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jennrocca's review
No rating. This book just wasn’t grabbing me. Maybe some other time.
chriskeil's review against another edition
4.0
A beautifully-written mesmerizing story about the choices we make the consequences of those choices. I'll be thinking about these characters for a long time to come
lastpaige111's review
4.0
So well crafted! I loved all three MCs who are drawn with love and understanding. Their struggle with the Cold War on so many levels is both private and epic. Fear and hope drive the plot equally and resonate all the way through the conclusion. My only complaint is that tragedy as a forgone conclusion makes for a heavy read.
deedralapray's review
4.0
I have never read about this time period before. There were so many interesting subplots in Atomic Family. One that I found particularly interesting was Dean's ethical dilemma about his job and the secrets he held. He was torn between being loyal to his company, being honest with his wife, and reporting his findings regarding the impacts of atomic disposal.
I actually have issues with both of the parents. They were not likable at all. I suppose that was the point. My heart broke for Wilson. Neither of his parents was present in his life.
I actually have issues with both of the parents. They were not likable at all. I suppose that was the point. My heart broke for Wilson. Neither of his parents was present in his life.
amalvarez0313's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
debfreemantx's review
5.0
Beautiful written! You really know how the characters are feeling. They are hurting and so is the earth in this Atomic Energy Commission town in SC in 1961. Took me a while to finish because I knew it was an emotionally difficult read. I’m glad I finally picked it back up.
ericfreemantx's review
5.0
Set in America's early atomic era, a story of family bonds, shaped by grief. Strongly recommend.
beth_sterling_abela's review
5.0
A family, community, country on the edge. Full of tension, mystery and intrigue. Ciera writes each characters as unique and deeply human. Little Wilson reminds me so much of Ralphie from A Christmas Story in the absolute best way. It made me love him and his odd ways. I didn’t want to but I found myself relating to Nellie and really sympathising with Dean. I was invested in the story and would have read through in one sitting if I didn’t have little boys to care for. Even so, I read it all within 24 hours and days later it’s still sitting with me. Randomly today I thought, what if she had taken Wilson to the protest?!? Immediately finishing this book it made me want to hold both my boys and never let go. It’s been a while since I cried real tears in a book. This one did it.
alykmvl's review
5.0
This book was phenomenal! Beautiful and haunting. I’m not often a huge historical fiction fan, but this book reeled me in and I finished it in one day! The complexity of each member of the Porter family so beautifully draws you in as a reader, feeling for each character and wondering how the conflict between them, within themselves, and in their community will draw to a conclusion.