Friday, June 27, 2014

Broken Branches

Thought for the day: Hold a true friend with both hands.  [Nigerian proverb]

It's hard to believe a whole month has flown by since the last get-together of the Cephalopod Coffeehouse, but doggone if  we aren't back at the last Friday of the month again. Hosted each month by the Armchair Squid, this illustrious gathering provides the opportunity for participants to talk books. If you're interested in talking about what you've been reading lately, or finding out what everybody else has been reading, pop on over to the Squid's blog and check out the link you'll find there. Oh yeah... didja notice that new badge in my sidebar for the Songs of Summer bloghop coming up on July 11th? You can check that out over at Squid's blog, too... and maybe even sign up. (Or just click on the badge.) In brief, participants name five summer songs with special meaning to them. Could be from long ago, or as recent as this week. Maybe provide the link to them. (I'm including videos for all my picks.) Come on, don't let me be the only oldster talking about songs few people remember... (Because they weren't BORN yet. HA!)

As always, I'll review one of my recent reads at the end of this post. That way, if you don't give a good diddle about my reading addiction, you can just pay attention to the beginning of this post, and ignore the rest. Fair enough?

Look at this tree. Believe me, the picture doesn't even begin to do it justice, but it's a huge sprawling tree that graces the town where we live. I'm telling you, a whole football team... including the bench-warmers...  could find respite from the sun beneath its branches. It reminds me of the words I embroidered on a sampler as a young girl: Friendship is a sheltering tree. They're from Samuel Coleridge's poem Youth and Age, which he wrote in 1797, and I love the sentiment they express. Love... friendship... a sheltering tree. That's how it should be.

[morguefile]
And sometimes, if we're very very lucky, that's how it is. Sometimes, friends truly look out for each other, and sometimes, big brothers and sisters are sheltering trees for their younger siblings, too...

Let me tell you about one big brother, an amazing young man, just fourteen years old. This young man from Michigan, Hunter Gandee, has a seven-year-old brother with cerebral palsy, a brother he happens to love very much. Hunter came up with a way to help raise awareness of the muscular disorder afflicting his little brother, something he called Cerebral Palsy Swagger. To help put a face on cerebral palsy, the 155-pound Hunter carried his 50-pound brother Braden on his back... for forty miles. Over a two-day period, he trudged through the heat, walked steadily through the rain, and kept moving, in spite of his intense fatigue and aching muscles. Accompanying them on their walk were his parents, two other siblings, and numerous other supporters, some on foot, and others from within a caravan of cars. But it was Hunter who bore the weight for all those miles; it was Hunter who carried his brother every step of the way. Without a doubt, Hunter is a shining example of a sheltering tree, and I predict he will go far in this world... while continuing to look after his kid brother. This song could have been written about him:


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Unfortunately, not all friends are sheltering trees, even though we may think they are. When we reach out to them, their friendship falters, and their branches of support break off uselessly in our hands. In extreme cases, they destroy our homes and crush our lives.

Which brings me to (ta DA!) this month's book review.





Intriguing title, isn't it?

The book lives up to it. too. You know the rest of that saying, don't you? Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

The real difficulties arise when you can't tell them apart.

Let me tell you about it...









After sixteen years of marriage, Natty and Sean have an unbreakable bond. That's what Natty thinks, anyway. But she's wrong. She also thinks her old college pal Eve is a true blue friend who would never ever hurt her. Wrong again. When Eve shows her true colors, she turns out to be more psychotic than psychoanalyst, and Natty's dream life quickly unravels and turns into a nightmare.

When their younger daughter gets critically ill while on a school trip to France, Natty hops on a plane to be with her in the hospital. Eve happens to be visiting at the time, and "selflessly" offers to stay, so she can help look after their other daughter... and Sean, of course. (What a gal, huh?) It's almost too easy for Eve to worm her way into Sean's heart. She knows all the right moves, knows exactly what to say and when to say it, and knows where all his buttons are and how to push them. But it's no wonder. She's done this sort of thing before. More than once. By the time Natty and her daughter return ten days later, Sean's in love with Eve and ready to end the marriage.

The ten-day time frame is the only part of the story that doesn't ring true to me. Thus far, Sean has been a devoted husband --- even though Natty has been investing most of her time and energy into their successful hotel business. (Let's just say she's had a "headache" for entirely too long, if you know what I mean.) Plus, his daughter... his princess... is in critical condition. I can't imagine that under those circumstances, he'd allow himself to be so utterly distracted by flattery, cheap pandering, thong underwear and dirty sex. Eventually, maybe. Maybe even probably. But in ten days? With one daughter in the hospital and another in the house with them? I dunno. Because the rest of the book is so good, I'm willing to overlook that ten-day capitulation. 

Yes, it's good. It's a well-written, tension-filled tale, and a fast read. Eve's clever cold-blooded campaign threatens Natty's sanity, and almost sends her to prison. Then Natty unearths some unsettling secrets about Eve's past, secrets that put her life in danger. Lies, secrets, a death, and revenge all come together to create any woman's worst nightmare --- and a darned good book.

*********

Oh, one thing. The copy I read is a straight-from-the-publisher uncorrected proof. The book isn't due to be released until September. (Sorrrrry.) But you can pre-order it on Amazon, if you'd like.

                                Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.

94 comments:

  1. I love, love, love the tree in your header. And the thought of friendship being just such a tree. And friends like Hunter.
    I have been friends with one of my friends for over thirty years. We have laughed together, played (and played up) together and cried together. As we age some of our branches aren't as stable as they were - but I will do my very best to shelter her with them anytime she needs. And am confident she would for me.
    I am just a little bit miffed at your review. Temptation I expected. Temptation I can't even gratify yet? Now that is playing dirty.

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    1. And I love, love, love your comment. I'm so glad you understand what I was trying to say about friendship, and that you and your friend have that kind of sheltering tree relationship. That's the kind of friend who makes life such a joy.

      Um, sorry? HA. (You CAN pre-order...)

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  2. Friendship is indeed like a sheltering tree. I've never heard of that poem by Coleridge - thanks for introducing me to it.

    The story of Hunter carrying his brother over forty miles is truly amazing and very touching. I doubt if there are very many kids who have that much love for a sibling. The song by the Hollies is a perfect accompaniment.

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    1. My pleasure. I wouldn't call Coleridge my favorite poet, but that's certainly my favorite pick of his poems.

      I know! I am in awe of that fourteen-year-old. His parents must be very proud of him.

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  3. "...cheap pandering, thong underwear and dirty sex." I still think of thongs as those zori/flipflops we used to wear as kids, which would not serve me well at encounters with cheap pandering and dirty sex because they'd always fly off my feet when I ran.

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    1. HA! Not to mention the fact that flipflop underwear would be damned uncomfortable...

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  4. It isn't easy to really know who your friends are... since I have lost 2 very good friends in the past year, I've began to wonder if there is anyone we can trust with everything... I want to believe there is but that's not easy.

    Susan I am with you about 10 days, especially witha child in the hospital...

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    1. I'm really sorry you had to learn that lesson first-hand, but don't lose faith. There are a LOT of good people in the world, and a lot of them are sheltering trees when it comes to friendship. I'd much rather risk being hurt by someone I thought was a friend than close myself off from the possibility of true friendship.

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  5. That story of Hunter Gandee is so incredibly inspiring. It's stories like that that should lead the news every night!! Have a great weekend Susan :-)

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    1. You're absolutely right! If the news covered more stories about the good things people do instead dwelling on the bad, maybe more people would be encouraged to do good.

      You have a super weekend, too!

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  6. Time can be funny in narratives. Romeo and Juliet takes place over just a few days. They go from not knowing each other to dead in one another's arms in under a week. Yeah, that's healthy!

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    1. You're right about the skewed time frames in a lot of literature. That's one of the things I don't like about most meet 'em one minute and bed 'em the next romances... and now that you mention it, "Romeo and Juliet" is a prime example of rapid escalation, isn't it? Darn. (I mean, who doesn't like Romeo and Juliet...?)

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    2. Instalove (Veronica's word. I love it.) - theme of the day here at the Coffeehouse. Must be a summer thing.

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  7. Your tree pic is awesome, and your book review sounds intriguing. Another great Friday blog. Enjoy the weekend

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    1. Thanks! Glad ya liked it.

      And a very super weekend to you, too. (Keep cool!)

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  8. That tough little guy carrying his brother was on the news not so long ago....there's a memory for his brother to hold all his life.

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    1. I'm glad to hear he was on the news in your neck of the woods. I saw an article in the newspaper, but nothing beyond that. That's the kind of story we all need to hear and see.

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  9. Hunter is an amazing kid! We have a lot of inspiring young people in the world. I wish the media would turn their attention more to those kids and turn their backs completely on ones who perform/plan violent acts.

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    1. You and me both! Why not inspire our young people by telling them stories that celebrate the wonderful things their contemporaries are doing, instead of giving so much coverage to the dark twisted stories? In the absence of positive role models, the troubled kids whose faces and tales are plastered across every newspaper in the country risk being viewed by other kids as some kind of hero.

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  10. I have been blessed with many friends throughout my life and can say that I still have most of them, one friendship lasting over 60 years. They are the branches that have kept me straight and even through the storms that have knocked me around.

    I also have trouble believing the 10 day romance, especially with the man's child being so ill in another country. However, I do know of two situations where a husband left his wife for her best friend. In both cases, the wife had no idea. Being betrayed by two people you love is devastating, but they recovered and their lives got better (probably because they got rid of the jerk).

    When I saw that boy carry his brother, tears welled up in my eyes. No greater love.......

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    1. I've been very fortunate, too. Without a doubt, friends halve our sorrows and double our joys, and help us weather the storms.

      Sounds like those gals are better off without those jerks and fake friends.

      Me, too. That boy is a beautiful human being. At fourteen. Amazing!

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  11. Holy smokes! I went from utterly enchanted with friendship and Hunter to a quick reminder why I keep no female friends. I was blessed with many sisters and cousins to whom I am very close because I have been that woman whose friend(s) have made plays for my hubs.

    It's as devastating as it sounds. I had chills thinking of an Eve in my Garden. The book sounds fantastic, but I'm gonna pass--no need to invite the PTSD. Thanks for the great review.

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    1. HA! Sorry for the roller coaster ride. Even sorrier for the crappy friends who made a move on your husband. The flipping floozies.

      Glad ya liked the review, but I can understand why it won't be on your TBR list.

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  12. The story of Hunter carrying his brother is such a positive testament to brotherly love....what an amazing young man. I am intrigued by your book and will probably look for it when it comes out. I will also be looking forward to hearing the summer songs you have chosen....love those oldies.

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    1. Isn't it? We could use a lot more Hunters in this world.

      I'm glad you like oldies, because, um, I'm... an oldie. HA! (Why not join the Songs of Summer fest... then I can enjoy the oldies YOU choose.)

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  13. Hunter is my hero of the day! Good on ya kid.

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  14. SUSAN ~
    Yeah, that Hollies song (which I absolutely love, by the way) was just PERFECT for Hunter!

    And I'm with you on the "ten day" complaint.

    Shoot, ten days is such a short period of time that I have even gone sober for that length of time at least two if not three times!

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. Thanks. I love that song, too.

      HA! Ten-day spurts of sobriety are good for the soul.

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  15. I love your town tree! And I love that you shared about the boy carrying his brother to raise MD awareness and a little cash, too. Inspiring story.

    Keep Your Friends Close sounds like a good read. I might question the love-in-ten-days part, too. Lust, though, would fit the bill.

    Happy Weekend!

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    1. Thanks. (I'm glad I'm not the only one who is enamored with trees.)

      Yeah, that ten-day part almost derailed the story for me. Surely no one is that stupid and impetuous in real life... I hope. Still, it's a good book.

      Happy weekend to you, too!

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  16. That is one big sprawling tree
    Sure be a sight to see
    Have to watch friends indeed
    As there can be a bad seed

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    1. Big trees like that possess a part
      Of softness within my heart.
      For a hundred years and more
      They've grown and sheltered rich and poor.
      But bad seed friends, we can do without.
      Of that, there isn't any doubt.

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  17. I agree - ten days is a little fast for someone to come in, sweep a married person off his feet, to the point where the whole family is broken up. That sort of thing should take years. Good review!

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    1. Absolutely! Sixteen years of marriage can't (shouldn't) get flushed down the toilet in ten stinking days.

      Thanks!

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  18. Yes, I read about those brothers. Unbelievable.

    And, yes, ten days seems fast, but there are some incredibly effective manipulators out there. And I suppose part of the art of reading includes knowing when it's worth it to suspend disbelief. That's how I felt about Gone Girl too. Not really believable, but a good read.

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    1. A manipulator... that's EXACTLY what the character in the book is. Worse, she's a psychological manipulator with no empathy or conscience. Yeah, you're right. I was totally willing to suspend my disbelief so I could stick with the book. I reckon that's one sign of a good book.

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  19. Well, it sounds interesting but not something I really want to read about. Hmm?

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    1. I know what you mean, but it's very well-written... and has a good (albeit semi-twisted) ending.

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  20. Great review! And the story about the brother made me choke up a bit. *sniff* Very sweet.

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    1. Thanks! That's the same effect the story about the brothers had on me, too.

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  21. Oh, those Romantic poets and their use of nature in poetry. I've never liked the Romantics. Or are they called Romance poets? Or Romance era poets? I can't remember. I'm in love with that kid, Hunter, and his whole family and all their friends. Aren't you the smart ass to present a book that isn't available yet?

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. I'm a bit of an incorrigible romantic myself, so maybe that means I have no choice but to have an affinity for the romantic poets. And nature, too... especially big ass trees. (I know. So romantic.)

      Why yes. Yes, I am a smart ass. Thanks for noticing!

      Happy weekend!

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    2. I've been called a smart ass more than once. I've worked hard to earn the title and I enjoy it.

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  22. That sounds like a very good book, even if the 10 day time frame is a bit unbelievable. As for Hunter, all I can say is wow, what a great kid and what a fabulous brother!

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    1. It is good, as long as you can suspend disbelief over that whole ten short days to a complete marriage breakdown stuff.

      Yes, wow's a good word for that kid.

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  23. Where's my comment? I will try again.
    Friends make a world of difference in our lives... but I stay away from my enemies.
    This is a book that I may enjoy reading... thank you for the recommendation, Susan.

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    1. I'm sorry if Blogger ate your comment the first time around. It's been a bit of a stinker lately.

      You're welcome Julia. It's good to hear from you again.

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  24. The story about Hunter appeared on my Facebook feed recently. What a kid!

    Love the song by the Hollies - but I like the Neil Diamond version better. :-)

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    1. Oh, did it? Cool. I just read about it in the Atlanta newspaper.

      Gee, I'm not sure if I've heard Diamond sing that song or not. Guess I'll have to go to Youtube to check it out.

      Happy weekend!

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  25. That's a beautiful tree! Friendship is a sheltering tree--what a wonderful concept that is. I love that song too. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Isn't that tree amazing? Looks like we're on the same page all the way around. (Great minds think alike.)

      You have a super weekend, too!

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  26. Hey Susan,

    I thought I might find you here. I hope you are impressed that even though I beyond the point of exhaustion, I leave you a comment at four in the morning. This will also explain the nonsensical comment. Okay, just like all my other comments
    .
    Good grief, you write long postings. Of course, I thoroughly skimmed, um, thoroughly read it from top to bottom :)

    That story in regards to Hunter. How inspiring and nice to see. A perfect example of a sheltering tree.

    Thanks for the informative book review. Must go now. Can barely keep awake.

    A peaceful weekend to you and your loved ones, Susan.

    Gary :)

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    1. Fancy meeting you here... Aye, I'm impressed. Nah, the post only seems long because you're so sleepy.

      And a very peaceful weekend to you, too.

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  27. The tree is wonderful.
    Great book review but I have to say the marriage wasn't very strong if it could fall apart in ten days with their daughter so sick so far away. But I haven't read the book.
    I like better the story about Hunter and his brother.

    Have a wonderful weekend.
    The Square Ones send woofs
    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Yeah, that tree is pretty amazing. Well, the marriage in that book certainly wasn't as strong as the wife thought it was, anyway.

      You have a wonderful weekend, too.

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  28. HI Susan .. your tree is gorgeous .. a great haven, unless the worst happens as the photo later on. Amazing kid - Hunter - is .. what an amazing thing to have done .. and I'm so pleased he had many supporters .. and your choice of music - so right - now I'll relate song and Hunter together ..

    The cover tells its own story - sounds interesting to put it mildly .. cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi, Hilary. Do you have massive trees in London? I've seen plenty of pictures of your wonderful architecture and gardens, but I don't remember seeing much in the way of big trees...

      Funny, but that's one thing I don't like about the book. Its cover. I'm kinda hoping they come up with a better one before the book's actual release.

      Cheers!

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  29. Eve happens to be visiting at the time, and "selflessly" offers to stay, so she can help look after their other daughter... and Sean, of course.

    What bothers me is the assumption that Sean is somehow unable to take care of himself and the other daughter. My wife is an attorney and has gone on business trips plenty of times leaving me alone with both of the kids. Had one of my wife's friends ever offered to stay and "help out" it would be extremely out of the ordinary.

    ...he'd allow himself to be so utterly distracted by flattery, cheap pandering, thong underwear and dirty sex.

    Speaking as a guy and ONLY slightly with my tongue planted in my cheek never underestimate how much our little heads and overrule what our big heads say is stupid and wrong.

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    1. Oh no, Sean is perfectly capable, although he does work very long hours, and doesn't always come home at night. Eve's just an underhanded sleazeball who takes advantage of the situation. In his defense, he didn't feel quite right about the situation, but his wife assured him that everything was okay. Foolish woman.

      HA! Oh yeah, I'm quite familiar with the battle between big vs. little head. But ten days? Come on!!! Most guys aren't that "easy", no matter how bossy the little head is. Then again, maybe they are...

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  30. "Friendship is a sheltering tree" a lovely expression indeed! While looking at the picture of the huge tree, a concept came to my mind! That tree also represent "a force of longevity" isn't it?

    I loved the story of the hunter. I wish, I could be like Hunter for my little brother as well!

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    1. Isn't it? I'm glad you like it, too. And you're right. That tree has got to be well over a hundred years old, so it's a pretty good symbol for longevity, too.

      I'd say if you have the desire to be a sheltering tree for your little brother... you will be.

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  31. That was a touching story of the boy carrying his brother on his back. I agree that he is highly motivated and likely to be very successful in life... and as a sibling. Very heartwarming.

    The book sounds good with some great twists and turns. Yeah, ten days... I dunno.

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    1. The story of Hunter and his brother was one of the most heartwarming stories I've seen in the paper in a long time. Quite a kid.

      Good book, but yep... nerts to that ten days.

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  32. Love that gorgeous picture of the tree! I love huge trees!

    Yeah, I'd have to agree with you on the ten-day tryst. Sometimes time-frame can be so difficult to get right when writing a book. I'm glad you enjoyed the rest of it, though!

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    1. Me, too! Even as old as I am, when I see a huge tree with great branches for climbing, I'm tempted to give it a go... but only for a moment or two.

      Yeah, ten days is just nuts.

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  33. Wow, yeah, that is depressing that he'd so easily succumb to temptation after that many years of marriage. I would HOPE that isn't realistic...

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    1. Ten days to throw away a marriage is pretty depressing. But you and I have nothing to worry about... OUR husbands would never do something that stupid.

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  34. Love the sound of that book, even if I find it a tad bit scary. Eve sounds like the friend from hell. Beautiful proverb at the beginning.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. You're right; it is a tad bit scary. Zombies, werewolves and Godzilla aren't nearly as scary as the thought of betrayal by a loved one.

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  35. I was reading about Hunter carrying his brother and the words to that song popped into my head, so I wasn't at all surprised to scroll down a bit and find you had it right there!
    As for the book, I agree that ten days is an awfully short time for Sean to be so "taken" by Eve.

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  36. Like the premise and sounds interesting read too.

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  37. What a wonderful story about a brother's quest to raise awareness for this horrible disease. He is a true hero, and that song says it all. You did a fantastic job of weaving these stories together, Susan! Great book review too!

    Julie

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    1. Thanks. Ready? Deep breath, and-a 1-2-3... "We be-long to a mu-tu-al..."

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  38. That's so inspiring about Hunter and his brother. I love when I hear stories of kids helping each other out. So sweet.

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    1. There are a lot of really good kids in the world doing really good things. You're right; it is inspiring to hear one of their stories, instead of being bombarded by tales about the bad apples.

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  39. I love the tree, and I love Hunter's good will and ambition! I bet his brother will always remember and appreciate that day too. I hope it inspired many to reach out and help the cause.

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    1. Good to know I'm not the only one with a soft spot for trees.

      I think you're right about Hunter's brother always remembering that day. It'd be a hard one to forget. I know they raised money for muscular dystrophy research with that walk, but I don't know how much. They definitely raised awareness.

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  40. Sounds like an intriguing read! That title is fantastic!

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    1. It is! The title sure caught my interest. The cover, not so much, but I definitely like that title.

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  41. What a gorgeous tree. Georgia is chockfull of lush tree-filled landscapes. That really surprised me when I moved there: more trees than the Pacific Northwest, and lots more rain, too. Don't tell Seattle. :)

    I set my first book over a one-week period, except for the final coda chapter. I will never do that again. It wasn't until I'd completed the first draft that I realized I'd never fed either of my protagonists. A week is a long time to go with out food, especially when you're hunting a psychopathic cultist.

    VR Barkowski

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    1. Well, Seattle may have rain more days out of a year, but from what I understand it, it's more of a polite mist. Here, we get serious gully-washing downpours.

      Look at it this way. It's kinda like the show "24". Have you noticed? Jack never eats, never sleeps, never goes to the bathroom. Maybe your protagonist is like Jack and is so busy chasing the bad guy, there's no time to waste doing something as mundane as eating.

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  42. great critique. what can i say? your post about friendship says it all - as does the story about the brothers. what friendship. siblings can be the BEST of friends, indeed. gotta love that tree. metaphorically symbolizes your theme. super post. cheers!!

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  43. The book looks interesting.

    I love how trees are metaphors. They can be support and shelter, and those branches do break off when dealing with flimsy friendships.

    I love finding huge trees and thinking of their age, when they were planted, what they've been through, and so on.

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    1. Exactly! Old trees are silent witnesses to history, and it's intriguing to observe the majestic centenarians while pondering all that they've "seen."

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  44. Here's proof that there's an audience for everything out there. I'm glad you enjoyed the book, but I am not the right type of reader for it. There's a reason I cling to my innocent YA genre. ;)

    We just moved back to an area where we have so many friends we left behind. It's strange and startlingly comforting to feel that umbrella of love again. Some trees are made to last, eh?

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    1. Yeah, you're right. Different strokes. I'll read just about anything, especially when it deals with human behavior, and a publisher sends it to me for FREE for review.

      Yes, absolutely, some trees are meant to last. I'm glad you're enjoying the shelter of old friendships again.

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  45. Very interesting post. I have been on both sides of the friendship dilemma. I will have to make it a point to get over to Armchair Squid.

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    1. Thanks. Glad ya liked it. Absolutely... you'd be a great addition to the book club. I hope you'll sign up for the next go-round.

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