I feel like I'm on a reading high. The last three books I've read have been top-notch. All three are mysteries, but are quite different in voice, story line, and settings. The first was The German Suitcase set in WWII and present day, then Three Graves Full that was at once hilarious and tense, and third The Next Time You See Me is a small town drama.
I was surprised to discover that this is a debut novel. It's very well written, crisp and descriptive. The characters are flawed, likable and sympathetic. The story is told with direction and compassion. I can easily see this book on the New York Times best selling list and in Oprah's magazine as one of the year's best. It's an excellent choice for book clubs because there is so much depth to the story and the characters. So much to discuss.
Here's the jacket write-up:
In The Next Time You See Me, the disappearance of one woman, the hard-drinking and unpredictable Ronnie Eastman, reveals the ambitions, prejudices, and anxieties of a small southern town and its residents. There’s Ronnie’s sister Susanna, a dutiful but dissatisfied schoolteacher, mother, and wife; Tony, a failed baseball star-turned-detective; Emily, a socially awkward thirteen-year-old with a dark secret; and Wyatt, a factory worker tormented by a past he can’t change and by a love he doesn’t think he deserves. Connected in ways they cannot begin to imagine, their stories converge in a violent climax that reveals not just the mystery of what happened to Ronnie but all of their secret selves.I eagerly anticipate more novels by Ms. Jones and highly recommend this one for others to pick up and read. There's a little bit of mystery but it's mostly literary drama. I'm betting you'll like it. After you read your copy will you let me know how you think the title connects to the story. That would be another good thing to discuss with my f2f book group.
** I received a copy of The Next Time I See You from Simon & Shuster in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.
7 comments:
Well, I'm not very observant or I would already know that you're blogging again. So happy. Glad you're finding some good reads.
I have this one, and can't wait to get to it, especially since it has a cover blurb from Gillian Flynn, who has become one of my favorite authors. I am so glad that you loved it. The early feedback that I have seen seems to be all positive, and that makes me ever more eager. Nice job with this review today!
I've added this to my to-read list. Thanks for the recommendation!
I've got an ARC of this and will plan to get to it quickly. Glad to hear it's a winner!!
Cindi, I get a bug every now and again but I'm not very consistent. I seem to move to a new hobby, become obsessed, then tire of it and move to another. Luckily, I haven't added any new ones so it will continue with quilting, reading, genealogy, gardening, and occasionally blogging. I do read every day but not as voraciously as I'd like.
Zibilee, you always say something nice about my writing. Thank-you. I love to read but I feel my writing is only 2nd rate.
Alison, Looking forward to your review.
Les, I think you'll like this one.
Books that are on Oprah's list usually aren't on mine, but his sounds really good.
Yay, I really loved this one. :)
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