Sky Sky Sky itibaren Mylanahalli, Karnataka 562123, Hindistan
I read this book for a book club I am in. Some people are going to love it. I wanted to love it but just could not quite. On the other hand, I didn’t hate it. The story did draw me in and it was a quick read, moving along at a quick pace. The book follows Kate and Tully from the summer of 1974, when they were both in 8th grade. They were the most unlikely of friends. However, they remained best friends through their whole life and the story spans several decades. I didn’t like going through junior high with Kate and Tully and I didn’t like going through it with Marah (Kate’s daughter). That age is just difficult. I particularly didn’t like dealing with Marah and it just went on for a bit too long. I also didn’t really enjoy the sad ending. It was a painful reminder of the year I journeyed with a friend through her last days and I could have just done without that…..too painful. Frankly, I have never known anyone like Tully but I guess it’s that kind of driven, strong willed, self-confidence that makes a success like Barbara Walters, Oprah or Katie Couric. I identify more with Kate, especially during her stay-at-home-mom years. All the time I was reading this book, I couldn't help but think I had read it before. It was almost what I call a “formula book” and that’s not typically what I read. Although the writing was pleasant, the storyline is a tired one – one that has been done MANY times and I've just read it all before. It didn't stop me from reading it. Read it if you want a quick read guaranteed to go through a box of Kleenex and may even tick you off a bit. Those who came of age in the 70s will enjoy the references to the music and clothing styles of the times.
Story-wise, it's a decent book. Personally, I wasn't a big fan of the two page chapters. I'm also not a fan of Dan Brown's writing style, three of his books have the same format. They begin with dead old men, someone's mentor is really a traitor, and it ends with hints to the main character getting sexual gratification for the events of the book. Basically, I don't think it's worth all the time people have been giving it.
This is a wonderful story. Anything that Kerrelyn Sparks writes is great. I love her work. As I always do when I read and books in a series I'm going to tell you to start with the first book. It makes the story that much richer when you know everyone's back story. Connor Buchanan has been a favorite of mine since the first book I read with him in it. There is just something about him that draws a person to him. Sparks couldn't have picked a better partner for him in Angel Marielle. No longer being an Angel took some learning for Marielle and she took Connor along for the ride. Many great things happen in this story and I can't wait to see what's next.