perspective in a poignant yet matter-of-fact way. The settings provide interesting back ground and the characters realistically tug at your heartstrings. The author's descriptions draw in the reader such as when her character, Alice, becomes enchanted with the child, Adam, and says "she felt herself slipping into the skin of the three-year-old". The story is well-written, fun, and easy to read and you will be sad for it to end.
Rated of 5
by Melissa K. (Oviedo, Florida)
A Compelling Read
I loved this book! It is beautifully written and I couldn't put it down until the end. Cook developed such believable characters, with realistic qualities. It was heartwarming at times, and heartbreaking at other times. A wonderful story was woven. I look forward to reading more from this author. I will definitely encourage my book club to read this book.
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Kenn Nesbitt is new Children's Poet Laureate(Jun 12 2013) Kenn Nesbitt has been named the new Children's Poet Laureate: Consultant in Children's Poetry to the Poetry Foundation, which noted that the two-year position...
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of 5
by Anna R. (Oak Ridge, TN)
