The Double Bind (Vintage Contemporaries) by Chris Bohjalian
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Book Reviews of The Double Bind (Vintage Contemporaries)
Book Review: fact + fiction = AN INCREDIBLE READ
Summary: 5 Stars
I do not know what I was expecting when I decided to purchase this book. I think maybe some interesting, non-standard chick-lit, altho the synopsis suggested a bit more of an adventure lurking within. Whatever compelled me, it did not disappoint. As a matter of fact, it exceeded my highest expectations.
Bohjalian is my new hero. He weaves a story the way only I can fantasize of putting one together - so well thought out, so explicitly planned. A definite challenge, for writer and reader both. Without being gritty, without being sinister, strictly using the mind alone, the reader embarks on a compelling journey of thought and deduction. The creativity is masterful, the dialog engaging, the manuevering impecible. I am floored! This story truly "had me at hello." From page 1 I was drawn in, suckered along just like Laurel (the main character). I was her biggest cheerleader, riding along side of her as she spiraled thru the tangled web of thoughts, ideas, compulsions that surrounded her mystery. I think, in the end, I actual was Laurel, as the dawn of light slowly spread thru my mind, along with hers, as I realized just what, exactly, had been going on...
This is the sort of book that does not leave after the last page is read. It lingers. It evokes new thoughts, new realizations, new ponderances. I have enjoyed this story more after I read it then I did while I read it. Which says a lot because it was 100% completely engaging while I read it.
It's a keeper and has a permanent spot on my bookshelf.
Book Review: Read and Discuss
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a book that I found increasingly difficult to put down. I had to reread it shortly upon finishing it (I reread _The Great Gatsby_ in between) and I had to loan it to a book friend so we could discuss it as soon as possible. I do not want to give away too much. If you have enjoyed other novels of Chris Bohjalian, I would definitely get this one. This book gave me quite an emotional punch, and I felt tied to Laurel for days - still do, in a way, even though I've never had anyone try to attack me in the woods. This book made me want to call up my AP English teacher and thank her for teaching us _The Great Gatsby_ in the first place. (I have no issue with any poetic license Bohjalian took with _The Great Gatsby._) _The Double Bind_ works on many levels. In my opinion, having more life experience and a good level of maturity works to your advantage when reading this book because it really brings you inside the head of a character who is "fragile" after an experience that occurred when she was 19 years old. If you are like me and empathize easily with Bohjalian's characters, beware that this is an intense read. In my opinion, it is worth it -- especially if you have someone to discuss it with!!!Book Review: Could Not Put It Down
Summary: 5 Stars
This was my first Chris Bohjalian book and after reading it I am going to read everything he has written.
This is the story of a woman who is a caseworker for the homeless at a shelter. When one of her
patients dies, she embarks on a journey investigating the professional photographs he has taken. What she
didn't expect was how some of the people in these photographs have affected her life in the past.
I can't say too much without ruining the excitement and anticipation for the reader. I will say, I sat
in shock with my mouth wide open as I read the last several pages. NO, DO NOT SPOIL IT AND GO THERE FIRST!I will read Midwives next (one of Opra's picks)and then on to The Buffalo Soldier. I have to thank my
cousin Dick Yessian for once again steering me to another great read.
Book Review: The Double Bind
Summary: 5 Stars
The Double Bind, is an amazing novel. I don't want to say too much about the great plot line because i think the reader should just let the story lead them along. i could not stop reading this great novel. The story is quite unique and inventive. The plot revolves around a female college student who is attacked rather violently while bike riding in the Vermont countryside. The story jumps a few years when she is working as a social worker in a homeless shelter in Vermont. When a former resident of the shelter dies and leaves behind a box of photos and she discovers a photo of herself taken on the day she was attacked. She learns that the dead photographer is somehow linked to Jay gatsby and Daisy...the ending is of this book is astounding...Book Review: Highly Recommended!
Summary: 5 Stars
I discovered this novel by browsing the shelves one afternoon---I was attracted to the old black & white photos and the author's idea to build a story around them. The layers of this novel will take hold of you and you will be drawn into this well crafted story. You should know the novel or the film The Great Gatsby--as the characters from that classic are built into this one---As I was drawn into the book ---and as I would put it aside ---I could not wait to return to keep reading---it is one of those novels you want to tell others about. This is an intelligent contemporary novel from a gifted storyteller.