Now, being an author I LOVE to read other books because I enjoy seeing how other authors work. Long Drive Home was no exception. This book started off with a **BANG ** and I am not actually using that figuratively here - it really grabbed the reader's attention from the very first sentence. Will Allison had his character writing a letter to his daughter explaining what his motivations were - or something --- honestly I'm not quite sure, because as the book unfolded the letter became less clear and the motivations for writing the letter became less clear.
The book jacket describes the tragedy that Glen Bauer is - I guess - trying to hide, but who is he trying to hide it from? Himself? His wife -- who was never fooled, by the way -- or his six year old daughter - who witnessed the whole event? Again....this is not a spoiler as it is on the jacket.
Long Drive Home started off so well, but I felt that it lacked the ability to stay at that level throughout the entire book. I found myself skimming through it trying to find out what Glen Bauer was trying to say and do....and honestly even when it was finished I'm still left with that question . . . what was the point of the letter?
Will Allison does a fantastic job of describing situations involving confused children, parents breaking up and what that does to children and the alienation of children. Such a good job that it almost sounds personal. It made me, the reader, want to reach in and shake some sense into Liz Bauer and tell her she was destroying her own daughter.... but of course, she knew the truth and could not get her husband to admit it. And then there is always the 'mommy protection gene' that outweighs everything else.
I'm not sure if I would recommend this book or not....probably a 2.5 out of 5
Long Drive Home
214 pgs
Free Press
This book was sent to me for review purposes only
I had some of the same issues as you did with this book. I didn't get any warm fuzzies from Liz at all. I had so many unanswered questions, but sometimes books do that!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the two of you about Liz. Must have been some "before" issues. I reviewed the book on my blog as well and it's been interesting today to read how others viewed the book. I am a new follower and would love a visit/follow on my blog if you have a moment. Thanks. Donna
ReplyDeletehttp://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com
Hi Brenda,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your review, I re-thought mine.
Maybe I score it a little too high -- you made some really good points. :)
But I do think the cautionary tale is a good one, considering how volatile people can get these days.
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
xoxox,
Yvonne
Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteI'm never sure that I want my reviews to make someone change their mind...but I really do enjoy the idea of expressing different opinions about the same book. I guess this is a great way to have a book club via the web!
Hi! Thanks for stopping by Family Literacy to read my review. I kept putting off this book to read and would of liked to receive it a couple weeks prior to when I did just because I have like 25 books to read in the next month!
ReplyDeleteI didn't really pay much attention to the letter other than that he was putting his life in his daughter's hands. It was his story and the emotions that he went through that grabbed my attention. Of course I still haven't finished the last 15 pages or so and I don't know as I will. But maybe someday!
Tina "The Book Lady"
http://familyliteracyandyou.blogspot.com