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poodlemama99's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
yaakovakiva's review against another edition
4.0
Even if you haven't read The Great Gatsby, you'll enjoy this book. Maybe I guessed the ending about 1/4 of the way through because I work in psychiatry/mental health and I'm a social worker, but that didn't spoil the book for me. A sad story, but a good one.
threegoodrats's review against another edition
5.0
I'm updating my rating from 4 to 5 stars because I read this five years ago and I'm still thinking about it. So haunting!
holacandita's review against another edition
3.0
While I figured out how this was going to end before it did, Bohjalian still managed to catch me with some of the "twists". I was torn between 2 and 3 stars, because it's hard to say you liked a book that was sad and sometimes difficult to read, but I ended up going with 3 stars because it was slightly more than just "ok". It seems to be a polarizing read and if just for that reason, I would recommend it. You do kind of want to have someone to discuss it with when you're finished.
leannecoppola's review against another edition
3.0
I'm torn on this one. I looked forward to this book so much. But while reading I was a bit disappointed. The ending makes the book worth the read though.
sageloff's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kaylarooker's review against another edition
5.0
The Double Blind written by Chris Bohjalian, takes place between the roaring 20s and the 21st century between New York and Vermont. A story about Laurel previously attacked riding her bike and has since withdrawn from her old hobbies and society. She also works at a homeless shelter , where she meets Bobbie Crocker. When Bobbie does, she finds herself in possession of photographs that have previously been held secretive. The book expands upon her journey into developing these photos and the stories held in them in hopes of an exhibition in Bobbie's honor. Captivating story, wonderful progression of the plot. As a self-proclaimed "ending master", this book had me dwelling multiple theories of the ending for quite a chunk of time, to still be...largely wrong. Well written, interesting, and deserving of 5 stars.
This review is NOT part of any paid promotion and is the independent reviewers own thoughts and does not portray beliefs of anyone else.
This review is NOT part of any paid promotion and is the independent reviewers own thoughts and does not portray beliefs of anyone else.
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook performed by Susan Denaker
From the book jacket When college sophomore Laurel Estabrook is attacked while riding her bicycle through Vermont’s back roads, her life is forever changed. Formerly outgoing, Laurel withdraws into her photography and begins to work at a homeless shelter. There she meets Bobbie Crocker, a man with a history of mental illness and a box of photographs he won’t let anyone see. When Bobbie dies, Laurel discovers that he was telling the truth; before he was homeless, Bobbie Crocker was a successful photographer. As Laurel’s fascination with Bobbie’s former life begins to merge into obsession, she becomes convinced that some of his photographs reveal a deeply hidden, dark family secret.
My Reaction
Well, this definitely went in a direction I was not expecting! I don’t really want to say much more because I don’t want to give anything away.
Bohjalian crafts a compelling and intricate scenario with layer upon layer of complexity. I loved the way he drew me in, made me believe in Laurel – and Bobbie – and then forced me to reconsider the veracity of their claims. Throughout the work I am intrigued by and sympathetic to both Laurel and Bobbie, and particularly to the former as Bohjalian tells most of the story from Laurel’s perspective. The suspense builds relentlessly in the last five or six chapters, and I’m left breathless and drained at the end. And … wanting to start over again to see what clues Bohjalian left that I missed the first time around.
In the Author’s Note preceding the book, Bohjalian tells how he was inspired to write the novel when a friend shared with him a box of photographs that had been taken by a homeless man, Bob “Soupy” Campbell. Some of those extraordinary photos are sprinkled throughout the book.
The audio book is capably performed by Susan Denaker. She has good pacing and really brought Laurel to life for me. I could understand her hurt and confusion and frustration.
From the book jacket When college sophomore Laurel Estabrook is attacked while riding her bicycle through Vermont’s back roads, her life is forever changed. Formerly outgoing, Laurel withdraws into her photography and begins to work at a homeless shelter. There she meets Bobbie Crocker, a man with a history of mental illness and a box of photographs he won’t let anyone see. When Bobbie dies, Laurel discovers that he was telling the truth; before he was homeless, Bobbie Crocker was a successful photographer. As Laurel’s fascination with Bobbie’s former life begins to merge into obsession, she becomes convinced that some of his photographs reveal a deeply hidden, dark family secret.
My Reaction
Well, this definitely went in a direction I was not expecting! I don’t really want to say much more because I don’t want to give anything away.
Bohjalian crafts a compelling and intricate scenario with layer upon layer of complexity. I loved the way he drew me in, made me believe in Laurel – and Bobbie – and then forced me to reconsider the veracity of their claims. Throughout the work I am intrigued by and sympathetic to both Laurel and Bobbie, and particularly to the former as Bohjalian tells most of the story from Laurel’s perspective. The suspense builds relentlessly in the last five or six chapters, and I’m left breathless and drained at the end. And … wanting to start over again to see what clues Bohjalian left that I missed the first time around.
In the Author’s Note preceding the book, Bohjalian tells how he was inspired to write the novel when a friend shared with him a box of photographs that had been taken by a homeless man, Bob “Soupy” Campbell. Some of those extraordinary photos are sprinkled throughout the book.
The audio book is capably performed by Susan Denaker. She has good pacing and really brought Laurel to life for me. I could understand her hurt and confusion and frustration.
scnole2021's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
reikista's review against another edition
3.0
I felt both compelled and somewhat doubtful about finishing this book, but am glad I persevered. The twist in the plot was completely unexpected and shone a while new light on the story, that was interesting enough as it was.
I learned about homelessness and homeless people and shelter work, about Vermont, Long Island, athe Great Gatsby, mental illness
I learned about homelessness and homeless people and shelter work, about Vermont, Long Island, athe Great Gatsby, mental illness