Perception

by D. Jean Quarles

What happens when we die? Is it the end of everything? Or another beginning? Greg lost his wife in a tragic accident and can't seem to move on. Rachel's young son was killed, and now she has faced the death of her marriage. Both are asking the question we all wonder about - what happens to our loved ones after death?

They find answers they never expected. Perhaps there is more. And coincidences, well maybe they are not really all that random - perhaps everything depends upon your perception.

263 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2011

About the author

D. Jean Quarles is the author of Rocky's Mountains, Fire in the Hole, Perception and, most recently, Solem. An award-winning author of the short story, The Mermaid, which can be found in Tales from a Sweltering City, she has merged her love of a good story with great locations. From the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest, while never too far from Wyoming and Minnesota, D. Jean's tales draw you in, take you for a ride and leave you breathless. She is also the co-author of the young adult series, Exodus.

She currently resides in Alexandria, MN with her husband and many dogs.

Reviews

[T.A. Munroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something I enjoy the most about this author's work is the settings. Although not overly detailed in this book, I had a distinct flavor for each of the places her characters took us. The story involves two people in pain trying to make sense of their losses and move on with life but their lost loved ones make that difficult. Their search to understand gives them what they seek.Written with sensitivity and grace, Perception is a story that will please the romantic and searcher in many readers.

[Robert Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had good twists. The detailed look into the Norwegian culture was refreshing. It was expertly fleshed-out by the author and had vivid imagery of dreary lives during a time of transition to the America. I never anticipated the end.

[Melinda Brasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book raises questions about communication with the dead, life after death, and whether there are really any coincidences. It's both entertaining and thought-provoking. Unlike some books which deal in big questions, the characters are still the focal point of the story, instead of props for a philosophical exploration. The characters are lovable but not perfect, and I felt their grief, their hope, and their happiness.

Small quibbles with the writing style: Quarles doesn't use all the past tenses available to her, so there are a few awkward or temporarily confusing bits. In dialogue, most or all of her American characters say, "I've a car" instead of "I've got a car" or "I have a car." I'm not sure I know any Americans who regularly use the "I've a [fill in the blank]" construction. It's a little thing, but it tends to come up in conversation a lot, and it kept tripping me up. Otherwise, the writing is very smooth, with some really nice descriptions and powerful passages.

The plot and pacing are very good, and the way Quarles shows the characters' grief in the beginning is exceptional. The ending, too, is pitch perfect, and the ride along the way is enjoyable. I loved the scientific and philosophical details about psychic phenomena.

This is an interesting, thought-provoking read, and I especially recommend it if you've ever wondered whether your loved ones have tried to communicate with you from the world beyond.

[Amy Barney-farina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, easy to read book!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started out a bit jumpy, I had to go back a few times in the beginning to keep my bearings on the characters. That being said, after the first time I did that with each character, I was fine and totally hooked. I related to the storyline, making it that much more enjoyable to me. I found myself smiling as I read, and came away with feeling content, more firm in my "Perceptions", also realizing some that I had put off or 'not noticed'. I have several very close and dear friends I will share this one with, and I highly recommend this to anyone who has ever felt they "lost" a loved one. I only gave it four stars for the jumpy start, but please do not let that keep you from reading this! and the ending??? Yes, Amazing.

[amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

and a half