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The Bibliophiles #1
A Whisper to a Scream
Ovulation detectors. Hormone surges. Anxiety-ridden dreams. This is the world in which Annie Jacobs is thrust when she and her husband John receive a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. A 37-year old PR executive, Annie has wanted to be a mother since she first cuddled her Baby Tenderlove at age five. She is dreading another Christmas of relatives asking when they will be hearing the pitter patter of little feet, and Uncle Joe slapping John on the back, telling him to relax and take a cruise. Lots of people get pregnant on vacation, you know.
Across town, stay-at-home mom of two, Sarah Anderson, attempts grocery shopping with a toddler intent on hurling items from the cart at passersby. She notices a box of rice heading straight for a gray-haired head. Leaping across the aisle, Sarah grabs it, saving the woman from certain doom, or at least a minor head injury. Little Alex screams at being thwarted. The unknowing octogenarian shakes her head and admonishes Sarah for not knowing how to keep her child quiet in public.
"A Whisper to a Scream" is the story of two women on opposite ends of the child-bearing spectrum who come to realize the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side of the fence. A vivid portrayal of contemporary marriage and its problems, the novel speaks to a longing in all of us, a yearning that might start as a vague notion, but eventually grows into an unbearable, vociferous cry.
Across town, stay-at-home mom of two, Sarah Anderson, attempts grocery shopping with a toddler intent on hurling items from the cart at passersby. She notices a box of rice heading straight for a gray-haired head. Leaping across the aisle, Sarah grabs it, saving the woman from certain doom, or at least a minor head injury. Little Alex screams at being thwarted. The unknowing octogenarian shakes her head and admonishes Sarah for not knowing how to keep her child quiet in public.
"A Whisper to a Scream" is the story of two women on opposite ends of the child-bearing spectrum who come to realize the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side of the fence. A vivid portrayal of contemporary marriage and its problems, the novel speaks to a longing in all of us, a yearning that might start as a vague notion, but eventually grows into an unbearable, vociferous cry.
267 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2010
3 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Karen Wojcik Berner
5 books113 followersKaren Wojcik Berner writes contemporary women’s fiction with a sprinkling of the classics.
Her Bibliophiles series includes A WHISPER TO A SCREAM, which was a 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. UNTIL MY SOUL GETS IT RIGHT was a 2013 Big Al's Books & Pals Readers' Choice Nominee. A GROOVY KIND OF LOVE was a 2015 Chicago Writers' Association Book of the Year Nominee and a 2015 Big Al's Books & Pals Readers' Choice Nominee. All three, along with her short story, "A Bibliophile Christmas," were Amazon bestsellers.
An award-winning journalist, her work has appeared in several magazines, newspapers, and blogs, such as The Chicago Tribune, Naperville magazine, Writer Unboxed, Women's Fiction Writers, and Fresh Fiction. She is a member of the Chicago Writers’ Association.
Her Bibliophiles series includes A WHISPER TO A SCREAM, which was a 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. UNTIL MY SOUL GETS IT RIGHT was a 2013 Big Al's Books & Pals Readers' Choice Nominee. A GROOVY KIND OF LOVE was a 2015 Chicago Writers' Association Book of the Year Nominee and a 2015 Big Al's Books & Pals Readers' Choice Nominee. All three, along with her short story, "A Bibliophile Christmas," were Amazon bestsellers.
An award-winning journalist, her work has appeared in several magazines, newspapers, and blogs, such as The Chicago Tribune, Naperville magazine, Writer Unboxed, Women's Fiction Writers, and Fresh Fiction. She is a member of the Chicago Writers’ Association.
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October 17, 2012
This review was originally posted on Melissa's Midnight Musings
on October 8, 2012.
This book speaks to all women. Those who have children and those who don't. And for those of us who are thinking about it in the future, it gives you a very detailed picture of what having children can be like, and what a struggle that being a parent can be at times. It also gives you a painful look at the issue of infertility and the effect that can have on a family and a marriage.
Both Sarah and Annie are women who are struggling, but for very different reasons. Sarah is struggling with being a mom, while her husband is away all the time. She's the one left raising the kids, and enduring the endless monotony of housework, dirty diapers, and late nights with the kids. Her husband Tom works hard, to provide for them, but as most parents know, something's gotta give. So, he's rarely home, and when he is, all he wants to talk about is work.
Sarah feels under appreciated because he doesn't acknowledge what she does, or offer to help out. Tom thinks that she should be grateful that he provides for them all the way that he does. He does change his ways to help at times when Sarah brings it up, but then his next big project comes up and he's back to working away for long stretches again, and Sarah gets frustrated and starts feeling trapped again.
I really felt for both of these characters. This was easy to do because the author painted such a clear picture of both ends of the spectrum that they were on. I could definitely understand Sarah's frustration at feeling under appreciated and like all she does is clean up after kids all day. I certainly wouldn't want to be in that position either.
And yet, I can also really feel for Annie's character as well. She really wants to be a mother, even though her own mother is less than caring. And it definitely has to be difficult to be surrounded by your husband's family who keep asking when you'll have children all the time. The infertility issues take a big toll on her well being, her marriage, and her work life.
I really appreciate the fact that the infertility issue was brought up directly to both Annie and John's family. The reactions were less than stellar, on the family's part but I'm glad that the author wrote these scenes to show that it is okay to talk about as important issues as infertility and that they don't have to be hidden away all the time.
Speaking of the families, it felt to me like Sarah and Annie should have swapped families and they would have been happier. Each seemed to have a personality more suited to the others' families or things that they would like better, although Sarah's relationship with her mother was very strong.
While the exposition of the issues is great, and very detailed, the dialogue can be a bit stiff at times, which took away from the reading experience for me. Not a whole lot, but it was slightly noticeable. The dialogue seemed too proper, and didn't flow well. It would have been okay if the proper dialogue was used only for certain characters, like Annie, or her mother because of their strained relationship and Annie's mother's need for everything to be perfect. But the stiffness occurred with each character so the flow wasn't quite as smooth as I was hoping for.
I liked the element of the book club in the story as well. It was great to see all the different members come together, somewhat awkwardly, and discuss great books. It was fun to see their different personalities, and to see how they all bonded with one another, particularly Sarah and Annie. I was hoping that the book club might play a more significant role, actually. Maybe it will in the next book in the series.
Another issue that I had with the book was the pacing towards the end, and the lack of resolution at the end. I felt like the book was somewhat unfinished somehow. There are the major events that happened for Annie (I won't say what they are so that I don't spoil them.) Then, it flashes forward to a year later and it doesn't really expand on what's happened to her since then. And I'm one of those people who just has to know what happens to people, especially with issues as serious as these.
Despite the issues I had with the book, I really appreciate its' ability to make me think. It's a great book for women who are on the fence about having kids. It may or may not sway you one way or another but it'll definitely give you an equally clear perspective on both sides of the coin about parenting and what that really entails.
I want to thank WOW Blog Tours for letting me be a part of the tour and allowing me to review this book
*I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for this honest review.*
on October 8, 2012.
This book speaks to all women. Those who have children and those who don't. And for those of us who are thinking about it in the future, it gives you a very detailed picture of what having children can be like, and what a struggle that being a parent can be at times. It also gives you a painful look at the issue of infertility and the effect that can have on a family and a marriage.
Both Sarah and Annie are women who are struggling, but for very different reasons. Sarah is struggling with being a mom, while her husband is away all the time. She's the one left raising the kids, and enduring the endless monotony of housework, dirty diapers, and late nights with the kids. Her husband Tom works hard, to provide for them, but as most parents know, something's gotta give. So, he's rarely home, and when he is, all he wants to talk about is work.
Sarah feels under appreciated because he doesn't acknowledge what she does, or offer to help out. Tom thinks that she should be grateful that he provides for them all the way that he does. He does change his ways to help at times when Sarah brings it up, but then his next big project comes up and he's back to working away for long stretches again, and Sarah gets frustrated and starts feeling trapped again.
I really felt for both of these characters. This was easy to do because the author painted such a clear picture of both ends of the spectrum that they were on. I could definitely understand Sarah's frustration at feeling under appreciated and like all she does is clean up after kids all day. I certainly wouldn't want to be in that position either.
And yet, I can also really feel for Annie's character as well. She really wants to be a mother, even though her own mother is less than caring. And it definitely has to be difficult to be surrounded by your husband's family who keep asking when you'll have children all the time. The infertility issues take a big toll on her well being, her marriage, and her work life.
I really appreciate the fact that the infertility issue was brought up directly to both Annie and John's family. The reactions were less than stellar, on the family's part but I'm glad that the author wrote these scenes to show that it is okay to talk about as important issues as infertility and that they don't have to be hidden away all the time.
Speaking of the families, it felt to me like Sarah and Annie should have swapped families and they would have been happier. Each seemed to have a personality more suited to the others' families or things that they would like better, although Sarah's relationship with her mother was very strong.
While the exposition of the issues is great, and very detailed, the dialogue can be a bit stiff at times, which took away from the reading experience for me. Not a whole lot, but it was slightly noticeable. The dialogue seemed too proper, and didn't flow well. It would have been okay if the proper dialogue was used only for certain characters, like Annie, or her mother because of their strained relationship and Annie's mother's need for everything to be perfect. But the stiffness occurred with each character so the flow wasn't quite as smooth as I was hoping for.
I liked the element of the book club in the story as well. It was great to see all the different members come together, somewhat awkwardly, and discuss great books. It was fun to see their different personalities, and to see how they all bonded with one another, particularly Sarah and Annie. I was hoping that the book club might play a more significant role, actually. Maybe it will in the next book in the series.
Another issue that I had with the book was the pacing towards the end, and the lack of resolution at the end. I felt like the book was somewhat unfinished somehow. There are the major events that happened for Annie (I won't say what they are so that I don't spoil them.) Then, it flashes forward to a year later and it doesn't really expand on what's happened to her since then. And I'm one of those people who just has to know what happens to people, especially with issues as serious as these.
Despite the issues I had with the book, I really appreciate its' ability to make me think. It's a great book for women who are on the fence about having kids. It may or may not sway you one way or another but it'll definitely give you an equally clear perspective on both sides of the coin about parenting and what that really entails.
I want to thank WOW Blog Tours for letting me be a part of the tour and allowing me to review this book
*I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for this honest review.*
January 6, 2012
My review:
Karen Wojcik Berner’s book A Whisper to a Scream was a very good book. The author has created a story which many women can relate to and the book covers many issues which can be quite painful for women: infertility, choosing carrier versus having a family, being a stay-at-home-mom, marriage problems. In enjoyed the writing style which was easy to read, the narrative and the characters.
Regarding the plot:
A Whisper to a Scream introduces the reader to two main characters who seem to come from totally different world: Sarah, who is staying at home with two small kids and Annie who has so far chosen the carrier and would finally love to have kids, but needs to deal with infertility issues.
The lives and portrays of these two women are drawn as the stories goes, the reader gets to know the details of both Annie’s and Sarah’s lives, problems, challenges. Before they meet with each other reader already knows what problems they are facing.
What I loved about the plot was the way Annie and Sarah meet and how they seem so different in the beginning: Sarah has everything what Annie needs, but cannot get and Annie has the freedom which Sarah has forgotten about. Through the story they realize it’s all about choices and accepting the things that you cannot change and change the things you can.
I found the story was in one way heartbreaking and the other way heartwarming. I enjoyed their developing and the book was written in a way that made me feel for both women. I have never experienced personally what it means not to be able to get children, or what it means to stay at home with kids, but there were aspects from both women’s life that I knew and that made it extra enjoyable. It was believable and taken out of the real life and that is the reason what made it a very good read for me.
Regarding the characters:
I loved the main characters, even though I have to admit there were times I wanted to shake them and bring them back to earth! I loved them and I was annoyed by them, but the things is and it is also what makes this book easy to relate to – the situations were taken out of real life! Many people have experienced problems and challenges with their marriage, many people know what it means to have in-laws who are different from you, and many people know how difficult it can be to find the balance in your life.
Annie is a woman who has always wanted to have children and when she is ready for family, she can’t have what she wants. Infertility issues influence her life so much that she gets possessed about it. She forgets about the life around her and concentrates only about getting a baby. As mentioned above, I got so annoyed by her at times and couldn’t wait until she realized that the only thing to is to accept the cruel facts. Even though I was annoyed by her, I loved her character. She was one heck of a determined woman.
Sarah is at first look very different from Annie – she has two kids already. Sarah is a woman who is so tired of being alone with kids. Yes, she loved her kids, but she is suffocated by the fact that her husband is never there to help her and that she does not have time for herself – it’s all about kids and family.
The author did a fabulous job with the main characters and also with their families. I really enjoyed the lives of Annie and Sarah!
Generally:
Be very careful what you wish for, you might get it… and not like it at all. Or you realize through the process, that the wish itself wasn’t important, but the process itself and where the process leads you to.
I loved it and highly recommend A Whisper to a Scream to everybody who like contemporary literature!
5 stars.
Karen Wojcik Berner’s book A Whisper to a Scream was a very good book. The author has created a story which many women can relate to and the book covers many issues which can be quite painful for women: infertility, choosing carrier versus having a family, being a stay-at-home-mom, marriage problems. In enjoyed the writing style which was easy to read, the narrative and the characters.
Regarding the plot:
A Whisper to a Scream introduces the reader to two main characters who seem to come from totally different world: Sarah, who is staying at home with two small kids and Annie who has so far chosen the carrier and would finally love to have kids, but needs to deal with infertility issues.
The lives and portrays of these two women are drawn as the stories goes, the reader gets to know the details of both Annie’s and Sarah’s lives, problems, challenges. Before they meet with each other reader already knows what problems they are facing.
What I loved about the plot was the way Annie and Sarah meet and how they seem so different in the beginning: Sarah has everything what Annie needs, but cannot get and Annie has the freedom which Sarah has forgotten about. Through the story they realize it’s all about choices and accepting the things that you cannot change and change the things you can.
I found the story was in one way heartbreaking and the other way heartwarming. I enjoyed their developing and the book was written in a way that made me feel for both women. I have never experienced personally what it means not to be able to get children, or what it means to stay at home with kids, but there were aspects from both women’s life that I knew and that made it extra enjoyable. It was believable and taken out of the real life and that is the reason what made it a very good read for me.
Regarding the characters:
I loved the main characters, even though I have to admit there were times I wanted to shake them and bring them back to earth! I loved them and I was annoyed by them, but the things is and it is also what makes this book easy to relate to – the situations were taken out of real life! Many people have experienced problems and challenges with their marriage, many people know what it means to have in-laws who are different from you, and many people know how difficult it can be to find the balance in your life.
Annie is a woman who has always wanted to have children and when she is ready for family, she can’t have what she wants. Infertility issues influence her life so much that she gets possessed about it. She forgets about the life around her and concentrates only about getting a baby. As mentioned above, I got so annoyed by her at times and couldn’t wait until she realized that the only thing to is to accept the cruel facts. Even though I was annoyed by her, I loved her character. She was one heck of a determined woman.
Sarah is at first look very different from Annie – she has two kids already. Sarah is a woman who is so tired of being alone with kids. Yes, she loved her kids, but she is suffocated by the fact that her husband is never there to help her and that she does not have time for herself – it’s all about kids and family.
The author did a fabulous job with the main characters and also with their families. I really enjoyed the lives of Annie and Sarah!
Generally:
Be very careful what you wish for, you might get it… and not like it at all. Or you realize through the process, that the wish itself wasn’t important, but the process itself and where the process leads you to.
I loved it and highly recommend A Whisper to a Scream to everybody who like contemporary literature!
5 stars.
January 3, 2012
Overall I really enjoyed A Whisper to a Scream. I feel like Ms. Berner created two main characters that I could relate to even though I am in neither of their specific situations. I am not a stay-at-home mom with a husband on the road and I am not a want-to-be mom with fertility problems. I am a working mom with two children so that puts me somewhere between the two I guess, closer to the SAHM you would think, but then like Annie because I work.
I think that's what made A Whisper to a Scream really stand out to me is the relatability of the characters. I think as a woman (and for the most part this is a book that will appeal to women) no matter where you are at in life you will find something to relate to in both of these characters. Annie and Sarah are very real. They face hardships. They have ups, they have downs, they learn to celebrate the good and deal with the bad most of the time. I loved them. At times I wanted to strangle them but then I understood them. I always came back to understanding them, and then I always came back to loving them. Ms. Berner creates and brings to life wonderful characters and this is her strong suit in writing. Her characters were amazing to me.
Did I have some issues with the book, yes I did, but it didn't spoil my overall love of the book for it's characters. I will eagerly await the second in this series so I can see more of the characters and hopefully get to know more of The Bibliophiles (I'm guessing that is the intent of the series). One of my issues was that some things were paced wonderfully and then things were hurried up and tied up too quickly (or what I thought was too quickly). I wished that it was just a little more evenly paced plot-wise. Another issue I had was jumping around a bit between some of the minor characters. I liked learning about them, but sometimes it left me confused about who it was and why it would be important to the story. I liked having the back story, but by the end, I wished some of that space could have been used to pace the main stories out a little better. That said, again the characterizations are Ms. Berner's strong suit so these back stories really stand out and are memorable even if I had to ask myself who that character was in the framework of the story (who he or she was related to). I also wish I could have seen just a little more of the book club together, but that is a small wish and minor to things overall. These are all personal preferences and really minor in the scheme of how the book was to me and things that only came up after reading the book. While I read the book, I only had complete enjoyment and just kept thinking that I could relate to both women so well.
Overall this book was very much worth my time and yours if you enjoy novels that revolve around the characters. This isn't a happy-go-lucky novel, Sarah and Annie have tough issues to deal with, but in the end I like how they do it. I like that the book club brings them together. I read this book on New Year's Day and it was a great way to spend my afternoon. I went through some emotions but came out feeling happy not drained and eager to see what happens next for The Bibliophiles. I think A Whisper to a Scream is a good start for Karen Wojcik Berner and I'm interested to see where her writing takes her next.
I think that's what made A Whisper to a Scream really stand out to me is the relatability of the characters. I think as a woman (and for the most part this is a book that will appeal to women) no matter where you are at in life you will find something to relate to in both of these characters. Annie and Sarah are very real. They face hardships. They have ups, they have downs, they learn to celebrate the good and deal with the bad most of the time. I loved them. At times I wanted to strangle them but then I understood them. I always came back to understanding them, and then I always came back to loving them. Ms. Berner creates and brings to life wonderful characters and this is her strong suit in writing. Her characters were amazing to me.
Did I have some issues with the book, yes I did, but it didn't spoil my overall love of the book for it's characters. I will eagerly await the second in this series so I can see more of the characters and hopefully get to know more of The Bibliophiles (I'm guessing that is the intent of the series). One of my issues was that some things were paced wonderfully and then things were hurried up and tied up too quickly (or what I thought was too quickly). I wished that it was just a little more evenly paced plot-wise. Another issue I had was jumping around a bit between some of the minor characters. I liked learning about them, but sometimes it left me confused about who it was and why it would be important to the story. I liked having the back story, but by the end, I wished some of that space could have been used to pace the main stories out a little better. That said, again the characterizations are Ms. Berner's strong suit so these back stories really stand out and are memorable even if I had to ask myself who that character was in the framework of the story (who he or she was related to). I also wish I could have seen just a little more of the book club together, but that is a small wish and minor to things overall. These are all personal preferences and really minor in the scheme of how the book was to me and things that only came up after reading the book. While I read the book, I only had complete enjoyment and just kept thinking that I could relate to both women so well.
Overall this book was very much worth my time and yours if you enjoy novels that revolve around the characters. This isn't a happy-go-lucky novel, Sarah and Annie have tough issues to deal with, but in the end I like how they do it. I like that the book club brings them together. I read this book on New Year's Day and it was a great way to spend my afternoon. I went through some emotions but came out feeling happy not drained and eager to see what happens next for The Bibliophiles. I think A Whisper to a Scream is a good start for Karen Wojcik Berner and I'm interested to see where her writing takes her next.
November 23, 2011
A WHISPER TO A SCREAM by Karen Wojcik Barner
Published by CreateSpace
ISBN-10: 145659365X
ISBN-13: 978-1456593650
Genre: Women's Fiction
At the request of the author, Karen Wojcik Berner, and WOW Tours, a digital edition was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis (from WOW tours): Annie Jacobs has dreamed of the day she would become a mother since the first time she held her Baby Tenderlove doll. Unfortunately, biology has not cooperated with her plan, and she finds herself dealing with a diagnosis of unexplained infertility instead of picking out baby names.
Across town, stay-at-home mom Sarah Anderson is just trying to make it through the grocery store without her toddler hurling a box of rice at a fellow shopper. She is exhausted from managing the house, a first grader and a toddler, all without any help from her work-obsessed, absentee husband.
A Whisper to a Scream is the story of two women on opposite ends of the child-bearing spectrum who come to realize the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side of the fence. A vivid portrayal of contemporary marriage and its problems, the novel speaks to a longing in all of us, a yearning that might start as a vague notion, but eventually grows into an unbearable, vociferous cry.
My Thoughts and Opinion: I apologize in advance because I feel I need to start this review off with a caveat. I received this request during the period of my tornado of personal issues. I vaguely remember reading the synopsis, accepted to be a part of the tour but explained that I was not sure when I would be able to read and review the book. I was also told that this was the 1st book of what was going to be a series. When things settled down a bit, I picked up my Kindle, not remembering the premise of the book (one of the negatives of the Kindle-no back cover to read), but the title grabbed me thinking it was going to be a good suspense.
I was wrong. However, what pulled me in were the characters. Sarah and Annie, the 2 main women that the story revolved around became life like from the start. The author's description of their lives, their emotions, their families was written in such a style that this reader could actually empathize with some of their situations. I also liked and thought was a plus, especially from an avid book reader's opinion, was what and how brought these 2 ladies, from different backgrounds, 2 total strangers together and that it was a Book Club. This is the type of book where you get so engrossed with the characters' lives that you feel you become part of "the friendship". It was not a mystery, but the story held me captive due to circumstances in Annie and Sarah's lives and I needed to know what the outcome would be. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and look forward to the next in this series.
My Rating: 4
Published by CreateSpace
ISBN-10: 145659365X
ISBN-13: 978-1456593650
Genre: Women's Fiction
At the request of the author, Karen Wojcik Berner, and WOW Tours, a digital edition was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis (from WOW tours): Annie Jacobs has dreamed of the day she would become a mother since the first time she held her Baby Tenderlove doll. Unfortunately, biology has not cooperated with her plan, and she finds herself dealing with a diagnosis of unexplained infertility instead of picking out baby names.
Across town, stay-at-home mom Sarah Anderson is just trying to make it through the grocery store without her toddler hurling a box of rice at a fellow shopper. She is exhausted from managing the house, a first grader and a toddler, all without any help from her work-obsessed, absentee husband.
A Whisper to a Scream is the story of two women on opposite ends of the child-bearing spectrum who come to realize the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side of the fence. A vivid portrayal of contemporary marriage and its problems, the novel speaks to a longing in all of us, a yearning that might start as a vague notion, but eventually grows into an unbearable, vociferous cry.
My Thoughts and Opinion: I apologize in advance because I feel I need to start this review off with a caveat. I received this request during the period of my tornado of personal issues. I vaguely remember reading the synopsis, accepted to be a part of the tour but explained that I was not sure when I would be able to read and review the book. I was also told that this was the 1st book of what was going to be a series. When things settled down a bit, I picked up my Kindle, not remembering the premise of the book (one of the negatives of the Kindle-no back cover to read), but the title grabbed me thinking it was going to be a good suspense.
I was wrong. However, what pulled me in were the characters. Sarah and Annie, the 2 main women that the story revolved around became life like from the start. The author's description of their lives, their emotions, their families was written in such a style that this reader could actually empathize with some of their situations. I also liked and thought was a plus, especially from an avid book reader's opinion, was what and how brought these 2 ladies, from different backgrounds, 2 total strangers together and that it was a Book Club. This is the type of book where you get so engrossed with the characters' lives that you feel you become part of "the friendship". It was not a mystery, but the story held me captive due to circumstances in Annie and Sarah's lives and I needed to know what the outcome would be. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and look forward to the next in this series.
My Rating: 4
August 6, 2016
A Whisper to a Scream by Karen Wojcik Berner is the first book in The Bibliophiles series which is a great way to start with an author who is new to me. I was instantly drawn as I found the writing engaging and quite distinct. Moreover, the title “a whisper to a scream” really intrigued me. And I was keen to find out.
In the story, Karen Wojcik Berner paints the story of two diametrically opposite women, spinning a stark picture of life revolving around their lives. One of the two women is Sarah Anderson. She is married, having two wonderful children while her caring husband is devoting much time to his work to support the family. But things can go terribly wrong in a relationship. Sarah is committed to her children while her husband Tom immersed himself in his pursuit of success.
As time goes by, Sarah begins to harbor bitterness and grievance against Tom as he is never there to help. Tom too feels aggrieved as his wife is only concerned about the house, kitchen and their children, never giving a thought for his needs. Without the other knowing each other’s mind, the family put up a charade which is anything but stable and happy.
The other thread of the story follows Anne Jacobson who is married to John. Anne and John have enjoyed the blessings of life abundantly. Yet, their happiness is not complete. They are childless. Besieged by infertility, Anne’s obsession to have a child takes control of her life, forcing her to miss out on the beauty of life. The impractical quest for something which cannot be obtained resulted in disastrous consequences.
You may love or hate the two main protagonists Sarah and Anne but you cannot fail to sympathize, though at time it is a bit irritating at their dogged persistence. They are both members of a book club where they first met. Both of them are envious of each other, desirous of a life more like what the other has, thinking that the other is happy and leading a contented life. Yet, both hearts are aching. A Whisper to a Scream is a story that will inspire you to value what you have in life. It is a book worth reading and re-reading.
In the story, Karen Wojcik Berner paints the story of two diametrically opposite women, spinning a stark picture of life revolving around their lives. One of the two women is Sarah Anderson. She is married, having two wonderful children while her caring husband is devoting much time to his work to support the family. But things can go terribly wrong in a relationship. Sarah is committed to her children while her husband Tom immersed himself in his pursuit of success.
As time goes by, Sarah begins to harbor bitterness and grievance against Tom as he is never there to help. Tom too feels aggrieved as his wife is only concerned about the house, kitchen and their children, never giving a thought for his needs. Without the other knowing each other’s mind, the family put up a charade which is anything but stable and happy.
The other thread of the story follows Anne Jacobson who is married to John. Anne and John have enjoyed the blessings of life abundantly. Yet, their happiness is not complete. They are childless. Besieged by infertility, Anne’s obsession to have a child takes control of her life, forcing her to miss out on the beauty of life. The impractical quest for something which cannot be obtained resulted in disastrous consequences.
You may love or hate the two main protagonists Sarah and Anne but you cannot fail to sympathize, though at time it is a bit irritating at their dogged persistence. They are both members of a book club where they first met. Both of them are envious of each other, desirous of a life more like what the other has, thinking that the other is happy and leading a contented life. Yet, both hearts are aching. A Whisper to a Scream is a story that will inspire you to value what you have in life. It is a book worth reading and re-reading.
June 26, 2011
For some reason my brain wants to start this review with a cliché. Maybe something about greener grass, walking in shoes that aren’t yours, or even proper caution when making wishes. All might apply to the two protagonists in "A Whisper to a Scream." Each wishes for a life more like what the other has.
Despite their differences, Annie and Sarah were both characters I liked, which I think is important in a story like this. I wanted both to find a way to get their wish. I think that’s normal, to hope a friend, even a fictional friend, will realize a dream or meet a goal. One of the best ways to illustrate something is to use contrast or comparison – that opinion accounts for my tendency to overuse such words as but, however, and yet. As the story switches between the two characters, Berner shows us the contrast between Annie’s life and Sarah’s. Both are busy, yet fulfilling, although in different ways. Each wants something closer to what the other has, but has obstacles that are not entirely within their ability to overcome. Will they get what they want? I’m not telling.
After finishing "A Whisper to a Scream," different readers will probably come away with different messages. It might be one of appreciating the positives of your personal situation. It could be one of balance in life. Or you may come up with something on your own. Whatever your takeaway, I think you’ll find immersing yourself in the lives of Annie and Sarah is an experience worth having.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Despite their differences, Annie and Sarah were both characters I liked, which I think is important in a story like this. I wanted both to find a way to get their wish. I think that’s normal, to hope a friend, even a fictional friend, will realize a dream or meet a goal. One of the best ways to illustrate something is to use contrast or comparison – that opinion accounts for my tendency to overuse such words as but, however, and yet. As the story switches between the two characters, Berner shows us the contrast between Annie’s life and Sarah’s. Both are busy, yet fulfilling, although in different ways. Each wants something closer to what the other has, but has obstacles that are not entirely within their ability to overcome. Will they get what they want? I’m not telling.
After finishing "A Whisper to a Scream," different readers will probably come away with different messages. It might be one of appreciating the positives of your personal situation. It could be one of balance in life. Or you may come up with something on your own. Whatever your takeaway, I think you’ll find immersing yourself in the lives of Annie and Sarah is an experience worth having.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
June 11, 2010
A Whisper to a Scream takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This tale of two women, one already a mother and one who desperately wants to become a mother, accurately depicts the raw human emotion that comes with the prospect of becoming a parent. My heart ached for both Annie and Sarah as the course of their lives was altered by cruel fate. I admired the strength they showed despite everything they encountered. They both proved that what does not kill us truly does make us stronger. Karen's writing is smooth and entertaining, leading the reader right to the heart of the story. Her words tell us of the true strength of the human spirit.
October 6, 2013
I loved this book! I LOVED how this author draws you into her book and her characters. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to my friends who are interested in this type of storyline. I got this book free from Goodreads in a giveway and I thank them for it as I really enjoyed it!! I would love to read another book by this author in the near future as I really enjoyed it!!
September 3, 2011
I was disappointed by the abrupt ending with no real resolution. After being drawn into the lives of these two women, we're left feeling sad and lost. Hopefully the next book gives us a little more on these two and doesn't just turn completely to new characters.
January 20, 2012
3.0 out of 5 stars A well written, but painful shot of reality.I want to stick my head in the sand for a little bit longer!,
North American society has fostered an idyllic image of love, marriage, a perfect life and happy ever after as an ultimate and achievable ideal. This book is a much more realistic reflection of life issues that are all too often very real.
Anne Jacobson and Sarah Anderson both thought they had achieved the happily ever dream; they married the "prince" and life should play out perfectly. But now they are both faced with difficult realities.
Sarah Anderson has two beautiful children and a husband,who at first, is driven to succeed so he can give his family the things he thinks they want. But Tom loses himself in his work and Sarah gets lost in motherhood and the relationship starves. Truthfully, this often happens in life.
The husband sidesteps his parental responsibilities ( changing dirty diapers, wiping snotty noses, cleaning up vomit, comforting a sick or just plain whiney child), and society justifies his actions and honours his hard work.
The wife and mother throws herself into her role wholeheartedly; that is considered doing her job. She gives and gives of herself until she is utterly depleted as a person. Very often the only people who recognize what is happening to her are the women who have walked in her shoes.
Sarah loves her children, but comes to resent that Tom is never there to carry his share of the load at home. Tom resents that she has lost herself and immersed herself totally in the children. They both grow numb and accept their roles. They carry on and the chasm between them widens. Neither one of them take a stand; life just carries on and each member of the family unit loses out on the basic benefits of a balanced relationship.
Anne and John are married and in love. They have both enjoyed their careers, but time has crept up on them. Now the only thing they need to complete the perfect picture is as child; actually children.
They have been trying to get pregnant for two years but that goal has been defeated by an unknown infertility problem. Anne becomes obsessed with the need to have a child. It takes over her life. She loses sight of the wonderful things she has. She talks of nothing else and everything she does is driven by her unanswered need to have a child. She sees herself as a biological failure and feels that John blames her.
In my opinion, John is very understanding and supportive of her need, but in time he feels that they have to accept reality. However, Anne will not concede to this cruel twist of fate. She is determined to carry on with her pursuit, even if it bankrupts them emotionally and financially.
When Anne finally is driven to her knees by one more failure to become pregnant she knows she cannot bear the pain anymore. She is devastated and she pushes John farther away.
I certainly did not condone John's actions, but I did feel sorry for him. He did not set out to do more harm, but he made an irrevocable mistake, driven by his own pain, his own insecurities and the circumstances. John and Anne might have been able to work that problem out, if the result of it hadn't shredded the last remnant of Anne's self esteem, proving to her that she had been the defective link in their problem.
Berner exposed the raw pain and frustrations in Anne and Sarah's lives. Almost any woman who has been in a serious relationship can sympathize with what is happening to both of them. Either of these two women could be us, our daughter, our sister, our best friend or our neighbour.
Different people have different challenges in life, and every one of them deals with their challenge in their own way. Berner made these people so real that I couldn't help getting emotionally invested in them. For me this was not a "feel good" story.(I don't believe in the fairy tale perfect version of relationships, but I am a happy endings person). As an "arm chair psychologist" I was saddened by the choices they made; the things they allowed to happen. Both scenarios could have ended so differently, but as often happens in real life, they didn't.
For me this story was a well written shot of reality. I think we all need that once in a while. I would give this 4 stars for writing skills, but this book left me saddened;wanting something more. My God! How ironic is that!
August 9, 2011
Thank you to Ms. Berner and the Goodreads first reads giveaway for my copy of this book!
I read the back cover before I started in on the novel, and I was prepared to indulge in a book about a woman's struggle to get pregnant and the trials and tribulations she faces along the way. However, after a few chapters, I realized there was so much more to this novel than just the synopsis on the reverse side of the book. A Whisper to a Scream takes its readers on a journey, not just through one woman's life, but through the lives of another, along with each protagonist's friends and family. I kept waiting for their friendship to emerge, but the two don't meet until both of their back stories have been entirely established. I wondered for awhile if they would ever get together as more than casual book club acquaintances until I read another blurb about the book online that stated that the author was interested in exploring said back stories, and then I got it. With that piece of information in place, I was able to get into the lives of Annie and Sarah, and at the conclusion of the novel, I was left wanting more, to find out what would happen to them in the future. Of course, this is the first book in a series, which, to my understanding, will feature different members of the book club in each novel, but hopefully I will get some closure to the Sarah and Annie portions of the story in the follow-up portions of The Bibliophiles.
I read the back cover before I started in on the novel, and I was prepared to indulge in a book about a woman's struggle to get pregnant and the trials and tribulations she faces along the way. However, after a few chapters, I realized there was so much more to this novel than just the synopsis on the reverse side of the book. A Whisper to a Scream takes its readers on a journey, not just through one woman's life, but through the lives of another, along with each protagonist's friends and family. I kept waiting for their friendship to emerge, but the two don't meet until both of their back stories have been entirely established. I wondered for awhile if they would ever get together as more than casual book club acquaintances until I read another blurb about the book online that stated that the author was interested in exploring said back stories, and then I got it. With that piece of information in place, I was able to get into the lives of Annie and Sarah, and at the conclusion of the novel, I was left wanting more, to find out what would happen to them in the future. Of course, this is the first book in a series, which, to my understanding, will feature different members of the book club in each novel, but hopefully I will get some closure to the Sarah and Annie portions of the story in the follow-up portions of The Bibliophiles.
September 29, 2012
Karen sent me the first book in the Bibliophiles series. Whisper to a Scream is the first book about two women who share a similar frustration.
Synopsis:
Annie and Sarah both have something the other wants. Sarah is a mother of two looking for time for herself and help with the house and the children. Annie would give anything to have a child. Both women see a flyer that promotes a new book club commencing at the Community Center. They will be reading the classics. Will each woman capture the desire of her heart? How will they respond to disappointment?
My Thoughts:
This book evoked emotion and one could feel the frustration that each woman felt. I want to support and be the friend of both Sarah and Annie. The theme of this book is jealousy and comparisons we make. Sometimes it is very easy to judge someone else and not see how the grass is always greener on the other side. The writer did well to communicate the frustration and plotted well the story and length.
Who hasn’t made comparisons in one’s life? To write a very emotional story says something about the author. Who would you root for here Sarah or Annie? Who can identify with the types of struggles they went through?
Please visit Karen on Facebook and her website.
Synopsis:
Annie and Sarah both have something the other wants. Sarah is a mother of two looking for time for herself and help with the house and the children. Annie would give anything to have a child. Both women see a flyer that promotes a new book club commencing at the Community Center. They will be reading the classics. Will each woman capture the desire of her heart? How will they respond to disappointment?
My Thoughts:
This book evoked emotion and one could feel the frustration that each woman felt. I want to support and be the friend of both Sarah and Annie. The theme of this book is jealousy and comparisons we make. Sometimes it is very easy to judge someone else and not see how the grass is always greener on the other side. The writer did well to communicate the frustration and plotted well the story and length.
Who hasn’t made comparisons in one’s life? To write a very emotional story says something about the author. Who would you root for here Sarah or Annie? Who can identify with the types of struggles they went through?
Please visit Karen on Facebook and her website.
August 1, 2013
It's been a long while since I wrote a review, as life has a nasty habit of getting in the way of reading. Most of the books I have read lately have been pretty good, or very popular and well commented upon already. This book sadly didn't fall into the first category or the second. When I first sat down with it I had doubts about whether I wanted to carry on with it. The style was lumpy and I found myself having to re-read bits to make sense of them.
I liked the ideas in the blurb so I plodded on, but noticed jarring errors and struggled with changes of tense and jumps that were poorly signposted. I also could not find Annie likeable at all, and thought the Book club element was pretty minor, getting swamped by all the minutiae of the two women's families. The only character that I felt had any depth was mum of two Sarah, but even she could verge on annoying.
I hung on in there to the slightly predictable end, although it didn't feel much like an end as it just seemed to tail off, even with the epilogue.
I'm afraid I couldn't really find anything to redeem this and definitely won't be looking out others in the series.
I liked the ideas in the blurb so I plodded on, but noticed jarring errors and struggled with changes of tense and jumps that were poorly signposted. I also could not find Annie likeable at all, and thought the Book club element was pretty minor, getting swamped by all the minutiae of the two women's families. The only character that I felt had any depth was mum of two Sarah, but even she could verge on annoying.
I hung on in there to the slightly predictable end, although it didn't feel much like an end as it just seemed to tail off, even with the epilogue.
I'm afraid I couldn't really find anything to redeem this and definitely won't be looking out others in the series.
June 14, 2013
This book is the first of her "Bibliophiles" series, which is what made me pick it up. Ms Berner has a gift in making her characters so alive the pain they feel is communicated to the reader. It makes you squirm a bit, but so does reality.
The story of two women with polar opposite problems is intriguing. How could they become friends when each has what the other wants? I could relate to both women, despite not being in either "camp". I had expected some blatant character manipulation, but if there was, it was cleverly done and I missed it. The situations just rang so true.
A second edition of the book just came out, which is the version I just completed. Since the book is about members of a book club, the back of the book has questions that can be used in a group read by a book club. They really help a solo reader focus on the salient points, without being a spoiler if the book hasn't been finished.
I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series, and understand that the author is going to be publishing a third book in the series. Can't wait!
The story of two women with polar opposite problems is intriguing. How could they become friends when each has what the other wants? I could relate to both women, despite not being in either "camp". I had expected some blatant character manipulation, but if there was, it was cleverly done and I missed it. The situations just rang so true.
A second edition of the book just came out, which is the version I just completed. Since the book is about members of a book club, the back of the book has questions that can be used in a group read by a book club. They really help a solo reader focus on the salient points, without being a spoiler if the book hasn't been finished.
I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series, and understand that the author is going to be publishing a third book in the series. Can't wait!
February 19, 2015
Yes - The characters are part of a book club. No - there is very little connection between what they read and how life unfolds. They is very little paralleling between the texts they examine (only very very very briefly) and the private lives of the two women struggling in difficult (but common) situations. If you like soap opera or kitchen sink drama this book might work for you. I was fooled by the subtitle The Bibliophiles #1 - This is the first in the series so I struggled through waiting for the literature follows life thread or the life supercedes literature but the narrative just stopped. Both central protagonists finish up strong despite everything (a good message : I approve : strong women coping [mostly with stupid men ; how true]). Even then I expected more - I expected them to succeed in ALL areas of life (hey its a novel) - I picked up The Bibliophiles #2 wanting to read their further adventures BUT the series moves on to other characters in the book club.
Well written and situationally accurate just not my subject matter. Too much people : not enough books.
Well written and situationally accurate just not my subject matter. Too much people : not enough books.
October 14, 2012
Annie has always wanted children, and has married into a family whose abundant fertility taunts her at every holiday gathering. Sarah has two children she loves dearly, but the lack of focus, of purpose, of anything except being a mommy is slowly driving her insane.
What I loved: the characters are beautifully drawn, the reader can totally relate to the pain and frustration of each woman, the whole "grass is always greener syndrome," as well as showing how silly the whole "Mommy wars" are.
What slowed me down: they aren't stories, per se, with a beginning, middle, and end, more a pastiche of these women's lives. And though they are connected via their shared readers' group, there isn't an "a-ha!" moment where each realizes the grass ISN'T greener on the other side.
An interesting debut book from an author I am sure will continue to offer interesting work as time goes on.
What I loved: the characters are beautifully drawn, the reader can totally relate to the pain and frustration of each woman, the whole "grass is always greener syndrome," as well as showing how silly the whole "Mommy wars" are.
What slowed me down: they aren't stories, per se, with a beginning, middle, and end, more a pastiche of these women's lives. And though they are connected via their shared readers' group, there isn't an "a-ha!" moment where each realizes the grass ISN'T greener on the other side.
An interesting debut book from an author I am sure will continue to offer interesting work as time goes on.
August 24, 2013
Marriage is difficult at best under normal circumstances, but throw in the desire Annie has to have a baby, or having children and trying to raise them by yourself, as Sarah is doing, can overwhelming. When both women experience great loss, and one an additional betrayal, they gravitate to their little book club for quite reflection and comfort. With humor and sobering reality, each woman learns how to deal with the changes in their relationshipos. I enjoyed this book greatly. This is the first book I have read of Karen Wojcik Berner. I loved the hysterical banter the family members had with each other and the nick names only someone you are related to would give you. We can choose our friends, but not our family. This is the first of a series of books, and I look forward to the members story.
I received this complementary book from a Good Reads giveaway for my review.
I received this complementary book from a Good Reads giveaway for my review.
September 23, 2011
This book was a quick read. I felt for both of the women Sarah and Annie. I don't know if Annie's reaction to her infertility was over the top or not since I never went through that. At the same time I've never really dealt with the a marriage like Sarah's either. I do have to say I saw the "end" of Annie's story coming in a way. I figured out something was going to happen along the way that it did. I agree with some others about not liking how it ended. It didn't really wrap up a story line for either woman. Hopefully Karen will go back to them at a later date to fill us in on what happens now. I will continue to read this series to see what happens to the others.
November 18, 2013
I enjoyed seeing two women deal with the issues of having children. I was disappointed that the two stories did not intertwine more. The two women were not involved with each other as much as I expected.
The author did write the two main characters in such a way that I could relate to each of them. I felt sorry for them in different ways. I could see where each thought the other one had the better life.
I did not feel like the ending gave me a feeling of resolution. I know this is a series and may be followed up in the coming books, but I wanted these two characters to find some peace in their situations.
opesopinions.com
The author did write the two main characters in such a way that I could relate to each of them. I felt sorry for them in different ways. I could see where each thought the other one had the better life.
I did not feel like the ending gave me a feeling of resolution. I know this is a series and may be followed up in the coming books, but I wanted these two characters to find some peace in their situations.
opesopinions.com
September 19, 2012
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
Are you in a book club? How much do you know about the people in your book club? After reading this book, I thought I knew my fellow book clubbers really well, but after reading this book I wonder what I don't know about the women in both of my book clubs. This is the first in a series that doesn't start but ends up centered around two women who are in a book club together. They both are dealing with marriages that are hitting valleys in different reasons.
Are you in a book club? How much do you know about the people in your book club? After reading this book, I thought I knew my fellow book clubbers really well, but after reading this book I wonder what I don't know about the women in both of my book clubs. This is the first in a series that doesn't start but ends up centered around two women who are in a book club together. They both are dealing with marriages that are hitting valleys in different reasons.
January 30, 2012
I also felt like I read an unfinished book.
I completed the book because I related to Sarah so well but nothing was resolved for these two women and so much more could have been said about their relationship with each other. That part was not very well developed.
It was more of a sketchy outline than a novel. I think it had the potential to be so much more.
I realize this review is harsh, but I spent hours reading it waiting for something to happen that never did.
I completed the book because I related to Sarah so well but nothing was resolved for these two women and so much more could have been said about their relationship with each other. That part was not very well developed.
It was more of a sketchy outline than a novel. I think it had the potential to be so much more.
I realize this review is harsh, but I spent hours reading it waiting for something to happen that never did.
January 21, 2014
It drives me crazy when a book and its characters are so promising and then the story just ends abruptly. I understand series stories- you want people to be interested in buying the next book where the story continues. However, each book needs to be a complete story on it's own, with it's own ending/closure- or the reader feels ripped off, as I did. It's not good story telling.
June 3, 2015
AFTER RECEIVING A COPY OF THE THIRD IN THIS SERIES AND LOVING IT, I WAS ANTICIPATING READING THE OTHER TWO. THIS ONE WAS NOT UP TO THE SAME DEGREE AS THE THIRD ONE. THERE WAS NOT MUCH TO GARNER ITS INCLUSION IN A "BIBLIOPHILES" SERIES. I WOULD EXPECT MORE ABOUT BOOKS AND READING AND THE IMPORTANCE IN THE LIVES OF THE CHARACTERS. IT WAS A GOOD STORY, BUT NOT UP TO EXPECTATIONS.
July 8, 2011
I feel like I just read an unfinished book. We are pulled into the lives of these two women and in the last chapter we get a fast forward and no real resolution.
Read
January 11, 2012I tried to read this, I really did, but I just couldn't get into it. Maybe I'll try it another time.
Did Not Finish (DNF).
Did Not Finish (DNF).
September 23, 2012
I enjoyed this but didn't like how it ended. no answers very open ended.
Read
October 6, 2012review to come
January 11, 2013
Believable characters in a very readable contemporary novel about women, marriage, careers, family, and tough choices that have to be made.
June 5, 2013
I wasn't to thrilled with this book. I'm not sure what I was looking for but it didn't keep me going.
March 1, 2014
I didn't like much, slow and somewhat boring. it was struggle to get through.
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