I've read two other books by Diane Hammond--"Hannah's Dream" and "Friday's Harbor: A Novel"--and enjoyed both so I requested "Going to Bend" on paperbackswap.com. I was disappointed in this book--it seemed very bleak. The two main characters--Petie and Rose--are 30-something adults who have been friends since grade school. Both grew up poor but Petie had a much more traumatic life. The author gives hints about it but the truth isn't revealed until near the end. I suspect the author's intent was for the reader to admire the characters--especially Petie--for keeping going even when life is a continuous struggle.
I don't recall the size of "Hubbard," the town where most of the book is set, other than it is a small town. Everyone seems to be poor/struggling. There wasn't much going on in the book. After a while, I just wanted to be done with it and did finish it. I may read another of Hammond's books--per a Google search she's written three others (Homesick Creek, Seeing Stars, and Keiko's Story) which hopefully will be better than Going to Bend.
I don't recall the size of "Hubbard," the town where most of the book is set, other than it is a small town. Everyone seems to be poor/struggling. There wasn't much going on in the book. After a while, I just wanted to be done with it and did finish it. I may read another of Hammond's books--per a Google search she's written three others (Homesick Creek, Seeing Stars, and Keiko's Story) which hopefully will be better than Going to Bend.
A nice meandering little story about well-meaning people who sometimes make poor decisions. I recommend it.
VERY Very enjoyable read
