For most of her life, Lauren Mahdian has been certain of two things: that her mother is dead, and that her father is a murderer. Years later, Lauren is surrounded by uncertainty. Her one constant is Alex, always her protector.But Lauren feels even more alone when Alex reveals that he’s been in contact over the years with their imprisoned father—and that he believes he and his sister have yet to learn the full story of their mother’s death. Then Alex disappears. As Lauren is forced to peek under the floorboards of her carefully constructed memories, she comes to question the version of her history that she has clung to so fiercely. Lauren’s search for the truth about what happened on that fateful
First thought when I finished reading: "That was a good book...."
Sentence that really spoke to me:
"There is a deep blue place, between wakefulness and sleep. I have always been afraid of that place--it's where bad memories reside, I believe, or thoughts that have no purpose."
(from Close Your Eyes page 88 in the ARC; finished version may be different)
I love books about family secrets and how they can change the dynamics without other members even realizing why. The story that the author created is one that really drew me in and made me care about this neurotic, needy, and sometimes over the top, main character Lauren. I thought the way the author moved between story lines was well-written even though at first I really had no idea as to why I was being introduced to a new character that didn't seem to fit into the story. Gradually, though the stories merge and the conclusion was more than I hoped for. In my opinion, this was a very well-written story about what happens when the mind and soul just does not want to believe what the truth is and how a person tries to find anything, anything at all to NOT deal with the reality of their life.
Rating: 8/10
Published: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Random HousePages: 271Genre: Literary FictionISBN: 9780345494481*uncorrected ARC
Disclaimer:Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
About Amanda Eyre Ward
Amanda Eyre Ward is the award-winning author of Forgive Me, How to Be Lost and Sleep Toward Heaven. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her family.
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© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Sounds like an interesting book...I like those books about family secrets as well. now what is this book review club?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good...and just so you know... I don't know if it reads this way for others... but it does for me... the synopsis is cut off on the first sentence, it reads something like 'the murder' instead of something like 'the murder of her mother'... or whatever its supposed to read... just wanted to let you know :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great story. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have How To Be Lost on my TBR shelves, but just haven't gotten to it yet. This looks like another one I may like. I've only seen positive reviews, so that's encouraging.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep this one in mind, since I like books about family secrets.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds intriging and mysterious and I liked that visual description in the synopsis...."to peek under the floorboards of her carefully constructed memories". I enjoyed reading your review Staci.
ReplyDeleteI am going to start a pile and name it Staci's fault and send you a picture each time I add a book to it! LOL Sounds like my kinda book.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book and one that I would definitely enjoy. I'll be adding it to my ever-growing reading list!
ReplyDeleteI really like the whole first thought thing :) Because that truly says it all in the end
ReplyDeleteHah, I'm so influenced by the book I just reviewed (Forbidden) that I fully thought you were going to say that Alex and Lauren fell in love with each other!
ReplyDeleteI like family secrets too and this one looks like it makes you think.
ReplyDeleteI am mixed on family secrets, but sounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteI, too, love books about family secrets and how they change family dynamics. This sounds wonderful! And that sentence really spoke to me, too! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI like the line that you chose to share. Very compelling.
ReplyDeleteSecrets do make for fascinating stories, don't they? This sounds good to me.
ReplyDeleteI like that excerpt and your review. It's fun to hear about a new book before it comes out. Cool cover too.
ReplyDeleteooh! i love books about family secrets too. i'll have to add this one to my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteThis book does sound good! I might not have picked it up without your review. I loved the sentence you shared. Thanks, Staci!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fabulous read and one that I really want to read after seeing your review. Thanks for always adding to my wishlist :)
ReplyDeleteI love your description of the main character - you can't go wrong with "neurotic, needy, and sometimes over the top."
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour.
This book sounds really good Staci! I love the quote you used.
ReplyDeleteI want to read this one. I've copied the title and author. Sounds like my kind of book.
ReplyDeleteI love books with family secrets as well, and should probably ad this to my TBR list as well. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on loving stories about family secrets and dynamics. Will keep an eye out for this one. Thanks Staci :)
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