booksinthetreehouse's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
sofiemv26's review against another edition
1.0
I will be kind and round up to 1.5 because the premise was interesting, and it will make for a good discussion, but if this wasn't my book club's pick I would have DNF'd.
First, the book could have been 200+ pages shorter, and was filled with unnecessary (and in my opinion poorly written) dialogue. For the length that this book was, it was extremely disjointed and often felt unfinished. You would find that you were in one scene, and then the author would switch scenes with no warning, and with no real resolution to the last scene. It did seem like the author was trying to create a character study, but even that fell flat with one dimensional characters and confusing, unrealistic dialogue. I know this was the author's first foray into fiction, and perhaps her works have improved, but for me this book does not stand the test of time (and I'm genuinely confused how it ever did).
First, the book could have been 200+ pages shorter, and was filled with unnecessary (and in my opinion poorly written) dialogue. For the length that this book was, it was extremely disjointed and often felt unfinished. You would find that you were in one scene, and then the author would switch scenes with no warning, and with no real resolution to the last scene. It did seem like the author was trying to create a character study, but even that fell flat with one dimensional characters and confusing, unrealistic dialogue. I know this was the author's first foray into fiction, and perhaps her works have improved, but for me this book does not stand the test of time (and I'm genuinely confused how it ever did).
byashleylamar's review against another edition
3.0
When I first picked this book up I thought it would be interesting although the plot line seemed pretty depressing. Essentially, a three-year old boy is kidnapped while his mother's back is turned in a hotel lobby. His older brother was supposed to be watching him but he wasn't paying attention and the little boy disappears.
I read about 50 pages before I had to put it down for the first time. I hated Beth Cappadora. I hated her reaction to the kidnapping, I hated the way she treated her older son, I hated the way she treated her younger child, I hated the way she treated her husband and the way she behaved in her own life. I simply couldn't stand her. A week later I picked the book back up and pushed through the pages one by one. The book really began to capture my attention and I found myself becoming pretty involved in the story. Every time there was a new detail or a new reveal I was just a little bit more interested. In the end I didn't hate Beth anymore and I found myself wondering how true her reactions were and how I would react if, God forbid, I ever found myself in the same situation.
Ultimately I decided I liked the book. I didn't love it but I did like it. There were times it was difficult to read and there were parts I didn't enjoy but overall it was good. Even if you don't think you can...finish it. It's worth reading.
I read about 50 pages before I had to put it down for the first time. I hated Beth Cappadora. I hated her reaction to the kidnapping, I hated the way she treated her older son, I hated the way she treated her younger child, I hated the way she treated her husband and the way she behaved in her own life. I simply couldn't stand her. A week later I picked the book back up and pushed through the pages one by one. The book really began to capture my attention and I found myself becoming pretty involved in the story. Every time there was a new detail or a new reveal I was just a little bit more interested. In the end I didn't hate Beth anymore and I found myself wondering how true her reactions were and how I would react if, God forbid, I ever found myself in the same situation.
Ultimately I decided I liked the book. I didn't love it but I did like it. There were times it was difficult to read and there were parts I didn't enjoy but overall it was good. Even if you don't think you can...finish it. It's worth reading.
bizzylizzie's review against another edition
4.0
This is about a 3.5 for me. I will say that rarely have I enjoyed a book in which I have disliked the protagonist so much, but at the same time I am glad that she was so imperfect. If you like suspense, it may appeal (in a made-for-tv movie kind of way), but it is really a story about family, loss, and rebuilding.
thanys_thoughts's review against another edition
2.0
Really amazing story about a mother's struggle. I didn't really care for the writing style, but it's still a really good book.
lobinha's review against another edition
4.0
PROFUNDO COMO O TÍTULO
É difícil imaginar a dor que o desaparecimento de um filho pode causar nos pais e na restante família. Mais do que a história do desaparecimento de Ben, este livro é um testemunho do seu regresso, da felicidade de encontrar um filho perdido e da tomada de consciência que é impossível recuperar o passado, e que Ben nunca estará completamente de volta.
cjeanne99's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
I like the way Mitchard explored the theme of “family relationships after a child disappears”. Her primary focus is on Beth, the mother, and Vincent, the older brother. They struggle with life after Ben’s disappearance - Beth by withdrawing into herself, and Vincent by acting out to get attention. Their extended families support them as best they can. Beth develops a friendship with Candy Bliss - the police detective assigned to the case. Vincent goes to counseling - the family stays together as best they can.
I have to admit - when a chapter ends with Vincent going by the High School and seeing the coache’s car in the lot - and the very next chapter starts with Vincent in jail - I thought Beth’s punishment by taking away his CD player was a little extreme to me. Vincent’s love of classical music and knowledge of opera was an endearing quality.
In the end - we think that the family will prevail - but you’re not really sure.
I have to admit - when a chapter ends with Vincent going by the High School and seeing the coache’s car in the lot - and the very next chapter starts with Vincent in jail - I thought
Spoiler
for sure that Vincent had physically attacked the coach - maybe even killed him. To learn he only went joyriding in a stolen car was a relief.In the end - we think that the family will prevail - but you’re not really sure.
katymvt's review against another edition
4.0
Good read, but I wish the mom could have been more sympathetic.