Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Mar 2008
336 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
Matthew and Amelia were once in love and planning to raise a family together, but a decade later, they have become professional enemies. To Amelia, who has dedicated her life to medical ethics, Matthew's job as a high-powered pharmaceutical executive has turned him into a heartless person who doesn't care about anything but money. Now they're kept in balance only by Matthew's best and oldest friend, Ben, a rising science superstar -- and Amelia's new boyfriend.
That balance begins to crumble one night when, coming home to his upscale Philadelphia loft, Matthew finds himself on a desolate bridge face-to-face with a boy screaming for help. Homeless for most of his life, ten-year-old Danny is as streetwise as he is world-weary, and his desperation to save his three-year-old sister means he will do whatever it takes to get Matthew's help. What follows is an escalating game of one-upmanship between Matthew, Amelia, and Danny, as all three players struggle to defend what is most important to them -- and are ultimately forced to reconsider what they truly want.
"Starred Review. An enjoyable literary page-turner that also explores serious social issues." - Publishers Weekly.
"A touching and very modern relationship story with some compelling social issues ... This fast-paced, funny, and smart novel is a sure bet for book clubs." - Booklist.
"With its numerous references to popular music and culture, this quick read may appeal to Mitch Albom fans and is suitable for YA collections. Recommended for larger popular collections." - Library Journal.
"The novel is strongest when taking on the gray area of bioethics .... However, Tucker ultimately neglects these substantive issues, favoring a tearjerker ending and a sappy romance. Not the prescription for what ails the modern reader." - Kirkus Reviews.
This information about The Cure for Modern Life was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
© Image House/Bob Godwin
Lisa Tucker is the author of The Song Reader, Shout Down the Moon, Once Upon a Day, The Cure for Modern Life, The Promised World, and The Winters in Bloom. Her books have been published in twelve countries and selected for a dozen national book clubs, including the Book of the Month Club, Doubleday Book Club, People, Amazon Book of the Year, Barnes & Noble Reading Group program, and the Book Sense list.
Tucker grew up in Missouri. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, she went on to receive graduate degrees in English and mathematics and was awarded fellowships in both fields. She has taught creative writing at the University of Pennsylvania, the Taos Writers' Conference and UCLA. Lisa has given readings and talks all over the country, and her short work has appeared ...
... Full Biography
Author Interview
Link to Lisa Tucker's Website
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