Wisdom: "Why was it pebbles looked like boulders until they were in your rearview mirror?"
2¢ Worth: Night Road is a beautifully written cautionary tale about motherhood, raising children too sheltered, friendship, and the enormous life altering decisions young adults face. It moves swiftly and I read it in one sitting. I was happy to see the story felt fresh and took turns I didn't see coming. Sadly, I was unable to connect with any of the characters. I found it hard to relate to the protective mother of teenagers and equally hard to connect with the sheltered teens and their well meaning bff. In the end, this story did not work for me. However, I believe that had more to do with my place in life than the actual story. If you are a mom, definitely check it out. I really believe any mother would love it and probably find themselves moved to tears. I plan to pass on my copy to my mother-in-law.
Night Road by Kristin Hannah (published by St. Martin's Press) releases today 3.29.11.
Click here to read a review of Night Road from my pal Vampires and Tofu.
Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com
Juju, I probably wouldn't have picked up this book but after reading your review I think I'm going to grab it. Thanks so much!!
ReplyDeleteHoly Cats! You read it in one sitting. Gosh, I wish I could do that. Congrats to you. I've read so many glowing reviews of this one. I have not read her at all but she seems to be a winner!
ReplyDeleteNot my genre, but you make it sound good enough for me to check out :)
ReplyDeletehmm I have to disagree with you on this one.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think it was one of her best.
I thought the character development was lacking and I didn't even like the mom and really disagreed with most of her decisions.
Great job Juju. Certainly appreciate the honest review and recommendation....
ReplyDeleteGreat insights. I love Kristin Hannah so your right Ill prob love this one...:)
ReplyDeleteI have a teenager (14) and its scary the things they face in todays culture. I would not want to be a teen right now and being a parent of a teen is not pumpkin pie everyday, I can sometimes relate to these overprotective moms, there are times I want to keep my kids at home and not let the world have them!!
Thanks for your honesty. The last book I read by Hannah had characters that made me so frustrated. Like I seriously despised them LOL I just couldn’t get why there was so much love for the book. I keep saying I’ll try her again because so many friends love her, but I’m way leery. Maybe if they have this at the library I’ll give it a try.
ReplyDeleteOh sweet baby cheeses. I thought the title read "Wee-wee: Night Road" . Your review was a lot more ... comical Tee hee.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry this didn't work for you! I love that quote you put at the top though... I really felt that described the book and what we should probably take from it so well.
ReplyDeleteNot a book for me now, but perhaps one day later in life
ReplyDeleteGina Hott: Yay! I am SO glad to hear that :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle: I bet you would like her :)
Cherry: Right on :)
Walltowall: This was my first KH so I can't really compare but I agree that Jude was hard to like at times. Thanks for your thoughts. Do you have another KH you prefer or would recommend?
GMR: Thanks sweetie :)
Tina: O gosh I feel you. The world is scary these days. *shudder* You should definitely try this book.
Christie: There is one character in this one that might do that to you ;) So you're right, try the library first. So tell me, which book of hers did you not dig i.e. recommend I stay away from?
Tipsy: LOL :) You so funny!
Jenny: Thanks :) I tried to really balance it.
Blod: Exactly ;)
Sorry it wasn't for you. I don't think I'll be reading this book anytime soon either.
ReplyDeleteI tried to get this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewers Group. It looked good. I have raised my children, but could definitely relate to motherhood stuff. Its tough being the mother of teenagers. Boy am I ever glad I'm done with that!
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I loved your "Wee-Review" and catchy name for it. Its always enjoyable to read your thoughts!
Thanks for honesty, I loved everything about this book, maybe more because I am a mom and aunt this age group in book and have heard of parents like Jude. I appreciated Jude and her mothers relationship that answered many things for me.
ReplyDeleteJuju, It was Firefly Lane. I heard so many rave reviews, but I couldn’t stand the characters or the events that occurred in the book. It was a tale of a seriously unhealthy friendship with one self-absorbed half & the other a total wet blanket who let everyone around her treat her horribly (especially the best friend and husband). It was frustrating and depressing. I thought I might need therapy after I finished LOL
ReplyDeleteI totally understand. I usually pass on the women with children story-lines. At the moment, they really don't interest me. I have the same difficulty connecting to the characters.
ReplyDeleteI led a very sheltered life. Compared to today, it was a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteI saw this book at the library. I was interested in picking it up, but like you I probably can't relate. That's why I've hesitated in reading it. Love the pretty cover, though! Thanks for your honest review!
ReplyDeleteINteresting, I have this one. Have not started it.
ReplyDeleteJenny N: I feel ya :)
ReplyDeleteGina Precious: Gina I had no idea you were old enough to be a mom ;) You have such a young spirit. And thank you!
Marce: I remember your review :) And can totally see why that would click with you :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts :)
Christie: LOL Maybe it's her trend/style to teach us what not to do ? ;)
Alexis: *high five* Thank you! I have nothing against them, they just don't click with me :)
Georgia Girls: I know :) The world gets crazier and crazier.
Julie Swell: Good call :) You're so insightful :)
Liz Cleverly: Oooo I look forward to seeing your thoughts :)
Juju, I appreciate you honest. I loved Angelique review of NR. I purchased the book right after reading her review. (I'm still waiting for it to arrive).
ReplyDeleteI'm not a mother yet, so I fear I might have the same troubles connecting. I'm madly curious and willing to try. We'll see how goes it.
Oh! Now I know why you asked if I'd read this one! it sounds really good and I loved your review. I think I might actually really enjoy it, I'm definitely an "overprotective" parent and it drives my hubby crazy. (I think it comes from being told I'd never have children and now having them.)
ReplyDeleteAnywho...fab review, I think you handled it really well!
I'm going to listen to Kristin Hannah give a talk and signing tomorrow night about Night Road before I post my review and giveaway...so very excited! It's going to be at the Margaret Mitchell House!
ReplyDeletefantastic review! you handle the ones you don't particularly care for with such grace!!!
Missie: Thanks :) I loved her review too. I look forward to seeing what you think of it ;)
ReplyDeleteDanielle Angel: I totally feel ya :) That definitely changes a gal :) And thank you for your words of support. They always mean so much to me.
Stacy: O right on! Enjoy! Good luck! I look forward to seeing pics. BTW, thanks so much for saying that. I definitely try :)
I flipped through this one at the bookstore last week, but ultimately, it wasn't for me. Thanks for your honest review! :)
ReplyDeleteLily: Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteHey lady, thanks so much for linking to my review. I'm curious to read other people's thoughts on this one...maybe it is one of those books you have to be the momma of a teenager for it to fully grab you by the throat lol!
ReplyDeleteVampireTofu: No prob darling ;) & my sentiments exactly :)
ReplyDeleteAw sad you didn't enjoy it so much. I'm not a mom, but found myself completely absorbed by this story!
ReplyDeleteOh well, that's why there's vanilla, chocolate & strawberry ;-)
Kim: *giggle* I love how you put that :)
ReplyDeleteI have been reading exercepts of this book, and it seems to be a good one! Nice review!
ReplyDeleteSara: Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteNot usually my genre but I have heard lots of good reviews so thought I would reserve it from the library (haven't read any of her other books either). Since we don't have any kids either, I wonder if I should still give it a try...
ReplyDeleteChrista: You should definitely try it. And the library is a PERFECT way to do so :) Good luck! Let me know how it goes.
ReplyDelete