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There are currently 31 member reviews
for The Family Tabor
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Paula K. (Cave Creek, AZ)
Rich People Problems
Rich People Problems. I had this refrain in the back of my head while I read "The Family Tabor." The book revolves around patriarch Harry Tabor who, by all outward appearances, has it all: a beautiful family, prosperity and a dynamic self, a self which shows no sign of diminishing at 70 years of age. But on the occasion of his receiving Palm Springs' Man of the Decade recognition for his good works, Harry has a crisis of confidence.
And thus, author Cherise Wolas begins our trip down the rabbit holes of Harry's and each member of his family's introspection. It is beautifully written, at times a little heavily-handed so, but we dwell so long in this introspective world, it becomes a little tiresome. Each family member strives for excellence, to eschew the "quotidian," a word Wolas must really like because it is liberally sprinkled throughout the novel. Hopefully an editor will prune a few of them.
At the heart of "The Family Tabor," we have the theme of atonement which runs parallel to the intense religious examination of some of the characters. I think the essence of the book's message is in the last sentence of chapter 49: "because the past is always part of the present."
At the end of the day, I couldn't help but feel Wolas was trying too hard — to impress us with the language and the DEEP meaning. I appreciate her skill but felt like I needed to walk in the real world after closing the last page.
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Marjorie W. (Bonita Springs, FL)
The Family Tabor
I enjoyed the book from start to finish. Characters were likable- we learn that even the "perfect" life has its secrets. Harry Tabor is a good man (who made a huge mistake in his early wage earning life ) who is to be honored as Man of the Decade by his community. As his family begins to arrive on the day of the ceremony - his past begins to haunt him. This is the story of Harry, his wife Roma and their three children who have issues of their own to settle. I found the final chapters not to be as I expected. It will be a definite suggestion to my book club when it is published.
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Cathy M. (Milwaukee, WI)
Secrets
When you look at the Tabors from the outside, they look like the perfect family, but inside each person has a secret that could change the dynamics of the family. My problem with the book is that I didn't find the way the father dealt with his secret to be believable. A book club, though, might find it fascinating to discuss these secrets, as well as the nature of secrets themselves. How did the secrets affect the family? Why did they keep these secrets? These are just a few questions that could be discussed.
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Erin C. (Clawson, MI)
Great premise, left wanting to know more
How do the examples set by the parents affect the growth potential of the children in their future careers and relationships? This book asked questions about spirituality, fidelity, trust and deception; some of which were answered and others that were left to the reader to ponder. Some parts of the characters' motivations were over-explained, and others I would've liked to know more, but I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to others interested in the exploration of hidden family dynamics.
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Eileen F. (Media, PA)
The history of the Tabors
Well written but too much writing. I never connected with the Tabors. They were highly accomplished people who hid deep secrets from each other. Even when Harry disappears, they can't open to one another. The story never really pulled me to it.
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Shirley T. (Comfort, TX)
The Family Tabor
The Family Tabor by Cherise Wolas is both a family saga, a discussion of the customs of tribal religion, and the moral need to atone for past sins which, surprisingly, have been forgotten by the patriarch of the family for many years.
It is a very long novel and the characterization of the family members is interesting and diverse. It seems that the careers and life styles of the characters are meant to contrast with the main religious theme. However constant reference to past ancestors who appear almost as ghosts as the story develops, combined with too much religious information, makes the story rather tedious.
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Wanda K. (Iron mtn, MI)
The Family Tabor
This book draws you in by developing characters you can relate to. A familiar family doing good in the community siblings enjoy being together. After you get a feel for the characters the author delves into their inner feelings and actions they haven't shared with their loved ones.
The book is a page turner and also makes you think about your own secrets and how they affect those we love. Well written and a great plot to keep you wanting more. A love story of family and how actions intertwine.
