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usbsticky's review against another edition
1.0
I picked this book because I'd previously read 2 of this author's books and gave them both 5 stars. This book is the opposite of books I like. 1) I dislike prologues. Like this one, it usually doesn't have anything to do with the rest of the storyline, at least not right away. After you read it, you have to reset to read the next chapter. 2) I hate changing timelines. This one starts in the afternoon. The next chapter goes back to the morning. I have to reset again after reading chapter 1 because it's not a continuation of the chapter.
Lastly the 2nd chapter just rambles on about something. By this time I've read 3 chapters and none of them mean anything and don't relate to each other. It's like reading 3 separate books. I dnf'd it and frankly didn't want to continue.
Lastly the 2nd chapter just rambles on about something. By this time I've read 3 chapters and none of them mean anything and don't relate to each other. It's like reading 3 separate books. I dnf'd it and frankly didn't want to continue.
rbharath's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The novel starts off with a bang (California voting to secede, and the city of San Francisco in turmoil as Dr Julie Walker faces many situations unfolding at the same time), and the story to follow only partly lives up to the potential the start offers.
California is voting on whether to secede from the United States. As Dr Julie Walker is set to divorce her husband Tom, her sister Heather goes into labour and despite their complicated relationship, Julie needs to be there for her. Her ex-Dennis takes staff at her hospital hostage and insists on speaking to her. While the current events are all about what happens on one day, the story follows a non-linear path by going back to past happenings to provide context to the current situation.
The best part of the story was about Julie and her evolving relationships which is very well written. The background of the election and the hostage situation has relatively poor follow through in comparison. The audiobook narration was very good. Overall, an interesting and original storyline.
havebookswilltravel's review against another edition
3.0
This was a quick read that started out really intriguing and ended just kinda interesting. It's set against a backdrop of a city under siege - California is voting to secede, it's election day, and people are rioting. There's also a gunman holed up at the VA hospital with three hostages, and the main character's sister is across the street in labor. The main character, Julie, is injured and trying desperately to get to her sister without stepping into the line of fire.
This seems like a pretty exciting beginning, right? Well, as it turns out, that's as exciting as it gets. Julie's injury has nothing to do with the siege nor the guman - she stepped off the curb wrong. It also isn't clear how the gunman and the secession vote are related - maybe the gunman just chose that day because of all the chaos?
This book is full of good starts with disappointing payoffs. Another thread woven throughout is the reason for Julie's estrangement from her sister, and how that is related to the loss of Julie's child, but the explanation was disappointing.
It's more about introspection - Julie recalls the events in her life since she moved to CA which led her, and her new state, to this moment. It's not really about the action of the riots, the election, or even the gunman.
Still, I gave it three stars because I liked some of the insights Julie had about marriage and family, and because it was a super quick read. All in all, I think it took me about three hours.
This seems like a pretty exciting beginning, right? Well, as it turns out, that's as exciting as it gets. Julie's injury has nothing to do with the siege nor the guman - she stepped off the curb wrong. It also isn't clear how the gunman and the secession vote are related - maybe the gunman just chose that day because of all the chaos?
This book is full of good starts with disappointing payoffs. Another thread woven throughout is the reason for Julie's estrangement from her sister, and how that is related to the loss of Julie's child, but the explanation was disappointing.
It's more about introspection - Julie recalls the events in her life since she moved to CA which led her, and her new state, to this moment. It's not really about the action of the riots, the election, or even the gunman.
Still, I gave it three stars because I liked some of the insights Julie had about marriage and family, and because it was a super quick read. All in all, I think it took me about three hours.
maureenmccombs's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. Another unexpected and suprisjngly great read. I liked the unconventional timeline. I liked the character development. I liked the seemingly different plot lines with Julie at the center of all of them. I just really liked this book. Definitely recommend.
bethanysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
atticusmammy's review against another edition
1.0
This was one of those books that jumps around in time. While not my favorite, I can handle chapters changing from past to present. This went to a totally different level. One chapter is present day, then 10 years past, then 5 hours ago, then 7 hours ago, back to 10 years ago, and on and on. You get the picture. The whole book was confusing and boring to me maybe partly because I never knew if I was in past or present. California trying to secede from the union seemed totally unrelated and like a random add-on. Not a fan.
tlaynejones's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Suicide
happyappalachy's review against another edition
4.0
Read the entire thing in one weekend. Compulsively readable and interesting story.