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You Never Know: Tales of Tobias, an Accidental Lottery Winner
Tobias Hillyer had a promising future until a car accident claimed the lives of his parents. Abandoning his dreams, he dropped out of college to take care of his orphaned, brain-damaged younger brother. Now in his late thirties, Tobias must struggle to provide for his family, working dead-end jobs that fall far short of the academic career he had imagined.
Then he wins the lottery.
His financial worries eliminated, Tobias anticipates nothing but smooth sailing ahead for himself and the people he loves. But he soon finds that his amazing stroke of luck may threaten everything he holds dear.
Over peaks and valleys, this uplifting journey will challenge everything we think we know about luck, life, and what we value most.
342 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 13, 2012
This is a good debut novel. In my rating scale it comes somewhere between a 3.5 star and 4 star read. There are some five star moments, which is why I have settled with 4 stars as the overall rating.
The thing that stops this from being a 5 star read is pacing, and there is far too much detail in places. For example, where Tobias and Martin are playing tennis. I am a tennis fan, but it’s just not the same reading about the shots that the players are taking. Duval went a bit too far with this detail, in my honest opinion.
The novel is split into four ‘books’. The first two books are written in the past tense, whereas book three and book four are written in the present tense. It seemed a bit of an awkward transition to me. Having said that, I am glad that the last two books were written in the present tense as otherwise I may not have got through the book -- I was finding the slow pace of the novel in the first half to be off-putting. The switch to present tense definitely made the story unfold more quickly.
I think one thing that may have let the book down, for me, was the expectation. It’s promoted as being about an accidental lottery winner, but he doesn’t actually win the lottery until about two thirds of the way through. Rather than enjoying the anticipation, I was left wondering whether he would ever win the lottery!
Despite the shortcomings, I have to say that I did enjoy this story and I am glad I read it to the end. I believe that people who prefer more traditional, mainstream literature would love this book. I prefer more fast-paced books that don’t require too much concentration. And this book is much longer than the usual novel I would choose to read.
I have to say that my reaction to this book is not dissimilar to the reaction I have when I read Booker prize winning novels, or best-sellers. So, perhaps it’s just me.
I would say that there are moments of brilliance, and even one segment that nearly brought me to tears
This is a fascinating story, told from a very original perspective, and although I have said that it is too detailed, there are some parts of the detail that are excellent; for example where the family go away on an exotic break, and Duval describes their trip down to the last detail, it really was amazing, as if I was seeing and hearing the sights and sounds. Perhaps it was because that action occurs near the end of the book where the story is more fast-paced.
The characters are all believable and seem like real people. The author does a great job at weaving many different and diverse subjects into the story line. It is obvious that a lot of research, hard work and effort went into producing this book.
The writing is flawless. For me, if the first part of the book had been more fast-paced it would have been the perfect read. For those who like to take their time over literature I would highly recommend it.
The thing that stops this from being a 5 star read is pacing, and there is far too much detail in places. For example, where Tobias and Martin are playing tennis. I am a tennis fan, but it’s just not the same reading about the shots that the players are taking. Duval went a bit too far with this detail, in my honest opinion.
The novel is split into four ‘books’. The first two books are written in the past tense, whereas book three and book four are written in the present tense. It seemed a bit of an awkward transition to me. Having said that, I am glad that the last two books were written in the present tense as otherwise I may not have got through the book -- I was finding the slow pace of the novel in the first half to be off-putting. The switch to present tense definitely made the story unfold more quickly.
I think one thing that may have let the book down, for me, was the expectation. It’s promoted as being about an accidental lottery winner, but he doesn’t actually win the lottery until about two thirds of the way through. Rather than enjoying the anticipation, I was left wondering whether he would ever win the lottery!
Despite the shortcomings, I have to say that I did enjoy this story and I am glad I read it to the end. I believe that people who prefer more traditional, mainstream literature would love this book. I prefer more fast-paced books that don’t require too much concentration. And this book is much longer than the usual novel I would choose to read.
I have to say that my reaction to this book is not dissimilar to the reaction I have when I read Booker prize winning novels, or best-sellers. So, perhaps it’s just me.
I would say that there are moments of brilliance, and even one segment that nearly brought me to tears
This is a fascinating story, told from a very original perspective, and although I have said that it is too detailed, there are some parts of the detail that are excellent; for example where the family go away on an exotic break, and Duval describes their trip down to the last detail, it really was amazing, as if I was seeing and hearing the sights and sounds. Perhaps it was because that action occurs near the end of the book where the story is more fast-paced.
The characters are all believable and seem like real people. The author does a great job at weaving many different and diverse subjects into the story line. It is obvious that a lot of research, hard work and effort went into producing this book.
The writing is flawless. For me, if the first part of the book had been more fast-paced it would have been the perfect read. For those who like to take their time over literature I would highly recommend it.
October 4, 2011
You Never Know: Tales of Tobias, an Accidental Lottery Winner is a dramatic fiction novel.
Tobias Hillyer is about to set on a journey that will change his life forever. After being accepted to an intern program at college, Tobias is preparing to travel to South America to live amongst the tribes and document his findings. However, before that occurs, he and his family are in a car accident and both Tobias' parents are killed and his younger brother is left severely brain-damaged. Giving up his career and his future, Tobias sets himself to look after his brother and help him to regain the use of his former self.
Simeon or Simmy as he is called by his friends and relatives had a very promising career as a cartoon artist, by the time he is fifteen, he had already won many awards. Simmy has been reduced to having to learn everything all over again and for many years, it doesn't look like he will ever regain his talent or his independence.
Carmela Liston is a nurse who befriends Tobias and helps Simmy to regain his full capabilities. She ingrains herself into the two lives and ensures that they become dependent upon her. She manipulates her way into their lives and their hearts.
Throughout the pages we learn of the growth of Simmy, and watch as the relationship between Tobias and Carmela grows. We hear of their worries, their strengths, their lies and their triumphs.
One day, Tobias is late for an engagement with his family, after he helps a blind man get onto the subway. While waiting for the next train to arrive, he purchases a lottery ticket. When he realizes he has won, at a time when his finances are stretched to their limits, he believes that all will be well.
However, with the winnings, we also learn the real basis of each of the characters involved. Such as Marcus, Tobias' best friend, who requires money to keep his business afloat, or Elespeth, who took a chance on Tobias and Simeon when no one else would, or his Aunt Joyce who also needs a loan to keep her music studio open. Everyone has a story and they all want a piece of the winnings that Tobias has won.
After a very serious incident concerning his daughter, Tobias comes to realize that money doesn't buy everything. Family, love and trust are all that matters in life and no amount of money can buy the things that are most important to a human being. Will Tobias be able to remain true to himself and his family, or will the unexpected win fall destroy them all??
I thought the book was a presentable debut novel by author, Lilian Duval. I liked the idea of sharing a story about a family that had won the lottery and seeing the outcome of that situation. I thought the premise to losing his parents was an emotionally charged chapter that would leave anyone feeling for Tobias and his mature decisions concerning his brother's fate.
I loved Simeon and Tobias equally, they were well written and believable in their character traits, they did not deter from who they were originally depicted as, even after the lottery win. I liked the friendship between Marcus and Tobias and how it grew over the years as the two men grew older. Many in life drift away and even though Marcus continued with his college and made a career out of his business degree, working at Lehmans, he never left Tobias behind.
I truly did not enjoy Carmela, I found her to be a lying, conniving, poor excuse for a partner. If it hadn't been for an overhead conversation, she would have cheated on Tobias. My only thought while reading was mayhaps Tobias would realize what kind of women she was and divorce her. From the moment she met Tobias, she manipulated herself into his life and made him rely on her. I believe relationships built on this kind of foundation are doomed to fail.
I liked how the winnings brought the true nature of out the characters. Carmela and her free spending on whatever she wishes and wants, personal shoppers which creeped her daughter out, personal trainers and every brand label clothing she could get her greedy hands upon.The few times that Tobias spent more than he wanted, breaking his own rule, she was always quick to point out his shortcomings, whenever she was questioned. As far as I could tell, other than a couple of paintings, Tobias was looking to make wise business investments to ensure his family's new fortune wouldn't just eat itself.
I would give this book three and a half stars out of five, I felt the pace of the story dragged in places and a few of the time lines were confusing. Time passed too quickly in some instances and you were left with a feeling of bewilderment and in other places, time took forever to pass, giving the reader too much detail and not enough plot. I truly did not enjoy Carmela, reading about her was horrid, but not that she was written in a bad way, quite the opposite, just her character didn't sit right with me and I kept rolling my eyes whenever I was reading her actions. All in all, the writing is excellent and the plot is fair and in the end, dreams really do come true if you have the money to afford them!!
Tobias Hillyer is about to set on a journey that will change his life forever. After being accepted to an intern program at college, Tobias is preparing to travel to South America to live amongst the tribes and document his findings. However, before that occurs, he and his family are in a car accident and both Tobias' parents are killed and his younger brother is left severely brain-damaged. Giving up his career and his future, Tobias sets himself to look after his brother and help him to regain the use of his former self.
Simeon or Simmy as he is called by his friends and relatives had a very promising career as a cartoon artist, by the time he is fifteen, he had already won many awards. Simmy has been reduced to having to learn everything all over again and for many years, it doesn't look like he will ever regain his talent or his independence.
Carmela Liston is a nurse who befriends Tobias and helps Simmy to regain his full capabilities. She ingrains herself into the two lives and ensures that they become dependent upon her. She manipulates her way into their lives and their hearts.
Throughout the pages we learn of the growth of Simmy, and watch as the relationship between Tobias and Carmela grows. We hear of their worries, their strengths, their lies and their triumphs.
One day, Tobias is late for an engagement with his family, after he helps a blind man get onto the subway. While waiting for the next train to arrive, he purchases a lottery ticket. When he realizes he has won, at a time when his finances are stretched to their limits, he believes that all will be well.
However, with the winnings, we also learn the real basis of each of the characters involved. Such as Marcus, Tobias' best friend, who requires money to keep his business afloat, or Elespeth, who took a chance on Tobias and Simeon when no one else would, or his Aunt Joyce who also needs a loan to keep her music studio open. Everyone has a story and they all want a piece of the winnings that Tobias has won.
After a very serious incident concerning his daughter, Tobias comes to realize that money doesn't buy everything. Family, love and trust are all that matters in life and no amount of money can buy the things that are most important to a human being. Will Tobias be able to remain true to himself and his family, or will the unexpected win fall destroy them all??
I thought the book was a presentable debut novel by author, Lilian Duval. I liked the idea of sharing a story about a family that had won the lottery and seeing the outcome of that situation. I thought the premise to losing his parents was an emotionally charged chapter that would leave anyone feeling for Tobias and his mature decisions concerning his brother's fate.
I loved Simeon and Tobias equally, they were well written and believable in their character traits, they did not deter from who they were originally depicted as, even after the lottery win. I liked the friendship between Marcus and Tobias and how it grew over the years as the two men grew older. Many in life drift away and even though Marcus continued with his college and made a career out of his business degree, working at Lehmans, he never left Tobias behind.
I truly did not enjoy Carmela, I found her to be a lying, conniving, poor excuse for a partner. If it hadn't been for an overhead conversation, she would have cheated on Tobias. My only thought while reading was mayhaps Tobias would realize what kind of women she was and divorce her. From the moment she met Tobias, she manipulated herself into his life and made him rely on her. I believe relationships built on this kind of foundation are doomed to fail.
I liked how the winnings brought the true nature of out the characters. Carmela and her free spending on whatever she wishes and wants, personal shoppers which creeped her daughter out, personal trainers and every brand label clothing she could get her greedy hands upon.The few times that Tobias spent more than he wanted, breaking his own rule, she was always quick to point out his shortcomings, whenever she was questioned. As far as I could tell, other than a couple of paintings, Tobias was looking to make wise business investments to ensure his family's new fortune wouldn't just eat itself.
I would give this book three and a half stars out of five, I felt the pace of the story dragged in places and a few of the time lines were confusing. Time passed too quickly in some instances and you were left with a feeling of bewilderment and in other places, time took forever to pass, giving the reader too much detail and not enough plot. I truly did not enjoy Carmela, reading about her was horrid, but not that she was written in a bad way, quite the opposite, just her character didn't sit right with me and I kept rolling my eyes whenever I was reading her actions. All in all, the writing is excellent and the plot is fair and in the end, dreams really do come true if you have the money to afford them!!
January 15, 2012
Tobias Hillyer had his future planned, beginning with going to the Peruvian amazon and the Yanomami territories of Brazil and Venezuela for his undergraduate anthropology fellowship. But first, he was going back home for Christmas, to his little brother Simeon, his alcoholic mother and his father. His reception is met with great delight and the arguing is kept at bay. Tobias decides to drive and treat them all to dinner, but on the way back home, an accident occurs and Tobias' life is changed forever.
His parents are killed instantly in the car accident and Simeon is in a coma. Tobias cancels his undergraduate studies and drops out of school. He doesn't want to, but he is now Simeon's 'parent' and sits at his bedside daily, waiting for Simeon to wake up. He meets one of Simeon's nurses, Carmela, and although they are attracted to one another, Tobias has no room in his life for a romance. He needs to find work, pay bills and take care of Simeon. But Carmela is relentless and soon finds a place in Tobias's life. When Simeon wakes up and is released from rehabilitation, Carmela makes room in her life for him too. Simeon will always need someone to take care of his for the rest of his life, something is wrong with his brain. A gifted artist, a cartoonist, Tobias trys what he can for Simeon to refind his gift, buying all sorts of art supplies.
Carmela and Tobias get married, and the two spend occassional weekends with Tobias' best friend Martin and his new wife. Tobias works at a bookstore and Carmela still works at the hospital. Life isn't wonderful, with the bills piling up, but they manage and take care of Simeon. Then Martin's wife is pregnant and Carmela decides she wants a baby too, even though Tobias states they can't afford one. She goes behind his back and stops taking her birth control and before long, she is pregnant. Tobias isn't happy but makes the most of it, and is soon the father of twins. Simeon is wonderful with them, and Tobias and Carmela find a comfort zone in their life.
Then something happens. Tobias wins the lottery and their lives are irrevocably changed. Tobias begins lending money out to friends without consulting Carmela. It puts a rift in their marriage. Then their daughter is kidnapped and Tobias knows something needs to change.
You Never Know is a wonderful novel following the ups and downs of Tobias' life and how he adapts to it's relentless changes. It's a story of family, loss, hope, love and chance. The characters are cleverly crafted and very realistic. Live life to the fullest, day by day, is dominant in this story. It could happen to any of us, You Never Know.
His parents are killed instantly in the car accident and Simeon is in a coma. Tobias cancels his undergraduate studies and drops out of school. He doesn't want to, but he is now Simeon's 'parent' and sits at his bedside daily, waiting for Simeon to wake up. He meets one of Simeon's nurses, Carmela, and although they are attracted to one another, Tobias has no room in his life for a romance. He needs to find work, pay bills and take care of Simeon. But Carmela is relentless and soon finds a place in Tobias's life. When Simeon wakes up and is released from rehabilitation, Carmela makes room in her life for him too. Simeon will always need someone to take care of his for the rest of his life, something is wrong with his brain. A gifted artist, a cartoonist, Tobias trys what he can for Simeon to refind his gift, buying all sorts of art supplies.
Carmela and Tobias get married, and the two spend occassional weekends with Tobias' best friend Martin and his new wife. Tobias works at a bookstore and Carmela still works at the hospital. Life isn't wonderful, with the bills piling up, but they manage and take care of Simeon. Then Martin's wife is pregnant and Carmela decides she wants a baby too, even though Tobias states they can't afford one. She goes behind his back and stops taking her birth control and before long, she is pregnant. Tobias isn't happy but makes the most of it, and is soon the father of twins. Simeon is wonderful with them, and Tobias and Carmela find a comfort zone in their life.
Then something happens. Tobias wins the lottery and their lives are irrevocably changed. Tobias begins lending money out to friends without consulting Carmela. It puts a rift in their marriage. Then their daughter is kidnapped and Tobias knows something needs to change.
You Never Know is a wonderful novel following the ups and downs of Tobias' life and how he adapts to it's relentless changes. It's a story of family, loss, hope, love and chance. The characters are cleverly crafted and very realistic. Live life to the fullest, day by day, is dominant in this story. It could happen to any of us, You Never Know.
July 18, 2011
This book has been garnering great reviews, so I was anxious to see if others were right … and they are! I loved this story and I’m so glad I chose to take part in this blog tour.
The story revolves around a young man who is planning a future that involves studying the world. He is an anthropology major and is preparing for a class trip that will take him to parts unknown. His professor is so proud of his accomplishments so far and is anxious for Tobias to help on this study.
Just before they are about to depart, Tobias decides to spend Christmas break with his family. They decide to spend an evening out and their car is hit by a van that slides on ice through an intersection. His parents are killed and his brother receives a brain injury that leaves him permanently damaged. Tobias was driving and is spared. However, because he is the only one left to pick up the pieces, he is now looking at a future of caring for his brother. The only way he can do that is to drop out of college and take menial jobs that barely pay the bills.
Fortunately, Tobias has a very deep love for his brother and takes right to the task. This book is the story of his struggle to care for his brother, maintain the family home and make a life for himself. It’s very well-written and the author did a great job of researching the path to recovery for someone who endures such a huge impairment as the one Tobias’ brother suffered with.
The synopsis may sound like a heart-breaking story, but really, it’s not. It’s full of hope and love and the meaning of family. It demonstrates the compassion one person can have for another and how even in the worst of times, we can see that light at the end of the tunnel as we work toward the future.
Tobias held thing together, even though times were often extremely difficult. Then, things change when he wins the state lottery and millions of dollars are now his. Suddenly, he is faced with an entirely different set of problems and issues he must deal with.
A great read and another book that would be a good choice for book groups. Lots of issues to discuss and unique characters.
Be sure to check out You Never Know and be ready for one of the best new reads of the summer!
The story revolves around a young man who is planning a future that involves studying the world. He is an anthropology major and is preparing for a class trip that will take him to parts unknown. His professor is so proud of his accomplishments so far and is anxious for Tobias to help on this study.
Just before they are about to depart, Tobias decides to spend Christmas break with his family. They decide to spend an evening out and their car is hit by a van that slides on ice through an intersection. His parents are killed and his brother receives a brain injury that leaves him permanently damaged. Tobias was driving and is spared. However, because he is the only one left to pick up the pieces, he is now looking at a future of caring for his brother. The only way he can do that is to drop out of college and take menial jobs that barely pay the bills.
Fortunately, Tobias has a very deep love for his brother and takes right to the task. This book is the story of his struggle to care for his brother, maintain the family home and make a life for himself. It’s very well-written and the author did a great job of researching the path to recovery for someone who endures such a huge impairment as the one Tobias’ brother suffered with.
The synopsis may sound like a heart-breaking story, but really, it’s not. It’s full of hope and love and the meaning of family. It demonstrates the compassion one person can have for another and how even in the worst of times, we can see that light at the end of the tunnel as we work toward the future.
Tobias held thing together, even though times were often extremely difficult. Then, things change when he wins the state lottery and millions of dollars are now his. Suddenly, he is faced with an entirely different set of problems and issues he must deal with.
A great read and another book that would be a good choice for book groups. Lots of issues to discuss and unique characters.
Be sure to check out You Never Know and be ready for one of the best new reads of the summer!
July 18, 2011
Tobias Hillyer had a promising future until a car accident claimed the lives of his parents. Abandoning his dreams, he dropped out of college to take care of his orphaned, brain-damaged younger brother. Now in his late thirties, Tobias must struggle to provide for his family, working dead-end jobs that fall far short of the academic career he had imagined.
Then he wins the lottery.
His financial worries eliminated, Tobias anticipates nothing but smooth sailing ahead for himself and the people he loves. But soon he finds that his amazing stroke of luck may threaten everything he holds dear.
Over the peaks and valleys, this uplifting journey will challenge everything we think we know about luck, life, and what we value most.
In the newest novel by Lilian Duval, You Never Know, provides the reader with a very realistic view of what happens when an unexpected tragedy forever changes the life of not only Tobias Hillyer but his brother Simeon. Once a talented cartoonist at 15, their lives are robbed from them during a fateful drive home from dinner which kills their parents and leaves Simeon far from the talented artist he was. Filled with guilt over all the what if's going through his head, Tobias gives up his opportunity at a scholarship to care for his younger brother.
It's a hard luck story but one that could happen to anyone. What you dream of isn't always how life turns out in the end. In this one, just when things couldn't get any worse for Tobias, a lucky encounter helping a blind man out in a subway station which change his life for the better. However sometimes what we think will mean happiness is just a mirage, that money can't buy it, it is what we do with our dreams and family on the inside that makes us happy.
I received this book compliments of Lilian Duval and Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review and LOVED it. Dreaming of winning the lottery always seems like it will solve our problems but through this story you can see that it isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever dreamed of a better life and give this one a 5 out of 5 stars.
Then he wins the lottery.
His financial worries eliminated, Tobias anticipates nothing but smooth sailing ahead for himself and the people he loves. But soon he finds that his amazing stroke of luck may threaten everything he holds dear.
Over the peaks and valleys, this uplifting journey will challenge everything we think we know about luck, life, and what we value most.
In the newest novel by Lilian Duval, You Never Know, provides the reader with a very realistic view of what happens when an unexpected tragedy forever changes the life of not only Tobias Hillyer but his brother Simeon. Once a talented cartoonist at 15, their lives are robbed from them during a fateful drive home from dinner which kills their parents and leaves Simeon far from the talented artist he was. Filled with guilt over all the what if's going through his head, Tobias gives up his opportunity at a scholarship to care for his younger brother.
It's a hard luck story but one that could happen to anyone. What you dream of isn't always how life turns out in the end. In this one, just when things couldn't get any worse for Tobias, a lucky encounter helping a blind man out in a subway station which change his life for the better. However sometimes what we think will mean happiness is just a mirage, that money can't buy it, it is what we do with our dreams and family on the inside that makes us happy.
I received this book compliments of Lilian Duval and Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review and LOVED it. Dreaming of winning the lottery always seems like it will solve our problems but through this story you can see that it isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever dreamed of a better life and give this one a 5 out of 5 stars.
August 27, 2011
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Tobias Hilyer's life was right on track, perfect; perfection rarely lasts. In a horrible twist of fate, he loses both his parents and gains a brain-damaged brother. He drops out of college to care for his poor brother and devotes himself to making do with what he has now. He works straight through to his late thirties and takes on twins that he never really wanted, until he wins the lottery.
He imagines, as one normally would, that this is an incredibly good stroke of luck; little does he know that winning the lottery could rank among the worst things that happened to him. He now has to deal with an immense amount of stress, people asking for money, and constant decision-making. Tobias does handle this new change to his life quite well. The reader will enjoy following his trepidations and new satisfactions throughout the novel.
The characters will keep the reader interested in this story. Tobias is kind, caring, and patient. Carmela is a little impulsive, has her heart in the right place, and sweet. Simeon, Tobias's brother, will interest the reader with his antics and kind exterior. The secondary characters are also fun to get to know.
The plot is one that every person in America has likely dreamed of, winning the lottery. The plot will be the main attraction for many readers. The author plays the plot perfectly and realistically. This book is recommended to young adults/adults who enjoy fiction novels that offer a second chance to the main character.
Tobias Hilyer's life was right on track, perfect; perfection rarely lasts. In a horrible twist of fate, he loses both his parents and gains a brain-damaged brother. He drops out of college to care for his poor brother and devotes himself to making do with what he has now. He works straight through to his late thirties and takes on twins that he never really wanted, until he wins the lottery.
He imagines, as one normally would, that this is an incredibly good stroke of luck; little does he know that winning the lottery could rank among the worst things that happened to him. He now has to deal with an immense amount of stress, people asking for money, and constant decision-making. Tobias does handle this new change to his life quite well. The reader will enjoy following his trepidations and new satisfactions throughout the novel.
The characters will keep the reader interested in this story. Tobias is kind, caring, and patient. Carmela is a little impulsive, has her heart in the right place, and sweet. Simeon, Tobias's brother, will interest the reader with his antics and kind exterior. The secondary characters are also fun to get to know.
The plot is one that every person in America has likely dreamed of, winning the lottery. The plot will be the main attraction for many readers. The author plays the plot perfectly and realistically. This book is recommended to young adults/adults who enjoy fiction novels that offer a second chance to the main character.
October 27, 2011
I'm sort of mixed on this book. The first part of the story really drew me in. We meet Tobias, a young man, racked with guilt after his parents were killed and his brother was brain damaged in a car crash where although Tobias was driving the car, he did not cause the crash. He is left to take care of his brother, Simmy. Through Simmy's time in the hospital, he meets Carmela, a nurse, and falls in love. About the first two-thirds of the book talk about the building of Tobias' and Carmela's family. This part of the book covers almost 15 years.
They struggle financially but they get by. Then Tobias wins the lottery and everything changes... pretty much for the worse. Everyone wants to borrow money some for good purposes, some for not good purposes. Tobias and Carmela make some not good investments with their money. They're unhappy with each other and their family situation. Their daughter is kidnapped. Just one thing after another. I kept reading because at that point, I really liked Tobias' and his family and was fully invested in the characters but it was disheartening to read about all of their bad luck! The characters are really fantastic and really realistic and they are what drive the story along.
They struggle financially but they get by. Then Tobias wins the lottery and everything changes... pretty much for the worse. Everyone wants to borrow money some for good purposes, some for not good purposes. Tobias and Carmela make some not good investments with their money. They're unhappy with each other and their family situation. Their daughter is kidnapped. Just one thing after another. I kept reading because at that point, I really liked Tobias' and his family and was fully invested in the characters but it was disheartening to read about all of their bad luck! The characters are really fantastic and really realistic and they are what drive the story along.
July 6, 2011
Excellent book! Lilian's writing style is easy to read and the book goes quickly. Her characters and the story are so believable that it's like reading a story about a neighbor or member of your family. I had absolutely no problem identifying with the main character, which made the book more enjoyable because it was less like I was reading a book and more like I was living it through his eyes. I definitely recommend this book. It would be a great train or airplane book as it will not only provide you with a great read, but will also give you something to think about once the book is finished.
July 11, 2011
This could have easily been a true story. The writing style flowed very nicely and was so easy to read. The lottery win is really just a very small part of the story, and certainly not the most important or interesting part. Tobias was well written and realistic. The author made you care about the characters and feel like part of their family. I thought the ending was a nice wrap up for the story. I would read more by this author.
June 11, 2013
I received this book for free from Member's Giveaway. This was a very touching story and I enjoyed it. The premise is that Tobias had everything going for him but tragedy cut his dreams short and he wound up taking care of his brother. During that time, he met and married Carmela and had twins.
For the rest of the review, visit my book blog at: http://angelofmine1974.livejournal.co...
For the rest of the review, visit my book blog at: http://angelofmine1974.livejournal.co...
October 18, 2011
The book's message seems to be that there doesn't have to be tragedy, however, for someone who has accidentally and suddenly become fabulously wealthy, as long as there is generosity and compassion, friendship, love of family, and a good shoulder on one's head. Overall, a very pleasant and surprising book to read on this subject.
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