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Angela S. (Hartland, MI)
(06/11/14)
Accidents of Marriage
While this book had interesting developments and a few character insights, it did not truly draw me into the story like a great book will do. I did not feel as engaged with the characters as I would have liked to have been. I did enjoy the point of view of Maddy as she struggled to find herself again and make difficult choices. It was refreshing to hear from Maddy directly, how she was feeling as opposed to only hearing the voices of the people around her who are forced to deal with the changes in her. This book would be great for anyone looking to read about difficulties in marriage or how an accident can change everyone in profound ways.
Karen R. (Staten Island, NY)
(06/11/14)
Accidents of Marriage
Just an okay read for me. Interesting story at first, but then became predictable and a bit drawn out. I felt the ending was a bit disappointing.
Elizabeth K. (Glenshaw, PA)
(06/11/14)
Accidents of Marriage
What constitutes verbal or emotional abuse? Can a person who is esteemed at his office be so different at home? The author makes the reader aware of what can happen when anger cannot be controlled. An entire family, and extended family, is shattered when the parents are involved in an accident that leaves Maddy, the wife, with brain damage. I felt her struggle as she tried to slowly cope and recover. A teenage daughter must bear the burden of home responsibility: a young son reverts to bed wetting. The burden falls on everyone. The husband must face and recognize his failings.
There are many topics to discuss in this book. It would be excellent for book clubs
Diane W. (Lake Villa, IL)
(06/11/14)
Accidents of Marriage
Compelling, disturbing, real (from personal experience and anguish), and impossible to put down - even though it brought up painful, tearful memories - in a way it was healing and affirmative. Emotional and verbal abuse takes a long suffering toll and everyone involved in a family where such occurs. I agree with several others who have reviewed - this is would be a great book club selection and lead to much discussion of the complexities of families and how anger, rage, depression, and personal experiences/perceptions can cause a never ending journey of pain - and yet growth and a levels of commitment - to all those involved. Very well-written and portrayed.
Susan H. (Chappaqua, NY)
(06/11/14)
You don't have to see the scars to be a victim of abuse!
I gave up food, TV and conversation once I started this book and now that I am finished Iam sorry it is over. Accidents of Marriage talks about the complex nature of marriage and family. emotional abuse by a family member can be just as destructive as physical abuse . This family deals with the repercussions of a car accident where the husband/dad has a case of road rage which leaves his wife, mother of 3 kids with a severe brain injury.
Lucy B. (Urbana, OH)
(06/11/14)
A family's disaster
No one wins in the story about this family Many things can happen in an instant that affects people in very devastating ways, and there is no way to reverse what has happened. I believe that Maddy did the right thing in the end, but my sadness is really for Emma, Gracie, and Caleb. Children can't always understand why some decisions are for the best.
The author did a great job presenting this story from start to finish. I feel like everyone should read this book. I'm glad that I had the opportunity.
Bobbie D. (Boca Raton, FL)
(06/10/14)
A Family in Crisis
"Freud took aim, and the pair was irretrievably broken in half." (The quote in the book refers to 2 special glasses in this novel as well as the couple themselves.)
Accidents of Marriage by Randy Susan Meyers is about a family in crisis. It is the story of a married couple, Maddy and Ben and their three children, Emma, Gracie and Caleb. The author uses Maddy, Ben and Emma to head the chapters which allows the reader to understand the different point of views.
Maddy, a social worker, is constantly using her training to apply techniques to try and control her husband's outbursts of anger. Ben is an attorney in the public defender's office and often comes home late and with a few drinks under his belt.
Ben is responsible for an accident that changes all their lives.
Ms Meyer's characters are well defined. The children add a lot to this story with their confusion about their mixed religious background and just looking at what is happening from their perspective.
In the end, it is Maddy who decides what is best for their future.
The story is interesting but I think it could be condensed a bit.
Barbara C. (Fountain Hills, AZ)
(06/09/14)
Accidents of Marriage
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 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.