Helpful Score: 12
A very powerful book by a talented author. The story centers around Alison, a young woman who has spent the last five years in prison after killing her newborn baby. After being released to a halfway house, Alison is desperate to get in contact with her younger sister Brynn who has shunned her since she went to jail. Alison's story intersects with two other women, Claire and Charm. Secrets and truths rise to the surface as Alison comes to terms with her past and her future. The story is riveting and is told in a very strong voice by the author. I enjoyed this novel very much!
Helpful Score: 8
A great book that will not arrive on shelves until February 2011. Thanks to NetGalley I was able to download this book and read it off my computer.
A story twisted among the viewpoints of several women - I found this book to keep me sucked in for hours at a time. I was able to read this in three sittings, because once I started there was no way to stop. A gripping story of betrayal, loss and heartache that are all wrapped up in this unknowing little boy. I loved how the author slowly unloaded all the details throughout the book, so the reader kept waiting for each small moment to realize more of the backstory.
This book has successfully recharged my reading batteries. I was having a slump and because of this book, I am headed straight to my shelves to pick up another in hopes of getting deeply involved in another story.
As far as passing this book along - I would send this book to all my lady readers. Not for younger eyes, but definitely a great read for women who are mothers, daughters and sisters.
A story twisted among the viewpoints of several women - I found this book to keep me sucked in for hours at a time. I was able to read this in three sittings, because once I started there was no way to stop. A gripping story of betrayal, loss and heartache that are all wrapped up in this unknowing little boy. I loved how the author slowly unloaded all the details throughout the book, so the reader kept waiting for each small moment to realize more of the backstory.
This book has successfully recharged my reading batteries. I was having a slump and because of this book, I am headed straight to my shelves to pick up another in hopes of getting deeply involved in another story.
As far as passing this book along - I would send this book to all my lady readers. Not for younger eyes, but definitely a great read for women who are mothers, daughters and sisters.
Helpful Score: 5
What a well written heart wrenching story! Very well told of the families effected by one lone incident and the truth finally comes out after years of a torn family seeking peace.
Helpful Score: 5
A page-turner that slowly unveils the details of a terrible event five years earlier that has repercussions on all the main characters, whether they realize it or not. Really liked the character named Charm. Story is a bit contrived and convenient. Not as good as Gudenkauf's The Weight of Silence.
Helpful Score: 4
Riveting! Couldn't put it down, read it in one day and kept thinking about it. 5 Stars.
Helpful Score: 2
Wow! What a book. A great second novel by Iowa author Heather Gudenkauf. This book will suck you in during the first chapter.
Gudenkauf weaves a powerful story of love, loss, heartache, guilt, and all the key elements of a great story.
The story begins with Allison's release from prison at age 21. After spending five years in prison, she is releaseded to a half way house. Her parents refuse to acknowledge her as their daughter and her sister doesn't want to talk to her. As Allison tries to rebuild her life, the story of her crime and the people that it affected unfolds.
Gudenkauf tells the story from the view of four women and as they story unfolds we find just how deeply intertwined their lives are. This book is definitely one you won't want to put down and just as you think you have it figured out - it will surprise you.
Gudenkauf weaves a powerful story of love, loss, heartache, guilt, and all the key elements of a great story.
The story begins with Allison's release from prison at age 21. After spending five years in prison, she is releaseded to a half way house. Her parents refuse to acknowledge her as their daughter and her sister doesn't want to talk to her. As Allison tries to rebuild her life, the story of her crime and the people that it affected unfolds.
Gudenkauf tells the story from the view of four women and as they story unfolds we find just how deeply intertwined their lives are. This book is definitely one you won't want to put down and just as you think you have it figured out - it will surprise you.
Helpful Score: 2
Oh yes it is worth your time to read this one. If you see the other two reviews, we are all in agreement. I read 200 pages one night, and finished it up the next day. So it is quick read that keeps your attention, page after page. If I wasnt so tired I would have read it all at once.
It does tell the story from many Points of View, but it does this in a way that is not confusing. There are enough surprises to keep you reading to see how all these lives fit together. The ending works for me. I wish I had been given more insight into the little boy in the story and his anxieties. He seemed like a great child, but was easily over stimulated. That was never really explained and maybe not important.
It does tell the story from many Points of View, but it does this in a way that is not confusing. There are enough surprises to keep you reading to see how all these lives fit together. The ending works for me. I wish I had been given more insight into the little boy in the story and his anxieties. He seemed like a great child, but was easily over stimulated. That was never really explained and maybe not important.
Helpful Score: 1
An intriguing read, this book definitely kept me turning the pages. The story begins with the main character, Allison, being released from prison early for good behavior. We aren't made aware of her crime right away, only let in on the fact that it is a horrible one. The POV switches between multiple characters, and it isn't until later in the book that the pieces start to come together and we see how they are related. The ending was somewhat surprising, although not entirely shocking, and a little bittersweet.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book!
This is my first book from this author.
WOW- These Things Hidden covers it all- death-family drama- adoption.
Each chapter is told from someone else's perspective. Typically I don't like those kinds of books, but this book kept my interest and was easy to follow.
The book begins with Allison being released from prison~ we don't learn until later in the book why she went. Then there is her sister Brynn who is having a hard time dealing with her past, and life in general. Then there is Charm who takes care of her stepfather as he dies and is going to school to be a nurse. Then we get to know Claire, the mother who adopted Joshua.
This is my first book from this author.
WOW- These Things Hidden covers it all- death-family drama- adoption.
Each chapter is told from someone else's perspective. Typically I don't like those kinds of books, but this book kept my interest and was easy to follow.
The book begins with Allison being released from prison~ we don't learn until later in the book why she went. Then there is her sister Brynn who is having a hard time dealing with her past, and life in general. Then there is Charm who takes care of her stepfather as he dies and is going to school to be a nurse. Then we get to know Claire, the mother who adopted Joshua.
Helpful Score: 1
Recently I received a bunch of random books from a friend of mine, not knowing if any of them would be worth reading. After reviewing the brief summary of this particular book, I thought it seemed interesting. After finishing this book in two days, describing this book as interesting is an understatement. This was an amazing book. The characters were captivating, the plot had so many twists, turns and surprises up until the very end. Amazing writer, amazing book!
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great book. It showed people at their worst and at their best. I thought the author did a good job with the surprise ending.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a book that will make any woman who is a mother do a lot of thinking as you raise your own daughters.....finished it 2 days ago & the story is still
stuck in my head.......powerful !
stuck in my head.......powerful !
Helpful Score: 1
Started interesting. Good point of view from multiple characters. Ending a bit of a twist but did not care for it.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a fast, easy read about a very disturbing subject. Well written and so engaging that I read it in two sittings. Kept me up as I needed to know how this strange tale ended. If you read mysteries, treat yourself to a change of pace novel.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book. I knew it was going to be a page turner as soon as I started reading it. I read it in a day, I just could not put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is shocking and heartwrenching, with a storyline that feels like it could have been ripped from the headlines. It tackles various hot-button topics, including the pressure on teens to excel, teen pregnancy, adoption, mental illness and depression, cancer, and poverty, in a gripping and realistic way. I kind of feel like I've given out some spoilers by saying that, but it's not exactly what you would expect. In fact, throughout the story things aren't always as they seem, and though I predicted a couple of the twists, there were still many surprises.
The story is written from various points of view, alternating with each chapter. I don't always like this kind of approach, but I think it was effective in this case because it helps the reader to better understand the story and each character's feelings and motives.
This is the kind of book that will, at times, make you cringe and gasp in disbelief. I was definitely caught up in the story and kept turning the pages late into the night. I think fans of Jodi Picoult will like this one, especially with the multiple narrators, controversial issues explored, and unexpected twists.
The story is written from various points of view, alternating with each chapter. I don't always like this kind of approach, but I think it was effective in this case because it helps the reader to better understand the story and each character's feelings and motives.
This is the kind of book that will, at times, make you cringe and gasp in disbelief. I was definitely caught up in the story and kept turning the pages late into the night. I think fans of Jodi Picoult will like this one, especially with the multiple narrators, controversial issues explored, and unexpected twists.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good read, It had me from page one. the author does a fantastic job with all the different story lines. I loved it.
Make sure you are comfy when you start this noevl, you won't want to get up--a luxury to read, Ms Gudenkauf has given us a winner.
I lopve the way this author writes. The book is thrilling and you can't wait to see what happens next. You will enjoy it
wonderful story. This was such a great book. I found it hard to put down. The story flowed well.
This story was a page turner, and I couldn't put it down. When I finally realized where it was going and what was happening, I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading, but I couldn't stop. Very very sad story, but I thought it was well written and compelling... but the subject matter was really hard to deal with.
I could tell from the description on the back that this was going to be an intense story and it was, very much so. Due to the nature of the subject matter, I know that not everyone will enjoy this story - it is very dark. However, this being the first book I've read by this author, I thought it was very well written and loved the she chose to reveal the truths. I will definitely be buying more of her novels - though, if they're all this dark I may want to consider getting a prescription for Prozac first.
Good book. I did figure it out half way through though. Good author.
Two sisters in a very difficult situation. Allison
Glenn is sent to prison and her family seems to have disowned her. When she is released, she is determinet to contact her younger sister. What is the secret between them?
Glenn is sent to prison and her family seems to have disowned her. When she is released, she is determinet to contact her younger sister. What is the secret between them?
Excellent easy read....hard to put down!
First book from this author and when it started I thought the plot was going to be very predictable. I am glad to say that I was wrong and there were many twists and turns that I didn't expect. Interesting read and will look for more books from this author.
I really enjoyed this book. It has a surprise ending that I did not suspect at all. The story had a lot of family/sibling interaction. I liked it better than "Weight of Silence" by this same author, & have now ordered "One Breath Away".
Quick read. Author does a great job of telling the story from different characters' perspectives and then tying them all together at the end.
I absolutely loved this book. It is so beautifully written. It had a tinge of darkness, but mostly mystery. I caught myself lots of times on edge wondering how the twists and turns were going to turn out. I finished this book quick. I couldn't put it down. It had me guessing and trying to come up with ideas of what happened until the end. Total suprise for me.
You will love this book, and will not be able to put it down. It's fantastic.
You will love this book, and will not be able to put it down. It's fantastic.
At the end of the book, I'm not left with much of an impression. None of the characters were really fleshed out enough to make me care too much (except maybe for Charm). The dialogue, the vocabulary, and the stereotypical characters really felt watered down.
This is an extremely hard book to review without giving it all away, so all I can say is hang in there with this one, it is truly a thrilling ending and the switches throughout the book are well worth reading.
An interesting story with a twist in the ending. It kept me reading well into the night.
Quick read, fairly enjoyable.
Loved it! Fast read! Could not put it down.
Sensitive subject. Riveting. Excellent. Read in just a few days.
great author
Absolutely fantastic book! I love this author!
I enjoyed this book and the twists in the story.
