I both loved and hated this book, I know that sounds impossible but it's the truth. The reason being is that it was a book I wanted to read, I found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading it, this is the mark of a good book to me.
It was realistic maybe too …more realistic, I found myself crying in some passages as it reminded me of my childhood and the way my own father raged. To say it was painful to see your life in print would be an understatement. One of the most potent parts for me was when Emma's father knelt at her knees and said he was sorry, everyone wanted her to say something, to fix it, going so far to say that forgiveness will make you feel better, but she couldn't/wouldn't. I know that feeling being the oldest you are there to make it all better for your siblings, the role of the protector. She is only fifteen and they wanted her to fix everything.
A powerfully written and a well thought out book depicting the struggle of a disabled parent living in an able body world. I know too well the embarrassment, my mother was disabled, how hard that is for a teenager to bear, as well as the parent to know they are the source of embarrassment.
I liked the way the author did not tidy it up for you, there is hope for the family but they have work to do that will take commitment and insight. (less)

The Paris Apartment reminds me of several books I have read recently with the theme of Paris. The book shifts from current time, with a Sotheby's appraiser overseeing an apartment filled with antique furniture. What is intriguing is not the furniture itself but the story …more behind how the woman who lived in the apartment during the late 1800s came to own the treasured pieces.

The book is interesting from a collector's standpoint but the story is light and interesting enough to be a good beach or travel read. It's not weighty enough for a book club read, the characters are not well developed or particularly interesting.
I would still recommend it for a fun read set in The City of Light. (less)