The Dive From Clausen's Pier: A Novel by Ann Packer
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Book Reviews of The Dive From Clausen's Pier: A Novel
Book Review: Grabbed me from the first paragraph and I couldn't put it down
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my first time reading an Ann Packer novel. And The Dive from Clausen's Pier is Ann Packer's first novel. I was hooked from the first paragraph, which is just the way I like a book to be, it sucks you in and you just know it's going to be an easy and enjoyable read.
The question posed by Ann in this novel is a terrible one that no one ever wants to have to answer. What do you do if you start to grow away from your partner, and then they are injured in a terrible accident? Do you stay out of pity, or do you walk away and try and shape a new life buried under the weight of guilt?
Ann deals with this question and the answer in this beautifully written book and I found myself unable to put it down. I wanted to know what would become of Carrie, and of Mike. How her friends and family would react to the choices that she makes. And how the relationship with an enigmatic man helps Carrie answer the questions whirling round her own head and help her to decide on the path she wants to take in life.
I'm putting this one onto the 5 star bookshelf and will look out for Ann's other novels.
Book Review: Good story.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book sketches these dynamics while avoiding easy sentimentality -- the characters face some stark realities with plausible, emotionally genuine results. It`s explores the way childhood shapes the emotional dynamics of adulthood, while allowing its central characters to recognize and transcend the influences of the past. This novel is deeply engaging.
If you are looking for other exellent books you must read these stories:
The Woman in the Alcove
The Golden Slipper: And Other Problems for Violet Strange
The Millionaire Baby
The Mystery of The Hasty Arrow
Initials Only
Book Review: Flawless book
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished this book today. I have nothing bad to say about it. This book is so interesting and tackles such an interesting subject, Packer writes beautifully, and I absolutely could not put it down until I was finished. I think that the reader who said it was so boring they couldn't keep reading... lacks literary maturity...perhaps that reader was too young to appreciate it. I rarely recommend books to my friends but I will definitely recommend this. I think a good book (or a good movie) is one that you will think back to one day, long after you have read it, and I am sure I will think back to this one. Another criteria I have is that a bad book, I could put down in the middle and forget about it and not even care what happens at the end. But with this book, I was genuinely interested in what was going to happen to all the characters. The book made me think. I am also eagerly awaiting the author's next book. I can't believe this is her FIRST novel! It was impressive in every sense- plot, dialogue, everything. A++++++++Book Review: So, I'm not as crazy as I thought I was
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm not much of a reader. In fact, the only reason I read this book was for extra credit in an English class. But all I can say is, I wish all extra credit was this much fun.
The Dive From Clausen's Pier is indeed an amazing book. Packer as a writer, and Carrie as a character, captivated me from the very first pages. I never knew that someone could so eloquently express into words such emotions and train of thoughts. I truly have never been able to relate to a book as much as I've related to this one. I've realized that I'm not the only one who thinks the way do. I mean, for Pete's sake, someone wrote an entire book about this.
Packer's writing is so realistic and down-to-earth. By the end I was convinced that this story was a part of her life; either she as the main character or one of the surrounding characters. How else could someone have such a depth of knowledge and understanding?
This novel is a definite chick's book, but I honestly feel that anyone can benefit from it, male or female.
Book Review: Really, Really Good
Summary: 5 Stars
Rich in subtle, powerful images of love, loss, betrayal, duty and honour, this book is a provoking, haunting, yet joyful story.A spinal cord injury that has left Carrie Bell's fiancée, her high school sweetheart, paralysed for life. Shortly before the injury, both were having serious doubts about their relationship. They now must decide what to do with the rest of their lives, such as they are, in a small Midwestern town. The right thing to do--what would that be? Stick by your fiancé? Leave town? Such is the dilemma of Carrie Bell. Her fiancé, Mike, is the accident victim. Carrie must face many around her who will judge her in some way. Her own, fatherless family. Mike's family. Mike's friends. Their friends as a couple. Her own best friend. And everyone else in town who knows them. Ann Packer writes a compelling, fascinating tale of the difficult choices a young woman faces as she faces personal loss and the painful process of personal growth that follows.