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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

'So Near' by Liza Gyllenhaal + Giveaway


Teaser Synopsis:
In the aftermath of a devastating loss, Cal and Jenny Horigan's marriage is unraveling. Both are plagued by guilt, unable to seek comfort from one another. Burdened by remorse, they begin to lose sight of the love that once anchored them-together with their sense of right and wrong.

First thoughts: "This was a bit heart-wrenching."

So Near broaches a topic that many of us wish not to ever read about let alone experience...the loss of a child. I felt that the author did a great job of showing each parent's side and their emotional roller-coaster that they were riding. I've heard it said many times that the death of a child can tear even the most devoted couple apart and the Horigan's marriage was certainly not exempt from the unbelievable stress.  Cal and Jenny each were allowed to tell their story from the first person POV and at first I was a bit annoyed with this style. But gradually it just fell into a rhythm and I felt that I actually got to know them a little bit better because of it. The author delves into the aftermath of a tragic event and makes you think about how each person grieves and tries to deal with one of life's most earth-shattering events.

Recommend? Yes, I would tell friends about this book. I thought it was a solid read and could even make a great book selection for book clubs.

Rating: 8/10

Published: September, 2011
Publisher: NAL, Penguin
Pages: 33
Genre: Literary Fiction
ISBN:  9780451234575

CLICK HERE TO ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY!

Disclaimer:Thank you to Angela @ Penguin Books 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.


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21 comments:

  1. I don't know... I cry all the time at anything emotional... I probably would have a hard time reading this... :):):):):)

    Thinking about you... hoping you are doing ok! :):):):):):):):):):):)

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  2. Sounds too depressing! I need one of those Scottish bodice-ripper books at the moment! :--)

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  3. Thankfully, the loss of our child brought us closer rather than tearing us apart. I am very choosy when reading about this subject. I have to be in the right place.

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  4. Sounds slightly too emotional for me. But if I ever find myself in the mood, I'll keep this one in mind.

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  5. Wow, this sounds like a pretty emotional book. I'm glad to see it treats such a tough subject so well.

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  6. This sounds like a good look at both sides of the male-female dynamic in dealing with the loss of a child. Hmm...not sure I want to read this now, though.

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  7. I've read a few lighthearted books in a row now and am ready for something more serious. I think this fits the bill. I like first-person POV, so that doesn't worry me. Thanks for joining in!

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  8. Heart-wrenching, dunno if I can deal with that. Sounds so sad

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  9. I recently watched an Oprah where a couple lost all three children in a car accident and could not begin to fathom that. I came close with my son when he was five and believe me just that near miss left an everlasting effect on how I dealt with those around me and to this day my son. I doubt I could read such a book without crying most of the way through.

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  10. that is a tough subject to broach.

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  11. wow. this one sounds really deep and emotional. i'm already stressed out and depressed by school i don't need books to make me cry too. glad to see that gyllenhaal was able to tackle such a difficult topic though.

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  12. Ugh, I have a hard time reading books like this. Once you have kids... it changes everything. And maybe I'm a bit superstitious, I don't know.
    I'm glad you enjoyed the book. Thanks for the review.

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  13. Although it sounds like a book worth reading, I tend to stay away from this type of heart-wrenching book. If I see heartbreak right away in the books description on the jacket, I will usually move on to something else. But I will say the cover is fabulous.

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  14. This sounds like a really difficult read. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it so much though!

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  15. Our baby girl died the day after she was born 21 years ago and I think I'd still find it difficult to read something like this; I want to but I guess I'd have to take out shares in Kleenex. Lovely review Staci!

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  16. Oh, as sad as this kind of story can be, I do love reading about how people somehow journey through these kinds of experiences.

    Thanks for sharing!

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  17. I haven't heard of this one before, but it sounds like an emotional read. My reading moods have been all over the place lately, but right now I'm not in the mood for something so sad and serious.

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  18. I don't think I could handle this now (or maybe ever!).

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  19. Great review! I can't read these types of books. Too emotional and gut wrenching.

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  20. I've got a guest post coming up this week with this author. I should be getting a copy soon. It sounds like a novel that I'm going to want to put at the top of the pile.

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