First thoughts when I finished this magnificent novel: "I'm a damn emotional wreck!"
Synopsis:
Thailand's pristine and remote Ko Phi Phi island attracts tourists from around the world, offering a haven to people from all walks of life. Yet even paradise has its perils. Struggling to make ends meet, resort owners Lek and Sarai are happy to give an American named Patch room and board in exchange for his help. But trouble looms when Patch's brother, Ryan, arrives, accompanied by his beautiful girlfriend, Brooke. Lek leanrs that Patch is running from the law, and his mere presence puts Lek's family at risk. Meanwhile, Brooke begins to doubt her love for Ryan, while her feelings for Patch blossom. The two brothers, once inseparable, clash over a choice that could alter their lives. In a glorious landscape of sea and sky, where nature's bounty seems endless, these two families are caught in the cross currents of conflict and change- and swept up in an approaching cataclysm that will require all their strength of heart and souls to survive.
I have to say that I'm blown away by Shors writing. I could kick myself for waiting so long to experience his talent but now that I have, I will be reading all of his books. I'm amazed at how he was able to lull me into this sense of peace and beauty. I could imagine myself on the beach in Ko Phi Phi. I could smell the wonderful food that Sarai made for her guests and family. I could hear the children's laughter and the gentle ribbing that Sarai's mother would do to her on a daily basis. Shors made me care about each and every person that he created. I loved Patch and felt myself drawn to this gentle soul. I could also understand Patch's brother, Ryan. Being a first-born myself, I have always felt the pressure to be the perfect child, and of course, my brother's protector. So page after page, I was drawn deeper and deeper into these character's lives and then I knew that the inevitable was going to happen because I'd come to that chapter. The one that would unleash the terror of that horrible day (Tsunami in Thailand)...but I had to read on and experience their disbelief, shock, hurt, and sacrifice.
Recommend? With no hesitations whatsoever. This book made me experience so many emotions...I can't begin to tell you or adequately express how I felt while reading this book. All I can say is that I broke down and cried as if my heart had been broken. I cried for these characters and for the real people that had to go through that day of hell. If you've never read John Shors this is a great place to start. His words convey emotions, pictures, and so much more....I'm in love with his storytelling.
Rating: 10/10
Click here for his beautiful book trailer
Author: John Shors - wonderful website, spend some time there!
Genre: What it means to be human - Literary Fiction
Pages: 322
Published: September 06, 2011
Publisher: NAL Trade
ISBN: 9780451234605
Disclaimer:Thank you to John Shors 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.
Wonderful review, Staci. It's going on the list.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Staci. My husband is reading this now. He and one of my sons visited the beaches in Southern Thailand about two years before the tsunami. It's very beautiful, I see from their photos.
ReplyDeleteWhy have I waited this long to read this book? I've really enjoyed this author in the past.
ReplyDeleteYour review was awesome Staci.
Ohhhhhhh now I need to find this book and read it!! Sounds AMAZING! :):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteI loved this book too. I quickly become hooked on the characters all the while dreading the ending I knew was coming.
ReplyDeleteWow, 10/10! Pretty impressive! I don't think your blog fans can ignore a review like that!
ReplyDeleteI have a few of Shors' books but have yet been able to get one read! The cover on this one really makes me think about how peaceful and serene it looks and how all that changed so quickly. Great review!
ReplyDeleteWow! A 10/10! I have a copy and am moving it where I can see it and pick it up soon.
ReplyDeleteGreat emotional review, I am putting on my Wishlist for sure.
ReplyDeleteAnd that cover, gorgeous beyond words, look forward to feeling like i'm there through his words.
I love books that make me feel emotions like that. This sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI know I am going to be lamenting about why I waited so long to read this author too!
ReplyDeleteMy book club read another book by him and was not impressed. I didn't get to the book that month so I can't weigh-in but it really hit you hard, huh? I can't picture you an emotional wreck. You always seem so even and calm.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I borrowed Serena's copy and I can't wait to read it. I've heard nothing but good things about this book.
ReplyDeleteOh no, I would surely cry, I get all sad just thinking about that Day
ReplyDeleteJohn Shors shors@aol.com to me
ReplyDeleteshow details 4:48 PM (6 minutes ago)
Staci,
Wow, 10 of 10! I'll take that any day! :) Thank you so very much for your kind review. I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed Cross Currents. Thank you for reading it, for putting your thoughts down on paper, for blogging about your experience, and then posting your review to other sites. I really appreciate all of that effort! :)
As you can probably tell, I love Thailand and its people. I am a huge fan of the country, as it's a really special place.
I hope your week is going well. I'll drop you a line down the road in case you're interested in reading the book I'm working on now. It's an epic work of historical fiction set in Angkor Wat.
Thanks again for your wonderful support!!!
Cheers. - John
Oh golly. I have John Shors on my To Be Read Author list, but like so many others, I just haven't got to him yet. I deeply hope I can experience this book like you did. :)
ReplyDeleteI knew this one was going to be brilliant and your review confirms it. The blame for this one lays firmly at your door ;)
ReplyDeleteI simply cannot wait to get my hands on a copy!
Wow! So you liked it, right ;-) You're killing my wish list...
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to read Shors for a while now, but still hasn't happened. What a wonderful email from him, though!
ReplyDeleteI LOVED THIS BOOK! Yes, I'm advocating its nomination in the Indie Lit Awards for Fiction...so please nominate it! OK, But seriously...didn't you just want to stay with these characters...so much emotion...I can understand the emotional wreck part! I agree. One of my favorites from this year!
ReplyDeleteIsn't John just the nicest author, and he's so passionate about all of his novels. I also love that he ties in charity causes with his work too.
ReplyDeletewow, I'll have to look into it. I usually like books you think are great.
ReplyDeleteDidn't I tell you that you'd love John's books! He is an amazing writer and person. You should read Dragon House next. It is fantastic. He tops my list of favorite authors.
ReplyDeleteI will have to line this one up as my next holiday read to Phuket. We go regularly. I like to read a book from or about the countries I visit. Thailand is fairly hard to get books on unless you want to read about the criminal/seedy side. Thanks for the review it sounds like it will be good.
ReplyDeleteI got offered this one for review but then had to pass because I'm just too busy. I did check it out from the library though, so hopefully I'll find some time to fit it in somewhere. Your review is very convincing.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an emotionally powerful book. I'm adding it to my list of books/authors to read! I've not read John's work and you've convinced me I need to! What a wonderful email and an author that seems passionate about his work!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing sounding book. For you to give it 10/10 it has to truly be something special. So happy that you enjoyed it although it did make you cry. Mr. shors must be tremendously talented to evoke such emotion in a reader.
ReplyDeleteA 10 AND he sent you a friendly email?! It's amust reads now. I am sure I will cry too. Just as I did when I saw all of the video of that day.
ReplyDeleteEmotional AND a 10/10 - I need to put this author on my must-read list.
ReplyDeleteBTW: I like your new header and background. They really pop.
Hey, I know that guy. Great guy. He writes okay too;)
ReplyDelete