ALL THE NUMBERS by Judy Merrill Larsen (Reader's Circle, c2006, ISBN 978-0-7394-7284-2)is set in Madison, Wisconsin and at a lake house in Bainbridge, WI.
Ellen Banks has gone there with her two sons to visit her friends Anna and Sam for a week at the end of summer. While playing in the water, James, her youngest son is struck by a JetSki and killed.
The remainder of the book is the story of Ellen and a gamut of emotions. Revenge, vengeance, justice, redemption, absolution, you name it.
This was a 'box of Kleenex' book. Usually it's commercials that make me cry and I haven't cried at a book since I read PAY IT FORWARD (that book made me SOB!), but this one did it to me. I'm not sure if I'm becoming more emotional in my older age, if it's hormones or what but I'm not sure that I like it.
On the other hand, it has to be a testament to the author that can move someone to tears with just the power of their words. I imagine this book will be a favorite with book clubs.
The first sentence:
Ellen pulled into an empty parking space and turned off the car.
1 comment:
Can't say that that first sentence grabs me by the throat. But no harm, no foul: the cover is enough to catch my attention. I'll probably read more, just to see how far I can go before grabbing for the Kleenex--you know, like eating hot chili at Mexican restaurant without reaching for the water.
--Malcolm
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