(4 / 5)
I keep saying that contemporary fiction isn’t my thing, but I sure have read a lot good contemporary fiction this year. I definitely think I’m coming around to it because this book was delightful. It started out fast and strong and I was always trying to sneak a few minutes here and there to get back to it. This book is about survival, forgiveness, strength, love, resilience, and growing up.
Margaret Jacobsen is a beautiful, successful 27 year old MBA graduate about to become engaged to “the love of her life”. On the eve of her engagement her pilot boyfriend takes her up in a small airplane and loses control of the aircraft. Her injuries are substantial and it is uncertain whether she will walk again. Overnight her life is changed in a dramatic way and we watch her navigate new emotional and physical territory. Throw in an estranged sister come back to make things right and an impossible-to-please physical trainer and you’ve got yourself a real page turner.
Reading this book was pure pleasure-just what I needed on my vacation. I was surprised by how relatable Margaret was and while reading I often said to myself, “yeah, that’s what I would think/do too”. And although I didn’t agree with every decision she made I could at least understand her. Also, for such an emotionally charged novel, this book had quite a few funny moments. Center perfectly balanced the serious and heartbreaking with the ridiculous and comical and the result is uniquely impressive.
Of course I have some criticisms (mostly with the ending which felt rushed and a little outlandish) but they didn’t detract from the enjoyment I got out of this novel.
I fully recommend this treasure of a book. This is a book to be savored, I can promise you you’ll wish you had more to read once the book is finished.
Violence: Low Language: Medium Adult Content: Low/Medium