What do readers think of Evelyn in Transit by David Guterson? Write your own review.

"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.

Evelyn Bednarz has an epiphany one day that she's unique; she's separate from others, from everything else. Meanwhile in Nepal, a young boy, Tsering, has the same epiphany. From there flows two stories of two people going against the grain of what "normal" life for them should be with complied but interesting results.

First, the writing is splendid. Second, this is less of a novel and more of a philosophical exploration of the meaning of life and one's place in it - so don't expect action. Rather, the book seeks to understand how people choose to find the right way to live. And, there are moments of humor that add some levity to serious moments in the story. I liked Evelyn more than Tsering but neither grabbed me emotionally. Per the Author's Note, he met Evelyn, so the book is based on a real person in part.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher, W.W. Norton, for allowing me to read this charming book.

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.

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.

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.

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.

David Guterson's tale is told in alternating sections through Evelyn and Tsering. It is a story of a young girl in the US who struggles to find her way and a young boy who will become a lama in Tibet , but it is told in fits and starts which left me feeling unsatisfied. So much information was shared in just a paragraph or two that I never formed a full picture of her life or family or boyfriend. I kept waiting for the style of this writing to change, so I could know more about Evelyn, Tsering, Cliff and Buddhism. I found certain lines laugh out loud funny and others quite confusing.

Simply put and more succinct than my first review:
I liked the characters a lot more than i liked the book.