The Homesman

Title: The Homesman

Author: Glendon Swarthout [Website][Website Part 2][IMDb]; Read by Candace Thaxton [IMDb][acx] aka Candace Thompson [Website][Resume][Twitter]

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Audio

ISBN: 9781442371613

Length: 8 hours ; 8 discs

Obtained: Library audiobook copy

Why this book?:
This one had caught my interest when I ordered it for the library.  So when I needed to find an audiobook quickly, and this one was available...

Comments:

I hadn't really read much of the description, so I was pretty shocked and horrified early on during the story.  At the same time, between the description and presentation I was quickly caught up in the story.  Candace Thaxton did a great job with a variety of voices both male and female.  And the descriptions, which normally I find boring or distracting, were interesting and also well presented.

Living in the west in the 1850s is hard, and not everybody can handle it.  When a woman suffers hardship beyond her breaking point, the best solution (there being no asylums) is for someone to take them back east where they can be cared for by family.  The someone responsible for getting them there?  That is the "homesman."  This most recent winter has been very difficult, with 4 women needing to go back.  And no one is ready to step up for the job except Mary Bee Cuddy (and the fellow she convinces to help her).

As the story continues, the dangers also continue, as do the shocking revelations and reactions.  Everything just seems to spiral, with a deep look not only into the realities of the time, but also into the fragility of mental health and the good and bad sides of mankind.  As with reality, the close of the story doesn't necessarily make for a happy ending.

Was this worth reading?  Definitely.  And the audiobook format suited it well.  But if you're looking for a feel good book, this is not it.

The Proposal

Title: The Proposal

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Series: Survivors' Club, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780385343329

Length: 311 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I had seen The Arrangement and thought it looked interesting, but this came first in the series.

Comments:

Mary Balogh is a Canadian author (resides in Saskatchewan)!  Which I didn't know (or at least didn't remember?) until I was putting this post together.

I enjoy historical romance in general.  It tends to be light, fun reading with perhaps some emotionally intense scenes scattered throughout the odd book (not all of them, by any means).  And in that sense, this book was no exception.  They meet, they fall in love, there are obstacles and doubts, those are overcome, HEA.

Beyond that, I enjoyed the characters.  Hugo and his fellow "Survivor" friends where all great.  But this book sparked a special interest for me in Gwendoline's past.

Because her late husband was (and I apologize for SPOILERs here, but it's important to my thoughts and reactions) depressed.  He had bouts of depression until he finally killed himself.  Gwen repeatedly said he was "sick."  And sad though this may be, why did it make an impression?  As you may know if you've followed me or my blog for any length of time, my father is mentally ill and has actually attempted suicide a total of 4 times in the past two years (the most recent being in September).  His illness is more than just depression (not that it isn't bad enough all on it's own), but I grew up hearing my ma say my dad is sick.  She still loves him.  But he's sick.

So I always have a special interest in books that address this.  And the historical aspect, and the supportive spouse, all added to that.  (You'd be amazed - or maybe you wouldn't - how many people over the years have suggested my ma leave my dad, or have him "put somewhere.")  My apologies for the sensitive subject, but it's definitely a part of the story.

Anyway, since I read the second book in the series shortly after this one, I'm sure you can guess that I'm glad I read it, enjoyed it, and look forward to more by this author.

TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY

Title:  TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY

Author: Jay Asher

Publisher: Razorbill

Copyright Date: 2007

Print Date: October 2007

ISBN: 9781595141712

Pages: 288






Book Description (from dust jacket):

CLAY JENSEN'S FIRST LOVE

records her last words.

Clay Jenkins returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker — his classmate and crush — who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why.

Clay spends his night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a first-hand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself — a truth he never wanted to face.

Comments:

This book had my thoughts shooting all over the place...including quite a bit of introspection as well as some reflection on those around me affected by suicide (and of course, those with some connection to me who have committed suicide). The book speaks quite a bit on loneliness, desperation to be heard and accepted, how seemingly little things and words can have a big impact...

I certainly liked Clay. And as for Hannah... well, thats difficult to say. I can say the book was deep and drew me in. I was both as anxious and wary to read Hannah's words as Clay was to hear it.

As a side note: I also visited the website identified on the back cover of the book (www.thirteenreasonswhy.com)In addition to reader's reviews and other typical details found on such websites (synopsis, awards, author info, etc.) about the book, there are some videos of tapes like Hannah sent out. (According to commentators on YouTube the voice is done by Olivia Thirlby — of the movie Juno.) Also Hannah's map and a blog with posts about each tape. And "comments" and a responding "tape" by "Mr. Porter" (which I won't say more about lest I give too much away). Personally, I found it all creepy (not in a good way); however, it seems plenty of others really loved all these extras, so....