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The World As We Know It
[Library Edition Audiobook CD in vinyl case.]
[Read by Michael Goldstrom]
From the author of the acclaimed novel Eternal on the Water , whose style is described as ''Henry David Thoreau meets Nicholas Sparks'' ( Publishers Weekly ), comes a novel about two brothers who save a girl from drowning when they are young -- an experience that intertwines their destinies and changes their lives forever.
On an early spring afternoon in rural New Hampshire, two brothers, Ed and Allard, are ice skating when they discover a girl who, with her dogs, has broken through thin ice and is caught in the river's eddy. They are able to rescue her, and as a result, a special bond forms among all three -- but particularly between Allard and Sarah.
As they grow up, the brothers remain close, creating their own film production company to shoot nature footage in the wild. Sarah, gaining success on her own as a writer, always manages to remain a part of their lives. In the days before Allard's wedding, tragedy strikes during a bachelor's outing in the remote mountains of Wyoming. The heartbreaking incident puts the grief-stricken Allard and Sarah on separate trajectories that will test the bonds of their relationship and time's unremitting power to heal.
Set against the sweeping natural backdrops of rural New England and Wyoming, The World as We Know It is subtle, heartrending, and transformative -- a love story of friendship, nature, and the surprising twists that can alter our destinies forever.
[Read by Michael Goldstrom]
From the author of the acclaimed novel Eternal on the Water , whose style is described as ''Henry David Thoreau meets Nicholas Sparks'' ( Publishers Weekly ), comes a novel about two brothers who save a girl from drowning when they are young -- an experience that intertwines their destinies and changes their lives forever.
On an early spring afternoon in rural New Hampshire, two brothers, Ed and Allard, are ice skating when they discover a girl who, with her dogs, has broken through thin ice and is caught in the river's eddy. They are able to rescue her, and as a result, a special bond forms among all three -- but particularly between Allard and Sarah.
As they grow up, the brothers remain close, creating their own film production company to shoot nature footage in the wild. Sarah, gaining success on her own as a writer, always manages to remain a part of their lives. In the days before Allard's wedding, tragedy strikes during a bachelor's outing in the remote mountains of Wyoming. The heartbreaking incident puts the grief-stricken Allard and Sarah on separate trajectories that will test the bonds of their relationship and time's unremitting power to heal.
Set against the sweeping natural backdrops of rural New England and Wyoming, The World as We Know It is subtle, heartrending, and transformative -- a love story of friendship, nature, and the surprising twists that can alter our destinies forever.
Audio CD
First published June 1, 2011
108 people are currently reading
1618 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Monninger
40 books224 followersJoseph Monninger was an American writer and Professor of English at Plymouth State University. He lived in Warren, New Hampshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
August 1, 2012
This book is a life experience. Allard, Ed, Sarah and their parents are so real I am tempted to walk over the hill and take them some vegetables I picked today. A writing gift can be many parts - some can write scenery that you swear you have a photograph of; some can create dynamic tension like a bow string pulled taut. Dialogue. Like you're sitting in a tent with an ice storm raging outside, trying to tell your pain without causing any more. Monninger is brilliant. Every detail is essential, the emotional pitch is heartbreaking and joyous in turn, and, if I ever have the need to skate all the way to Canada, I'm going to take this book in my backpack.
October 7, 2021
Wow..this book was amazing! A heartrending love story! One of my all time favorites! I have read many books by this author.... Eternal on the Water is a favorite too.
February 22, 2023
Three words: Book Club Book. Or rather, two words, one used twice.
So I read the book description and I read the book club questions at the end of the book and I've concluded that neither scratches the surface of the book's heart.
Part I is the uncomplicated beginnings of the Ed/Allard/Sarah team. Ed and Allard are brothers who share a close, companionable relationship. They sleep in a cold room (mirroring the outdoors) under a large Canadian map and spend their days outside on the Baker River where they meet Sarah who is their new neighbor and hopelessly trapped in the river's current and surrounded by ice, slowly freezing to death while her dog circles her. Ed and Allard save her with rope and a backpack and take her home. They become inseparable, make plans, grow up. Sarah and Allard plan their wedding and eveything is hunky-dory.
This is killing me to not write any spoilers here.
This part of the book is a little boring. The author shares a vast knowledge of the great outdoors and animal habits, etc. If you are only interested in the story about the people, nature can be skimmed. OR the reader can watch the foreshadowing of events in the world of nature. Also, nature is mirrored in many ways in the lives of the three adolescents turn young adults. This is played out beautifully with the pigeons, the river's current, Allard's trapping himself under the ice shelf, Sarah pulling him out, the building of the barn using a method requiring exactness and interconnectedness, the seamlessness of the three's lives with nature and in many, many descriptions throughout the book. My favorite is coming.
Part II is nearly two years later. Allard is cultivating his talent for art and nature with the film making company (not the one he, Ed and Sarah had dreamed and begun) when Morgan, the film maker takes Allard outside. He speaks frankly and provides insight to Allard's mode of dealing with the tragedy, urging him to tie up the loose ends. Then he takes Allard to the barn where he introduces him to Billy, a damaged and traumatized Clydesdale who was blinded in an act of cruelty by a couple of boys and was further injured in a fence or something. Billy stayed in his safe corner and did not move, viewing (figuratively speaking) everything as a threat. Morgan then demonstrates the tentative bridge of trust he and Billy have built as Morgan sings quietly to the horse who slowly and blindly ambles toward the sound of the one he has grown to trust.
So, by this time I had brought out my #2 pencil and I was writing in the margin and underlining words like "courageous" and "vulnerable" and I began to see the pattern of how man deals with tragedy and traumatic experiences and the healing process. This is again mirrored in nature's canvas. Watching for symbolism but also enjoying both Sarah's and Allard's frank and honest discussions, I heard the ice shelves bumping against one another as they sought continuity. I watched as time melted away when Peter was attacked. I also drew my own conclusions to the symbolism of rope being used as a measure of safety throughout the book.
Part III is the conclusion of forgiveness. At least that's my interpretation. Part II was the beginning of forgiveness while Part III brings it full circle. The idea of time marching on no matter what happens in our lives and the background of the Alaskan tundra makes me feel very small yet the author includes so much interconnectedness that I found myself feeling that I am a part of a much greater whole.
I liked the Reader's Guide but I believe a book club group could find more meaningful and personal discussions by watching for patterns throughout the book.
Or you can just read it for a sweet love story. Either is a nice way to pass a couple of days.
Rated G to PG. Language is poetic and flowing. Swearing is the occasional farm word.
Violence is mostly nature. Even the tragedy is a quiet one and lacks gore.
Sex is occasional and not detailed.
So I read the book description and I read the book club questions at the end of the book and I've concluded that neither scratches the surface of the book's heart.
Part I is the uncomplicated beginnings of the Ed/Allard/Sarah team. Ed and Allard are brothers who share a close, companionable relationship. They sleep in a cold room (mirroring the outdoors) under a large Canadian map and spend their days outside on the Baker River where they meet Sarah who is their new neighbor and hopelessly trapped in the river's current and surrounded by ice, slowly freezing to death while her dog circles her. Ed and Allard save her with rope and a backpack and take her home. They become inseparable, make plans, grow up. Sarah and Allard plan their wedding and eveything is hunky-dory.
This is killing me to not write any spoilers here.
This part of the book is a little boring. The author shares a vast knowledge of the great outdoors and animal habits, etc. If you are only interested in the story about the people, nature can be skimmed. OR the reader can watch the foreshadowing of events in the world of nature. Also, nature is mirrored in many ways in the lives of the three adolescents turn young adults. This is played out beautifully with the pigeons, the river's current, Allard's trapping himself under the ice shelf, Sarah pulling him out, the building of the barn using a method requiring exactness and interconnectedness, the seamlessness of the three's lives with nature and in many, many descriptions throughout the book. My favorite is coming.
Part II is nearly two years later. Allard is cultivating his talent for art and nature with the film making company (not the one he, Ed and Sarah had dreamed and begun) when Morgan, the film maker takes Allard outside. He speaks frankly and provides insight to Allard's mode of dealing with the tragedy, urging him to tie up the loose ends. Then he takes Allard to the barn where he introduces him to Billy, a damaged and traumatized Clydesdale who was blinded in an act of cruelty by a couple of boys and was further injured in a fence or something. Billy stayed in his safe corner and did not move, viewing (figuratively speaking) everything as a threat. Morgan then demonstrates the tentative bridge of trust he and Billy have built as Morgan sings quietly to the horse who slowly and blindly ambles toward the sound of the one he has grown to trust.
So, by this time I had brought out my #2 pencil and I was writing in the margin and underlining words like "courageous" and "vulnerable" and I began to see the pattern of how man deals with tragedy and traumatic experiences and the healing process. This is again mirrored in nature's canvas. Watching for symbolism but also enjoying both Sarah's and Allard's frank and honest discussions, I heard the ice shelves bumping against one another as they sought continuity. I watched as time melted away when Peter was attacked. I also drew my own conclusions to the symbolism of rope being used as a measure of safety throughout the book.
Part III is the conclusion of forgiveness. At least that's my interpretation. Part II was the beginning of forgiveness while Part III brings it full circle. The idea of time marching on no matter what happens in our lives and the background of the Alaskan tundra makes me feel very small yet the author includes so much interconnectedness that I found myself feeling that I am a part of a much greater whole.
I liked the Reader's Guide but I believe a book club group could find more meaningful and personal discussions by watching for patterns throughout the book.
Or you can just read it for a sweet love story. Either is a nice way to pass a couple of days.
Rated G to PG. Language is poetic and flowing. Swearing is the occasional farm word.
Violence is mostly nature. Even the tragedy is a quiet one and lacks gore.
Sex is occasional and not detailed.
February 22, 2012
I'd like to review this as if it were two books. The first half of the book is a beautiful coming-of-age story of three kids growing up in rural New Hampshire. It tells the story of two brothers and the girl they meet by rescuing her.
If only this book were a short story that ended half way through! Why why why was the second half written? The blurb already refers to a "heart breaking tragedy" and the aftermath. The whole thing felt so unnecessary, and the ending just felt implausible to me.
So if you read this book: read the first half, to page 129. And then stop. It will be a beautiful story, and what else will you need?
If only this book were a short story that ended half way through! Why why why was the second half written? The blurb already refers to a "heart breaking tragedy" and the aftermath. The whole thing felt so unnecessary, and the ending just felt implausible to me.
So if you read this book: read the first half, to page 129. And then stop. It will be a beautiful story, and what else will you need?
January 31, 2014
The book really fit into the cold winter spell we are in. Hiking, skating, ice, and documentaries about wild animals all fit into the a day where the high temp is 15 degrees.
What ruined the book for me is the synopsis. There is a pivotal event and the event was in a preview of the book. So I read the book waiting for the other shoe to drop, which ruined the flow for me.
I would still recommend the book, but suggest that you don't read a single word about it and don't read the jacket. Just read the book.
What ruined the book for me is the synopsis. There is a pivotal event and the event was in a preview of the book. So I read the book waiting for the other shoe to drop, which ruined the flow for me.
I would still recommend the book, but suggest that you don't read a single word about it and don't read the jacket. Just read the book.
December 17, 2012
I wanted to like this book, but I never really developed strong feelings for the characters. Most of all, as a biologist, it ticked me off that the author took on the subjects of nature and wildlife documentaries without doing basic research. As a result there are glaring errors that just made me discount a lot of the storytelling.
August 27, 2012
A love story set in a small town in rural New Hampshire, The World As We Know It was a good read, but a bit cheesy for me. Young brothers Ed and Allard rescue a little girl, Sarah, who falls through the ice on the river, and the connection between the three kids develops into a life-long friendship. When Allard and Sarah begin dating, the three remain thick as thieves, dreaming of starting their own wildlife film company. Life is full of domestic peace, adolescent adventures, and hope for the future when suddenly tragedy strikes. Allard and Sarah's paths diverge as they both learn to deal with the new challenges of death, grief, and responsibility. Heavy issues, and yet, the book doesn't truly have much weight. I think my biggest critique is of Monninger's treatment of Ed. Certainly Allard would have loved his brother with a certain hero-worship, but surely Ed had some flaws? I just couldn't buy into his saintly pure-as-a-mountain-stream portrayal. Still, I did read this book is just three sittings, and I did enjoy the story.
October 7, 2017
Love this! I hate to admit it but I bought this book from a sale rack and it sat on my shelf for a year before I read it. After I read it, I couldn't believe that this gem had been sitting on the shelf for a whole year unread. It's a love story but also a story about family bonds, home and never forgetting where it is you came from. Great read beginning to end.
August 23, 2012
Started out alright but lost momentum. The one saving grace was the setting. An amateur-ish foreshadowing pops up randomly and obviously. Cute story, but there was little to no character development. Sarah is beautiful. Ed is an outdoorsman. Allard is....?? Storyline was pretty flat.
September 24, 2019
This was a book of Love. I liked the way it felt like the era this took place was a long time ago when it was not. Not alot of use of cell phones, technology etc. Just family time and kids using the outdoors for their entertainment. I'm interested in reading more of his books.
November 20, 2024
Beautiful!
March 10, 2013
The world that Monninger describes is the ethereal, natural world of rural New Hampshire, mountainous Wyoming, and wild Canada. It is also the world of a blissful childhood unmarred by unhappiness, and a first love that is both quiet and frenzied, in only the best of ways. In fact, everything is perfect, all the time. So perfect in fact, that when tragedy finally strikes 158 pages into the book, it is a welcome break from all the perfectness. The book is able to move a bit deeper here, as the main character grapples with an existential crisis that leads him through more intensely beautiful natural landscapes. In fact, it could be argued that Monninger is more interested in his lush descriptions of "the good land" than the actual plot. Ultimately, the characters who are always understanding, thoughtful, and eloquent deliver an ending that is, well, perfect.
May 11, 2017
I couldn't put it down!
October 17, 2023
THIS.
BOOK.
IS.
BEAUTIFUL.
BOOK.
IS.
BEAUTIFUL.
October 25, 2024
I liked Joseph Moninger’s books better when I was younger. Ha. So I read it for old times sake. Wow, so unrealistic, although of course I read mostly fiction. The mc’s relationship with his brother was perfect beyond belief and having seen many brotherly relationships over the years I have to wonder if the author has one.
One refreshing thing was that both main characters had stable family units. That was a treat. MC’’s character fell kind of flat and I couldn’t figure out what was so wonderful about him. He was just a dude. Who LOVED the girl with an undying love. And that was all we know about him really. I did like the scene where Sara gave it to him at the end of the book. She expressed herself well and I admired that.
You’re probably fine without ever reading this book. Plenty of other better ones.
One refreshing thing was that both main characters had stable family units. That was a treat. MC’’s character fell kind of flat and I couldn’t figure out what was so wonderful about him. He was just a dude. Who LOVED the girl with an undying love. And that was all we know about him really. I did like the scene where Sara gave it to him at the end of the book. She expressed herself well and I admired that.
You’re probably fine without ever reading this book. Plenty of other better ones.
January 2, 2012
I enjoyed this book over Christmas break. My favorite aspect was the appreciation the author had for nature throughout this book. He showed great respect for the outdoors and what it lends to our life experiences. It really helped me stay with the characters as the story unfolded. The early chapters of the book were among my favorite.
I enjoyed reading about the ice and the river and the wildlife as much, if not more than, about hearing Allard and Sarah's stories. I loved the dynamic between Allard and Ed, but felt disappointed when that ended so abruptly and couldn't really carry on with the love line between Allard and Sarah from that point on. Even though the end was wrapped up a little too tight, I enjoyed the homecoming from the parents' perspectives.
I enjoyed reading about the ice and the river and the wildlife as much, if not more than, about hearing Allard and Sarah's stories. I loved the dynamic between Allard and Ed, but felt disappointed when that ended so abruptly and couldn't really carry on with the love line between Allard and Sarah from that point on. Even though the end was wrapped up a little too tight, I enjoyed the homecoming from the parents' perspectives.
November 22, 2024
Wow! This book was beautiful in so many ways!!!! The incredible descriptions of the beauty of nature and the 3 main characters - it was one heck of an emotional ride for me. I grew up in Connecticut and my grandparents lived in Vermont so winter for me became my 2nd favorite season (with autumn being first). I could easily relate to the freezing cold, wind and snow as I read while cozy and warm my home. I longed for those days of being a young girl again ice skating with my sister and neighborhood kids or skiing in Vermont and staying out all day long in the cold crisp air. The love of family and the 3 main characters will for me, not be forgotten. Don't miss reading this beautiful story filled with joy and sadness!!!!
May 13, 2013
This book may seem somewhat slow in the beginning, but by the time you have finished reading you will understand that all the details were absolutely necessary.
There is so much love, romantic as well as familial, and so much joy that when you see the tradgic event coming you almost can't believe it will happen. Then you have the grief, guilt and anger that are almost overwhelming. Finally, there is healing.
I could not put this book down. I could not stop turning the pages. I felt everything that the characters were feeling and was totally absorbed.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great story.
There is so much love, romantic as well as familial, and so much joy that when you see the tradgic event coming you almost can't believe it will happen. Then you have the grief, guilt and anger that are almost overwhelming. Finally, there is healing.
I could not put this book down. I could not stop turning the pages. I felt everything that the characters were feeling and was totally absorbed.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great story.
February 24, 2016
Actually listened to this one. Having lived in NH all my life, this was an incredibly nostalgic listen. This takes you on a journey with 3 young people living in rural NH, through their mid-twenties. I have to confess to being brought to tears, not once, but twice! The story is so touching, so filled with ordinary life, but so beautifully written (and read). I would recommend this to everyone, as a matter of fact, I have been doing just that.
By the way, this is not a young adult book, it is adult in content, even though it's told from a young man's perspective as he grows.
By the way, this is not a young adult book, it is adult in content, even though it's told from a young man's perspective as he grows.
June 15, 2013
Outstanding story about the power of your first love. I'm obviously a sucker for this type of story....;)
Unlike a book I recently finished where I couldn't stand any of the 4 main characters, I adored every character no matter how small their role in this book. I was pulling for Al and Sarah after page 2. Very well done!
Unlike a book I recently finished where I couldn't stand any of the 4 main characters, I adored every character no matter how small their role in this book. I was pulling for Al and Sarah after page 2. Very well done!
March 1, 2015
The rural NH setting made this coming of age story of the 3 main characters believable. I wish the author hadn't alluded to the tragedy that sets the stage for the second half of the book. This was a very slow paced read and getting to that point without expecting it may have may have made it a bit more exciting. Overall, an enjoyable story about love, family, friendship, death and grieving.
June 5, 2013
I loved this book. It was a bit cheesy at times but I loved the characters and the story. The love of family, animals and nature were a theme throughout. I rarely cheer for such an obvious love match but these characters were irresistible.
March 18, 2013
Trite, inauthentic characters with plot devices written solely to
manipulate the readers' emotions; to borrow a phrase "untrue and unkind." I do not recommend this book because you will gain no enrichment from the time spent.
manipulate the readers' emotions; to borrow a phrase "untrue and unkind." I do not recommend this book because you will gain no enrichment from the time spent.
September 12, 2016
4 stars because of the sweet love story that is not sappy, 4 stars because of a barn raising scene that I would have loved being a part of, 4 stars because of the love of nature that shines through the whole story but yet doesn't hesitate to let you know that it can be and is dangerous.
July 9, 2012
Joe Monninger beautifully captures the essence of childhood adventure and the sweet innocence of falling in love for the first time. Fans of John Irving, you have a new author to love.--Lisa Genova
February 2, 2025
2.5 to 3 stars I think.
Part 1 is boring but needed to set the scene I was able to skim through it - however it helped on connecting to the characters. I do struggle reading books that solely focus on character development because I never really connect to them but I found this touched the surface of the character in the best way to keep me engaged but not over analytical.
Spoilers:
With Ed's death I think it was underplayed. I know we heard a lot about Allard's grief but I wanted more. When him and Sarah reconnect and she bombards him with questions about Ed I would have liked to see the toll it took on him, and honestly the toll Ed's death had on her was underplayed as well.
I think it also had the unrealistic aspect that they find their way back, both have big shot jobs, find each other again etc. I think it was rushed and they had deep rooted issues that were ignored (can you really get over being left at the alter?)
I enjoyed it, it was a quick easy to follow read and I think it touched on heavy topics on love and grief I just expected more.
Part 1 is boring but needed to set the scene I was able to skim through it - however it helped on connecting to the characters. I do struggle reading books that solely focus on character development because I never really connect to them but I found this touched the surface of the character in the best way to keep me engaged but not over analytical.
Spoilers:
With Ed's death I think it was underplayed. I know we heard a lot about Allard's grief but I wanted more. When him and Sarah reconnect and she bombards him with questions about Ed I would have liked to see the toll it took on him, and honestly the toll Ed's death had on her was underplayed as well.
I think it also had the unrealistic aspect that they find their way back, both have big shot jobs, find each other again etc. I think it was rushed and they had deep rooted issues that were ignored (can you really get over being left at the alter?)
I enjoyed it, it was a quick easy to follow read and I think it touched on heavy topics on love and grief I just expected more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2015
The story is told in three parts. The first part is about Allard and Edward Keer, young brothers exploring their surroundings in a rural community of New Hampshire. They imagine a future working together, at the helm of a film company and dream of being able to ice skate all the way to Canada. They are really nice young men with all the right wholesome values. They love the outdoors and appreciate its majesty. One day, when 14 year old Allard and 16 year old Edward were out ice skating, they rescued a young girl and her dog from the frozen river. The ice had cracked, and both had fallen through into the icy water. They were stuck, unable to climb out as the ice around them continued to crack and slip away every time they tried to gain purchase. The girl refused to leave her dog, even as the current threatened to force her out further and deeper into the water. Edward tied a rope to Allard, the lighter of the two brothers and they proceeded to rescue both the dog, Natasha, and the girl, Sara Patrick. From the moment Sara looked at Allard, she was smitten. Allard couldn’t explain what he was feeling, but he was captivated by her, as well. It was kismet, but they were very young and didn’t really recognize their emotions, although everyone around them understood the chemistry between them. Over the years, the friendship and bond joining the three of them grew stronger and stronger. They were practically inseparable, planning their futures together, hoping to start the Barnes River Film Company as soon as they were old enough and finished their education. When Allard and Sara realized that they were in love, they planned to be married. Ed decided to take Allard on a bachelor trip, hiking in Wyoming. This trip was a turning point which changed the direction of their lives.
Part two is the weakest section of the three parts. It is about Allard as he pursues his future working with Morgan Davis, a well known documentary film producer who was Ed’s mentor. When Morgan approaches him and offers him a job filming a documentary on Narwhals, he recognizes it as a great opportunity, but although he will be in charge, Morgan wants him to work with Sara Patrick as the writer. She has published books and has achieved respect in her field. Some two years have passed since his trip with his brother, and in all that time he has not seen Sara. Morgan is wondering if he will be able to work with her. Actually, it turned out that they were able to work well together and the joint effort was successful. At the end, before they parted ways again, Sara asked Allard to return to his home to see his parents. He had not seen them either, since his trip with Edward.
Part three is about his return home. He brings an injured Clydesdale horse, Billy, home with him. Young children had tortured and blinded Billy with acid and Morgan’s wife Gloria had rescued him and nursed him back to health. Allard knew his mom loved animals and would not mind his caring for Billy.
After they reunite, Allard and his father plan to build a cabin together where Allard will live when he is not working and traveling. A stall for Billy is set up in the barn. When Sara returns to her parent’s home over Thanksgiving, Allard discovers she is engaged. All of a sudden, Allard has a lot to deal with, in addition to readjusting to his parents and his former way of life, he must now adjust to the possibility of losing Sara, once and for all. As Allard continues to tell the rest of the story, the reader will be emotionally tossed and turned with him as he struggles to find a way back to his former life by going forward instead of holding on to the past.
The tale was told so lyrically that it was like reading a poem, or in my case, since it was an audio book, listening to one. The reader sometimes droned, but for the most part, he was serious and contemplative in his tone, and it was perfect for the story. The author’s writing style is so engaging that it will be difficult to put the book down once begun.
This tender coming of age story about three beautifully innocent and bright young people who experience a shared tragedy and suffer the consequences, each in their own way, will show the reader how they dealt with the loss and the pain of separation. The book offers a kind and compassionate view of their attitudes toward each other, rather than a vengeful one, no matter what happens to them. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to as they interact with a kind of naïve honesty that is refreshing and rare. Although the ending was a bit like a fairy tale, it seemed perfect to me. The moral of the story is simple. Although you can almost never go back, you can certainly always go forward. Hope springs eternal.
I found the cover of the book to be a bit juvenile, and I hope that it doesn’t turn off any readers because the message of forgiveness, kindness and love, in the face of all of life’s challenges, is really a thing of beauty in this book. In the end, we all have to come to terms with what life dishes out to us, in one way or another. Wouldn’t it be better to do it with a positive approach? Allard must come to terms with his guilt in order for him to face his future. The book is by turns heartbreaking and uplifting. The pace of the story is perfect and will keep the reader’s attention completely.
I wish a review I read had not revealed the fact that there was a tragedy, because once I knew something horrible was going to happen I kept waiting for it, and then it was an anticlimax when it did. As he did in other books he has written, the author presented a beautiful image of the world in all its natural glory. There is definitely an appreciation for animals, plants, mountains, and bodies of water and a message to preserve and protect all that has been given us freely by nature.
Part two is the weakest section of the three parts. It is about Allard as he pursues his future working with Morgan Davis, a well known documentary film producer who was Ed’s mentor. When Morgan approaches him and offers him a job filming a documentary on Narwhals, he recognizes it as a great opportunity, but although he will be in charge, Morgan wants him to work with Sara Patrick as the writer. She has published books and has achieved respect in her field. Some two years have passed since his trip with his brother, and in all that time he has not seen Sara. Morgan is wondering if he will be able to work with her. Actually, it turned out that they were able to work well together and the joint effort was successful. At the end, before they parted ways again, Sara asked Allard to return to his home to see his parents. He had not seen them either, since his trip with Edward.
Part three is about his return home. He brings an injured Clydesdale horse, Billy, home with him. Young children had tortured and blinded Billy with acid and Morgan’s wife Gloria had rescued him and nursed him back to health. Allard knew his mom loved animals and would not mind his caring for Billy.
After they reunite, Allard and his father plan to build a cabin together where Allard will live when he is not working and traveling. A stall for Billy is set up in the barn. When Sara returns to her parent’s home over Thanksgiving, Allard discovers she is engaged. All of a sudden, Allard has a lot to deal with, in addition to readjusting to his parents and his former way of life, he must now adjust to the possibility of losing Sara, once and for all. As Allard continues to tell the rest of the story, the reader will be emotionally tossed and turned with him as he struggles to find a way back to his former life by going forward instead of holding on to the past.
The tale was told so lyrically that it was like reading a poem, or in my case, since it was an audio book, listening to one. The reader sometimes droned, but for the most part, he was serious and contemplative in his tone, and it was perfect for the story. The author’s writing style is so engaging that it will be difficult to put the book down once begun.
This tender coming of age story about three beautifully innocent and bright young people who experience a shared tragedy and suffer the consequences, each in their own way, will show the reader how they dealt with the loss and the pain of separation. The book offers a kind and compassionate view of their attitudes toward each other, rather than a vengeful one, no matter what happens to them. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to as they interact with a kind of naïve honesty that is refreshing and rare. Although the ending was a bit like a fairy tale, it seemed perfect to me. The moral of the story is simple. Although you can almost never go back, you can certainly always go forward. Hope springs eternal.
I found the cover of the book to be a bit juvenile, and I hope that it doesn’t turn off any readers because the message of forgiveness, kindness and love, in the face of all of life’s challenges, is really a thing of beauty in this book. In the end, we all have to come to terms with what life dishes out to us, in one way or another. Wouldn’t it be better to do it with a positive approach? Allard must come to terms with his guilt in order for him to face his future. The book is by turns heartbreaking and uplifting. The pace of the story is perfect and will keep the reader’s attention completely.
I wish a review I read had not revealed the fact that there was a tragedy, because once I knew something horrible was going to happen I kept waiting for it, and then it was an anticlimax when it did. As he did in other books he has written, the author presented a beautiful image of the world in all its natural glory. There is definitely an appreciation for animals, plants, mountains, and bodies of water and a message to preserve and protect all that has been given us freely by nature.
September 29, 2017
What an experience! It felt like two books in one. A beautiful story, a love story; love of friends, love of family, love of nature, and essentially, love of young lovers. The attention to the tiny details in the characters' environment really made the story come to life for me. I could visualize it so vividly, and sincerely feel the emotions Allard goes through. The first half was such a sweet and innocent story of friendship and first love, I had nearly forgotten that tragedy would eventually strike (via the book jacket), so that when it happened I was completely shocked and thought, "no, no, no!" It has been a long time since a book truly made me FEEL what the character was feeling. The entire second half of the book my lip was quivering, and my eyes were wet.
September 16, 2022
I just joined so I am not writing a review on all the books I have read but decided to write a short review on this one. I read this a long time ago. However, I still remember this being a wonderful book. I usually need a book to grab me and hold my attention. In this case it was the exquisitely beautiful writing that pulled me in. This is not a fast paced novel but a slow burn. The author may not be for everyone as there is a lot of descriptive writing on the natural environment but it was beautiful in my opinion and part of the story. This was an excellent book on attachment, dreams, loss, and the damage we do to ourselves and others when we are consumed by guilt and loss. Exceptional book!!!
February 11, 2018
This author was recommended to me by a friend. I hate to admit that I hadn't recently read the synopsis of the book. I had an audio version and I found myself thinking early on...where is this book taking me? I decided not to look it up. I just went with it and what an overall enjoyable ride. I really enjoyed his writing style and living nearby enjoyed his descriptions of many places that I know and love. I also learned of some others to check out. I will definitely be reading more of this author.
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