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Robin Yaklin's avatar

Cannot get enough of this book. First read was because I like Patchett. Second read was for craft and style. Third was audio book. I recommend audio sometimes. Seems to me the words come across differently. She's like an ear worm now. Hoping that much talent comes on to my pages.

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Geoff Mantooth's avatar

She does write smoothly Robin, a good model to know.

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John Butler's avatar

Nice write up, Geoff. I was compelled to look up Our Town. It keeps coming up as clues in my crossword puzzle diet. There is a 1940 movie out there I'll try to watch. What I read about Our Town was that in addition to what you mentioned, every moment of life should be treasured. What a perspective. Hard to live up to. Maybe Lara does regret all her fantasies, and her kids don't want to listen for the underlying lesson. I think Mark Twain has a quote on listening to parents while young. But sounds like Emily doesn't need the lesson. She's working hard at something worthwhile and fulfilling. Laree's relatives are from Traverse City/Leelanau County. I messaged her uncle about the book. He read the book and went to hear her speak, but he felt, as other locals probably did, that the book did not capture the area.

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Geoff Mantooth's avatar

Good point about the kids maybe not wanting to listen. It happens! Interesting to hear about how the locals perceived Patchett’s portrayal of the area.

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Zia Khan's avatar

Thanks for the write up Geoff. I read(listened) a few chapters but the story didn’t grab me, so I bailed.

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Geoff Mantooth's avatar

I get it Zia. If you’re looking for an example of how to handle flashbacks, how to interweave present with past, refer to a few chapters.

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