This book, about a family in distress, is a quick read and could use a bit of editing. It seems to be redundant and repetitive, so that I found myself rolling my eyes at some parts. The three main characters, Maddy, the mother, Ben, the father and Emma, the 14 year old
…more daughter are the narrators of the story from each perspective - a device which I found in so many recent novels to be creative at first, but then tiring after it is used so often. The characters are well drawn, but rather one- sided: Ben angry to the point of abuse, then so contrite and rather unbelievable in the change - Maddy long suffering, doing all for family and then so stubborn in not forgiving Ben - Emma typical teenage picking up pieces of family and complaining all the time. The other children, Gracie the constant lovable angel, and Caleb the whining questioner got to be monotonous.The medical and clinical section of the book seems to have come straight from a textbook, but was interesting and seemingly well researched., I just wondered where all friends and neighbors were when Maddy was in the hospital and recouping. All the work fell on Emma and the parents and in-laws. In situations like this, usually friends are there to help.All in all, a chick lit type of book, which has a basic linear story, easy to read and interesting to see the family dynamics develop. (less)
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