Helpful Score: 3
This was a great book! One of the reviews on the back says "mystical and magical" and that is exactly what it is. This books give you a magical look at how our loved ones reach out to us after they have passed away. It's a great way to comfort someone who has recently loss someone close. It is a great fantasy nove. I would highly recommend it to everyone.
Helpful Score: 3
This is not the kind of book I would usually enjoy. It sounds syrupy (and it kind of is) and it had deep meaning (and it does). But I loved this book. The writing is... well... it's lyrical. I read this one quickly, couldn't put it down. This is actually the first book by Ben Sherwood I've read. I think I'll have to seek out that 747 one I hear a lot about...
Definitely a must read book. I think it's one of those "it's nice to think that way" kind of thing. For me, the story was just really well done. I will say I saw the Tess thing about 3000 miles away ;)
Read this one!
Definitely a must read book. I think it's one of those "it's nice to think that way" kind of thing. For me, the story was just really well done. I will say I saw the Tess thing about 3000 miles away ;)
Read this one!
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book; it wasn't depressing but certainly sad in parts. It is well written and quick reading.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a wonderful story about life, death, life after death and love. Charlie feels bad about his brother dying, so he becomes the caretaker for the cemetary so he can be close to his dead brother. But then he falls in love. His love is in danger and can he, with his special powers, save her before she goes to the other side. This story still stays with me long after I was done reading it.
Helpful Score: 2
Oh how I loved this book! The writing is so lyrical! I knew by the end of the first paragraph that this was going to be a wonderful read and it was. Intriguing story that will leave you thoughtful and stay with you a long time. You will soar with this book!
Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
When Charlie St. Cloud was fifteen years old, a tragic accident that involved "borrowing" a neighbor's car, a trip to a ballgame, and an encounter with a semi-trailer on a bridge led to the death of his three years younger brother, Sam. In fact, Charlie was technically "dead" for minutes before his heart started beating again--no one knows for sure, but this might be why Charlie lives the life he does.
For Charlie, now twenty-eight, taking care of Waterside Cemetery is more than just a job. He's able to help the inhabitants of Marblehead through their grief, care for the eighty-acres of land, live in the caretaker's cottage, and play baseball every night at sunset with his brother, Sam. Yes, the one who has been dead for thirteen years. Somehow, Sam and Charlie have a bond that has defied death, and the promise Charlie made to his younger brother that long ago night--"I'll never leave you"--has held, even though one of them is no longer alive.
Then one day Charlie meets Tess Carroll, a woman who builds sails and is planning for an around-the-world solo boat trip, at her father's grave. Immediately Charlie and Tess spark a connection, and quite soon realize that they may have found their soul mates.
Unfortunately, not everything is at it seems. It's actually hard to tell a lot about this book with giving away the spoilers that would ruin your enjoyment. Suffice it to say that THE DEATH AND LIFE OF CHARLIE ST. CLOUD is unlike any book I've ever read before--it's a character study of human nature, of brotherly love, of the ingrained desire in most people to help their fellow man. It's about miracles--sometimes the kind that half the world notices, and sometimes only the kind that an individual can discover on their own.
You won't go wrong with this uplifting, inspirational tale. I'll forever be glad I read this book, which reminds me in some ways of THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN. Two great books, lots of miracles, tons of love.
For Charlie, now twenty-eight, taking care of Waterside Cemetery is more than just a job. He's able to help the inhabitants of Marblehead through their grief, care for the eighty-acres of land, live in the caretaker's cottage, and play baseball every night at sunset with his brother, Sam. Yes, the one who has been dead for thirteen years. Somehow, Sam and Charlie have a bond that has defied death, and the promise Charlie made to his younger brother that long ago night--"I'll never leave you"--has held, even though one of them is no longer alive.
Then one day Charlie meets Tess Carroll, a woman who builds sails and is planning for an around-the-world solo boat trip, at her father's grave. Immediately Charlie and Tess spark a connection, and quite soon realize that they may have found their soul mates.
Unfortunately, not everything is at it seems. It's actually hard to tell a lot about this book with giving away the spoilers that would ruin your enjoyment. Suffice it to say that THE DEATH AND LIFE OF CHARLIE ST. CLOUD is unlike any book I've ever read before--it's a character study of human nature, of brotherly love, of the ingrained desire in most people to help their fellow man. It's about miracles--sometimes the kind that half the world notices, and sometimes only the kind that an individual can discover on their own.
You won't go wrong with this uplifting, inspirational tale. I'll forever be glad I read this book, which reminds me in some ways of THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN. Two great books, lots of miracles, tons of love.
Helpful Score: 1
this is a love story, first the love of a brother for a brother later the love of a man for a woman. After a terrible car accident, Charlie discovers he has a amazing gift.He can see, talk and play catch with his younger brother who was killed in the accident. Charlie has promised to always be there for his brother. Then Charlie meets a beautiful young woman, and the race againt time begins.
Helpful Score: 1
Cute love story with an interesting twist!
This book is easy to read and hard to put down, it is well told and is a great tale of hope. I loved it.
This book is one for anyone who has went through death of a loved one. It is a wonderful story with healing balm in its pages. A story of love that even death couldn't break. A promise that was kept even at great loss and a second chance at life,love and real life.
You won't want to put it down.
You won't want to put it down.
This was a great read.
This is one of the greatest books I have read ever! The story had a nice flow, there were parts that made me smile, laugh out loud and cry. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
Kristin D. (kdurham2813) reviewed The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud on + 753 more book reviews
A great read that was emotional and at times downright confusing - the author Ben Sherwood would only unload a few details at a time. Sometimes it was frustrating not being completely in the know, but after I was put in the know - I was certainly glad that there was a delay in knowing all the facts.
After thoroughly confusing you, to be simple - I am glad I read this book before I watched the movie. I always like to read the book first because I would rather a movie be ruined and I love to compare how the director's take the book and translate it onto the big screen. I absolutely love it when I have no idea it is a movie and I get to completely make up what the characters look like, this was not the case as I knew that Zac Efron would be Charlie, but I am interested to see what Tess will look like in the movie.
I would absolutely recommend to all who are interested in watching the movie to read this first. This book was definitely on the girlier side of my reading habit. As I will be watching the movie soon, you will see a post reviewing and comparing what I liked and didn't like.
After thoroughly confusing you, to be simple - I am glad I read this book before I watched the movie. I always like to read the book first because I would rather a movie be ruined and I love to compare how the director's take the book and translate it onto the big screen. I absolutely love it when I have no idea it is a movie and I get to completely make up what the characters look like, this was not the case as I knew that Zac Efron would be Charlie, but I am interested to see what Tess will look like in the movie.
I would absolutely recommend to all who are interested in watching the movie to read this first. This book was definitely on the girlier side of my reading habit. As I will be watching the movie soon, you will see a post reviewing and comparing what I liked and didn't like.
Excellent story. I like books like this that get you thinking about how to live your life.
