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A Place for Us
Brook Bostock has led a privileged life. The daughter of an extremely wealthy and prominent family, she married the man of her dreams and is raising two deeply loved children. But her happy home is shattered when a neighborhood teenager is assaulted during a night of drinking with the Bostocks' son and his prep school friends.
The scandal receives national attention—not only because of Brook’s family name, but because of the lawsuit looming against Brook and her husband, Michael, that alleges they are responsible for what went on in their house. Suddenly the small Massachusetts town they call home seems to be turning against them, revealing the simmering jealousies and resentments that have been lurking under the surface all along.
With their once-perfect family in danger of falling apart, Brook and Michael must find a way to get through this together—or risk losing everything they love…
The scandal receives national attention—not only because of Brook’s family name, but because of the lawsuit looming against Brook and her husband, Michael, that alleges they are responsible for what went on in their house. Suddenly the small Massachusetts town they call home seems to be turning against them, revealing the simmering jealousies and resentments that have been lurking under the surface all along.
With their once-perfect family in danger of falling apart, Brook and Michael must find a way to get through this together—or risk losing everything they love…
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2013
21 people are currently reading
1492 people want to read
About the author
Liza Gyllenhaal
7 books43 followersI'm the author of 'A Place for Us,' 'So Near,' 'Local Knowledge' and the just-published 'Bleeding Heart' all from New American Library. My novels are set in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts and explore questions of family, marriage, and small town America.
I'm delighted that two of my earlier romance novels 'Changes of Heart' and 'Heart and Soul' have been made available for the first time as e-books from Diversion Books.
I hope you'll follow my blog here on Good Reads and visit my website at http:www.lizagyllenhaal.com where you can get updates on my upcoming events. I look forward to joining the conversations!
I'm delighted that two of my earlier romance novels 'Changes of Heart' and 'Heart and Soul' have been made available for the first time as e-books from Diversion Books.
I hope you'll follow my blog here on Good Reads and visit my website at http:www.lizagyllenhaal.com where you can get updates on my upcoming events. I look forward to joining the conversations!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 8, 2015
Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Ms. Gyllenhaal takes us into the depths of small town life. After years of being married Brooke and Michael move back to Michael’s home town. Brooke feels like more of an outcast because his family never liked/accepted her. They feel that she is showing off because of the parties she throws. They are really a part of the business that she has with a friend.
Brooke and Michael have a son who has been away at boarding school, when he comes home the story switches to something that you could have found on your local news channel or the headlines in the evening newspaper. About teens with alcohol, attached sexually and blaming the wrong person because you are mad at them.
More and more times the parents are now being held responsible for the children’s actions, which are one of the topics that Ms. Gyllenhaal brings to light. It comes down to whom as a society do we blame?
And just because people have money does that give us the right to automatically assume that they are guilty and being guilty they can buy their freedom?
As the characters struggle we find that just like real life they struggle to find their identities throughout the whole mess along with their worth as people. As the characters struggle, a marriage is affected, a family tries to salvage their relationships and that complicated moral issues are just that complicated.
All in all the concept of the story is very believable as are the characters. This is something that every town in every country deals with…teens, underage drinking…sexual attacks and where to place the blame. Should the parents be held responsible? It is for you to decide. Overall this is a classy, well written, emotional book.
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Ms. Gyllenhaal takes us into the depths of small town life. After years of being married Brooke and Michael move back to Michael’s home town. Brooke feels like more of an outcast because his family never liked/accepted her. They feel that she is showing off because of the parties she throws. They are really a part of the business that she has with a friend.
Brooke and Michael have a son who has been away at boarding school, when he comes home the story switches to something that you could have found on your local news channel or the headlines in the evening newspaper. About teens with alcohol, attached sexually and blaming the wrong person because you are mad at them.
More and more times the parents are now being held responsible for the children’s actions, which are one of the topics that Ms. Gyllenhaal brings to light. It comes down to whom as a society do we blame?
And just because people have money does that give us the right to automatically assume that they are guilty and being guilty they can buy their freedom?
As the characters struggle we find that just like real life they struggle to find their identities throughout the whole mess along with their worth as people. As the characters struggle, a marriage is affected, a family tries to salvage their relationships and that complicated moral issues are just that complicated.
All in all the concept of the story is very believable as are the characters. This is something that every town in every country deals with…teens, underage drinking…sexual attacks and where to place the blame. Should the parents be held responsible? It is for you to decide. Overall this is a classy, well written, emotional book.
February 10, 2013
I received this book as a first read giveaway from Goodreads. I finished in two days. I couldn't put it down! I loved the country, snowy setting, but I wasn't sure at first how the storyline was going to fill up a 300 page book. I was quickly proved wrong and pulled into the story line. The story was kept moving by switching perspectives between the four main characters. The chapters were short, which kept the story moving and kept me interested in all of the story lines. I also thought it was smart to switch between the past and present. At first, some things weren't clear, but as the story developed, parts of the characters' pasts were revealed and only served to add to the complexity of the story. Each character's past served to enhance their present story and make clever connections to the main story line.
As a young adult, I was able to connect to Liam and Phoebe, but also found the stories of Brook and Michael to be interesting. This book took me on the emotional roller coaster of Liam's troubles and Brook and Micheal's struggle as parents. The last 30 pages had me wishing I could read faster! Gyllenhaal handled this sensitive subject in a smart and intriguing way that kept me engaged and wanting more.
As a young adult, I was able to connect to Liam and Phoebe, but also found the stories of Brook and Michael to be interesting. This book took me on the emotional roller coaster of Liam's troubles and Brook and Micheal's struggle as parents. The last 30 pages had me wishing I could read faster! Gyllenhaal handled this sensitive subject in a smart and intriguing way that kept me engaged and wanting more.
June 5, 2013
Like most compelling, character-driven novels about complicated relationships and moral dilemmas, A Place for Us is keenly observed and well paced, with dialogue that rings true and characters that leap off the page fully formed. What sets this book a step above others in its genre is the gripping tension created by conflicts that have every character facing up to truths about themselves—and about the people they love most—in ways that will always make you root for them, no matter how many mistakes those characters make. Liza Gyllenhaal is a writer who truly understands what makes the human heart tick, and what makes us resilient even when we think there is no hope for a better tomorrow.
December 31, 2013
This was my first book by Lisa and look forward to reading her previous books. She does an outstanding job of setting up the characters and this small town where you get to know all the players and setting.
First, the front cover is a huge draw as with the snow setting which is very inviting.This novel is for parents as well as teens. This is a reminder parents do not always know their teens as well as they think they do. Teens also need to be reminded their actions have consequences which can affect many people. A story of lies and cover ups, and secrets from the privileged and wealthy to the poor.
First, the front cover is a huge draw as with the snow setting which is very inviting.This novel is for parents as well as teens. This is a reminder parents do not always know their teens as well as they think they do. Teens also need to be reminded their actions have consequences which can affect many people. A story of lies and cover ups, and secrets from the privileged and wealthy to the poor.
March 6, 2013
Finished ARC on 3/1/13
This book is a little different than what I normally read, but I found it to be refreshing. I didn't really care for all the flashbacks included in the book, but I've never been a big fan of those! I thought this story was believable and could easily see it appearing on a based on a true story made for TV movie...except of course that it's fiction!
This is a good book to curl up with a nice snowy day!
This book is a little different than what I normally read, but I found it to be refreshing. I didn't really care for all the flashbacks included in the book, but I've never been a big fan of those! I thought this story was believable and could easily see it appearing on a based on a true story made for TV movie...except of course that it's fiction!
This is a good book to curl up with a nice snowy day!
March 17, 2021
This is a solid three chair read. The characters feel real, the situation the family is in is hard and the reactions are normal. I don't want to talk specifics because I don't want to give the story away.
One thing that kept it from being a four was Brook is from a family that has money and they kept talking about it as if it were a bad or negative thing. It just didn't fit in with the rest of the story. I just didn't see why it was brought up so often or even mattered. Also, the use of the "f" word added nothing to this story - actually felt out of place.
There were secrets and they came out naturally and slowly. I like that they didn't save all the secrets to the end of the book. The ending was what you would expect. There weren't too many surprises.
One thing that kept it from being a four was Brook is from a family that has money and they kept talking about it as if it were a bad or negative thing. It just didn't fit in with the rest of the story. I just didn't see why it was brought up so often or even mattered. Also, the use of the "f" word added nothing to this story - actually felt out of place.
There were secrets and they came out naturally and slowly. I like that they didn't save all the secrets to the end of the book. The ending was what you would expect. There weren't too many surprises.
January 29, 2023
This story starts slow. However, it is a compelling story of how some events in life have a lasting impact and they affect the rest of our lives. One lie starts a domino effect of problems. Coming to peace with the past is healing. On and on with life lessons. Once I got past the first few chapters, I could barely put it down. It was compelling.
November 29, 2016
I love discovering new authors that I love! Add this one to your lists bc she is great! Great plot, emotionally involved, characters that are endearing and could be a part of your family! Loved it from start to finish!
October 28, 2025
Loved this story. So scary and heartwarming and also refreshing to see a loving family. We all make mistakes as teens and as parents and this story does a lovely job of showcasing that it’s normal and that you can get past those
July 16, 2018
A good read
Not spellbinding, but you are pulled into the character's lives and care about each one.
Definitely good for thought for everyone.
Not spellbinding, but you are pulled into the character's lives and care about each one.
Definitely good for thought for everyone.
August 21, 2018
Got this book by accident, but ended up liking it. A beach read with a serious story line.
March 4, 2024
I really liked this book
June 14, 2018
A good read. I thought the beginning of the novel was slow. You knew where it was going. A perfect summer read.
February 4, 2016
Read more reviews at http://rainbowreviews.wix.com/reading...
When Phoebe is asked to stay late to watch Tilly until her (secret) true love, Liam, gets home from boarding school, will trouble arise when drugs and alcohol come into the mix? Will an assumed situation turn into a series of lies - and will those lies catch up to everyone involved - or will someone get away with a crime?
You may like this book if you like the following sub-genres:
• Family life
• Sexual/Domestic Assault
• Drug & Alcohol Abuse
• Crime/Legal
Goodreads users gave this book a 3.61. I think it was more deserving of a 3.50.
I wasn't overly impressed with this novel, but I was pleased with it. I thought the story line was unexpected based off the back of the cover. I certainly didn't anticipate the potential for a sexual assault to take place until it came time for it to take place.
The writing style, the vocabulary was more than general. Nothing was too difficult to capture or comprehend; but it's easy writing style felt natural to the author. I really felt as if it was in a conversational format, which paired nicely with the change between character perspectives (although, at times, it felt as though there were time differences in the story that didn't add up). I don't normally enjoy reading books where the character perspective changes every chapter, but this was written in a way that it felt natural and it was easy to follow and understand each character's perspective.
The changing perspectives were such a benefit to the character growth in this book. It's important that a book has a purpose - and the purpose here wasn't that sexual and domestic violence existed; it wasn't that there was a drug and alcohol problem. The purpose of this book was the growth in each character. While not a requirement for a book to be successful, it can be required in a book such as this one. No one wants to read a sob story without some kind of release. Other than maybe some history to Liam's character, I thought each character was really well defined. I felt almost as if I wanted a little bit more from Phoebe, Liam, Brook, and Michael, and a little less from characters such as Troy. I just felt as though his perspective wasn't really necessary. (Although, I think it goes to show that the characters truly did care what others thought about them despite -or because of- their wealth, which was such a weighted part of the story.)
Again, the book wasn't anything extraordinary. It wasn't moving; it wasn't tragic. But it felt realistic. If you're in this situation - experiencing a sexual assault, you know that it's numbing, it's embarrassing, it's hard to combat what people assume happened when you're still trying to process it. And I think Gyllenhaal did such an amazing job of exploring this emotional and mental process. It was done tactfully, tastefully, and more importantly, accurately. I think if I were speaking with a victim of a very recent assault, I might recommend this book as a way to work through those initial feelings.
I loved that we got to see this happen from the idea of a falsely accused. Not many books write about a sexual assault from this perspective (especially since the author is a female). No one who's been assaulted wants to hear about false-rape claims. No one wants it to be a wrongly accused situation. Not only is it something that happens, but it's something that isn't talked about because everyone involved in falsely accusing someone of something as severe as a sexual assault, but no one expects to understand the process of how it can destroy a family - especially in a small city.
When Phoebe is asked to stay late to watch Tilly until her (secret) true love, Liam, gets home from boarding school, will trouble arise when drugs and alcohol come into the mix? Will an assumed situation turn into a series of lies - and will those lies catch up to everyone involved - or will someone get away with a crime?
You may like this book if you like the following sub-genres:
• Family life
• Sexual/Domestic Assault
• Drug & Alcohol Abuse
• Crime/Legal
Goodreads users gave this book a 3.61. I think it was more deserving of a 3.50.
I wasn't overly impressed with this novel, but I was pleased with it. I thought the story line was unexpected based off the back of the cover. I certainly didn't anticipate the potential for a sexual assault to take place until it came time for it to take place.
The writing style, the vocabulary was more than general. Nothing was too difficult to capture or comprehend; but it's easy writing style felt natural to the author. I really felt as if it was in a conversational format, which paired nicely with the change between character perspectives (although, at times, it felt as though there were time differences in the story that didn't add up). I don't normally enjoy reading books where the character perspective changes every chapter, but this was written in a way that it felt natural and it was easy to follow and understand each character's perspective.
The changing perspectives were such a benefit to the character growth in this book. It's important that a book has a purpose - and the purpose here wasn't that sexual and domestic violence existed; it wasn't that there was a drug and alcohol problem. The purpose of this book was the growth in each character. While not a requirement for a book to be successful, it can be required in a book such as this one. No one wants to read a sob story without some kind of release. Other than maybe some history to Liam's character, I thought each character was really well defined. I felt almost as if I wanted a little bit more from Phoebe, Liam, Brook, and Michael, and a little less from characters such as Troy. I just felt as though his perspective wasn't really necessary. (Although, I think it goes to show that the characters truly did care what others thought about them despite -or because of- their wealth, which was such a weighted part of the story.)
Again, the book wasn't anything extraordinary. It wasn't moving; it wasn't tragic. But it felt realistic. If you're in this situation - experiencing a sexual assault, you know that it's numbing, it's embarrassing, it's hard to combat what people assume happened when you're still trying to process it. And I think Gyllenhaal did such an amazing job of exploring this emotional and mental process. It was done tactfully, tastefully, and more importantly, accurately. I think if I were speaking with a victim of a very recent assault, I might recommend this book as a way to work through those initial feelings.
I loved that we got to see this happen from the idea of a falsely accused. Not many books write about a sexual assault from this perspective (especially since the author is a female). No one who's been assaulted wants to hear about false-rape claims. No one wants it to be a wrongly accused situation. Not only is it something that happens, but it's something that isn't talked about because everyone involved in falsely accusing someone of something as severe as a sexual assault, but no one expects to understand the process of how it can destroy a family - especially in a small city.
March 6, 2013
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
Brook and Michael Bostock were living the American dream; a loving marriage, two wonderful kids, and running two successful businesses that allowed them to set their own work schedules and have more time for their family and themselves. But when the couple spends a night away from home and a young girl gets attacked at their house, it may all come crashing down. Their son, Liam, is facing an attempted rape charge and Brook and Michael are facing charges equivalent to child neglect for what happened when they weren’t even home. There are plenty of lies and secrets floating around the small town of Barnsbury, Massachusetts and inside this seemingly perfect little family. But when push comes to shove can this family survive or will what they’re keeping from one another tear them a part little by little?
This is not my usual kind of read, but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a nice change of pace and it was kind of refreshing to read something a little different from what I’m used to.
Gyllenhaal was able to create an interesting story set in the middle of small town living, where scandal can easily take you from top dog to enemy number one. I found the characters and story this author created to be engaging and believable. It had a based-on-a-true-story-made-for-TV-movie kind of feel to it, even though as far as I know the story was completely fictional. With society as it is today though, I could see something like what happened in this book with the parents being sued for what happened in their home when they weren’t there actually happening.
I enjoyed the young love of troubled teen Liam and the probably unappreciated, but loyal Phoebe. At first I thought it was going to be a one-sided kind of love where Liam didn’t notice or didn’t return it, but that wasn’t the case in this book. I’m not sure how they could continue with their feelings after everything they put each other through, but it was nice regardless, at least after the air was cleared to what really happened!
It was also interesting to see how the ugliness of the charges against the family affected Brook and Michael’s marriage; especially when it came to whether they believed if their son could be capable of such brutality or not. Both of these parents definitely had their own ways they felt the situation should be dealt with, which ultimately pulled the duo apart. But it was only when they worked together that anything could be solved.
One thing I have to say that I didn’t like about this book was the repeated flashbacks. I’m not a big fan of flashbacks in general, but I understand that sometimes a few are necessary in order to give the reader the complete backstory of the characters. I think this book had an overabundance of flashbacks and reliving the same scene, but from different perspectives and I think several of them could have been cut out or merged into other scenes of the book. But that truly is my only complaint with this novel.
Overall this was a powerful story of what could happen, if one isn't careful. It has a strong message of how families must work together to solve their problems and I think it’s one that definitely hits a cord with parents, especially mothers. This is a good book to curl up with on a nice snowy afternoon, with a steamy cup of hot chocolate, with the mini marshmallows if you like, in hand!
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...#
Brook and Michael Bostock were living the American dream; a loving marriage, two wonderful kids, and running two successful businesses that allowed them to set their own work schedules and have more time for their family and themselves. But when the couple spends a night away from home and a young girl gets attacked at their house, it may all come crashing down. Their son, Liam, is facing an attempted rape charge and Brook and Michael are facing charges equivalent to child neglect for what happened when they weren’t even home. There are plenty of lies and secrets floating around the small town of Barnsbury, Massachusetts and inside this seemingly perfect little family. But when push comes to shove can this family survive or will what they’re keeping from one another tear them a part little by little?
This is not my usual kind of read, but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a nice change of pace and it was kind of refreshing to read something a little different from what I’m used to.
Gyllenhaal was able to create an interesting story set in the middle of small town living, where scandal can easily take you from top dog to enemy number one. I found the characters and story this author created to be engaging and believable. It had a based-on-a-true-story-made-for-TV-movie kind of feel to it, even though as far as I know the story was completely fictional. With society as it is today though, I could see something like what happened in this book with the parents being sued for what happened in their home when they weren’t there actually happening.
I enjoyed the young love of troubled teen Liam and the probably unappreciated, but loyal Phoebe. At first I thought it was going to be a one-sided kind of love where Liam didn’t notice or didn’t return it, but that wasn’t the case in this book. I’m not sure how they could continue with their feelings after everything they put each other through, but it was nice regardless, at least after the air was cleared to what really happened!
It was also interesting to see how the ugliness of the charges against the family affected Brook and Michael’s marriage; especially when it came to whether they believed if their son could be capable of such brutality or not. Both of these parents definitely had their own ways they felt the situation should be dealt with, which ultimately pulled the duo apart. But it was only when they worked together that anything could be solved.
One thing I have to say that I didn’t like about this book was the repeated flashbacks. I’m not a big fan of flashbacks in general, but I understand that sometimes a few are necessary in order to give the reader the complete backstory of the characters. I think this book had an overabundance of flashbacks and reliving the same scene, but from different perspectives and I think several of them could have been cut out or merged into other scenes of the book. But that truly is my only complaint with this novel.
Overall this was a powerful story of what could happen, if one isn't careful. It has a strong message of how families must work together to solve their problems and I think it’s one that definitely hits a cord with parents, especially mothers. This is a good book to curl up with on a nice snowy afternoon, with a steamy cup of hot chocolate, with the mini marshmallows if you like, in hand!
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...#
March 6, 2013
Source: Received from publicist. Many thanks goes to Penguin Group USA for sending me a copy of this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 4/5
Brook has always loved her husband and children, and absolutely loves living in her husband's hometown, away from the influence of her own family with their high society last name. She has tried to distance herself from the acclaim that comes with being a Pendleton, and has done a good job of it. One night though, is all it takes for disaster to strike. Her family is now thrust into the midst of a scandal as a teenager was assaulted in her home while she and her husband were not there. An impending lawsuit threatens to shatter Brook's once perfect family. Will Brook's family survive this trial, or will they lose everything?
This book tackles many hard-hitting issues. Underage drinking, and assault first and foremost. Many emotions roll through the reader as they come to terms with what is happening. Outrage, anger, frustration, sympathy, and sorrow. We see the situation unfold through several different eyes. Phoebe and Liam have a history that unfolds through different flashback scenes throughout the book. We see the boy Phoebe has fallen in love with, and we see what he actually thinks of himself. Gyllenhaal writes broken characters that just resonate with the reader. I couldn't help but feel sad and frustrated with them for what they did, and what they did not do.
Another topic that comes under investigation is whether or not the onus is on the parents if they are not there to supervise. Maybe things wouldn't have escalated had they been there. Should they be held responsible for what happened in their home?
Gyllenhaal tackles these topics and more as she weaves a complex and heartrending tale. A Place for Us is a thought provoking read, one that captures interest and will not let go until the end. Will Phoebe have justice? It is not just these characters who are dealing with their emotions and the consequences of their actions. We see Brook and her husband Michael deal with their respective pasts and see how it affects them now, and how it affects their perceptions now that they are in this situation. Would or could they have done anything differently?
All in all, this is a harrowing read hitting on some dark topics. Gyllenhaal deftly weaves a story that will resonate with readers. Fans of Jodi Picoult's should enjoy A Place for Us.
My rating: 4/5
Brook has always loved her husband and children, and absolutely loves living in her husband's hometown, away from the influence of her own family with their high society last name. She has tried to distance herself from the acclaim that comes with being a Pendleton, and has done a good job of it. One night though, is all it takes for disaster to strike. Her family is now thrust into the midst of a scandal as a teenager was assaulted in her home while she and her husband were not there. An impending lawsuit threatens to shatter Brook's once perfect family. Will Brook's family survive this trial, or will they lose everything?
This book tackles many hard-hitting issues. Underage drinking, and assault first and foremost. Many emotions roll through the reader as they come to terms with what is happening. Outrage, anger, frustration, sympathy, and sorrow. We see the situation unfold through several different eyes. Phoebe and Liam have a history that unfolds through different flashback scenes throughout the book. We see the boy Phoebe has fallen in love with, and we see what he actually thinks of himself. Gyllenhaal writes broken characters that just resonate with the reader. I couldn't help but feel sad and frustrated with them for what they did, and what they did not do.
Another topic that comes under investigation is whether or not the onus is on the parents if they are not there to supervise. Maybe things wouldn't have escalated had they been there. Should they be held responsible for what happened in their home?
Gyllenhaal tackles these topics and more as she weaves a complex and heartrending tale. A Place for Us is a thought provoking read, one that captures interest and will not let go until the end. Will Phoebe have justice? It is not just these characters who are dealing with their emotions and the consequences of their actions. We see Brook and her husband Michael deal with their respective pasts and see how it affects them now, and how it affects their perceptions now that they are in this situation. Would or could they have done anything differently?
All in all, this is a harrowing read hitting on some dark topics. Gyllenhaal deftly weaves a story that will resonate with readers. Fans of Jodi Picoult's should enjoy A Place for Us.
March 8, 2013
http://anovelreview.blogspot.com/2013...
Rich privileged girl meets poor boy they fall in love, get married, have two kids, get a dog and live in a pretty picturesque town. Sounds perfect, it was perfect until the threads of that life slowly get pulled out of the fabric of their lives. Brook Bostock has always deep down worried that maybe Michael had married her for her money, but when her friend shares a long kept secret her insecurities resurface. As she swallows her new information, the world she has created begins to crumble.
Brooke and Michael are away for the night. A teenage girl is assaulted in their home after a night of teenage drinking. Their son Liam is the accused. But he isn't the only one being held responsible, so are the Bostocks because it was their home. The scandal gets national attention because of Brooks family name. Her family believes this gives them the right to tell her what to do. The town she has grown to love begins to show signs of jealousy.
Having been sent away to a private prep school, Liam is dealing with his own demons. Can this family find a way through this together, or is it all too much. The more you read the more family secrets revealed.
A Place for Us, has numerous points of view, which I think really allows the reader to gain greater feelings for each of the characters. There is also a number of flashbacks. I found most of the flashbacks to be useful, but sometimes I'd be confused and then figure out oh this is a flashback.
This for me was one of those books for me that didn't grab me right away. I read the first few chapters and they were good. The whole book reads very quickly and easily. Then the novel started to grab me a little. I really liked Liam and Phoebe. I really liked their story, what they were each going through. I kept reading along and got to know Michael a little more and knew he was hiding something, but WHAT? I really wasn't sure why, but I didn't care for Brooke through most of the novel. She was just so focused on Liam being innocent and to get things to move on she was ignoring so much around her.
Like I was saying the book didn't grab me at first, but as I got deeper into the story the more I wanted to read. The more I wanted to read the story got better and better until I had to finish. If you are looking to curl up with a good novel this weekend, this is a perfect pick. I'm recommending it!
Rich privileged girl meets poor boy they fall in love, get married, have two kids, get a dog and live in a pretty picturesque town. Sounds perfect, it was perfect until the threads of that life slowly get pulled out of the fabric of their lives. Brook Bostock has always deep down worried that maybe Michael had married her for her money, but when her friend shares a long kept secret her insecurities resurface. As she swallows her new information, the world she has created begins to crumble.
Brooke and Michael are away for the night. A teenage girl is assaulted in their home after a night of teenage drinking. Their son Liam is the accused. But he isn't the only one being held responsible, so are the Bostocks because it was their home. The scandal gets national attention because of Brooks family name. Her family believes this gives them the right to tell her what to do. The town she has grown to love begins to show signs of jealousy.
Having been sent away to a private prep school, Liam is dealing with his own demons. Can this family find a way through this together, or is it all too much. The more you read the more family secrets revealed.
A Place for Us, has numerous points of view, which I think really allows the reader to gain greater feelings for each of the characters. There is also a number of flashbacks. I found most of the flashbacks to be useful, but sometimes I'd be confused and then figure out oh this is a flashback.
This for me was one of those books for me that didn't grab me right away. I read the first few chapters and they were good. The whole book reads very quickly and easily. Then the novel started to grab me a little. I really liked Liam and Phoebe. I really liked their story, what they were each going through. I kept reading along and got to know Michael a little more and knew he was hiding something, but WHAT? I really wasn't sure why, but I didn't care for Brooke through most of the novel. She was just so focused on Liam being innocent and to get things to move on she was ignoring so much around her.
Like I was saying the book didn't grab me at first, but as I got deeper into the story the more I wanted to read. The more I wanted to read the story got better and better until I had to finish. If you are looking to curl up with a good novel this weekend, this is a perfect pick. I'm recommending it!
December 30, 2013
Liam: One teen boy who is in over his head at the elite prep school he attends. His parents were hoping that he would be happier there; that he would find a better group of friends; that he would be once again, the fun-loving, light-hearted son they once knew. But instead, a desire to impress his roommate's older brother, Brandon, who happens to be a star hockey player causes him to make a mistake.
Phoebe: One teen girl who has known Liam since elementary school. Somehow, somewhere, her feelings of friendship toward Liam have changed into something more and she wants him to notice her as more than a friend. She intends to do that the night Liam is catches a ride home for the holidays with his roommate and Brandon.
The night the boys arrive at Liam's home, Phoebe is waiting for them to arrive. She has been baby-sitting Liam's younger sister while his parents have taken a short trip out of town for the night. The plan is for her to leave once Liam is safely home. Instead, things get out of hand and Phoebe is assaulted. A series of lies and cover-ups begins and both families suffer because only the teens know what really happened.
This is a story every parent and every teen should read--parents to be reminded that no matter how well they think they know their children, there are always blank spaces in what they know; teens to be reminded that all actions bring about consequences and the consequences have a ripple effect on one's self, one's friends and families, and one's community.
There is an underlying "mystery" in the plot of this story that involves the boyhood friendship of Liam's father and Phoebe's father that has caused friction between the two. The mystery is revealed near the end of the story, but I got tired of the frequent reference to it and I believe that the story would have been just as good and, possibly more plausible, without it.
I became irritated at times with all the characters, but I was on the outside looking in. Who knows how anyone would react in this situation? That's why I would encourage both parents and teens to read Gyllenhaal's very realistic story and then open up a discussion if possible. I know....teens don't want to read what their parents read, let alone discuss it. But hopefully, if both read this book and don't discuss it, they will still get some important tools to deal with situations just like this one. It can happen.
Phoebe: One teen girl who has known Liam since elementary school. Somehow, somewhere, her feelings of friendship toward Liam have changed into something more and she wants him to notice her as more than a friend. She intends to do that the night Liam is catches a ride home for the holidays with his roommate and Brandon.
The night the boys arrive at Liam's home, Phoebe is waiting for them to arrive. She has been baby-sitting Liam's younger sister while his parents have taken a short trip out of town for the night. The plan is for her to leave once Liam is safely home. Instead, things get out of hand and Phoebe is assaulted. A series of lies and cover-ups begins and both families suffer because only the teens know what really happened.
This is a story every parent and every teen should read--parents to be reminded that no matter how well they think they know their children, there are always blank spaces in what they know; teens to be reminded that all actions bring about consequences and the consequences have a ripple effect on one's self, one's friends and families, and one's community.
There is an underlying "mystery" in the plot of this story that involves the boyhood friendship of Liam's father and Phoebe's father that has caused friction between the two. The mystery is revealed near the end of the story, but I got tired of the frequent reference to it and I believe that the story would have been just as good and, possibly more plausible, without it.
I became irritated at times with all the characters, but I was on the outside looking in. Who knows how anyone would react in this situation? That's why I would encourage both parents and teens to read Gyllenhaal's very realistic story and then open up a discussion if possible. I know....teens don't want to read what their parents read, let alone discuss it. But hopefully, if both read this book and don't discuss it, they will still get some important tools to deal with situations just like this one. It can happen.
March 6, 2013
Brook Bostock wonders in the back of her mind whether her husband, Michael, married her for love or for her family’s money. Both are deeply in love with each other after fifteen years of marriage. They moved back to Michael’s hometown but his family has never really accepted her, believing her penchant for entertaining extravagantly is showing off. In reality, it’s a part of the successful business she and her friend have developed over the years. Now the very foundations of their life are about to be challenged big time.
Their son, Liam, has always been close to a girl Phoebe. One night he arrives with his friend Brandon and Carey, who are brothers. All have been drinking way too much and Phoebe is sexually attacked by one of them. Her parents, especially her father Troy, are more than outraged when they see the bruises on her body and promise to bring legal action. Phoebe initially in a moment of anger at something Liam said, a terrible betrayal of their relationship, accuses the attacker and rumors begin to fly. The town is a rumor mill that demands retribution from Brook and Michael, holding them responsible for the terrible events of that night.
The novel continues to depict the quandary about who is to blame, parental responsibilities, and the attitude of those who believe the wealthy can buy their way out of any illegality or immorality. To say more would be a spoiler, but suffice to say there’s no guessing the outcome. The pages fly and the intensity deepen over an issue that is timeless and has happened to more than one unfortunate family, wealthy or not. Liza Gyllenhaal is a writer to note well as she definitely knows how to craft not only the central issue but also the teenage angst of those who have failed and are trying to find enough self-worth to surmount their greatest weakness. Self-identity is the essence of the characters’ struggles and its true definition and evolution. Very nicely done, Liza Gyllenhaal!
Their son, Liam, has always been close to a girl Phoebe. One night he arrives with his friend Brandon and Carey, who are brothers. All have been drinking way too much and Phoebe is sexually attacked by one of them. Her parents, especially her father Troy, are more than outraged when they see the bruises on her body and promise to bring legal action. Phoebe initially in a moment of anger at something Liam said, a terrible betrayal of their relationship, accuses the attacker and rumors begin to fly. The town is a rumor mill that demands retribution from Brook and Michael, holding them responsible for the terrible events of that night.
The novel continues to depict the quandary about who is to blame, parental responsibilities, and the attitude of those who believe the wealthy can buy their way out of any illegality or immorality. To say more would be a spoiler, but suffice to say there’s no guessing the outcome. The pages fly and the intensity deepen over an issue that is timeless and has happened to more than one unfortunate family, wealthy or not. Liza Gyllenhaal is a writer to note well as she definitely knows how to craft not only the central issue but also the teenage angst of those who have failed and are trying to find enough self-worth to surmount their greatest weakness. Self-identity is the essence of the characters’ struggles and its true definition and evolution. Very nicely done, Liza Gyllenhaal!
May 15, 2013
It began with love, money,love,marriage and a content life style. Years later the long time married couple moves back to their hometown with a son who is off at prep school. Life seems as it should until a visit from the son.. and a girl, alcohol, friends and then it happens. Their life now is thrown out in public eye, as the authorities and the parents try to figure out just what really did happen. Do the wealthy really get to buy themselves out of trouble or are they finger because they are wealthy and jealousy is strangling the decency out of everyone? Can life ever be the same or at least common again?
The family struggles in their own rite trying to understand. Is it possible they do not know their son? Is he capable of such viciousness? Can their marriage and family survive? The authorities raises the bar and hold the parents accountable for the claimed action of their son, even though.. they weren’t even home.. Is there a happy ending?
The book was a good read, great in places along with the ability of this writer to give each and every character their own unique believable personality; impressed me. The flash backs, being constant within the pages of this story caused a bit of grief. Different points of view are often an addition to any book but they have to blend smoothly and be expected and many of these were not.
The family struggles in their own rite trying to understand. Is it possible they do not know their son? Is he capable of such viciousness? Can their marriage and family survive? The authorities raises the bar and hold the parents accountable for the claimed action of their son, even though.. they weren’t even home.. Is there a happy ending?
The book was a good read, great in places along with the ability of this writer to give each and every character their own unique believable personality; impressed me. The flash backs, being constant within the pages of this story caused a bit of grief. Different points of view are often an addition to any book but they have to blend smoothly and be expected and many of these were not.
March 14, 2013
I received a copy of A Place For Us by Liza Gyllenhaal in exchange for an honest review. This is a captivating and beautifully written novel that will draw readers in from the beginning. We meet Brook Bostock and her family – husband Michael, son Liam and daughter Tilly. Brook comes from a prominent family and is extremely wealthy, but never likes to flaunt that fact. She wants to be accepted into the community as a normal family, but her happy existence is shattered when a teenage girl is assaulted in their home. Lawsuits are brought up, the town is giving the cold shoulder to the Bostock’s, and Brooke is wondering how to keep her family – and her marriage- together.
I enjoyed this book because of how complex this situations are, yet how effortless it was to follow along and be drawn into the story. It is teenagers we are dealing with, and while sometimes I just wanted to scream for the truth to come out, I could understand with all the emotions they were feeling. I actually felt sick to my stomach when it came to one father in this book; his actions were downright horrendous. There are a lot of questions that arise, including moral questions that I asked myself along the way. This was a book that I wanted to tell people about, to get their opinion on what they would do and how they would handle a situation, and that is what makes this book a true favorite of mine.
I enjoyed this book because of how complex this situations are, yet how effortless it was to follow along and be drawn into the story. It is teenagers we are dealing with, and while sometimes I just wanted to scream for the truth to come out, I could understand with all the emotions they were feeling. I actually felt sick to my stomach when it came to one father in this book; his actions were downright horrendous. There are a lot of questions that arise, including moral questions that I asked myself along the way. This was a book that I wanted to tell people about, to get their opinion on what they would do and how they would handle a situation, and that is what makes this book a true favorite of mine.
March 29, 2013
“A Place for Us” by Liza Gyllenhaal is a story of every parent’s nightmare. The Bostocks are a family for whom everything has gone right. They are a privileged family and are well liked in their small town. Brook is from a wealthy family. She married her sweetheart and they have two children. Her son is in college and her daughter is a busy ten-year-old.
All seems to be going well for them until a drinking episode with minors and an assault that happened in their house promises to become a national scandal. This story is about the children involved and what happens to them during the height of the storm of repercussions. This is the story of a family trying to hang on to their love and respect for each other.
I would recommend book, but for me it was such a sad story. I would not want to read it again, nor would I want to read something like it. It was well written, but such a downer. I received a free print copy of this book in return for my honest review from the publisher, Penguin Group and Night Owl Reviews. The opinions expressed here are my own.
You can read this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-5x
All seems to be going well for them until a drinking episode with minors and an assault that happened in their house promises to become a national scandal. This story is about the children involved and what happens to them during the height of the storm of repercussions. This is the story of a family trying to hang on to their love and respect for each other.
I would recommend book, but for me it was such a sad story. I would not want to read it again, nor would I want to read something like it. It was well written, but such a downer. I received a free print copy of this book in return for my honest review from the publisher, Penguin Group and Night Owl Reviews. The opinions expressed here are my own.
You can read this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-5x
October 7, 2013
Wonderful writing and storytelling! I enjoyed this book very much, as I have enjoyed the author's previous works: So Near and Local Knowledge.
The writing is fluid; character is revealed in crystal dialog and the small-town setting is painted in subtle details like in an impressionist work of art. You come to know the story's people and surroundings as you might know your own.
The book description from the publisher is spot-on and will tell you what you need to know about the story. Briefly, unresolved issues and secrets from the past come back to haunt a mixed community in a small Massachusetts town, and the conflict coalesces around a very interesting legal issue that I was surprised existed and, as a parent, glad to know about.
Gyllenhaal gets all the nuances just right -- from a smart, outspoken aging father to a precocious pre-teen and every age in between, you can tell she has a good ear for how people really talk to each other. I'll be thinking about these characters for a while.
Thanks for a great read!
The writing is fluid; character is revealed in crystal dialog and the small-town setting is painted in subtle details like in an impressionist work of art. You come to know the story's people and surroundings as you might know your own.
The book description from the publisher is spot-on and will tell you what you need to know about the story. Briefly, unresolved issues and secrets from the past come back to haunt a mixed community in a small Massachusetts town, and the conflict coalesces around a very interesting legal issue that I was surprised existed and, as a parent, glad to know about.
Gyllenhaal gets all the nuances just right -- from a smart, outspoken aging father to a precocious pre-teen and every age in between, you can tell she has a good ear for how people really talk to each other. I'll be thinking about these characters for a while.
Thanks for a great read!
March 22, 2013
A PLACE FOR US by Lisa Gyllenhaal is an interesting Women's fiction/Psychological fiction set in a small Massachusetts town. It is told in four parts from the point of view of four characters,two of which are teenagers. Intertwined with underage drinking,tragedy,secrets,physical abuse,longing to belong,and the lies that can tear apart a family as well as a small close knit town. Written about complex social issues,as well as small towns,very compassionate and realistic. A very compelling,gripping story from the start to the last page. "A Place For Us" is a complex story that grips you from the start and holds you there. If you enjoy Women's Fiction,and Social issue reads than this is a story for you. But be aware you may need a tissue or two. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING:4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews
RATING:4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews
June 25, 2013
In this story, an ordinary family undergoes an extraordinary calamity and from page one, the characters are so perceptively drawn, and seem so real, that they might well have been pulled from a recent news story. On the surface, the plot centers on an incident, involving teenage drinking, that results in an assault. A subsequent lawsuit alleges the parents are to blame, that even though they weren't in the home at the time, they're responsible. And that much is riveting enough, but the true beauty of this novels lies in the way it exposes human nature and relationships, not only its frailty but its strength, not only what lies on the surface, but what lies beneath it. How far will you go to avoid the truth when you are in danger of losing everything, your marriage, your children, your family? This is the sort of story that I would write and one I found compelling to read.
February 16, 2014
It's one of those stories that, a few chapters in, you wonder how it will play out over 300 pages. Can't this be tied up in just a few more? Nope, what makes it work and pulls it thru are the various points of view. The reader sees thru the eyes of Brook, Michael, Liam and Phoebe. Two adults and two teenagers. The teenagers' perspectives really enhance the plot line -- it's amazing how they can have such singular world views. If it is happening to them, well, then, it's all about them. You really see how it spins out of control. I have another book on my "to read" list by Gyllenhaal, and will definitely read it.
July 30, 2014
I really enjoyed this writer's style.
What happens in your home when you are not home? Do the kids have a party, unbeknownst to you? Their friends invited over? Just what does happen, may be your responsibility, even if you aren't home.
It was interesting, but what I did not like was the air of aristocracy that those with money have, and what they think they can get away with. But then again, I think we are indeed looking at the real world. That issue in itself was disturbing. The author did a very good job with this subject.
I would recommend this to others.
What happens in your home when you are not home? Do the kids have a party, unbeknownst to you? Their friends invited over? Just what does happen, may be your responsibility, even if you aren't home.
It was interesting, but what I did not like was the air of aristocracy that those with money have, and what they think they can get away with. But then again, I think we are indeed looking at the real world. That issue in itself was disturbing. The author did a very good job with this subject.
I would recommend this to others.
July 4, 2013
A beautifully written story about a teenage boy and his family. Alcoholism runs in the family and is never spoken of. The son begins to drink to deal with typical teen angst. Unbeknownst consequences occur which impact his closest friends and family. The story told in the near third person deals with the struggles of parenting teens and the perils of teenaged drinking. It is fictional story but deals with a difficult topic in a responsible and thought provoking manner. This is an important read and would be a great choice for a summer reading for high school students or book clubs.
February 24, 2013
I received my copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads program. This is a great book with a great story. Very easy to read and follow. I love the small town setting where the story takes place. This story shows how one person's word against another's can change the lives of several people very quickly.
October 30, 2014
I was sure if I would like this book or not but I enjoyed it very much. I liked the story being told from the different members of the family and Phoebe, I completely understand how the incident got blown out of proportion . I liked her characters, I was happy with the ending.
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