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Wander Home
Death is what you make it. . . .
Eleanor never wanted to leave the daughter she loved so much. The overpowering urge to wander -- to search, without knowing what she sought -- drove her away. She left little Cassidy in her family's loving care. But Cassidy and the others died in an accident before Eleanor could find her way home.
Now, they are all reunited, in an afterlife where nothing is truly lost: places once loved may be revisited, memories relived and even shared. Surely this is a place where they can understand and heal. And yet, the restlessness that shaped Eleanor's life still haunts her in death -- and now, she find herself dreaming of a man she never met.
Somehow, she must solve the mystery of her life -- or none of them will be at peace.
Eleanor never wanted to leave the daughter she loved so much. The overpowering urge to wander -- to search, without knowing what she sought -- drove her away. She left little Cassidy in her family's loving care. But Cassidy and the others died in an accident before Eleanor could find her way home.
Now, they are all reunited, in an afterlife where nothing is truly lost: places once loved may be revisited, memories relived and even shared. Surely this is a place where they can understand and heal. And yet, the restlessness that shaped Eleanor's life still haunts her in death -- and now, she find herself dreaming of a man she never met.
Somehow, she must solve the mystery of her life -- or none of them will be at peace.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2012
6 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Karen A. Wyle
26 books234 followersKaren A. Wyle is the author of multiple science fiction novels, including The Twin-Bred Series: Books 1-3; YA novel Water to Water; and near-future novels Division, Playback Effect, Who: a novel of the near future, and Donation. Her first novel outside the SF category was the afterlife fantasy/family drama Wander Home. She then turned to historical romance with her Cowbird Creek series, including What Heals the Heart, What Frees the Heart, What Shows the Heart, and What Wakes the Heart. She returned to fantasy with 2023's Far From Mortal Realms: A Novel of Humans and Fae. Her novel The Decision/A Novel of Germany is inspired by a crucial incident in her own family history. Her latest novel, That The Dead May Rest, comes out on October 17, 2025 -- a good month for a paranormal story!
Wyle has also published one nonfiction work, Closest to the Fire: A Writer's Guide to Law and Lawyers, a resource for authors or for anyone interested in understanding more about American law. An updated and slightly retitled edition came out at the end of July 2021.
Finally, Wyle has collaborated with illustrators on five picture books: You Can't Kiss A Bubble; When It's Winter; Wind, Ocean, Grass; Where Fireflies Sleep; and A Boy Who Made Music/The Extraordinary Life of Joaquin Rodrigo. There are more to come!
Wyle was born a Connecticut Yankee, but eventually settled in Bloomington, Indiana, home of Indiana University. She now considers herself a Hoosier. Wyle's childhood ambition was to be the youngest ever published novelist. While writing her first novel at age ten, she was mortified to learn that some British upstart had beaten her to the goal at age nine.
Wyle is a retired appellate attorney, dormant photographer, and mother of two wildly creative adult offspring. Her voice is the product of almost five decades of reading both literary and genre fiction. It is no doubt also influenced, although she hopes not fatally tainted, by her years of law practice. Wyle's near-future novels and her upcoming fantasy novel draw on her legal experience in various respects.
Wyle's personal history has led her to focus on often-intertwined themes of family, communication, the impossibility of controlling events, and the persistence of unfinished business.
Wyle has also published one nonfiction work, Closest to the Fire: A Writer's Guide to Law and Lawyers, a resource for authors or for anyone interested in understanding more about American law. An updated and slightly retitled edition came out at the end of July 2021.
Finally, Wyle has collaborated with illustrators on five picture books: You Can't Kiss A Bubble; When It's Winter; Wind, Ocean, Grass; Where Fireflies Sleep; and A Boy Who Made Music/The Extraordinary Life of Joaquin Rodrigo. There are more to come!
Wyle was born a Connecticut Yankee, but eventually settled in Bloomington, Indiana, home of Indiana University. She now considers herself a Hoosier. Wyle's childhood ambition was to be the youngest ever published novelist. While writing her first novel at age ten, she was mortified to learn that some British upstart had beaten her to the goal at age nine.
Wyle is a retired appellate attorney, dormant photographer, and mother of two wildly creative adult offspring. Her voice is the product of almost five decades of reading both literary and genre fiction. It is no doubt also influenced, although she hopes not fatally tainted, by her years of law practice. Wyle's near-future novels and her upcoming fantasy novel draw on her legal experience in various respects.
Wyle's personal history has led her to focus on often-intertwined themes of family, communication, the impossibility of controlling events, and the persistence of unfinished business.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 13, 2012
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Strange. That's the only word I can give it. This was a very strange, but somehow believable fictional take on the afterlife. Whenever I read, I try to connect with the book on some level. In this case, I tried to put my deceased relatives in this fictional afterlife world. A few times it would work, other times it wouldn't. I even tried to explain the book to a co-worker and I just couldn't. It's just a wierd book.
Wierd and strange is not always bad, but in this case, it didn't let me really enjoy the book. There was one thread in it that kept pulling at me so that I did eventually finish the book, but it wasn't a really enjoyable read. I keep vascillating between 2 1/2 stars or 3. Just for the one part that kept me coming back, I'll give it three stars.
Strange. That's the only word I can give it. This was a very strange, but somehow believable fictional take on the afterlife. Whenever I read, I try to connect with the book on some level. In this case, I tried to put my deceased relatives in this fictional afterlife world. A few times it would work, other times it wouldn't. I even tried to explain the book to a co-worker and I just couldn't. It's just a wierd book.
Wierd and strange is not always bad, but in this case, it didn't let me really enjoy the book. There was one thread in it that kept pulling at me so that I did eventually finish the book, but it wasn't a really enjoyable read. I keep vascillating between 2 1/2 stars or 3. Just for the one part that kept me coming back, I'll give it three stars.
October 2, 2012
Excerpted from longer review originally posted on Jill-Elizabeth.com on October 2, 2012.
Karen Wyle's latest, Wander Home, is not only a lovely tale about the after-life and after-world, but also a lovely vision of what I hope that life/world looks like.
This is the story of an after-life in which we are whatever age we want to be, surrounded by whatever people we want around us. It is a story about how death, even untimely death, doesn’t have to be the end of everything. It is a story about the consequences of the choices we make, and the difficulty even we can have in understanding – and living with – the reach of those consequences. Wyle’s isn’t the first vision of the afterlife that addresses these concepts (Richard Matheson’s What Dreams May Come springs to mind), but it is one of the loveliest.
Eleanor’s life is tragic and heart-breaking; not only for the things she lost, but for the things she spent so long trying to find. There is a nice twist hidden in the layers of family drama, redemption, and the quest for understanding, and it’s handled deftly and with a unique spin that keeps it from feeling in any respect derivative, even if it’s not a brand-new construct. (Sorry that is so obtuse, but I don’t want to give spoilers!) Wyle has a lovely way with language, weaving characters and setting together into a seamless tapestry of an after-life that I personally hope bears more than a passing resemblance to what’s really out there.
I started the book in the morning, on a sick day. I read through until it was finished, that evening. Even with my cold medicine-addled brain and eyes I could barely keep open, I couldn’t put it down. Don’t miss this one. It’s a beautiful story, well-written and smoothly paced with characters you can’t help but fall in love with (especially Cassidy and Great Grandma Amanda). Thanks for another great novel Karen – I can’t wait for the next one!
Karen Wyle's latest, Wander Home, is not only a lovely tale about the after-life and after-world, but also a lovely vision of what I hope that life/world looks like.
This is the story of an after-life in which we are whatever age we want to be, surrounded by whatever people we want around us. It is a story about how death, even untimely death, doesn’t have to be the end of everything. It is a story about the consequences of the choices we make, and the difficulty even we can have in understanding – and living with – the reach of those consequences. Wyle’s isn’t the first vision of the afterlife that addresses these concepts (Richard Matheson’s What Dreams May Come springs to mind), but it is one of the loveliest.
Eleanor’s life is tragic and heart-breaking; not only for the things she lost, but for the things she spent so long trying to find. There is a nice twist hidden in the layers of family drama, redemption, and the quest for understanding, and it’s handled deftly and with a unique spin that keeps it from feeling in any respect derivative, even if it’s not a brand-new construct. (Sorry that is so obtuse, but I don’t want to give spoilers!) Wyle has a lovely way with language, weaving characters and setting together into a seamless tapestry of an after-life that I personally hope bears more than a passing resemblance to what’s really out there.
I started the book in the morning, on a sick day. I read through until it was finished, that evening. Even with my cold medicine-addled brain and eyes I could barely keep open, I couldn’t put it down. Don’t miss this one. It’s a beautiful story, well-written and smoothly paced with characters you can’t help but fall in love with (especially Cassidy and Great Grandma Amanda). Thanks for another great novel Karen – I can’t wait for the next one!
November 25, 2012
This is a story that takes place solely in the afterlife aside from the memories that were made while the characters were still alive. It is depicted as a place where you can be any age you want at any given moment, you can revisit places you once loved, you can relive memories and share them with others, and you can even eat a delicious meal and then simply wave the dishes away... What an amazing place, a great vision for what the afterlife could be. If it really is like this, then I wouldn't be so afraid of death!
On top of the fascinating concept of the afterlife, it is also about a troubled family who is finally able to reconcile. It centers around Eleanor, who abandoned her daughter and left her with her family--her parents and grandmother. Sadly enough, the family died in a car accident before she was able to make her way back home to them. She really did love her family, but she was lost and confused, unable to live a normal life. When she enters the afterlife at a young age, she tries to make things right and to find out why she made the decision she did. When she finally solves that mystery, you are led into almost a whole other story. Her background was more complex and involved than I would have guessed. It was definitely unexpected. I thought I wouldn't like Eleanor because she left her child, and I still don't agree with what she did, but it was somewhat understandable.
This incredibly well-written book will quickly pull you in, and you won't want to put it down. It reads like artful, literary fiction without being dull, boring, or difficult to follow. I loved this book for its originality and for its story about a broken family who has the chance to become whole again--in another life.
On top of the fascinating concept of the afterlife, it is also about a troubled family who is finally able to reconcile. It centers around Eleanor, who abandoned her daughter and left her with her family--her parents and grandmother. Sadly enough, the family died in a car accident before she was able to make her way back home to them. She really did love her family, but she was lost and confused, unable to live a normal life. When she enters the afterlife at a young age, she tries to make things right and to find out why she made the decision she did. When she finally solves that mystery, you are led into almost a whole other story. Her background was more complex and involved than I would have guessed. It was definitely unexpected. I thought I wouldn't like Eleanor because she left her child, and I still don't agree with what she did, but it was somewhat understandable.
This incredibly well-written book will quickly pull you in, and you won't want to put it down. It reads like artful, literary fiction without being dull, boring, or difficult to follow. I loved this book for its originality and for its story about a broken family who has the chance to become whole again--in another life.
February 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this, overall. Wyle's writing style is very clean. It's descriptive and evocative, but not florid.
There were a few spots where I think I would have connected with the characters more if she had toned down the presentation of her afterlife. The fluidity of appearances/settings sometimes made it a bit harder to bond with the reality of the interactions. That same mechanism, though, showed off the beauty of Wyle's writing, and lent an interesting edge to what could have been a saccharine story of redemption.
The story was the weakest part of this, to me. It felt like she couldn't decide which direction to take it in, so some aspects of the core conflict, particularly in the last act, did not feel organic. It felt a bit too narrow to be effective as a mystery novel, but not quite connected enough to be a gripping romance. Maybe I just wished it would have been darker. I think there was some real potential for supernatural suspense and conflict in the last act, that was never quite capitalized on, and would have created more tension prior to her ending.
Wyle's strength is in her scene-building. Her locations are absolutely stunningly executed. I would love to see her build the nuance of her dialogue a bit more, to provide that same attention to detail to the characters individual voices. Despite a few flaws though, this is a very well written novel, and sure to resonate with readers who like just a little supernatural tension, and stories of destined happy endings.
Note: I received my copy of this from the author, for review purposes.
There were a few spots where I think I would have connected with the characters more if she had toned down the presentation of her afterlife. The fluidity of appearances/settings sometimes made it a bit harder to bond with the reality of the interactions. That same mechanism, though, showed off the beauty of Wyle's writing, and lent an interesting edge to what could have been a saccharine story of redemption.
The story was the weakest part of this, to me. It felt like she couldn't decide which direction to take it in, so some aspects of the core conflict, particularly in the last act, did not feel organic. It felt a bit too narrow to be effective as a mystery novel, but not quite connected enough to be a gripping romance. Maybe I just wished it would have been darker. I think there was some real potential for supernatural suspense and conflict in the last act, that was never quite capitalized on, and would have created more tension prior to her ending.
Wyle's strength is in her scene-building. Her locations are absolutely stunningly executed. I would love to see her build the nuance of her dialogue a bit more, to provide that same attention to detail to the characters individual voices. Despite a few flaws though, this is a very well written novel, and sure to resonate with readers who like just a little supernatural tension, and stories of destined happy endings.
Note: I received my copy of this from the author, for review purposes.
October 1, 2023
Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Eleanor's powerful urge to wander leads her away from her beloved daughter, Cassidy. Tragically, before Eleanor can return home, Cassidy and others pass away in an accident. In the afterlife, they are reunited, able to revisit cherished places and share memories. Despite the apparent solace of this realm, Eleanor remains restless and haunted by dreams of an unknown man. To find peace, she must unravel the mystery of her life.
The concept behind this book is undeniably fascinating, offering an intriguing narrative that promises a unique journey. However, delving into the story initially proved to be a bit of a mental challenge. The whole concept of the afterlife and its intricacies can be a tad overwhelming, making it somewhat challenging to fully immerse oneself in the narrative.
Yet, once you persevere through these initial complexities and begin to comprehend the inner workings of this afterlife realm, the reading experience becomes notably smoother. As the story progresses, the characters undergo significant growth, which adds depth and relatability to their personas.
Despite the initial hurdle, I found genuine enjoyment in reading this book. The latter parts of the story, where the characters' development becomes more pronounced, offered a more engaging and rewarding reading experience.
Eleanor's powerful urge to wander leads her away from her beloved daughter, Cassidy. Tragically, before Eleanor can return home, Cassidy and others pass away in an accident. In the afterlife, they are reunited, able to revisit cherished places and share memories. Despite the apparent solace of this realm, Eleanor remains restless and haunted by dreams of an unknown man. To find peace, she must unravel the mystery of her life.
The concept behind this book is undeniably fascinating, offering an intriguing narrative that promises a unique journey. However, delving into the story initially proved to be a bit of a mental challenge. The whole concept of the afterlife and its intricacies can be a tad overwhelming, making it somewhat challenging to fully immerse oneself in the narrative.
Yet, once you persevere through these initial complexities and begin to comprehend the inner workings of this afterlife realm, the reading experience becomes notably smoother. As the story progresses, the characters undergo significant growth, which adds depth and relatability to their personas.
Despite the initial hurdle, I found genuine enjoyment in reading this book. The latter parts of the story, where the characters' development becomes more pronounced, offered a more engaging and rewarding reading experience.
June 5, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. It was rather a unique look at the afterlife.
This is a journey about a woman, Eleanor, who now that she is dead is trying to figure out her life. She wants to know what made her so restless? Why did she abandon her child to be raised by her parents? And now that she's been reunited with her family can she reconnect with them? Can she get them to forgive her? And will she come to understand the dreams she is having about people she has never met? Or will her being restless, unsettled, keep her from making changes and finding her answers?
It's interesting take on the afterlife because they all live a normal life, in the same world they did when they were alive. The neat part is they can change their age and be that age if they want. They can share an actual experience with a person, so they can see it like it is just happening. They can have that person feel an experience as another person. It definitely has some interesting twists and different concepts of what death may mean.
There is more I'd like to say but it will ruin the story for you. It's a bit confusing in the beginning mainly because I forgot they were all dead but keep reading, it all starts making sense. And there is such a cool twist in the story. I enjoyed reading it and would definitely recommend it. I look forward to reading more by this author.
This is a journey about a woman, Eleanor, who now that she is dead is trying to figure out her life. She wants to know what made her so restless? Why did she abandon her child to be raised by her parents? And now that she's been reunited with her family can she reconnect with them? Can she get them to forgive her? And will she come to understand the dreams she is having about people she has never met? Or will her being restless, unsettled, keep her from making changes and finding her answers?
It's interesting take on the afterlife because they all live a normal life, in the same world they did when they were alive. The neat part is they can change their age and be that age if they want. They can share an actual experience with a person, so they can see it like it is just happening. They can have that person feel an experience as another person. It definitely has some interesting twists and different concepts of what death may mean.
There is more I'd like to say but it will ruin the story for you. It's a bit confusing in the beginning mainly because I forgot they were all dead but keep reading, it all starts making sense. And there is such a cool twist in the story. I enjoyed reading it and would definitely recommend it. I look forward to reading more by this author.
November 1, 2014
I thought this book was interesting, but not fantastic.
The highlight for me was some of the author's ideas about the afterlife. The people there can change their age at will. So one moment someone might be a young child; and then the next moment they're a teenager.
I also like how they exchange memories with each other.
For about half of the book, I felt like there wasn't much of a storyline. It was just a family spending time together in the afterlife. There were mild amounts of interpersonal conflict, but for the most part it felt more like a slice of life type thing. Or a slice of -after-life.
Then a storyline appeared. I felt it was a bit odd; maybe because of my own personal beliefs about life after death. I'll try to be vague, so I don't give anything away. But what I believe is a fairly common belief. But the book made it seem like a crazy rare thing in terms of life after death. I felt the author wanted me to be shocked...almost as if no one had ever considered the possibility before. That being said, the author did provide a twist to the phenomena which I don't think I've encountered before. I found that interesting.
The highlight for me was some of the author's ideas about the afterlife. The people there can change their age at will. So one moment someone might be a young child; and then the next moment they're a teenager.
I also like how they exchange memories with each other.
For about half of the book, I felt like there wasn't much of a storyline. It was just a family spending time together in the afterlife. There were mild amounts of interpersonal conflict, but for the most part it felt more like a slice of life type thing. Or a slice of -after-life.
Then a storyline appeared. I felt it was a bit odd; maybe because of my own personal beliefs about life after death. I'll try to be vague, so I don't give anything away. But what I believe is a fairly common belief. But the book made it seem like a crazy rare thing in terms of life after death. I felt the author wanted me to be shocked...almost as if no one had ever considered the possibility before. That being said, the author did provide a twist to the phenomena which I don't think I've encountered before. I found that interesting.
December 19, 2012
First of all I have to give this story its props for being original. I take place in the afterlife where a person can relive their memories. Other than What Dream May Come, I haven’t seen anything like this. Now, that being said, I also want to state that this book wasn't what I usually read. Yes, there was a large paranormal element and spirituality, but I prefer my books with more action.
However, I think many people would love this book. It is a heartwarming tale about reuniting with family and finding oneself. The story focuses on Eleanor and her need to wander, even in the afterlife. I love how even after death she is trying to find herself. All of the characters are well portrayed. Each has their own personal ghosts to deal with.
Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone who like literary with a touch of paranormal.
However, I think many people would love this book. It is a heartwarming tale about reuniting with family and finding oneself. The story focuses on Eleanor and her need to wander, even in the afterlife. I love how even after death she is trying to find herself. All of the characters are well portrayed. Each has their own personal ghosts to deal with.
Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone who like literary with a touch of paranormal.
May 13, 2013
This is very well written with a powerful hook--what is it like in the after-life; specifically, how does a mother find closure for having left her daughter with her own parents who all die in an accident shortly thereafter?
But we the readers are asked to deal with "too much information"--if four characters in search of each other in the after-life are good, it appears that sixteen might be better, or perhaps sixteen times sixteen. Further, each character can choose to be whatever age they want and yes, there is sex in the after-life. This reader was distracted wondering if new memories could be made in the after-life, and any answer to this question brings the wonderful framing of the story down.
This is a great pity, for the writer is clearly inventive and has much to tell us.
But we the readers are asked to deal with "too much information"--if four characters in search of each other in the after-life are good, it appears that sixteen might be better, or perhaps sixteen times sixteen. Further, each character can choose to be whatever age they want and yes, there is sex in the after-life. This reader was distracted wondering if new memories could be made in the after-life, and any answer to this question brings the wonderful framing of the story down.
This is a great pity, for the writer is clearly inventive and has much to tell us.
August 16, 2014
Well-written, with well-developed characters and a richly described world, this unique take on the afterlife is incredibly interesting.
Read full review in the 2013 May issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 May issue of InD’tale Magazine.
February 4, 2017
Note: I was given a copy of this book by the author to review
Wander Home opens with a great description of a day at the beach, and instantly we get a sense of something different. Wyle doesn't stop the story to explain though, she just keeps the scene going, choosing her moment to tell us about it, not when we ask for it. I have known many an author to do this to readers and I have to say I rather like the mystery if there is a chance it gets revealed to us later.
There is no real surprise this book is about death and the afterlife, Wyle's preface tells readers that it is set in the afterlife, but the way she has chosen to write about it gives it a new perspective, and does actual make you forget this is supposed to be death. In that sense there was a Lovely Bones feel about it all. There was no connection to earth like Susie Salmon had, yet the ability to change "heaven" to be what you wanted and see people you once knew or even wanted to meet was similar. Not to lessen the impact of Wander Home mind you, it has been very well constructed as a reality and through description and detail it adds depth and truth.
We are first introduced to Cassidy, her grandparents Sarah and Jack, and her great grandmother Amanda playing on the beach. We are given no real answers about what is going on, not only regarding their situation, but also to the rules of this reality. You can only assume that this is how the world works and accept it, and then hope it is going to be revealed later on. The initial mystery does not remain long as the arrival of Cassidy's mother Eleanor starts a chain reaction of clarification. As things are explained to Eleanor, we too are given an explanation. This is often the case, we learn as they learn. In well written stories it makes the necessary information smoother, without the need of long paragraphs where entire worlds are broken down for reader understanding before the story can continue.
Once you see that this afterlife is filled with people from everywhere and every time, it is interesting to see how they live their lives. We are told that sleep in unnecessary, though people still enjoy it, but whether food and drink is required is unclear. There seems to be a lot of conversations involving and revolving around food which sparked my query, but there are multiple other unnecessary things that people did as well. Humans, I think, like having structure. In a world where you can be whenever and have such freedom everyone still manages to fall into the same systems they know.
There is a society of sorts in this story, no matter how surreal or fantastical, and people relive and do what they enjoyed in life. People make things and they work, whether they need to or not. People teach, people create, and there are markets and festivals where money is exchange more as recognition of a job well done for the creation than anything else. People buy chairs from a craftsman when they could conjure one themselves.
In that sense there is a lot to make you forget it is anything like death. Is this the point? Again we come back to The Lovely Bones idea, "heaven" was what you made it, places are created and shared and remembered because of what people did and how they lived. The entire world is made up of the memories of the humans who live within the world. In that sense it is rather philosophical, at the very least poetic or something.
Wyle does have a very poetic way of writing, some of her descriptions are really well written, and even the seemingly non-important details are not neglected. Her vocabulary is also very advanced, I found that I had discovered three new words by the end of the book: contrapuntal, sartorial, and atavistic; all of which I had never heard before and all of which are fantastic words. There is a great quote in there about reading as well: "[Reading] let you climb inside of people - even though they were made up people - and end up understanding humans, in general, a little better." I think this is yet another great understanding of the power of reading. Another one of my favourite lines was "Kindly allow me the prejudices of my time", for some reason I thought that was a very eloquent line; it really stood out to me.
The ideal Wyle has created is highly alluring. If only there was a realm, in life or death where you could change, relive, feel, think, and be in any age you wished. Young and playful, old and wise, it is an interesting concept, especially the ability to relive old memories with exact detail whenever you pleased, emotions included and everything. Though if anything it should make you appreciate the fact you can do most of those things now, instead of spending you time wishing and waiting for it to be possible later on. Not to get swept up in the promise of an ideal and instead live while you have the chance.
Through Eleanor's narrative we realise that things may not be as simple as it first appeared. Just when we think we finally have figured out the world we are given new information that is mysterious, and being mysterious to the characters themselves makes it more intriguing. Initially we see alternating views between members of the family but as the story progresses it is clear Eleanor becomes the driving force in the story. This was not a bad thing, while the story was still being introduced we get a lot about the other characters and their histories, and despite the focus being around Eleanor's story a lot more, we still learn about the other characters, they are not forgotten.
Overall it was a good read, it was different and imaginative. Wyle manages to capture family dynamics rather well and the relationships between family members whether it is husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, or the wisdom of a great grandmother to a child. Despite the nature of the topic it is not a complicated read, though there are a few minor adult themes. Whilst reading I did find a few spelling and name errors but I have since been informed by the author that these issues where in fact not mistakes, but rather deliberate conscious actions; either way they do not distract from the story. There are no jarring sentences and the detail and description of the locations are more than enough to compensate minor mistakes. And on a side note, there is a discussion about whether the Hanging Gardens ever existed; by chance I read an article this morning that concluded there is strong evidence that they never did. So there you go.
This review is also posted on my blog http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/20...
Wander Home opens with a great description of a day at the beach, and instantly we get a sense of something different. Wyle doesn't stop the story to explain though, she just keeps the scene going, choosing her moment to tell us about it, not when we ask for it. I have known many an author to do this to readers and I have to say I rather like the mystery if there is a chance it gets revealed to us later.
There is no real surprise this book is about death and the afterlife, Wyle's preface tells readers that it is set in the afterlife, but the way she has chosen to write about it gives it a new perspective, and does actual make you forget this is supposed to be death. In that sense there was a Lovely Bones feel about it all. There was no connection to earth like Susie Salmon had, yet the ability to change "heaven" to be what you wanted and see people you once knew or even wanted to meet was similar. Not to lessen the impact of Wander Home mind you, it has been very well constructed as a reality and through description and detail it adds depth and truth.
We are first introduced to Cassidy, her grandparents Sarah and Jack, and her great grandmother Amanda playing on the beach. We are given no real answers about what is going on, not only regarding their situation, but also to the rules of this reality. You can only assume that this is how the world works and accept it, and then hope it is going to be revealed later on. The initial mystery does not remain long as the arrival of Cassidy's mother Eleanor starts a chain reaction of clarification. As things are explained to Eleanor, we too are given an explanation. This is often the case, we learn as they learn. In well written stories it makes the necessary information smoother, without the need of long paragraphs where entire worlds are broken down for reader understanding before the story can continue.
Once you see that this afterlife is filled with people from everywhere and every time, it is interesting to see how they live their lives. We are told that sleep in unnecessary, though people still enjoy it, but whether food and drink is required is unclear. There seems to be a lot of conversations involving and revolving around food which sparked my query, but there are multiple other unnecessary things that people did as well. Humans, I think, like having structure. In a world where you can be whenever and have such freedom everyone still manages to fall into the same systems they know.
There is a society of sorts in this story, no matter how surreal or fantastical, and people relive and do what they enjoyed in life. People make things and they work, whether they need to or not. People teach, people create, and there are markets and festivals where money is exchange more as recognition of a job well done for the creation than anything else. People buy chairs from a craftsman when they could conjure one themselves.
In that sense there is a lot to make you forget it is anything like death. Is this the point? Again we come back to The Lovely Bones idea, "heaven" was what you made it, places are created and shared and remembered because of what people did and how they lived. The entire world is made up of the memories of the humans who live within the world. In that sense it is rather philosophical, at the very least poetic or something.
Wyle does have a very poetic way of writing, some of her descriptions are really well written, and even the seemingly non-important details are not neglected. Her vocabulary is also very advanced, I found that I had discovered three new words by the end of the book: contrapuntal, sartorial, and atavistic; all of which I had never heard before and all of which are fantastic words. There is a great quote in there about reading as well: "[Reading] let you climb inside of people - even though they were made up people - and end up understanding humans, in general, a little better." I think this is yet another great understanding of the power of reading. Another one of my favourite lines was "Kindly allow me the prejudices of my time", for some reason I thought that was a very eloquent line; it really stood out to me.
The ideal Wyle has created is highly alluring. If only there was a realm, in life or death where you could change, relive, feel, think, and be in any age you wished. Young and playful, old and wise, it is an interesting concept, especially the ability to relive old memories with exact detail whenever you pleased, emotions included and everything. Though if anything it should make you appreciate the fact you can do most of those things now, instead of spending you time wishing and waiting for it to be possible later on. Not to get swept up in the promise of an ideal and instead live while you have the chance.
Through Eleanor's narrative we realise that things may not be as simple as it first appeared. Just when we think we finally have figured out the world we are given new information that is mysterious, and being mysterious to the characters themselves makes it more intriguing. Initially we see alternating views between members of the family but as the story progresses it is clear Eleanor becomes the driving force in the story. This was not a bad thing, while the story was still being introduced we get a lot about the other characters and their histories, and despite the focus being around Eleanor's story a lot more, we still learn about the other characters, they are not forgotten.
Overall it was a good read, it was different and imaginative. Wyle manages to capture family dynamics rather well and the relationships between family members whether it is husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, or the wisdom of a great grandmother to a child. Despite the nature of the topic it is not a complicated read, though there are a few minor adult themes. Whilst reading I did find a few spelling and name errors but I have since been informed by the author that these issues where in fact not mistakes, but rather deliberate conscious actions; either way they do not distract from the story. There are no jarring sentences and the detail and description of the locations are more than enough to compensate minor mistakes. And on a side note, there is a discussion about whether the Hanging Gardens ever existed; by chance I read an article this morning that concluded there is strong evidence that they never did. So there you go.
This review is also posted on my blog http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/20...
March 21, 2022
Brilliant!!!
What a magnificently magnetic story in Wander Home by Karen A. Wyle. Life isn't any easier in the afterlife. You still have to deal with the memories, both good and bad of when you were alive. That goes for Cassidy, whose mother left her when she was young, but then Cassidy died. I liked Wyle's perception of the afterlife. It's a remarkable story, and the characters were interesting, and not one dimensional. We never knows what happens after death, and this could be one thing that happens. Who knows? I am a definite fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. This author brings the story to life. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is always an honor to read this author's books. This author is a great storyteller. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This author's characters develop and interacts well with the other characters. Definitely an unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Wow! I hope to read more books by this author. Wander Home is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
What a magnificently magnetic story in Wander Home by Karen A. Wyle. Life isn't any easier in the afterlife. You still have to deal with the memories, both good and bad of when you were alive. That goes for Cassidy, whose mother left her when she was young, but then Cassidy died. I liked Wyle's perception of the afterlife. It's a remarkable story, and the characters were interesting, and not one dimensional. We never knows what happens after death, and this could be one thing that happens. Who knows? I am a definite fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. This author brings the story to life. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is always an honor to read this author's books. This author is a great storyteller. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. The author's technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This author's characters develop and interacts well with the other characters. Definitely an unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Wow! I hope to read more books by this author. Wander Home is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
October 25, 2012
MY REVIEW
I was actually asked to Beta-Read this book and give my honest opinion on it. The book plot wasn't 100% finalized and indeed it has been tweaked since the first version I read. The book also had no title or cover. The cover above may yet be changed or tweaked.
I like this cover as it could represent either the three main females in the book, and also three of the main "ages" visited in the book.
The blurb is great it gives you enough information to interest you further yet leaves out the things I feel are important for you to discover in the book for yourselves.
The book begins with Cassie, and I admit I was a little confused as to who she was and what was happening, but, as you read further all becomes clear and it makes you appreciate the beginning and how it was written. The book flows really well and keeps your interest throughout. Of course there are always characters you prefer to others, in this book I found I liked most characters. there was only Cassie's grand dad that I disliked a little and maybe that was as he was quite a small character within the whole story. I also admit to disliking Eleanor to begin with. Eleanor initially seems a selfish kind of person who cares only for herself giving no thought as to how her actions affect those around her. The character of Eleanor led me to believe that Cassie was viewed as a "burden" to her in her life. Then as the story develops you learn more about the character of Eleanor, and there are some twists and turns in the plot that explain that Eleanor to the reader so you can understand her more.
The book deals with some complex issues that people have varying opinion on such as the afterlife, re-incarnation, as well as simpler and more widely and freely discussed concepts like fate and destiny. That there is a bigger plan for us all, that our lives are mapped out even before we are born.
I loved Karen's version of how we "live on" after death and the fact that we reunite with our loved ones that have passed before us as well as seeing those that pass after us once again too.
The book really reminded me of an old film I watched as a child. Originally a Russian Film dubbed into English, starring a very young Patsy Kensit. It was about two young children who are tasked with finding and bringing back an elusive bluebird. To find this bluebird they visit many strange places and meet many people such as "Old Father Time" They see a place where babies are collected and sent down to earth/life to their parents. they also see the "afterlife" where your loved ones go when they pass. It was depicted as a beautiful cottage and garden that your loved ones "live2 in and they some how "sense" when you think of them and feel happy you are thinking of them. The film left me feeling really contented and really calm and happy. That is the same strong feeling and emotions you feel upon reading this book.
Karen writes it so well, I hope she doesn't take offense to the following analogy but you feel like you are slipping on a "comfy cardigan" when you fall into the plot and story of this novel.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes *sigh* (that's just how contented you feel upon reading it) Would I read more, if this book turns out to be part of a series? Yes. Would I read more by Karen A. Wyle? I already intend to! Would I recommend? Yes and I have.
I was actually asked to Beta-Read this book and give my honest opinion on it. The book plot wasn't 100% finalized and indeed it has been tweaked since the first version I read. The book also had no title or cover. The cover above may yet be changed or tweaked.
I like this cover as it could represent either the three main females in the book, and also three of the main "ages" visited in the book.
The blurb is great it gives you enough information to interest you further yet leaves out the things I feel are important for you to discover in the book for yourselves.
The book begins with Cassie, and I admit I was a little confused as to who she was and what was happening, but, as you read further all becomes clear and it makes you appreciate the beginning and how it was written. The book flows really well and keeps your interest throughout. Of course there are always characters you prefer to others, in this book I found I liked most characters. there was only Cassie's grand dad that I disliked a little and maybe that was as he was quite a small character within the whole story. I also admit to disliking Eleanor to begin with. Eleanor initially seems a selfish kind of person who cares only for herself giving no thought as to how her actions affect those around her. The character of Eleanor led me to believe that Cassie was viewed as a "burden" to her in her life. Then as the story develops you learn more about the character of Eleanor, and there are some twists and turns in the plot that explain that Eleanor to the reader so you can understand her more.
The book deals with some complex issues that people have varying opinion on such as the afterlife, re-incarnation, as well as simpler and more widely and freely discussed concepts like fate and destiny. That there is a bigger plan for us all, that our lives are mapped out even before we are born.
I loved Karen's version of how we "live on" after death and the fact that we reunite with our loved ones that have passed before us as well as seeing those that pass after us once again too.
The book really reminded me of an old film I watched as a child. Originally a Russian Film dubbed into English, starring a very young Patsy Kensit. It was about two young children who are tasked with finding and bringing back an elusive bluebird. To find this bluebird they visit many strange places and meet many people such as "Old Father Time" They see a place where babies are collected and sent down to earth/life to their parents. they also see the "afterlife" where your loved ones go when they pass. It was depicted as a beautiful cottage and garden that your loved ones "live2 in and they some how "sense" when you think of them and feel happy you are thinking of them. The film left me feeling really contented and really calm and happy. That is the same strong feeling and emotions you feel upon reading this book.
Karen writes it so well, I hope she doesn't take offense to the following analogy but you feel like you are slipping on a "comfy cardigan" when you fall into the plot and story of this novel.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes *sigh* (that's just how contented you feel upon reading it) Would I read more, if this book turns out to be part of a series? Yes. Would I read more by Karen A. Wyle? I already intend to! Would I recommend? Yes and I have.
October 14, 2012
Wander Home is set in an afterlife. The story centers on Eleanor and her family: her daughter Cassandra, grand-mother Amanda, her parents Sarah and Jack. All her life, Eleanor has been restless, looking for something or someone she can’t find. She desperately wanted a child but even Cassandra wasn’t enough to satisfy Eleanor’s wander lust. Essentially, she abandoned Cassie to her parents and grandparents to raise. Also, Eleanor has never been able to find a man for herself. She was able to find a man for a while but eventually she would leave him. Unfortunately, Cassie’s life was spent waiting for her mother to return. She never did.
Then, Cassie, Sarah, Jack, and Amanda died in a car accident and Eleanor was even more miserable than before. A few month later, Eleanor died of a heart attack. Her family has been waiting in the afterlife to welcome her. But things aren’t easy, not for Eleanor and not for Cassie.
At the start of the book, Amanda meets Eleanor and shows her around in the afterlife. Eleanor has to accept what has happened to her but she’s anxious about meeting her parents and daughter.
The afterlife is very different from any religious descriptions, at least as far as I know. The people can age themselves how ever they want, even to an age they didn’t reach when they were alive. Cassie died when she was just six years old, but here she can age herself to teenager, to her thirties, and older. When people change their ages, their emotional and intellectual maturity changes, too. So, when Cassie is afraid that her mother is going to leave her again, she changes herself back to a frightened four year old. The people can also visit their own memories or other people’s memories. Since there are people from the whole of human history in this afterlife, there are a lot of places and times to visit. Jack and Sarah traveled all over the world and I loved to visit all of the places with them. The descriptions were vivid.
The people also experience new things and grow here; they aren’t stuck to anything they did or didn’t do while they were alive. For the most part, anyway.
Wyle writes this story without once referring to spirits or souls. Religion is touched on only near the end. The story is centered on Eleanor trying to come to terms with the consequences of her actions. The people around her are very supportive and forgiving; they are trying to help her heal. Cassie has already made friends with other people and has a life of her own, yet of course she’s also trying to understand her mother. There’s a twist in the story, too. Unfortunately, I saw that one coming.
The writing is very clear even though with a setting like this, it would have been easy to lose the reader. I was never lost about which character’s memories I was reading or about whose point-of-view it was experienced from. The writing is just lovely.
The author kindly gave me a review copy.
Then, Cassie, Sarah, Jack, and Amanda died in a car accident and Eleanor was even more miserable than before. A few month later, Eleanor died of a heart attack. Her family has been waiting in the afterlife to welcome her. But things aren’t easy, not for Eleanor and not for Cassie.
At the start of the book, Amanda meets Eleanor and shows her around in the afterlife. Eleanor has to accept what has happened to her but she’s anxious about meeting her parents and daughter.
The afterlife is very different from any religious descriptions, at least as far as I know. The people can age themselves how ever they want, even to an age they didn’t reach when they were alive. Cassie died when she was just six years old, but here she can age herself to teenager, to her thirties, and older. When people change their ages, their emotional and intellectual maturity changes, too. So, when Cassie is afraid that her mother is going to leave her again, she changes herself back to a frightened four year old. The people can also visit their own memories or other people’s memories. Since there are people from the whole of human history in this afterlife, there are a lot of places and times to visit. Jack and Sarah traveled all over the world and I loved to visit all of the places with them. The descriptions were vivid.
The people also experience new things and grow here; they aren’t stuck to anything they did or didn’t do while they were alive. For the most part, anyway.
Wyle writes this story without once referring to spirits or souls. Religion is touched on only near the end. The story is centered on Eleanor trying to come to terms with the consequences of her actions. The people around her are very supportive and forgiving; they are trying to help her heal. Cassie has already made friends with other people and has a life of her own, yet of course she’s also trying to understand her mother. There’s a twist in the story, too. Unfortunately, I saw that one coming.
The writing is very clear even though with a setting like this, it would have been easy to lose the reader. I was never lost about which character’s memories I was reading or about whose point-of-view it was experienced from. The writing is just lovely.
The author kindly gave me a review copy.
February 6, 2013
Review first appeared on my blog: Book Addict 24-7
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Wander Home by Karen A. Wyle is a literary novel with an interesting setting: a unique interpretation of what the afterlife may look like. Wyle's novel is mysterious and complex. Laced with romance, familial love, and a mystery that forces us to question our beliefs of what comes after death, Wander Home is a very thought-provoking read.
Eleanor, the protagonist, is a woman we meet only after encountering the other minor, but not one-dimensional, characters. Her fear of the unknown is understandable, especially when her life, or afterlife, is finally starting to make sense. Her relationship with her daughter, Cassidy, is sweet and though Cassidy can assume any age she wants, it is refreshing to see the innocent love she harbors for the mother that left her when she was a young child.
Wyle's world is exquisite and unique. The descriptions of places visited are delicately described, like the reader is taking in what the characters are seeing as if s/he were actually there viewing it all. Wyle does not miss any chances to describe the beauty of what she's dubbed as her version of the afterlife. The prose is nearly lyrical as characters shift from one place to another.
Though at times either too complex to follow, or predictable, the storyline is a nicely paced construction of character growth, mystery, and a blooming romance. Rather than give the reader all of the details at once, Wyle makes the reader work for the answers by dropping hints here and there.
I will admit, however, that though Wyle's world is incredibly imaginative, it is also limited. I often had questions regarding the rules of this world the characters inhabited--most regarding one-dimensional characters.
Wyle's novel is a fresh twist on the afterlife. Her characters, and she's got many, share the story as the omniscient narrator details what each character is experiencing in this new world. I liked the omniscient feel of the novel because it gave me less reasons to ask questions regarding some of the characters.
I recommend this novel to readers of adult fiction, but also to young adult readers 14+, due to some adult themes--but nothing too severe. If you're a reader who enjoys stories of the afterlife, unique romance, redemption, and familial ties, then I recommend this book for you.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Wander Home by Karen A. Wyle is a literary novel with an interesting setting: a unique interpretation of what the afterlife may look like. Wyle's novel is mysterious and complex. Laced with romance, familial love, and a mystery that forces us to question our beliefs of what comes after death, Wander Home is a very thought-provoking read.
Eleanor, the protagonist, is a woman we meet only after encountering the other minor, but not one-dimensional, characters. Her fear of the unknown is understandable, especially when her life, or afterlife, is finally starting to make sense. Her relationship with her daughter, Cassidy, is sweet and though Cassidy can assume any age she wants, it is refreshing to see the innocent love she harbors for the mother that left her when she was a young child.
Wyle's world is exquisite and unique. The descriptions of places visited are delicately described, like the reader is taking in what the characters are seeing as if s/he were actually there viewing it all. Wyle does not miss any chances to describe the beauty of what she's dubbed as her version of the afterlife. The prose is nearly lyrical as characters shift from one place to another.
Though at times either too complex to follow, or predictable, the storyline is a nicely paced construction of character growth, mystery, and a blooming romance. Rather than give the reader all of the details at once, Wyle makes the reader work for the answers by dropping hints here and there.
I will admit, however, that though Wyle's world is incredibly imaginative, it is also limited. I often had questions regarding the rules of this world the characters inhabited--most regarding one-dimensional characters.
Wyle's novel is a fresh twist on the afterlife. Her characters, and she's got many, share the story as the omniscient narrator details what each character is experiencing in this new world. I liked the omniscient feel of the novel because it gave me less reasons to ask questions regarding some of the characters.
I recommend this novel to readers of adult fiction, but also to young adult readers 14+, due to some adult themes--but nothing too severe. If you're a reader who enjoys stories of the afterlife, unique romance, redemption, and familial ties, then I recommend this book for you.
April 25, 2013
After coming off the backs of two harder to read books, Wander Home was a welcome change and step back in the right direction of reading for enjoyment instead of agonising over the writing.
I thoroughly enjoyed the light hearted whimsical feel of this book. The stronger undercurrents were always present, but never seemed to take over the story which meant you could get lost in the unlimited possibilities created in Karen's version of the afterlife.
It was interesting, delving into all the relationships. I thought perhaps that it'd get a bit old by the end of the book, I mean, sometimes there's only so much you want to know about a person/character, but surprisingly Karen kept the evolution of the relationships going well, they were interesting, realistic and entertaining.
I liked Cassidy, even though I struggled to fully understand the implications of what happened and how that changed her, but being surrounded by loved ones showed that one can overcome even the harshest of realities and come out of it a better, more grounded person.
The story explored aspects of death that may put some readers offside from the get go. If you don't have strong beliefs about heaven and hell, or the afterlife then this book is for you. If you do have strong beliefs about the afterlife and spirituality and religion, you may still find this book enlightening. With the focus firmly in the positive, this is a truly uplifting read.
Karen made the plot twist and turn and the result was that I could not guess what was going to happen as I was reading. I got glimpses, but never the full picture, and I think that takes a good writer to keep certain things from the reader without losing their interest.
The one thing that bothered me about the book was the constant changes in names of the characters. I fully get that people have nicknames and pet names, but when Cassidy is referred to as Cassidy in one line and then Cassie in the next it gets a little fractious. The same goes for Eleanor and Nory (personally I preferred Nory), and the parents/grandparents. That could be a little confusing for some readers.
I'm not 100% sold on the cover, even though I can see how it ties in with the story, it seems a bit 'stock' to me and given the book was so enjoyable I think it should have a fitting cover.
Thanks for a really enjoyable read Karen.
I thoroughly enjoyed the light hearted whimsical feel of this book. The stronger undercurrents were always present, but never seemed to take over the story which meant you could get lost in the unlimited possibilities created in Karen's version of the afterlife.
It was interesting, delving into all the relationships. I thought perhaps that it'd get a bit old by the end of the book, I mean, sometimes there's only so much you want to know about a person/character, but surprisingly Karen kept the evolution of the relationships going well, they were interesting, realistic and entertaining.
I liked Cassidy, even though I struggled to fully understand the implications of what happened and how that changed her, but being surrounded by loved ones showed that one can overcome even the harshest of realities and come out of it a better, more grounded person.
The story explored aspects of death that may put some readers offside from the get go. If you don't have strong beliefs about heaven and hell, or the afterlife then this book is for you. If you do have strong beliefs about the afterlife and spirituality and religion, you may still find this book enlightening. With the focus firmly in the positive, this is a truly uplifting read.
Karen made the plot twist and turn and the result was that I could not guess what was going to happen as I was reading. I got glimpses, but never the full picture, and I think that takes a good writer to keep certain things from the reader without losing their interest.
The one thing that bothered me about the book was the constant changes in names of the characters. I fully get that people have nicknames and pet names, but when Cassidy is referred to as Cassidy in one line and then Cassie in the next it gets a little fractious. The same goes for Eleanor and Nory (personally I preferred Nory), and the parents/grandparents. That could be a little confusing for some readers.
I'm not 100% sold on the cover, even though I can see how it ties in with the story, it seems a bit 'stock' to me and given the book was so enjoyable I think it should have a fitting cover.
Thanks for a really enjoyable read Karen.
October 27, 2012
Karen A. Wyle should be proud of the opening scene of this book as it showcases her undoubted skill in two areas of writing.
Firstly it ‘illustrates’, and I choose the word deliberately, her descriptive powers whilst describing the dramatic seascape of giant ocean rollers. You’re right there with surfer Cassidy as she sets out to conquer them. The colours, the sounds, the smells are all described in vivid detail and when she has plunged through the tunnel of a giant wave, and bobs gently behind the swell, you too are glad of the rest. Epic descriptive writing this, one of the best ‘hooks’ into a book that I have been snared on.
Secondly, the reader, by virtue of Karen’s skillful ability to play him, soon becomes aware that things in this neck of the world are not normal. Cassidy appears to have the ability to instantly change her age at will, and not just her own age, but the age and consequent appearance of her family. It is here that the reader should tussle with this phenomena and attempt to work out what is happening, how she has this ability. But, regrettably, Karen has already proclaimed her own spoiler in the preface of this story.
The full preface states: This book is set in an afterlife: what sort of afterlife, the reader may decide. I think the book would perhaps have had a stronger impact on the reader if the fact it was set in the afterlife had been omitted from the preface and blurb. Maybe the reader should have been left to work out that this is the afterlife, and then gone on to solve what sort.
Having said that, I love the way the concept of an afterlife is made real in Karen’s book, and the way the various characters inter-relate, re-live moments and re-visit places in their history. The story revolves around Cassie and her mom meeting up again, following her mother’s accidental death.
I’ve recently got to thinking how great it would be if I could meet up with my mother and father again, just for half an hour or so over coffee, just for a catch-up. In this respect Wander Home acts like a large, soft comfort blanket. But don’t get too comfortable. It is a barbed comfort blanket, charged with emotion.
An excellent read, which I heartily recommend.
Firstly it ‘illustrates’, and I choose the word deliberately, her descriptive powers whilst describing the dramatic seascape of giant ocean rollers. You’re right there with surfer Cassidy as she sets out to conquer them. The colours, the sounds, the smells are all described in vivid detail and when she has plunged through the tunnel of a giant wave, and bobs gently behind the swell, you too are glad of the rest. Epic descriptive writing this, one of the best ‘hooks’ into a book that I have been snared on.
Secondly, the reader, by virtue of Karen’s skillful ability to play him, soon becomes aware that things in this neck of the world are not normal. Cassidy appears to have the ability to instantly change her age at will, and not just her own age, but the age and consequent appearance of her family. It is here that the reader should tussle with this phenomena and attempt to work out what is happening, how she has this ability. But, regrettably, Karen has already proclaimed her own spoiler in the preface of this story.
The full preface states: This book is set in an afterlife: what sort of afterlife, the reader may decide. I think the book would perhaps have had a stronger impact on the reader if the fact it was set in the afterlife had been omitted from the preface and blurb. Maybe the reader should have been left to work out that this is the afterlife, and then gone on to solve what sort.
Having said that, I love the way the concept of an afterlife is made real in Karen’s book, and the way the various characters inter-relate, re-live moments and re-visit places in their history. The story revolves around Cassie and her mom meeting up again, following her mother’s accidental death.
I’ve recently got to thinking how great it would be if I could meet up with my mother and father again, just for half an hour or so over coffee, just for a catch-up. In this respect Wander Home acts like a large, soft comfort blanket. But don’t get too comfortable. It is a barbed comfort blanket, charged with emotion.
An excellent read, which I heartily recommend.
January 28, 2016
An interesting and compelling read about the afterlife. This version of a familiar topic between people and how life would be after we passed away and that of the author would differ greatly. In a Book/ Reading group this would make an interesting topic. Karen had to spend a considerable amount of time in creating the plot line that in the beginning was confusing. But as it unfolds you get drawn into the lives of this family that all meet up in the afterlife trying to make sense of Eleanor's choices in life. The main character in the book.
Meeting each character with their unique personalities and the shiftiness between ages and places of relevance had me pondering from page one. Not sure where she was going with this. The story line strange almost as if the author did not know where to go with the many different scenarios in the book.
But with time understanding dawned and it became more explainable.
The craftiness of the story line became apparent and I could enjoy the read for what it was. Looking at the list of editors I can understand why it was necessary to have them in order to make this a thought provoking book.
I would have loved to see a better ending though, after the long search Eleanora (who at first had no idea why she could never find a resting place for herself or her child) and Jordana (with the need to have a child and leave her husband behind) taking them on different journeys making some mistakes during their lives stopping abruptly with no real conclusion. Leaving you cheated with some important information not shared.
Mateo the husband that was left behind find himself in between two women who was his wife and a daughter that was not his daughter. His confusion evident as he struggle to come to grips with the new twist in his life. But because of wisdom and age he accepted Cassidy as his own.
This is a well written book with many twists and turns and the outcome unpredictable but yet very entertaining.
Meeting each character with their unique personalities and the shiftiness between ages and places of relevance had me pondering from page one. Not sure where she was going with this. The story line strange almost as if the author did not know where to go with the many different scenarios in the book.
But with time understanding dawned and it became more explainable.
The craftiness of the story line became apparent and I could enjoy the read for what it was. Looking at the list of editors I can understand why it was necessary to have them in order to make this a thought provoking book.
I would have loved to see a better ending though, after the long search Eleanora (who at first had no idea why she could never find a resting place for herself or her child) and Jordana (with the need to have a child and leave her husband behind) taking them on different journeys making some mistakes during their lives stopping abruptly with no real conclusion. Leaving you cheated with some important information not shared.
Mateo the husband that was left behind find himself in between two women who was his wife and a daughter that was not his daughter. His confusion evident as he struggle to come to grips with the new twist in his life. But because of wisdom and age he accepted Cassidy as his own.
This is a well written book with many twists and turns and the outcome unpredictable but yet very entertaining.
February 19, 2013
Have you ever wondered what life after death would be like? I know I have. This is one glimpse into someone's imagination as to what happens when our living days on earth are over. What if we are able to be reunited with our loved ones and have a chance to make up our past wrongs? Would we grasp at that chance or lose it? Here is Eleanor's chance to find herself with her family there to support her. I enjoyed this book even though it strayed out of my normal genre of reads. The afterworld she created sounded amazing and sucked me in to find out more. I wanted to know what they could do and how they could do it. The twist in the book is hard to explain without giving too much away. Basically, Eleanor never felt peace in her human life. She always feels unsettled and never able to be happy with one person. She left her daughter behind with her parents and grandma to help find the cause of her unrest. They all passed away (although we never find out how) and go to their afterlife. Eleanor follows not too long after. Once in her afterlife she starts having flashes and dreams of things that do not make any sense. She continues to delve into them until the mystery is clear.
"For now, she would be with the people she loved, and enjoy the day, until she had to dream again"
"He could stand like this forever, and never ask for anything better or more"
"She'd thought she believed it before, but now she felt the difference. This was the woman who had wanted her, wanted her to live; wanted it so badly that she had left the man she loved. left her own mother and father, left behind her memory and even her face in the mirror"
"For now, she would be with the people she loved, and enjoy the day, until she had to dream again"
"He could stand like this forever, and never ask for anything better or more"
"She'd thought she believed it before, but now she felt the difference. This was the woman who had wanted her, wanted her to live; wanted it so badly that she had left the man she loved. left her own mother and father, left behind her memory and even her face in the mirror"
April 22, 2013
I generally liked the overall storyline to this book. The beginning was confusing at first but as I got into it, it was a calming and soothing read. The characters were very down to earth and understandable. They shifted through ages like a shape shifter in transition. It wasn’t your normal type of fantasy or paranormal and I can’t even describe it as that. It was more of a reunion of good old family values mixed with growing pains.
I liked the way Karen writes. Her words flow and they gave me the sense of being laid back on a beach chair with a good book and a cold glass of lemonade. I was able to follow the characters and even love Cassidy, Jack and Sarah.
What I found that I didn’t like about the book was its unfamiliar territory. While that should give it brownie points for being original I hated having to re-read a chapter or paragraph to make sure I was grasping it all. The plot- being in an afterlife, the transitional period and what could happen could be described as fanatical and basic at best, but I still felt a little lost when trying to get a grip between my own imaginings and that of the Author.
What kept it interesting is that old age tale of a mother’s love and the bond between herself and child that surpasses all- even death. How reuniting in the afterlife may come with a few bumps in the road. How you have to face up to the wrong you did throughout your life, and also the finality of forgiveness. Everyone’s perception of what it may entail is different, and I liked Karen’s take on this aspect.
I liked the way Karen writes. Her words flow and they gave me the sense of being laid back on a beach chair with a good book and a cold glass of lemonade. I was able to follow the characters and even love Cassidy, Jack and Sarah.
What I found that I didn’t like about the book was its unfamiliar territory. While that should give it brownie points for being original I hated having to re-read a chapter or paragraph to make sure I was grasping it all. The plot- being in an afterlife, the transitional period and what could happen could be described as fanatical and basic at best, but I still felt a little lost when trying to get a grip between my own imaginings and that of the Author.
What kept it interesting is that old age tale of a mother’s love and the bond between herself and child that surpasses all- even death. How reuniting in the afterlife may come with a few bumps in the road. How you have to face up to the wrong you did throughout your life, and also the finality of forgiveness. Everyone’s perception of what it may entail is different, and I liked Karen’s take on this aspect.
July 22, 2013
I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes in life, you make mistakes. Instead of fixing them, you go on with your life. However, those mistakes don't go away for good. After waking up in the afterlife, Eleanor is faced with her family and the decision she made to leave her daughter, Cassidy. Now, all of them are in the afterlife and the story of what decisions led up to the past fallout is told while trying to figure out the present mysteries.
I loved the idea of this book. The world created in it was so interesting. My favorite part was how the characters could change their age at any given time in the afterlife, usually depending on their mood. The author did a fantastic job of subtly explaining why that age is appropriate at that spot and what it means. The concept of it comes across as confusing just reading the synopsis, but it is handled well, and I never felt confused by it.
The characters, main and secondary, are strong and had distinct personalities. I liked getting to know each of them and how they wove into the story. The plot was decent for the most part. The build up was very nice, but I didn't like the ending. There is plenty of closure, but I didn't like how everything was wrapped up. But, given the strange world it is in, a more normal ending might not have fit is as well.
If you enjoy novels about families and their dynamics with a little mystery and good writing, I would recommend this to you.
Sometimes in life, you make mistakes. Instead of fixing them, you go on with your life. However, those mistakes don't go away for good. After waking up in the afterlife, Eleanor is faced with her family and the decision she made to leave her daughter, Cassidy. Now, all of them are in the afterlife and the story of what decisions led up to the past fallout is told while trying to figure out the present mysteries.
I loved the idea of this book. The world created in it was so interesting. My favorite part was how the characters could change their age at any given time in the afterlife, usually depending on their mood. The author did a fantastic job of subtly explaining why that age is appropriate at that spot and what it means. The concept of it comes across as confusing just reading the synopsis, but it is handled well, and I never felt confused by it.
The characters, main and secondary, are strong and had distinct personalities. I liked getting to know each of them and how they wove into the story. The plot was decent for the most part. The build up was very nice, but I didn't like the ending. There is plenty of closure, but I didn't like how everything was wrapped up. But, given the strange world it is in, a more normal ending might not have fit is as well.
If you enjoy novels about families and their dynamics with a little mystery and good writing, I would recommend this to you.
June 28, 2013
3.5 STARS
Many wonder about what will happen after death and if they will get the chance to see there loved one's after death, or will they forget them? Will we get a fresh start, or do our worries and troubles follow us beyond the grave.
Wyle writes a great novel that has many twists and turns, exploring life after death and how our life does not stop because of death. It continues.
After Eleanor's death, she is reunited with her family in 'heaven'. But Eleanor, like everyone else who goes to 'heaven', remembers her life on earth. Eleanor's struggles from her life continue as she tries to figure out why she abandoned her child and left her to live with her parents. Eleanor struggles to reconnect with her family as she tries to figure out why she was so restless in life.
I love how Wyle gives her characters the ability to shift into any age they want. The characters are still themselves, but they can become the child self they once were, the teenage self, and so on. But that's not all they can do. Those in 'heaven' can share their feelings, a memory, and allow another to experience them as they did. This was quite fascinating.
I did have to stop and re-read a few sections to fully grasp what was taking place. But that being said, Wyle does bring a new twist to the afterlife that takes a moment to grasp.
Overall, I enjoyed Wander Home. It's a story of discovery, love, and the relationships we carry with us into the afterlife.
Many wonder about what will happen after death and if they will get the chance to see there loved one's after death, or will they forget them? Will we get a fresh start, or do our worries and troubles follow us beyond the grave.
Wyle writes a great novel that has many twists and turns, exploring life after death and how our life does not stop because of death. It continues.
After Eleanor's death, she is reunited with her family in 'heaven'. But Eleanor, like everyone else who goes to 'heaven', remembers her life on earth. Eleanor's struggles from her life continue as she tries to figure out why she abandoned her child and left her to live with her parents. Eleanor struggles to reconnect with her family as she tries to figure out why she was so restless in life.
I love how Wyle gives her characters the ability to shift into any age they want. The characters are still themselves, but they can become the child self they once were, the teenage self, and so on. But that's not all they can do. Those in 'heaven' can share their feelings, a memory, and allow another to experience them as they did. This was quite fascinating.
I did have to stop and re-read a few sections to fully grasp what was taking place. But that being said, Wyle does bring a new twist to the afterlife that takes a moment to grasp.
Overall, I enjoyed Wander Home. It's a story of discovery, love, and the relationships we carry with us into the afterlife.
September 3, 2013
By Momma on July 21, 2013
This was a very interesting book, I was intrigued at first, but then had some trouble holding until halfway through. I did not want to like Eleanor and still really don’t. There is no excuse for abandoning your children, regardless of what drove you to it. So I couldn’t like her no matter how hard I tried. The other characters in the book were fairly well-drawn. The tragedy was difficult for me to read about, I was just waiting and waiting for something good to happen. It does, you just have to hang on.
The description of the afterlife is enjoyable, it reminded me somewhat of What Dreams May Come, which happens to be one of my favorite movies. The concepts and relationships compare somewhat, but not in an unpleasing way.
There was something lacking in how the family dealt with the emotions of abandonment in respect to Eleanor. It felt a little glazed over. I would like to have seen a little more anger in respect to how everyone felt. But maybe that’s just me.
Overall, if you can hang on through the first part of the book, it is an enjoyable read, the description of the afterlife is satisfying and makes me want to go there! I would pick up this book if you are looking for a family drama that delves a little deeper into the fragile state of humans.
What does Momma Think?
Wander Home by Karen A. Wyle 3 cookies!
This was a very interesting book, I was intrigued at first, but then had some trouble holding until halfway through. I did not want to like Eleanor and still really don’t. There is no excuse for abandoning your children, regardless of what drove you to it. So I couldn’t like her no matter how hard I tried. The other characters in the book were fairly well-drawn. The tragedy was difficult for me to read about, I was just waiting and waiting for something good to happen. It does, you just have to hang on.
The description of the afterlife is enjoyable, it reminded me somewhat of What Dreams May Come, which happens to be one of my favorite movies. The concepts and relationships compare somewhat, but not in an unpleasing way.
There was something lacking in how the family dealt with the emotions of abandonment in respect to Eleanor. It felt a little glazed over. I would like to have seen a little more anger in respect to how everyone felt. But maybe that’s just me.
Overall, if you can hang on through the first part of the book, it is an enjoyable read, the description of the afterlife is satisfying and makes me want to go there! I would pick up this book if you are looking for a family drama that delves a little deeper into the fragile state of humans.
What does Momma Think?
Wander Home by Karen A. Wyle 3 cookies!
June 14, 2013
***I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review****
This book takes place in the afterlife. It gives an interesting look at the afterlife and reincarnation. I personally hope that it is something like this. You are able to share memories with other people (making it so you can travel somewhere you have never been or do something you always wanted to do), and you are able to decide what age you want to be. Simply thinking about something can bring it to 'reality' (ex, if you wanted a glass of wine, you would just have to think about it).
The writing was very relaxed, and easy to read. There were only a few times I found myself having to stop and re-read something. There is an air of mystery about the book...who is the man following Elenore? Why did Elenore fell the need to have a child from an early age, yet was never able to find a man to settle down with? Who is Jordana? All of the questions are answered and related to each other. Unfortunately I had figured out some of it well before it was revealed in the story.
Pretty interesting read if you are looking for something easy. I wouldn't exactly call it a light read, nothing ever is when it deals with life and death, but at it's base Wander Home is a love story between parents and children, and husband and wife.
This book takes place in the afterlife. It gives an interesting look at the afterlife and reincarnation. I personally hope that it is something like this. You are able to share memories with other people (making it so you can travel somewhere you have never been or do something you always wanted to do), and you are able to decide what age you want to be. Simply thinking about something can bring it to 'reality' (ex, if you wanted a glass of wine, you would just have to think about it).
The writing was very relaxed, and easy to read. There were only a few times I found myself having to stop and re-read something. There is an air of mystery about the book...who is the man following Elenore? Why did Elenore fell the need to have a child from an early age, yet was never able to find a man to settle down with? Who is Jordana? All of the questions are answered and related to each other. Unfortunately I had figured out some of it well before it was revealed in the story.
Pretty interesting read if you are looking for something easy. I wouldn't exactly call it a light read, nothing ever is when it deals with life and death, but at it's base Wander Home is a love story between parents and children, and husband and wife.
January 17, 2015
***I RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.***
This book was a complete surprise and I am happy I continued to read it to the end. I was confused by the early chapters because I really didn't understand the plot or what was happening that would make it a good book. I caught myself wondering where it was going and what would happen next to the pivotal characters.
The characters develop throughout the story and you begin to understand what is happening. The plot begins to take shape and makes you more curious. Ms.Wyle has a fresh and interesting take on what happens when we die. I would thoroughly enjoy the world that she creates and hope she is right about the possibilities she describes.
You will find yourself immersed in lives of each of the characters and unable to predict what happens next. The book is interesting and will keep you reading to the last sentence. Why did I give the book a 4? I didn't like the end as I still had many unanswered and would have liked to know more about end results.
I can happily recommend this book to any reader, all ages as the book will appeal to all kinds of people. I can't really put this book into a genre, it is that different. I think, if you take the time to read this book you will be glad you did and happier for it.
KUDOS Ms. Wyle on a great story well told.
This book was a complete surprise and I am happy I continued to read it to the end. I was confused by the early chapters because I really didn't understand the plot or what was happening that would make it a good book. I caught myself wondering where it was going and what would happen next to the pivotal characters.
The characters develop throughout the story and you begin to understand what is happening. The plot begins to take shape and makes you more curious. Ms.Wyle has a fresh and interesting take on what happens when we die. I would thoroughly enjoy the world that she creates and hope she is right about the possibilities she describes.
You will find yourself immersed in lives of each of the characters and unable to predict what happens next. The book is interesting and will keep you reading to the last sentence. Why did I give the book a 4? I didn't like the end as I still had many unanswered and would have liked to know more about end results.
I can happily recommend this book to any reader, all ages as the book will appeal to all kinds of people. I can't really put this book into a genre, it is that different. I think, if you take the time to read this book you will be glad you did and happier for it.
KUDOS Ms. Wyle on a great story well told.
January 16, 2016
This was an interesting and new concept, showing an afterlife in which you are able to change your age and surroundings in a moment. Unfortunately this meant it took me a significant section of the book to really get my head around it and into the story, so I did not really enjoy the beginning of the book. As the story progressed and I became more used to the ideas behind the book, I did find I enjoyed it more, but I never truly reached a point where I didn't let go of the strangeness of the concept. I still found it a good read, but was't swept away with the story in the way of a truly enjoyable book.
September 14, 2013
This was a truly fascinating story about the afterlife. It had wonderful details of relationships, love, fear, hope and wonderment. All of this and with a wonderful spin on things. It was very well written and the characters came to life on the page. I really enjoyed reading this book but was hoping for answers on how some of the characters came to be there. All in all, I would definitely recommend it!
April 12, 2014
While I love this author, I find this book to be a bit too confusing at times keeping the characters straight (in terms of who is mom, grandma, etc). But otherwise this was a brilliantly crafted novel about life after death. Quite a beautiful imagining of the hereafter and a place I'd be happy to end up someday!
August 31, 2020
Amazing storytelling!
This book was written with such an original storyline and premise. Much less dark than What Dreams May Come and a much broader spectrum of possibilities. This is an afterlife to hope for.
This book was written with such an original storyline and premise. Much less dark than What Dreams May Come and a much broader spectrum of possibilities. This is an afterlife to hope for.
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October 15, 2012I'm not rating this book, because I wrote it.
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