Erin

Slow start. Dark and disturbing, but excellent writing

About a third of the way into the book, I had to stop reading for a week. I had become so upset because I knew something bad was going to happen to characters that I had become emotionally invested( in without realizing it), that I couldn't go on. I've not had such a reaction to a book since I was a preteen (when everything is melodrama). The characters feel so real and even though this the future, it feels logical. You could see the technology in the next 10 years being there, you still felt like this was your universe. Considering this was written awhile ago and it didn't feel out of date is a plus for me. The way the story was written, going back a forth from present to past, allows you to figure out many things that are going to happen, but surprisingly adds a bit of suspense as you are waiting for the big reveal. There were a few disappointing areas that I felt deserved more attention and seemed glossed over, but the spiritual and personal growth of the characters keep you thinking and wanting more.

3.5 stars ... practicality a rewrite of The Grapes of Wrath.

Coincidentally, I re-read the Grapes of Wrath about a month ago, so it was fresh in my mind. I started calling what would come next. I wished she had left Elsa in Texas so we could have heard a story from
someone who stayed.

Book had some definitely laugh out loud moments... but no real break throughs on the world. The book lacked the spontaneity of comedy and I feel would have made a fantastic conversation over dinner, but I was a little disappointed and felt something was missing from the book.

It's like pride and prejudice with sex scenes. Ms. Jeffers doesn't get tired of telling us how hot darcy and elizabeth get for each other and about their bedroom escapades, but after about the tenth one, I got tired of reading about it. The rest of the story was fun and good beach read.