Mary W

This book is an enjoyable read. The author has an easy-going, low-key style. He invites the reader into the story rather than just presenting the story. And what an amazing life he describes. So amazing that by Day Eight the story becomes unreal. Reading each day becomes a "what next?" exercise. By the end of the book, all credibility for the story is questionable. So sad because this book is an enjoyable read.

I am somewhat indifferent about this book. Certainly the explosion was a great starting point for the novel. The descriptions of both life in a small town and the impact of the explosion on the townspeople were well done. However, the pace is uneven and the ending horribly contrived.

I read the book, then put it down for a few days. When I went back and looked at the book what I remembered most was the contrived ending. Not good.

The advance praise for "leaving" is glowing. I just wish the book had lived up to those reviews. The prose is good, the plot plausible. However, the book is too wordy. It's like going to a movie and half-way through the film you say to yourself "Just get it over with." Repetition of similar scenes and repeated avowals of motive stifle the story. The author tries to force the reader to accept her interpretation of character and motive. Let the reader decide. We are adults.