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There are currently 25 member reviews
for Evelyn in Transit
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Jane B. (San Ramon, CA)
Evelyn in transit
This book is a slow simmer for about 3/4 of the book. Then it packs a punch. Initially, I could not understand how the two principles in the book would come together. Their lives were so different, yet they traveled some of the same principled roads. Evelyn had thoughts but did not feel the need to express them. I enjoyed her thought process through her private dialog. She just followed her own path. Tsering mostly followed the path that was set out for him, but became disillusioned by it. Evelyn was tested mightily when her son was 5 years old and she had to make a very big decision. That part of the book really made me think about how we try to lead our children and how the consequences of our decisions reflect on our children.
It took me a long time to wait for the "happenings" in this book, but I was really glad I'll stayed with the book. Had I not been reading the book for book browse, I don't know if i would have stuck with it. I'm thinking perhaps more foreshadowing in the early parts of the book may help readers stick with it until the book all unfolds? I'm so glad I stayed with the book as it provided much food for thought as well as a moment of "Oh my gosh! Never expected that!' Reading this books was a positive experience.
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Dorothy H. (Folsom, CA)
Transition
Story has 2 plot lines: that of Tibetan Monk and that of a female searching for her place in the world. Story ends as her son is destined to be a monk and her decision to take him to Tibet where transitions take place.
Good for book club
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Ann B. (Bethlehem, PA)
Fateful Crossed Paths
"Evelyn in Transit" is a confusing yet captivating novel that features well-developed characters, although it can feel disjointed at times. The story is both philosophical and emotional. While the writing is exceptional, I found the brief glimpses into Evelyn's early life and her interactions with various people left me wanting more. Similarly, Tsering's life presents a parallel adventure with Evelyn's. You know their lives will eventually cross, but the question remains: how do these two lives relate to each other on life's journey?
Evelyn kept me engaged as I wanted her to succeed and see how their stories and lives would develop. I was not disappointed, I was surprised.
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Barbara S. (Gig Harbor, WA)
Different, thought provoking characters living their "right" way
At first, reading Guterson's latest work one might feel that it is quite different from his past works. Yet, upon thinking about Evelyn, his main character, and the journey she takes through her life, it actually does not differ from many of his previous works. Evelyn In Transit deals with families, life journeys, and the people you meet along the way. In contrasting two cultures, Evelyn's and Tsering's, the reader will find that we all are seeking to "live the right way", and that the right way can be very different for each of us.
This novel is not only a fun read, but one in which book clubs will find much to discuss.
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Viqui G. (State College, PA)
Evelyn in Transit
I had a difficult time getting through this novel. The writing was good, but I just couldn't relate to the main character, Evelyn. She was very independent and aloof to the norms of society; not very likable. Also her decision-making regarding her son, Cliff seemed misguided. The juxtaposition of Tsering's story along with Evelyn's story was confusing at first. It took awhile before the 2 stories melded. However, I did appreciate learning more about Buddhism and Buddhist customs in Tsering's chapters.
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Laura D. (Newmarket, NH)
It Was Fine
I really liked the way the book was written. It was divided into sections for each of several characters. Within each section, the sentences were short, with the story told in an episodic way. It moved along well. Being inside Evelyn's head was engaging, humorous, and, at times, sad. The monk's sections were not as interesting to me. What was disappointing was the overall plot. I felt like I kept waiting for a climax in the story, but there never was one. I completed the book feeling like I had met some characters, and knew their stories, but I was missing the sense of satisfaction and completion I usually feel at the end of a book.
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Lillian C. (Chestertown, NY)
Short sentences!
It was a struggle getting through this book. The short often abrupt sentence never had a flow. I found myself talking to myself! The words I stated were...but this is an excellent writer. David Guterson is so very talented. Stick with it, girl!
In the end I found it to be a meditation for living life on your terms. However, I can not recommend the book because I never really wanted to continue the read. The push to get through was just not that rewarding.
