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Robotswithpersonality
The Broken Road: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans
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Mehso-so

Major caveat here: if I didn't have a vague idea of how this trilogy ended, I wouldn't be continuing to the next book. At the moment, I deem it worthwhile to continue, because I think having the full story told in this manner will add to the catharsis/emotional impact of the ending. But, from a 'single book' perspective, Evans has made a bold choice in making the entire work background for the narrative 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? that is hinted at continuing in the next book, in the prologue. You know how I feel about cliffhangers. There are multiple timelines, lead up to an important event, flashbacks, and backstory, but you're not only JUST getting the set up, you're getting ALL of the ways life has been shitty for this character. 1mo
Robotswithpersonality 3/? When this was pitched to me, I thought my biggest issue would be the mistakes, the choices the main character has made and how they've affected other people, but as it turns out, those pale in comparison to all the horrible things that happened to this character growing up. What makes me so damn sad is how much of the experiences related mirror the life story of so many abused and disadvantaged people. 1mo
Robotswithpersonality 4/? It just puts the idea of highlighting one character who found a second chance in a strange fairy tale, chosen one light that I think could be more mocking than escapist to those who've had to deal with real trauma and it's aftermath without that kind of luck. How close do the books as a whole come to the huckster self-help vibes of the sales seminar narrative, live your dreams, change your life, etc? 🤨 1mo
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Robotswithpersonality 5/? I know this author is famous for Christmas books - do they also follow the 'I have wacked your thumb with a hammer (emotionally upsetting background) now here's a chocolate bar (happy/hopeful ending) now don't you feel grateful and joyful (the ache of endorphins and the thrill of sugar)' formula? 1mo
Robotswithpersonality 6/? Skilled emotional manipulation is a cornerstone to a number of different kinds of narratives, but when the story really doesn't have more plot than just everything these people have gone through, it makes the message conveyed that much more crucial, and I worry that I will rate the latter books in this trilogy higher based on how they make me feel, (an accomplishment in itself) even if the story itself is...lacking. 1mo
Robotswithpersonality 7/? By which I mean I'm looking for a message that isn't too tired and I'm not sure I've glimpsed it yet, and if you're going to spend nearly 300 pages making me sad, there really should be a damn good reason, beyond life lessons I figured out a decade ago. 1mo
Robotswithpersonality 8/? I also admit to being on shaky ground with the amount of God/Bible references - it really does feel like those who are lapsed from a religion are in some ways closer to it or at least never fully separated - and the simple moralizing that always seems to follow in its wake. 1mo
Robotswithpersonality 9/? Also feeling a little odd about proposed end goal of the trip - that's a lot of years to suddenly decide on a need to resolve that particular issue - I think a journey for personal growth/redemption/reflection/planning for a different future, without relying on absolution from a particular individual, might be a healthier mindset, but love makes you do the wacky. 🤷🏼‍♂️ 1mo
Robotswithpersonality 10/? So given all that, why would I continue? Because a smart reader who recommended this to me started with the third book in the series and then went back, so I still have hopes for where the story goes. And since I read the first book first, why not read the second book, second? Thanks goodness the full trilogy is out, I'd lose my shit if I had to wait after this ending. 1mo
Robotswithpersonality 11/11 P.S. I don't know if Evans shares the main character's Mexican heritage or OCD, but that rep is in here.
⚠️suicide, child abuse, racism, racist-based violence/hate crime, assault
1mo
8 likes10 comments
review
Suet624
The Leisure Seeker: A Novel | Michael Zadoorian
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Pickpick

Many thanks to @bthegood for passing this book along to me. A simple and poignant story of an 80 year old dying of cancer hitting the road with her husband who has dementia. The wit and snark of Ella was perfect and her care alongside her occasional anger toward her husband felt spot on. Being older myself I could empathize with her review of her life. Happy to pass this book along to anyone, as it too is a traveler.

bthegood so glad you enjoyed it - 🙂 It has traveled from @BkClubCare to @bthegood to @Suet624 to whoever is next 🌞 (edited) 10mo
45 likes1 comment
blurb
CoffeeNBooks
The Leisure Seeker: A Novel | Michael Zadoorian
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This bittersweet story is about a couple in their 80s who go on one last roadtrip. Ella has cancer, and is tired of all of the doctors appointments, treatments, and medications. Her husband John has Alzheimers. Despite everyone telling them not to, they pack up their Leisure Seeker camper and drive what remains of Route 66, all the way to the end. While they travel, Ella thinks about life and the vacations they took over the years with their kids.

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm This one sounds like I‘ll need a large box of Kleenex nearby. 1y
Andrew65 This sounds like must reading. 1y
53 likes3 stack adds4 comments