bookthia's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book, a sequel to Lauck's first memoir "Blackbird". "Still Waters" picks up from where Blackbird left off. Jennifer finds a home albeit one where she rarely feels welcomed. Then, as an adult, Jennifer learns how to create her own home and family, and journeys both inward and outwards, to cope with her past.
For me, I was better able to relate to the author in this book. I was more engaged with her, emotionally, and was more accepting of her story. She's a good writer, and allows you to see places as well as events in a way that mirrors her feelings and memories without forfeiting your own judgement. I would even say she's improving as a writer as time goes on. In Blackbird, I felt like an incredulous observer, a rubbernecker gawking at a horrible accident. In this book, I feel more like a passenger, an invited guest.
I know she has written another book and I will definately read more from this author.
For me, I was better able to relate to the author in this book. I was more engaged with her, emotionally, and was more accepting of her story. She's a good writer, and allows you to see places as well as events in a way that mirrors her feelings and memories without forfeiting your own judgement. I would even say she's improving as a writer as time goes on. In Blackbird, I felt like an incredulous observer, a rubbernecker gawking at a horrible accident. In this book, I feel more like a passenger, an invited guest.
I know she has written another book and I will definately read more from this author.
alexisveloz's review
4.0
So. Still Waters. I believe I bought this copy from Powell's online...I can't recall at this point. I started it while we were still in the hotel, in October, and finished it just after Thanksgiving. It basically picked up where Blackbird left off. Jennifer is now an adult, living on her own, and the book follows her search for answers with respect to her brother's suicide. It traces her quest to heal herself and forgive her family for the hurt she suffered as a child. It details her relationship with the man who would eventually become her husband, and follows their relationship as Jennifer has children of her own.
It was good. There wasn't as much ugly crying as with the first one, but there was still some. Jennifer's struggle touched me. I was glad, though, that she managed to find some happiness in this book, as the last one was so full of pain.
Four out of five Whatevers. Recommended for anyone who has read the first book, for people who enjoy memoirs, or for anyone who likes a tearjerker. I'll be reading Lauck's other two books, also.
It was good. There wasn't as much ugly crying as with the first one, but there was still some. Jennifer's struggle touched me. I was glad, though, that she managed to find some happiness in this book, as the last one was so full of pain.
Four out of five Whatevers. Recommended for anyone who has read the first book, for people who enjoy memoirs, or for anyone who likes a tearjerker. I'll be reading Lauck's other two books, also.
estherd1's review
5.0
A debut to a powerful story. She described the internal chaos and loneliness and emptiness that many can’t fathom.
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