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This Is What I Want by Craig Lancaster
In the sweltering heat of a Montana July, the small town of Grandview readies for its annual Jamboree. The event is meant to celebrate community, but this year tensions boil over, threatening to tear the town, and a family, apart. Sam Kelvig, a third-generation resident, will do just about anything to protect Grandview from the influx of new oil money and the strangers chasing it. Meanwhile, his restless wife, Patricia, wearies of the constraints of marriage to a man who is so tied to his community; Sam’s estranged son, Norby, has reluctantly returned home despite the family’s struggle with accepting his sexuality; Henrik, Sam’s volatile brother, is looking for any easy opportunity; and Blanche, the family matriarch, only wants a bit of peace before she dies. As Jamboree goes into full swing, the disputes and desires of the Kelvigs―and their friends and neighbors―collide, fueled by both longtime resentments and an irrepressible hope to preserve their family and hometown.
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First published July 28, 2015
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About the author
Craig Lancaster
29 books427 followersWhen Craig Lancaster moved to Montana in 2006, at the age of 36, it was the realization of a dream he’d harbored since childhood, one that he figured had been overtaken by events, as so many dreams are.
“I have these incredibly vivid memories of visiting Montana with my folks on family vacations, and following my dad, an itinerant laborer who worked in the oil and gas fields of the West when I was a kid,” Lancaster says. “It was such a vast, beautiful, overwhelming place. From the first time I saw Montana, I wanted to be a part of it.”
Craig was born on February 9th, 1970, in Lakewood, Washington. Adopted at birth, he grew up in suburban Fort Worth, Texas, with his mother and stepfather and siblings. His stepfather, Charles Clines, was a longtime sportswriter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a connection that led to Craig’s career as a journalist, a profession he followed to a series of newspaper jobs across the country — Texas, Alaska, Kentucky, Ohio, Washington, California and, finally, Montana.
A couple of years after Craig’s arrival in the Big Sky State, he began chasing another long-held dream: that of writing novels. His first completed novel, 600 Hours of Edward, was born in the crucible of National Novel Writing Month, that every-November free-for-all of furious writing. He completed an entire first draft, nearly 80,000 words, in November 2008. In October 2009, it was published by Riverbend Publishing of Helena, Montana, and has since gone on to be selected as a Montana Honor Book and a High Plains Book Award winner.
His follow-up, The Summer Son, was released in January 2011 by AmazonEncore, to similar acclaim. Booklist called the new novel “a classic western tale of rough lives and gruff, dangerous men, of innocence betrayed and long, stumbling journeys to love.”
Lancaster’s work delves deeply below the surface of its characters, teasing out the desires and motivations that lead us through our lives.
“It’s all too easy to turn people into caricatures, but the truth is, we humans are pretty damned fascinating,” he says. “For me, fiction is a way at getting at truth. I use it to examine the world around me, the things that disturb me, the questions I have about life — whether my own or someone else’s. My hope is that someone reading my work will have their own emotional experience and bring their own thoughts to what they read on the page. When I’m asked what my stories mean, my inclination is turn the question around: What do they mean to you?”
“I have these incredibly vivid memories of visiting Montana with my folks on family vacations, and following my dad, an itinerant laborer who worked in the oil and gas fields of the West when I was a kid,” Lancaster says. “It was such a vast, beautiful, overwhelming place. From the first time I saw Montana, I wanted to be a part of it.”
Craig was born on February 9th, 1970, in Lakewood, Washington. Adopted at birth, he grew up in suburban Fort Worth, Texas, with his mother and stepfather and siblings. His stepfather, Charles Clines, was a longtime sportswriter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a connection that led to Craig’s career as a journalist, a profession he followed to a series of newspaper jobs across the country — Texas, Alaska, Kentucky, Ohio, Washington, California and, finally, Montana.
A couple of years after Craig’s arrival in the Big Sky State, he began chasing another long-held dream: that of writing novels. His first completed novel, 600 Hours of Edward, was born in the crucible of National Novel Writing Month, that every-November free-for-all of furious writing. He completed an entire first draft, nearly 80,000 words, in November 2008. In October 2009, it was published by Riverbend Publishing of Helena, Montana, and has since gone on to be selected as a Montana Honor Book and a High Plains Book Award winner.
His follow-up, The Summer Son, was released in January 2011 by AmazonEncore, to similar acclaim. Booklist called the new novel “a classic western tale of rough lives and gruff, dangerous men, of innocence betrayed and long, stumbling journeys to love.”
Lancaster’s work delves deeply below the surface of its characters, teasing out the desires and motivations that lead us through our lives.
“It’s all too easy to turn people into caricatures, but the truth is, we humans are pretty damned fascinating,” he says. “For me, fiction is a way at getting at truth. I use it to examine the world around me, the things that disturb me, the questions I have about life — whether my own or someone else’s. My hope is that someone reading my work will have their own emotional experience and bring their own thoughts to what they read on the page. When I’m asked what my stories mean, my inclination is turn the question around: What do they mean to you?”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 26, 2022
This book wasn't for me unfortunately. Not a single sentence held my attention.
I loved the 600 Hours of Edward trilogy by this author and was so looking forward to trying his other works but sadly I didn't care for the characters or the plot of this one.
I also found it super confusing having two characters with the same name and one of them testing out a new name. I don't feel this was a great choice by the author.
Two stars.
At the time of posting this book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
I loved the 600 Hours of Edward trilogy by this author and was so looking forward to trying his other works but sadly I didn't care for the characters or the plot of this one.
I also found it super confusing having two characters with the same name and one of them testing out a new name. I don't feel this was a great choice by the author.
Two stars.
At the time of posting this book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
July 28, 2015
I really liked this story although it took me a while to get into into it. Since the setting takes place in a small town in Montana, population of almost 700, there were a lot of characters for the author to introduce. Not all 700, just the important ones. Duh!
After I finally figured out who was who, I really got into it. Small towns can be nothing but gossip mills and there's always some asshole who thinks he owns the town and makes all the rules. Grandview, the setting of this story was such a place. A lot of the story also dealt with the Jamboree which was an annual event the town had that brought in people from the surrounding small towns.
Anyways, this book was about the small town, the people of the small town, small town gossip, family traditions and values, emotional baggage, a son coming out of the closet, family problems, and a new cop that tried to uphold the law but was continuously interrupted by the asshole mayor. Yeah, that's it in a nutshell, mostly. And, it was a great book. I did not like the ending as I wasn't ready to leave Grandview, but I suppose every book must come to an end.
I want to thank Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this very poignant and entertaining book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
After I finally figured out who was who, I really got into it. Small towns can be nothing but gossip mills and there's always some asshole who thinks he owns the town and makes all the rules. Grandview, the setting of this story was such a place. A lot of the story also dealt with the Jamboree which was an annual event the town had that brought in people from the surrounding small towns.
Anyways, this book was about the small town, the people of the small town, small town gossip, family traditions and values, emotional baggage, a son coming out of the closet, family problems, and a new cop that tried to uphold the law but was continuously interrupted by the asshole mayor. Yeah, that's it in a nutshell, mostly. And, it was a great book. I did not like the ending as I wasn't ready to leave Grandview, but I suppose every book must come to an end.
I want to thank Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this very poignant and entertaining book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
April 30, 2019
I took great comfort in this novel. The writing of Craig Lancaster is like a very well worn shirt that I would happily wear every day of the week. I'll be back to write more about this when I am less tired.
Over and out,
Pam
Over and out,
Pam
August 29, 2015
I've been a big fan of Craig Lancaster since "600 Hours of Edward." I have read all of his books, and really enjoyed them except for his collection of stories. But this book was totally unsatisfying.
The book started out slowly and complicated. There were so many key characters that I couldn't keep track of all the balls in the air. But I finally got that straightened out in my mind. Anyone who has read Lancaster's work knows he does a masterful job of describing his characters. However, he relied so much on profanity and vulgarity that it shaded so much that it left few likable characters in the whole novel. The language was excessive and totally unnecessary. But I was still basically enjoying the story.
But the conclusion ruined the whole experience. I should say the "non-conclusion." He had several sub-plots going. But I got to the end and the whole thing ended in mid-air. None of these sub-plots were resolved, and the book ended with many more questions than answers.
The book started out slowly and complicated. There were so many key characters that I couldn't keep track of all the balls in the air. But I finally got that straightened out in my mind. Anyone who has read Lancaster's work knows he does a masterful job of describing his characters. However, he relied so much on profanity and vulgarity that it shaded so much that it left few likable characters in the whole novel. The language was excessive and totally unnecessary. But I was still basically enjoying the story.
But the conclusion ruined the whole experience. I should say the "non-conclusion." He had several sub-plots going. But I got to the end and the whole thing ended in mid-air. None of these sub-plots were resolved, and the book ended with many more questions than answers.
February 11, 2018
A weekend-long slice of life in small-town Montana. Instead of conventional dramatic structure, in this book you'll find a montage of completely believable characters re-evaluating what they know about themselves and each other. I couldn't help but speculate beyond the ending and I hope there will be a sequel.
February 7, 2017
Once again Craig Lancaster has written a wonderful character driven story with vivid descriptions of the town and the atmosphere around the Jamboree weekend. Despite the book only covering the events of a few days there is a lot going on and a number of socical issues are touched on: sexuality, sibling rivalry, small town politics and corruption.
I did feel that the ending was rather abrupt and would have liked to have known more about certain characters and how things were going to pan out for them but nevertheless I really enjoyed the book and relaxed straight into Craig Lancaster's wonderful storytelling.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book . (less)
I did feel that the ending was rather abrupt and would have liked to have known more about certain characters and how things were going to pan out for them but nevertheless I really enjoyed the book and relaxed straight into Craig Lancaster's wonderful storytelling.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book . (less)
October 1, 2015
Craig Lancaster has a real talent for writing about small town life. Having grown up in a small town that grappled with welcome or unwelcome (depending on your viewpoint) outside influences, it seemed as if he was writing about my town. He is also very skilled at getting inside the hearts and minds of the characters. This book was my introduction to Mr. Lancaster and I’ll definitely be reading more of his work.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
August 8, 2015
I enjoyed this story of a family and town, in Montana, during its annual Jubilee. The father's character was a bit hard to warm up to but you could understand him. I think the story was very true to life. A good read.
August 11, 2015
ust finished This is What I Want by Craig Lancaster. I grew up in a small town and TIWIW brought back some warm memories. Enjoyable light read. 3.7
July 14, 2017
This is What I Want is a family saga compressed into the events of one weekend in a small Montana town. The Kelvig family are entwined in the life of Grandview, especially when it comes to the 'Jamboree' weekend, which prodigal, gay, son Samuel returns for. The complex and broken relationships within the family are set against a backdrop of both small town celebration, and threats to small-town Western life from outsiders and oil. This all makes for an enthralling, combustive combination, which gripped me from the start. This is a book in which quite a lot happens, yet the focus is always on the characters, and I finished the book wanting to know more about all of them. Lancaster's writing is full of vivd descriptions, and I really enjoyed the multiple narrative perspectives, however they did make the book feel rather disjointed in places.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2023
I think Craig Lancaster is an excellent writer. His prose flows beautifully, and his dialogue sounds real.
Unfortunately, I think in this case he tried to do too much. The reader is asked to follow the trajectory of several characters, and, in the end, only a couple of these character arcs are resolved in any satisfying way. Several plot lines are not revisited, and simply dropped. I found that very disappointing. And, because there were so many main characters, they were not drawn sufficiently to help us root for any of them.
So, three stars for Lancaster's reliably tight writing. Two empty stars for an unfinished novel.
Unfortunately, I think in this case he tried to do too much. The reader is asked to follow the trajectory of several characters, and, in the end, only a couple of these character arcs are resolved in any satisfying way. Several plot lines are not revisited, and simply dropped. I found that very disappointing. And, because there were so many main characters, they were not drawn sufficiently to help us root for any of them.
So, three stars for Lancaster's reliably tight writing. Two empty stars for an unfinished novel.
June 4, 2022
GRANDVILLE ISN'T AS GRAND AS IT SEEMS TO BE I DIDN'T LIKE ANYONE WHO LIVED THERE. UNDERNEATH IT'S A HORRIBLE LITTLE TOWN FILLED WITH ALOT OF COMPLEX CHARACTER'S. IT'S NOT QUITE QUAINT AS IT APPEARS.
IV'E READ THIS AUTHOR BEFORE "600HRS OF EDWARD", "EDWARD ADRIFT" AND "EDWARD UNSPOOLED", ALL THREE WERE MAGNIFICENT AND I ENJOYED THEM ALL, THIS WASN'T AS GOOD AS THEY WERE. IT WAS NOT BAD BUT THE ENDING COULD HAVE NO SHOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER. I HATED THE SHITTY ABRUPT ENDING IT NEEDED AN EPILOG REAL BAD, JUST LEFT ME HANGING. ;<
IV'E READ THIS AUTHOR BEFORE "600HRS OF EDWARD", "EDWARD ADRIFT" AND "EDWARD UNSPOOLED", ALL THREE WERE MAGNIFICENT AND I ENJOYED THEM ALL, THIS WASN'T AS GOOD AS THEY WERE. IT WAS NOT BAD BUT THE ENDING COULD HAVE NO SHOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER. I HATED THE SHITTY ABRUPT ENDING IT NEEDED AN EPILOG REAL BAD, JUST LEFT ME HANGING. ;<
April 30, 2021
A Good Hometown Read
There is a lot going on in this sleepy town in eastern Montana. Many memorable characters as they gather for an annual celebration. I enjoyed the inter workings of the town and the drama caused by a few bad seeds, but no one is completely innocent. 3-1/2 stars!
There is a lot going on in this sleepy town in eastern Montana. Many memorable characters as they gather for an annual celebration. I enjoyed the inter workings of the town and the drama caused by a few bad seeds, but no one is completely innocent. 3-1/2 stars!
July 9, 2017
Loved this book
I chose a 4 star rating because of the way this book was written. Kudos to Me Lancaster. Made me homesick for the little town I lived for a while. What a great story.
I chose a 4 star rating because of the way this book was written. Kudos to Me Lancaster. Made me homesick for the little town I lived for a while. What a great story.
September 15, 2017
Meh. Small-town soap opera that isn't particularly interesting. Apparently this author has a following, so maybe this will be better-received by his fans.
March 23, 2018
Love this author. Edward books much better but this one holds its own. Small town life. Worth a read
June 15, 2020
Did not love this book. I really enjoyed the three other books I read by this author, but this one just didn’t speak to me.
December 23, 2016
Bit disappointing after his excellent "Edward" series.
July 20, 2015
I have to admit that it did take a while to really get into this book. I don't know why, maybe I got in a pickle with the characters, may be the writing style I really can't explain but all I do know is that it didn't really take too long until I was completely immersed into the lives of the people who live in Grandview Montana during their annual Jambouree.
The book focuses mainly on the Kelvig family who are in charge of running the Jambouree. Sam who just wants things to run smoothly, concerned about the neighbouring oil-fields and the trouble that can cause, Patricia who is pretty fed up of being ignore by Sam, Blanch who pretty much just wants to die and Norby, estranged son returning to the small town he has sucessfully escaped.
Thrown into the mix are several other major players - an author whose return threatens to upset the delicate balance of life for two characters, a rather dodgy Mayor whose main thoughts regarding Jambouree is how much money he can make from it, a female Police Chief who wants to stick to the law rather than adopting "small town values" and a black-sheep brother who also threatens the overall status quo of the family. There are also a whole host of other players who contribute in various ways along the way.
There are a lot of characters but each and every one is unique and they all contribute something to the overall storyline which despite only being set over a long weekend really did give me a pretty full picture of life in Grandview and the workings of this fictional small-town along with the secrets, lies and intrigue that threaten its existence. The beautiful descriptions of the setting the author gave me, also helped to bring this place completely to life.
All in all, I am glad I persevered with the issues I initially had. Otherwise I would have missed out on what was, to me, a really good read.
This author is now on my watch list. In fact, I have already downloaded another of his books already!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book focuses mainly on the Kelvig family who are in charge of running the Jambouree. Sam who just wants things to run smoothly, concerned about the neighbouring oil-fields and the trouble that can cause, Patricia who is pretty fed up of being ignore by Sam, Blanch who pretty much just wants to die and Norby, estranged son returning to the small town he has sucessfully escaped.
Thrown into the mix are several other major players - an author whose return threatens to upset the delicate balance of life for two characters, a rather dodgy Mayor whose main thoughts regarding Jambouree is how much money he can make from it, a female Police Chief who wants to stick to the law rather than adopting "small town values" and a black-sheep brother who also threatens the overall status quo of the family. There are also a whole host of other players who contribute in various ways along the way.
There are a lot of characters but each and every one is unique and they all contribute something to the overall storyline which despite only being set over a long weekend really did give me a pretty full picture of life in Grandview and the workings of this fictional small-town along with the secrets, lies and intrigue that threaten its existence. The beautiful descriptions of the setting the author gave me, also helped to bring this place completely to life.
All in all, I am glad I persevered with the issues I initially had. Otherwise I would have missed out on what was, to me, a really good read.
This author is now on my watch list. In fact, I have already downloaded another of his books already!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2015
1 small town, 600 residents, and a weekend Jamboree that had been an annual event for more than 10 years. What could be so interesting? Well, it was summed up quite nicely by one of the characters in the book, Omar: "How was it that life as he knew it three days ago seemed so much simpler than what he saw ahead of him now, with its infinite complications?" The amazing feat was that none of the changes that took place in the lives of the people of Grandview seemed unrealistic. But as real life is complicated and messy, so were the relationships of the characters in Mr. Lancaster's book. There is a wife questioning her choice of husband and possibly some infidelity, a son who is uncomfortable coming home, a mayor who epitomizes the caricature of the crooked politician, the mother who is tired and ready for the afterlife, the green police chief, and so many other rich characters. I was almost sad that we only spent one weekend with them.
I have never read any of his writings before but will definitely be on the look out for them now. I liked how the story was told in chapters that changed between the characters so that not only did you learn about that individual but how they felt about their relationships with the other characters in the book.
I received a preview copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an objective review.
I have never read any of his writings before but will definitely be on the look out for them now. I liked how the story was told in chapters that changed between the characters so that not only did you learn about that individual but how they felt about their relationships with the other characters in the book.
I received a preview copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an objective review.
July 10, 2015
I've been a Craig Lancaster fan ever since I read "600 Hours of Edward" (and can't wait for book 3 of Edward!!!). His latest book simply reinforces my love of the author's writing. Craig Lancaster creates a poignant picture of small town America. The entire plot takes place over the annual Jamboree weekend in a small Midwestern town mainly focusing on one family in particular.
It took me a little to get into this book, as the setting and lots of characters, which all seemed very authentic, are introduced. At the beginning, it seems like a light, entertaining story, but stick with it, and by halfway through, it turns into something much darker and deeper. It actually had me in tears at one point. There is a lot going on! And a lot of issues are raised: life and death, gender and race, family and parenting, politics and law enforcement...
This could make a good book for a book club to discuss.
For me, the ending was rather abrupt, as I still wanted to find out what was going to happen to some of the people and needed 'closure' for some of the events that happened. But maybe that way, there could be a sequel?
I received a complimentary copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
It took me a little to get into this book, as the setting and lots of characters, which all seemed very authentic, are introduced. At the beginning, it seems like a light, entertaining story, but stick with it, and by halfway through, it turns into something much darker and deeper. It actually had me in tears at one point. There is a lot going on! And a lot of issues are raised: life and death, gender and race, family and parenting, politics and law enforcement...
This could make a good book for a book club to discuss.
For me, the ending was rather abrupt, as I still wanted to find out what was going to happen to some of the people and needed 'closure' for some of the events that happened. But maybe that way, there could be a sequel?
I received a complimentary copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 23, 2015
As the town of Grandview Montana holds it's annual Jambouree things start to fall apart for the town and for the family of Samual Kelvig things start out fine but then things take a turn for the worse. You have a ringside seat to see the slow slide of trust being lost and slow boiling resentment. The only seemingly reasonable person is the newly elected sheriff that wonders just what is wrong with the residents of Grandview.
Craig paints a portrait of a family in collapse over the course of a weekend. He tells it in what I call, down home writing, writing that fits small town life and describes everything perfectly. The tone and pitch of the story is well written for the enviroment of where it is happening and makes you feel that you are standing on the sidelines watching.
I have read other books by Craig Lancaster and have thoroughly enjoyed each one and this is another well written and believable read.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Craig paints a portrait of a family in collapse over the course of a weekend. He tells it in what I call, down home writing, writing that fits small town life and describes everything perfectly. The tone and pitch of the story is well written for the enviroment of where it is happening and makes you feel that you are standing on the sidelines watching.
I have read other books by Craig Lancaster and have thoroughly enjoyed each one and this is another well written and believable read.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 13, 2015
I love Craig Lancaster's books and while this one took a little getting into, it didn't disappoint. One of the strengths of this author's writing is his ability to build complete characters and this book has a lot of characters, each chapter being given over to a character's perspective. It took about one third of the book before I really got to grips with everyone and their stories. However, once I had it all straight in my mind I found the book to be emotional and interesting. I have been left with a very clear image of the town of Grandview in my head and a real understanding of the characters. As a study of a short period of time in a small location focused on several characters this was near perfect. I assume the ending will be one you either love it or hate and I loved it! I don't want to give it away but I love the fact that life just goes on ...
July 11, 2015
This is a beautifully realized visit with a small town on the occasion of its annual celebration. Only this year, more than the normal amount of festivity related chaos will transpire for one family in particular. The author uses one family's deepest secrets as a vantage point to understand the entire town and several generations of American lives. The story does seem to gather strength and pacing after about the first quarter; the various storylines and secrets become quite compelling and engaging. This book is fascinating with well-developed characters and vignettes that keep readers glued to the pages right to the very last one. This is one visit the reader will not want to end. I received my copy from NetGalley and the publisher.
August 11, 2015
A small Montana town, Grandview, gathers for its annual Jamboree, a gathering that celebrates the town and those who live there. The Kelvig family is set to boil. Just a match and some gasoline and it could all go boom! The private turmoils of the family members, as well as those of friends and neighbors, bring together a unique situation when the town and all it stands for and with begins to change with the influx of big oil money into the small, placid town. All good things come to an end, but is that true? Or can the residents of Grandview and the Kelvigs, come out of the Jamboree with lives and hearts intact? Find out. Read it.
Full review of this at: https://generationgbooks.wordpress.co...
Full review of this at: https://generationgbooks.wordpress.co...
May 4, 2018
I enjoy family dramas, and I enjoy Craig Lancaster’s writing, so choosing this book was a no-brainer for me. It’s set in a small Montana town and centers around events surrounding the upcoming Jamboree celebrating the town. It’s July, and family secrets and resentments come to a boil, as do differing ideas for the future of the small town of Grandview, as the temperature soars. As usual, Lancaster paints his pictures of the locale and his characters beautifully. He even gives us a little mystery to solve. I very much enjoyed reading this one, and look forward to whatever Craig Lancaster writes in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing a copy for an unbiased review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing a copy for an unbiased review.
May 4, 2016
My Mom is from eastern Montana (one of the town mentioned in the book, in fact) and I think that connection made this novel more enjoyable for me. This touches on the headaches that have come from the oil boom in ND, but truly, the issues are those present in *any* small town: a few people who run the show and don't think the rules apply to them.
This started slow, but did eventually draw me in, and I enjoyed getting to know the Kelvig family. I liked that it wasn't all sunshine and roses, but the ending was a bit unsatisfactory (a LOT of loose ends) that feels like it's just a set-up for another novel. And yes, I'd read it
This started slow, but did eventually draw me in, and I enjoyed getting to know the Kelvig family. I liked that it wasn't all sunshine and roses, but the ending was a bit unsatisfactory (a LOT of loose ends) that feels like it's just a set-up for another novel. And yes, I'd read it
September 28, 2015
As a lucky winner of a free copy of "This Is What I Want," I was very happy to read this story. Overall, it is very well written, the characters are believable despite their small town quirks. However, as I neared the end of the book, I felt something was definitely missing. The final actions of several characters were somewhat mystifying. It felt like the story was too severely edited, which left some actions very short on explanations and less believable as a result. Overall, I recommend this book as it is quite interesting.
November 21, 2015
Audible edition: It was okay. I think the themes were pretty worn out, though there were many - parent/child relationship strained, lengthy marriage becoming a bit stale, coworker issues, sibling issues, coming of age issues, race issues - and none of them were dealt with in any fresh way, so it was a bit dull in that aspect. But, it was a nice little town with a familiar scene and a comforting vibe, so I don't regret listening to it. The narrator was pretty good, but did make the women all sound a bit dumb.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews