January 10th, 2012 from Dutton Books
I know, I know, you read this book like the second it dropped on your doorstep. Welp, I didn't and I'll tell you why. I knew it would be sad, heartbreaking even and I don't do sad very well. So when the weeks went by and the reviews all said phrases like "my heart is in pieces" "this book broke me" I knew I had to put it off. Then suddenly I looked up and felt like I was going to be given a notice to appear in Library Court for not reading - an entire went by. I buckled, got the audio, and loved it. AND I didn't cry too much. Yes, I did but I wasn't completely falling apart like I anticipated. In fact, the part of the book that touched me and will stay with me is when Hazel's mother says, "I won't be a mom anymore." That statement right there made me just about loose my mind. If you've been putting this one off, grab the audio, a few tissues and just ride it out.... You won't regret it!
5 Stars
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March 17th, 2011 from Dial Books
Here I am again...a year late. Wait, two years this time! This audio is so good that it deserves a review ten years later. I was completely mesmerized by the narrators voice. She had a giant range and played every character amazingly. This book has such an old feel - it took me forever to figure out what time period it was in. The language is so poetic and beautiful you just feel like you are in the Victorian Era (which you aren't). The story is original and there is so much mystery centered around everyone that you find yourself sitting in the garage listening to the end of the chapter then running in the house to read the next. Do yourself a favor and read again or for the first time on audio.
5 Stars
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