What readers think of The Things That Keep Us Here, plus links to write your own review.

Oh my goodness......there are not too many books that have you gripping onto the book, feeling anxious and wondering what is going to happen next. The characters were well-developed and real. I loved this book and look forward to future books by this author.

The Things That Keep Us Here is a riveting story of a splintered family coping with surviving a pandemic of the avian flu while dealing with memories of the events that split them apart. In Ann, the author has created a sympathetic yet flawed character who we feel for while at times being irritated by her constant fears. I reached the point in this book where I could not put it down, and finished it, exhausted but thoroughly satisfied, at 3:30 in the morning. This is an amazing first novel, and I hope for many more by this author. Five thumbs up for Carla Buckley.

Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It is a gripping story of a woman who finds herself forced to ensure the survival of her family in a flu pandemic which is sweeping the country. The story certainly made me think hard about what I would do if faced with some of the same decisions that Ann was forced to make. Given the timely nature of the subject, I think any mature reader would find the story interesting and though-provoking.

I was pulled into this story from the beginning and the author kept me there until the end. I was able to connect with all of the characters and the chilling circumstances they were facing. Since this particular pandemic wasn't so unbelievable, it was easy to imagine myself in their situation. Many times throughout the book, I would ask myself, "what would I do?". This is an engrossing, easy read but highly entertaining ... and the subject matter is certainly not that far-fetched.

What would happen if a deadly disease spread so quickly that is wreaked havoc on society as we know it?

That is the premise of this engaging novel. The protagonist, Ann, faces a myriad of moral dilemmas in this book that will have you asking yourself "what would I do?" It provides enough fodder for book club discussions that could last well into the night.

This book reads like a thriller at times, but with much better character development. If you enjoy Jodi Picoult (and I do!), the writing style is reminiscent of hers ... fast paced, engaging, with imperfect characters that you quickly grow to care about.

This is a very timely little book about what could happen in the event of a flu pandemic. I have to tell you I was riveted to the pages until I finished. I was so "into it" that I found myself much more aware of people sneezing, coughing in public -- finding myself almost terrified when I was close to someone with cold symptoms.

The writing was a little simplistic and I found the ending to be a bit rushed ... thus the ranking of 4 rather than 5. It is a VERY readable book and would make for wonderful book club discussions. I think it will do well in the marketplace.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. With the H1N1 virus dominating our news, this certainly brought an interesting perspective to a possible pandemic. The many decisions this family had to make would surely develop into a dynamic exchange for book clubs! This family will expand your heart and thoughts. I would welcome reading another book by this author.

This is the story of how one family survives, and endures, a pandemic outbreak of avian flu in this country. It is the story of the choices that the main characters, Ann, Peter and Shaiza make and the consequences that those choices have. Ms Buckley has written a remarkable first novel. Her characters could be your next door neighbors. The plot line is simple but powerful. She asks and answers the question "what would you do to survive in a emergent situation". The book will remind the reader of Katrina and New Orleans and have us hoping that nothing like this ever happens in our country. I highly recommend this book. It is a thought provoking read that will stay with you for a long time after you finish the book.