by Joan Frank is definitely different than what I have been reading lately -- in a good way. The plot revolves around a couple, and a majority of the story takes place while they are preparing for a dinner party and the husband explains the backstory of another couple (his best friend and his wife).
To have almost an entire book unfold in an hour's time, yet follow years and years of events was unique. What was also unique about the book is that you could feel you know everything about both of these couples by the end of the book, yet you only read a little over 150 pages. The world Joan Frank creates is interesting, complicated, and full of twists and turns, but she doesn't need the now-customary 400+ pages to accomplish this feat.
You probably won't like all the characters by the time the book winds to a close, but I don't like a lot of people in real life. That makes the book all the more real -- who doesn't have a friend or a spouse's friend who really isn't the most wholesome individual or has made some life choices you wouldn't make yourself? But you're probably still friends with him or her, right? Not everyone's an angel, and relationships are complicated. So it goes in Make it Stay.
Frank's writing style is also unique and lyrical. Her language is poetic and at times heartbreaking, and you find yourself caught up in long, winding sentences that evoke such vivid images that you can't break away. I wouldn't describe it as a light and fluffy beach-read, but it's also not a hoighty-toighty book that takes itself too seriously. It's deep without being pretentious and a quick read without being fluff, and that is hard to come by.
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
And now, a BONUS for all those who made it to the end of the review! I have ONE COPY of this book to give to one of my lucky readers!
To be considered for the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post and tell me the last book you read and your e-mail address so I can contact you for your shipping address.
I'll use a random number generator to choose the winner and the book will be shipped to you by the publisher. I'll announce the winner on Monday, May 28th. Good luck!
If you'd like to read what other hosts on the TLC book tour had to say about this book, click HERE to see the schedule of reviews. If you'd like to learn more about the author, click HERE for Joan Frank's website.
I was provided a copy of this book but was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
UPDATE (5/29/2011): And now for the winner! I used random.org's random number generator, and skipping over a double comment and the comment from a TLC representative, I had six entries.
DRUM ROLL, please.
The winner was ....
Number 4, or Jill! Congrats, Jill! I have sent you an e-mail to get your mailing address.
UPDATE (5/29/2011): And now for the winner! I used random.org's random number generator, and skipping over a double comment and the comment from a TLC representative, I had six entries.
DRUM ROLL, please.
The winner was ....
Number 4, or Jill! Congrats, Jill! I have sent you an e-mail to get your mailing address.
I better win. *just sayin*
ReplyDeleteThe last book I read was The Exceptionals, which I just reviewed on my blog. So stinking good.
The last book I read was 'The Hunt' by Andrew Fukuda- and it was pretty much great. Thanks!
ReplyDeletetwistingthelens@gmail.com
OHMYGOD free books.
ReplyDeleteI've never commented before because I thought it might sound creepy to have a French student from Paris follow the blog of an American English teacher, and I don't even remember how I got here almost two years ago (it may have been through Hyperbole and a Half), but I've bought many of the books you reviewed (Faith, First They Killed My Father, The Weird Sisters) and I LOVED all of them.
The last book I read is Moby-Dick. It took me a year and a half but last night I decided to just plow through the last one hundred pages and get it over with. I can't say I enjoyed it very much, but hey, it's a classic.
My email address is melanie.braun@gmail.com!
I didn't realize that the actual events of the book take place over one hour - how intriguing!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this one - thanks for being on the tour.
AHEM my email address is actually melaniebraun91@gmail.com, excuse the brain fart.
ReplyDeleteAnd I just finished the last pages of First They Killed My Father on the plane and tears were streaming down my face. I usually NEVER cry in public, this is how good the book is!
The last book I read was Sophie's Choice. I always heard people (esp on tv and movies) say, "It's like Sophie's Choice!", and durnit I wanted to find out was Sophie's choice was. My email is wouldmakethree at gmail dot com.
ReplyDeleteI read the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. (SO BAD. So, so bad. But I could. not. put. it. down.)
ReplyDeleteEmail is erinking5 at gmail!
The last book I read was Everybody Sees the Ants. Really phenomenal, and I don't gush over many of the books I read (although now, thinking about it, I'm pretty much always talking up one book or another). My email address is SKRoberts27 at gmail . com.
ReplyDeleteThanks!