Also a movie. One of my favorite books. I've read it 3 times. Very emotional. Real life people.

RELEASE NOTES:

There must be a star in my pocket granting wishes! I found this one at Windsor. Thanks SWEETONION for releasing it. I really do appreciate it.

I really enjoyed this book, but it was kinda sad. It is about a family that has been destroyed by the tragic loss of their eldest son. A lot of shame, blame and guilt festers in each remaining member of the family making them different in different ways. The father and son are tormented by guilt and shame. The mother is hardened and distant. Soon the who relationship dynamic in the family evolves into a shattered nightmare. One of my favorite elements of the story is the authors use of insight and wisdom throughout. Despite Calvin's despair he still has an enlightened view. He is oblivious to his wife's needs though and soon loses Beth to her own anger and resentment.

Beth is described as beautiful, lovely, passionate, and perfect. It was hard for me not to fall in love with her despite her lack of patience with Calvin. Her hear is swollen and her feelings keep hardening because Calvin clings to his remaining son with such feirce commitment that even beth feels jealous.

Conrad on the other had is struggling with guilt and shame of his own. He feels responsible for losing his brother and breaking up the love between his mother and father. On top of this, Conrad is struggling with being a teen. He has so much on his plate that he does not know how to cope.

Combining these three tortured souls into a family dynamic and forcing them to deal with loss sounds like a boring and dry story. It's much deeper though because it examines the heart, the mind and the spirit of the human soul. Love is exposed here. While romantics may lay claim to the fantasy, magic, and thrill of first love, this is enduring love. This is commitment and family love. This is tortured love under a microscope. Judith Guest is brilliant as a lab technician in a research facility based on the characters and their broken hearts.

It is a sad book, but in the end it makes the reader think. I have no idea what inspired me to read it in the first place. i've never seen the movie, but I now understand the condition of a broken heart better than I ever imagined I would.

I'm sending this off to Amanda, adding to her bookcrossing collection. Amanda,if you don't like it, I will understand. My tastes run the gambit though so I am sure if this doesn't pique your fancy, I can find something that will!

Happy reading and I hope this box has something in it you will like!

RELEASE NOTES:

I am sending this book to Amanda because she will read anything in English, and needs more books to read and release for bookcrossing.

My bookshelf is growing by leaps and bounds! I'm sure I'll like it. I'll let you know as soon as I finish it. Thanks again for the box!