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Cape Maybe
Sometimes the toughest journey is the one that takes you back to your roots.
For Katie, navigating life and love is trickier than walking barefoot on a beach full of broken shells. Maybe Katie will break the family cycle of alcoholism. Maybe she won’t. Set against the backdrop of picturesque, seaside Cape May, Cape Maybe traces the push and pull of Katie’s conflicting love for her erratic mother and steadfast grandfather, and her ever-growing attraction to her best friend, Dennis.
Katie’s life is shaped by her vow to be nothing like her alcoholic mother. Her reckless teenage choices test the strength of family ties, friendship, and first love. Ultimately about hard-earned hope, what we inherit, and what we choose to let go, Katie discovers what she never expected about motherhood, forgiving yourself, and creating your own second chances.
For Katie, navigating life and love is trickier than walking barefoot on a beach full of broken shells. Maybe Katie will break the family cycle of alcoholism. Maybe she won’t. Set against the backdrop of picturesque, seaside Cape May, Cape Maybe traces the push and pull of Katie’s conflicting love for her erratic mother and steadfast grandfather, and her ever-growing attraction to her best friend, Dennis.
Katie’s life is shaped by her vow to be nothing like her alcoholic mother. Her reckless teenage choices test the strength of family ties, friendship, and first love. Ultimately about hard-earned hope, what we inherit, and what we choose to let go, Katie discovers what she never expected about motherhood, forgiving yourself, and creating your own second chances.
346 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2013
About the author
Carol Fragale Brill
3 books162 followersI don't remember a time I didn't love books. When I was 20 something I realized I wanted to write one--it took me another 20 something years to get started.
Since then, I have earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed two novels. PEACE BY PIECE and CAPE MAYBE. Poets and Writers named my fiction the 2010 Maureen Egen Writer’s Exchange first runner-up. A novel excerpt turned short story was selected as a favorite for the Philadelphia Stories Anthology. I write book reviews for New York Journal of Books and my work has also been published in Wide Array, Philadelphia Stories, The Press of Atlantic City, and numerous online e-zines. Find my blog at http://knowhopeknowgrowth.blogspot.com/
Since then, I have earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed two novels. PEACE BY PIECE and CAPE MAYBE. Poets and Writers named my fiction the 2010 Maureen Egen Writer’s Exchange first runner-up. A novel excerpt turned short story was selected as a favorite for the Philadelphia Stories Anthology. I write book reviews for New York Journal of Books and my work has also been published in Wide Array, Philadelphia Stories, The Press of Atlantic City, and numerous online e-zines. Find my blog at http://knowhopeknowgrowth.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 20, 2014
Four and a half stars. I am not a huge fan of coming of age stories, nor of reading on a Kindle either. But I did with this book since Carol gifted me a copy. Once I started I had to keep reading this book, because it kept calling me back to it. The story starts with 11 year old Katie, her alcoholic mother and the mother’s current boyfriend Ray. He is a real piece of work. The reader is meant to s despise him and you do. The situation becomes so unbearable for Katie that her grandfather Poppi intervenes. Poppi is just a lovely character, as is Ursula, Uncle Nack’s friend, who tries to provide the mothering that Katie lacks from her own mother.
This novel portrays the heartbreaking effect of addiction and how it ultimately affects not just the person concerned friends and family as well. It also shows that despite resolve not to be like an alcoholic parent, the temptation to follow the example and make wrong choices is always there. Needless to say as she is growing up Katie manages to make more than her share of unwise choices that impact her life in various ways. At times I was so angry not just with June, Katie’s mother, but with Katie I could have shook them. But that only shows that the characters were created so well that I was so involved in their struggles. I could have done without the language at times but I guess that helps shows the characters. Some of the little incidents that added colour and showed the inherited creativity were the building of the birdhouses and doghouses. I also liked that the ending didn’t tie everything up completely.
This novel portrays the heartbreaking effect of addiction and how it ultimately affects not just the person concerned friends and family as well. It also shows that despite resolve not to be like an alcoholic parent, the temptation to follow the example and make wrong choices is always there. Needless to say as she is growing up Katie manages to make more than her share of unwise choices that impact her life in various ways. At times I was so angry not just with June, Katie’s mother, but with Katie I could have shook them. But that only shows that the characters were created so well that I was so involved in their struggles. I could have done without the language at times but I guess that helps shows the characters. Some of the little incidents that added colour and showed the inherited creativity were the building of the birdhouses and doghouses. I also liked that the ending didn’t tie everything up completely.
January 12, 2014
A beautiful heartbreaking book about life and addiction. Katie grew up with an alcoholic mother and lived with her grandfather and great-uncle for the most part. Watching her mother struggle and fail time and time again, Katie deals with it the best way she knows how - in the bottle. This book was at times hard to read as it deals with real life issues. It shows you despair but also gives you hope. Wonderful story!
January 16, 2014
This read is one that I would not normally pick up just because I am on a different reading ‘kick’ right now, however I am glad that I took the chance.
I have to be honest here and say that it did take me a little bit to get into this read. The inner dialogue threw me for a bit, it just didn’t sound right. But then after a chapter or two we are given the time frame and it made sense. The mention of Katie’s (our female MC) father dying in Vietnam when she was a toddler helped me place the setting so then the actions and dialogue of the character made better sense. Once I got that, the story held a better flow for me.
We are taken on a journey with Katie and addiction, neglect and her own coming of age. It’s a heartfelt story and watching her struggle with her mother’s issues and her own is something I am sure we all can relate to in one way or another.
I was intrigued watching Katie battle with her demons and how she was fighting against herself. While most of the decisions she made were irresponsible, they are typical of a know it all teenager trying to exercise their independence.
This is a great read for most any age (13+) as it does deal with real life issues and the struggles that we (as humans) all face.
The ending is my only complaint. It just sort of stops and there are still many unanswered questions and issues that I feel need to be resolved so the reader can walk away feeling satisfied.
There is drinking and mention of sex but not at all graphic. Very PG.
https://www.facebook.com/just1morecha...
I have to be honest here and say that it did take me a little bit to get into this read. The inner dialogue threw me for a bit, it just didn’t sound right. But then after a chapter or two we are given the time frame and it made sense. The mention of Katie’s (our female MC) father dying in Vietnam when she was a toddler helped me place the setting so then the actions and dialogue of the character made better sense. Once I got that, the story held a better flow for me.
We are taken on a journey with Katie and addiction, neglect and her own coming of age. It’s a heartfelt story and watching her struggle with her mother’s issues and her own is something I am sure we all can relate to in one way or another.
I was intrigued watching Katie battle with her demons and how she was fighting against herself. While most of the decisions she made were irresponsible, they are typical of a know it all teenager trying to exercise their independence.
This is a great read for most any age (13+) as it does deal with real life issues and the struggles that we (as humans) all face.
The ending is my only complaint. It just sort of stops and there are still many unanswered questions and issues that I feel need to be resolved so the reader can walk away feeling satisfied.
There is drinking and mention of sex but not at all graphic. Very PG.
https://www.facebook.com/just1morecha...
December 8, 2013
I received this book as part of an early readers program. Sometimes one can be sorely disappointed, but certainly not with this book. The characters are so well-developed that I became engrossed in their lives, and I just kept turning the pages.
It starts when Katie is eleven years old and carries her through high school. Her protector is her grandfather whom she adores, yet she is torn between his common sense way of raising her and her desire to be with her alcoholic, mentally ill mother.
Katie vows she will never follow in her mother's footsteps, but vows are often broken. Along the way are: her friend, Dennis, whom Katie wants as more than a friend, his mother, Ursula, who takes on the womanly duties needed in raising a girl, and her great uncle who lives in the house with Katie and her grandfather. You can probably guess that alcohol finds its way into her life and creates big problems for her.
The love is so strong, and it will win out in the end.
This is a wonderful book that will lead you through many emotions. Don't miss it.
It starts when Katie is eleven years old and carries her through high school. Her protector is her grandfather whom she adores, yet she is torn between his common sense way of raising her and her desire to be with her alcoholic, mentally ill mother.
Katie vows she will never follow in her mother's footsteps, but vows are often broken. Along the way are: her friend, Dennis, whom Katie wants as more than a friend, his mother, Ursula, who takes on the womanly duties needed in raising a girl, and her great uncle who lives in the house with Katie and her grandfather. You can probably guess that alcohol finds its way into her life and creates big problems for her.
The love is so strong, and it will win out in the end.
This is a wonderful book that will lead you through many emotions. Don't miss it.
March 27, 2015
an honest examination of the development of an alcoholic
Katie's mother June is an ugly alcoholic, who constantly disappoints her daughter, and her father and brother. As June spins out of control, Katie is protected by her grandfather, Poppi, and given a second chance to live up to her potential. Shadows of her mother continue to sabotage her efforts to succeed. The first half of the book move a bit slowly, and I was disappointed to find that the pathology and roots of June's alcohol addiction, and possible mental illness are never fully explored. Granted that the story is written from the point of view of Katie, the daughter, but I would have thought that she would have had more curiosity about how her mother landed in the desperation that is her present. As the story moved away from June's mistakes, and focuses more squarely on Katie and her choices, I found it got more interesting. The characterization of Poppi is wonderful, and I really enjoyed his quirks and manners.
Katie's mother June is an ugly alcoholic, who constantly disappoints her daughter, and her father and brother. As June spins out of control, Katie is protected by her grandfather, Poppi, and given a second chance to live up to her potential. Shadows of her mother continue to sabotage her efforts to succeed. The first half of the book move a bit slowly, and I was disappointed to find that the pathology and roots of June's alcohol addiction, and possible mental illness are never fully explored. Granted that the story is written from the point of view of Katie, the daughter, but I would have thought that she would have had more curiosity about how her mother landed in the desperation that is her present. As the story moved away from June's mistakes, and focuses more squarely on Katie and her choices, I found it got more interesting. The characterization of Poppi is wonderful, and I really enjoyed his quirks and manners.
January 21, 2014
I could not put this book down once I started it. I was immediately drawn into the story of Kate, who we meet at 11 years old. Kate is dealing with an alcoholic mother and her abusive boyfriend, but fortunately is taken away by her grandfather to live with him and Kate's great uncle. At a young age, Kate discovers that alcohol can help her forget the problems and disappointments in her life. She becomes pregnant while in a drunken haze, and delivers a daughter. Will the circle of alcoholism continue further?
Kate has a supportive family of her great-uncle, his lady friend, Ursula, and Ursula's son, Dennis, who Kate has loved since she was a child. Her story in trying to overcome the addiction and be the mother that she had always wanted kept me glued to the book, silently cheering Kate on to make the right decisions.
Kate has a supportive family of her great-uncle, his lady friend, Ursula, and Ursula's son, Dennis, who Kate has loved since she was a child. Her story in trying to overcome the addiction and be the mother that she had always wanted kept me glued to the book, silently cheering Kate on to make the right decisions.
January 10, 2014
In this poignant coming-of-age story, we meet Katie at age eleven when she is battling with her alcoholic mother and her boyfriend Ray. Katie's grandfather takes custody of her for protection, and her mother progressively becomes more unstable until she ends up insttutionalized. As her teen years progress, the reader suffers right along with Katie as she makes questionable choices that will determine her future. Is she strong enough to learn from her mother's mistakes as well as her own and become the person she wants to be?
I really liked this story and its theme of second chances. I think that it would be a good choice for a book discussion group or older teens who are dealing with family issues.
I really liked this story and its theme of second chances. I think that it would be a good choice for a book discussion group or older teens who are dealing with family issues.
January 17, 2014
I received this book for free from the author, who is a friend on Goodreads whom I have never met, for her birthday present to us. My expectations were pretty low as I knew nothing about the book and wasn't sure if the author was going to have any talent. I was very pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was one I stayed up way too late reading because I just couldn't put it down. The characters were very well developed. I felt the whole spectrum of emotions for the main character, Katie- frustrated, sad, heartbroken, proud, happy, etc. I found myself hoping for happiness for her. What a great gift this book was to me!
January 19, 2014
A well written story of a young girl and with many struggles other than just "coming of age." This is not about that, so much, as the other challenges she faces within her life. She has to make decisions at a young age that none of us wish upon our daughters, sisters, friends, etc. This is a book of choices, mistakes, family, love and coming out on the other side of potential disaster. I think adults and teenagers alike would enjoy this book. I also believe that young people could learn something about themselves through the characters in this book. I would recommend it for those 16 and older.
October 4, 2013
Cape Maybe is a wonderfully written story that takes you deep into the lives of some powerful characters. I found myself loving, hating and crying alongside Kate throughout the novel and had a difficult time putting the book down without knowing what happened next. Twenty-four hours later I closed the book wishing it hadn't ended so soon! Great read from Carol Fragale Brill - definitely add it to your list!
January 16, 2014
Thank you Carol for the birthday gift. I really enjoyed this book and thought the characters were very realistic. It is the coming of age story of a girl with an alcoholic mother and dead father. So, she ends up being raised by a grandfather, great uncle and family friend. Unfortunately,her immature decisions have consequences and she has to fight her way through. But her made-up family is very supportive and she eventually finds peace.
June 9, 2014
Poor Katie is having a rough time of it. Her mother prefers booze and skanky men to being a mom, and her best friend/crush Dennis has the hots for her friend Cam (female).
Is alcoholism inherited? Katie starts dipping into the vine to console herself. Unfortunately, this does not help with any of the above problems.
I liked most of the characters in this book. It seemed a little predictable, but I was interested and engaged.
Is alcoholism inherited? Katie starts dipping into the vine to console herself. Unfortunately, this does not help with any of the above problems.
I liked most of the characters in this book. It seemed a little predictable, but I was interested and engaged.
January 17, 2014
A beautiful story, full of hope, despair, longings. Will the addiction gene which is destroying the mother be inherited by the daughter? Will she win through? At times I got so angry with the characters, at times, sad, because they were written so well that they were easy to identify with.
January 14, 2014
The author has created an amazing character here. Katie draws you in immediately. Her coming-of-age story resonates and stays with you, because it's so true-to-life. The story deals with addiction and mental illness, but also with the uplifting themes of hope and love. A beautiful read.
January 16, 2014
A great story about the cycle of alcoholism. Very heart touching and a tear jerker at times. Would have given it 5 stars if I had just liked the main character a bit better.
January 15, 2014
I got this as a freebie in celebration of Brill's birthday. It is not something I would normally pick up and did not appeal to my taste.
I have read lots on addiction, but this doesn't really fit the mold. In this novel, Brill attempts to create a sympathetic character. I can only imagine that the reader is supposed to be impressed by and understanding of Katie's struggle. However, I kept finding myself wondering "if she's so damn smart, how come she doesn't recognize that turning to alcohol might not be the best solution?" and "why doesn't she remember how shitty her mom made her feel when she was growing up?" Katie does grow up in the shadow of her mother's addiction, but she has the positive role models of Poppi and Uncle Nack and she is supposed to be such a smart kid. I just didn't buy that she would unwittingly fall down the same rabbit hole.
Instead of feeling the whole "tear-jerker" reaction of Katie's eventual recognition of her own need for AA (after all, the first step is recognizing one has a problem), I just found myself wondering what took her so long. At one point, she even says that she doesn't blame booze for her pregnancy, she blames Jake (not that he is not part to blame), but really? I mean, really? And what about her blind spot for Dennis; how come she pines for years and then after she starts dating Jake and he is jealous she doesn't even really give him a chance. Rather than sympathetic, I found Katie to be self-indulgent and whiny; she doesn't overcome her issues, she just ignores them and follows her mother's pattern until she "remarkably" turns around at the end. About the best thing I can say is at least she didn't owe her transformation to God.
I found a small editing issue. On page 18, when she goes to see her mom after Poppi has first taken her out of the trailer, she pulls on her "favorite pink tee with the little ribbon roses on the neckline" and then at the trailer she pulls "so hard on the string in the hood of my sweatshirt that it breaks off in my hand." She can't be wearing both a t-shirt and a sweatshirt (unless of course the t-shirt is covered, which makes the description unnecessary).
I was also annoyed at the introduction of Cam and Dennis. Cam is Katie's "new best friend" in the beginning, but then later that fall Katie describes how Poppi has been designing their joint Halloween costumes for years. Also, Nack has been dating Ursula for a while (although shouldn't he be too old for her? Or is she old to have Dennis? We are missing a whole generation here), but the first time Katie meets Dennis is after she moves in with Poppi and Nack. Brill is so eager to introduce these characters to her reader that she makes Katie meet them for the first time in front of us, even though this is not really plausible.
I was also unconvinced that 17 year old Katie (who was already pretty familiar with alcohol) was so inexperienced that she a) did not yet have her driver's license and b) had never even really made out with or "gone to 2nd base" with a boy prior to Jake.
Overall, I can't really recommend it. The writing is clear enough, but the characters are awfully stereotypical and it comes across as an "after-school special". The real issues around addiction are not addressed, this is just a pattern novel showing how generations can repeat mistakes without questioning.
I have read lots on addiction, but this doesn't really fit the mold. In this novel, Brill attempts to create a sympathetic character. I can only imagine that the reader is supposed to be impressed by and understanding of Katie's struggle. However, I kept finding myself wondering "if she's so damn smart, how come she doesn't recognize that turning to alcohol might not be the best solution?" and "why doesn't she remember how shitty her mom made her feel when she was growing up?" Katie does grow up in the shadow of her mother's addiction, but she has the positive role models of Poppi and Uncle Nack and she is supposed to be such a smart kid. I just didn't buy that she would unwittingly fall down the same rabbit hole.
Instead of feeling the whole "tear-jerker" reaction of Katie's eventual recognition of her own need for AA (after all, the first step is recognizing one has a problem), I just found myself wondering what took her so long. At one point, she even says that she doesn't blame booze for her pregnancy, she blames Jake (not that he is not part to blame), but really? I mean, really? And what about her blind spot for Dennis; how come she pines for years and then after she starts dating Jake and he is jealous she doesn't even really give him a chance. Rather than sympathetic, I found Katie to be self-indulgent and whiny; she doesn't overcome her issues, she just ignores them and follows her mother's pattern until she "remarkably" turns around at the end. About the best thing I can say is at least she didn't owe her transformation to God.
I found a small editing issue. On page 18, when she goes to see her mom after Poppi has first taken her out of the trailer, she pulls on her "favorite pink tee with the little ribbon roses on the neckline" and then at the trailer she pulls "so hard on the string in the hood of my sweatshirt that it breaks off in my hand." She can't be wearing both a t-shirt and a sweatshirt (unless of course the t-shirt is covered, which makes the description unnecessary).
I was also annoyed at the introduction of Cam and Dennis. Cam is Katie's "new best friend" in the beginning, but then later that fall Katie describes how Poppi has been designing their joint Halloween costumes for years. Also, Nack has been dating Ursula for a while (although shouldn't he be too old for her? Or is she old to have Dennis? We are missing a whole generation here), but the first time Katie meets Dennis is after she moves in with Poppi and Nack. Brill is so eager to introduce these characters to her reader that she makes Katie meet them for the first time in front of us, even though this is not really plausible.
I was also unconvinced that 17 year old Katie (who was already pretty familiar with alcohol) was so inexperienced that she a) did not yet have her driver's license and b) had never even really made out with or "gone to 2nd base" with a boy prior to Jake.
Overall, I can't really recommend it. The writing is clear enough, but the characters are awfully stereotypical and it comes across as an "after-school special". The real issues around addiction are not addressed, this is just a pattern novel showing how generations can repeat mistakes without questioning.
August 29, 2016
At the time of this writing, I finished reading Cape Maybe by Carol Fragale Brill about an hour ago. OH MY GOSH! Talk about getting into a story!
This novel begins with the young main character, Katie, arriving home from school to find a not-so-good situation involving her alcoholic mother. Immediately, the reader is rooting for Katie, annoyed with but hoping for her mother, sympathizing with her grandfather.
I have to tell you, there were parts of this story that were a little hard to read because of the honesty portrayed. The rawness of human emotion and reactions was so very well presented that I felt a range of my own emotions as I followed Katie through several years of her life. I should say, her difficult growing up years – the shame, the mistakes, the secrets, the lies, the promises, the denial, the anger, the tears, the discoveries, the regrets … but Cape Maybe is a story not only of the struggle but also one of love and hope. It is a story that won’t let you go, has to be heard, and doesn’t disappoint.
Katie’s mother stubbornly clings to her addiction after many failed attempts at sobriety. Although hating what it did to her mother, Katie feels the pull toward alcohol, and at a young age begins the slow tumble down that dark tunnel. It is a story I’m sure many can relate to from one side of the experience or the other – meaning, as one caught or as someone loving the one caught. And it is a story that carries the reader on the bumpy ride of Katie’s struggle, not letting go until the very last page. Even then, the characters linger in one’s mind.
When I reached that last page, I admit, tears welled up in my eyes. And I wanted more even though it was so fitting an ending. It was so well done I really felt that I didn’t want to go home from there!
There are other things I would like to share about Cape Maybe by Carol Fragale Brill, but I don’t want to have to issue a spoiler alert. ;) You are going to have to get your own copy to find out. I’m sure you won’t regret it.
This novel begins with the young main character, Katie, arriving home from school to find a not-so-good situation involving her alcoholic mother. Immediately, the reader is rooting for Katie, annoyed with but hoping for her mother, sympathizing with her grandfather.
I have to tell you, there were parts of this story that were a little hard to read because of the honesty portrayed. The rawness of human emotion and reactions was so very well presented that I felt a range of my own emotions as I followed Katie through several years of her life. I should say, her difficult growing up years – the shame, the mistakes, the secrets, the lies, the promises, the denial, the anger, the tears, the discoveries, the regrets … but Cape Maybe is a story not only of the struggle but also one of love and hope. It is a story that won’t let you go, has to be heard, and doesn’t disappoint.
Katie’s mother stubbornly clings to her addiction after many failed attempts at sobriety. Although hating what it did to her mother, Katie feels the pull toward alcohol, and at a young age begins the slow tumble down that dark tunnel. It is a story I’m sure many can relate to from one side of the experience or the other – meaning, as one caught or as someone loving the one caught. And it is a story that carries the reader on the bumpy ride of Katie’s struggle, not letting go until the very last page. Even then, the characters linger in one’s mind.
When I reached that last page, I admit, tears welled up in my eyes. And I wanted more even though it was so fitting an ending. It was so well done I really felt that I didn’t want to go home from there!
There are other things I would like to share about Cape Maybe by Carol Fragale Brill, but I don’t want to have to issue a spoiler alert. ;) You are going to have to get your own copy to find out. I’m sure you won’t regret it.
September 7, 2014
Cape Maybe was another young adult read that addressed another issue for teens---alcoholism and also teen pregnancy. Part 1 addresses Katie at a young age when she is rescued from her alcoholic mother and her abusive boyfriend, by Poppi, Katie's grandfather. Katie had a friend named, Cam, and while living with Poppi and Uncle Nack, she met the love of her life, Dennis. Dennis was the son of Uncle Nack's lady friend, Ursula.
This cast of characters was so believable. Katie had an innate knowledge that Mama's boyfriend was mean and dangerous. When Mama had Ray with her, he was her main focus and with him, came lots of drinking. It was a bad example to set for a little girl. Poppi felt she was safer with him and Uncle Nack and he would have helped June, (Mama), If she could just stay away from Ray and the booze.
Katie was torn between the safety and love offered by Poppi and her need and love for her mother.
Part 2 focused more on Katie at age 17. Although she never wanted to be like her mother, Katie's teen years were troubled. Her friend Cam was always beautiful and knew how to be a girl, drawing the attention of all the guys, including their friend Dennis. Katie always resented Cam's ability to hold Dennis's attention while she kept him at arms length. Dennis should have been Katie's since she knew him first. Conflicting thoughts between guilt and friendship and wanting to make Dennis notice her, all contributed to some bad choices made by young Katie. Uncle Nack and Dennis always seemed to be there to help Katie clean up the messes, even when her sneak drinking was becoming more and more obvious.
This was a solid story and this reader was broken hearted every time Katie imbibed and with every bad decision she made. The heartache of those who truly loved her, clearly shone through and Brill was able to bring forth a truly raw and aching story of the path of the alcoholic and the people who love them.
This cast of characters was so believable. Katie had an innate knowledge that Mama's boyfriend was mean and dangerous. When Mama had Ray with her, he was her main focus and with him, came lots of drinking. It was a bad example to set for a little girl. Poppi felt she was safer with him and Uncle Nack and he would have helped June, (Mama), If she could just stay away from Ray and the booze.
Katie was torn between the safety and love offered by Poppi and her need and love for her mother.
Part 2 focused more on Katie at age 17. Although she never wanted to be like her mother, Katie's teen years were troubled. Her friend Cam was always beautiful and knew how to be a girl, drawing the attention of all the guys, including their friend Dennis. Katie always resented Cam's ability to hold Dennis's attention while she kept him at arms length. Dennis should have been Katie's since she knew him first. Conflicting thoughts between guilt and friendship and wanting to make Dennis notice her, all contributed to some bad choices made by young Katie. Uncle Nack and Dennis always seemed to be there to help Katie clean up the messes, even when her sneak drinking was becoming more and more obvious.
This was a solid story and this reader was broken hearted every time Katie imbibed and with every bad decision she made. The heartache of those who truly loved her, clearly shone through and Brill was able to bring forth a truly raw and aching story of the path of the alcoholic and the people who love them.
February 20, 2015
This is the second novel by Carol Fragale Brill that I have read and reviewed. It's the story of a young girl, who has lost her father, and eventually loses her mother to alcoholism and addiction. The story follows the path of Katie from pre-adolescence until she is a young woman. It's a beautifully written account of Katie's quest for stability in her life after her father dies and her mother spirals downward.
Ms. Brill handles difficult subject matters with a lot of insight. Her first novel dealt with eating disorders and this one is about alcoholism and drug addiction.
Even as Katie abhors what her mother becomes, she eventually succumbs to the same bad habits. Is Katie in danger of becoming an alcoholic because her mother is? Is it hereditary?
Katie suffers when the ones she loves go away, either through death or just because they can't cope with what's left.
She makes a lot of bad choices, but some good ones too. As a reader, we want Katie to succeed but her victories are sometimes baby steps.
The characters in this book are delightful, with the exception of Katie's first-time guy. I thought he came off as a little more evil than he needed to be. In the end, the relationships she made as a child sustain her.
Beautiful descriptions, believable dialogue, great characters and a story with many twists and turns. As it should be.
I will read whatever this author writes. She's that good.
Ms. Brill handles difficult subject matters with a lot of insight. Her first novel dealt with eating disorders and this one is about alcoholism and drug addiction.
Even as Katie abhors what her mother becomes, she eventually succumbs to the same bad habits. Is Katie in danger of becoming an alcoholic because her mother is? Is it hereditary?
Katie suffers when the ones she loves go away, either through death or just because they can't cope with what's left.
She makes a lot of bad choices, but some good ones too. As a reader, we want Katie to succeed but her victories are sometimes baby steps.
The characters in this book are delightful, with the exception of Katie's first-time guy. I thought he came off as a little more evil than he needed to be. In the end, the relationships she made as a child sustain her.
Beautiful descriptions, believable dialogue, great characters and a story with many twists and turns. As it should be.
I will read whatever this author writes. She's that good.
January 29, 2014
Smiles, Tears, Reality
When a story makes me smile in one place, nod my head in recognition in another, and then blink back tears in a different scene, I know it’s one I’ll never forget. That’s exactly what happened with CAPE MAYBE.
Author Carol Fragale Brill tells the story of Katie, a girl who grows up with an alcoholic single mother. Katie’s day-to-day life is filled with uncertainty and fear, not knowing if her mother will be drunk or sober and fearing her mother’s no-good boyfriend’s volatile temper. Luckily, her grandfather and great uncle live nearby—constants in her chaotic life. But as she matures into a teenager, will she thrive or will she follow in her mother’s path?
The author does an excellent job of showing the effects that a parent’s alcoholism and addictions can have on their children—both immediately and later in life. In this believable story, Ms. Brill creates a sympathetic character in her young protagonist, without making her seem pathetic. Yet as the story unfolds, there is uncertainty. Is Katie becoming an alcoholic herself and, if so, will she be able to overcome her family’s history of addictive personalities? As the reader gets to know Katie, the desire for her success grows with each beautifully written page.
I have already read Ms. Brill’s other novel, PEACE BY PIECE, and I’ll definitely read any books she writes in the future.
When a story makes me smile in one place, nod my head in recognition in another, and then blink back tears in a different scene, I know it’s one I’ll never forget. That’s exactly what happened with CAPE MAYBE.
Author Carol Fragale Brill tells the story of Katie, a girl who grows up with an alcoholic single mother. Katie’s day-to-day life is filled with uncertainty and fear, not knowing if her mother will be drunk or sober and fearing her mother’s no-good boyfriend’s volatile temper. Luckily, her grandfather and great uncle live nearby—constants in her chaotic life. But as she matures into a teenager, will she thrive or will she follow in her mother’s path?
The author does an excellent job of showing the effects that a parent’s alcoholism and addictions can have on their children—both immediately and later in life. In this believable story, Ms. Brill creates a sympathetic character in her young protagonist, without making her seem pathetic. Yet as the story unfolds, there is uncertainty. Is Katie becoming an alcoholic herself and, if so, will she be able to overcome her family’s history of addictive personalities? As the reader gets to know Katie, the desire for her success grows with each beautifully written page.
I have already read Ms. Brill’s other novel, PEACE BY PIECE, and I’ll definitely read any books she writes in the future.
January 16, 2016
What a powerful book this is! I liked it right from the start. It was up and down and up and down all through the book, just pulling at your heartstrings the whole time. But I held out, I didn't shed a tear until the very last page.
Some people might think the ending was abrupt or maybe a non-ending, but I actually thought it was perfect! Yes, me, queen of having the perfect ending. In this case you don't need to know more, you only need to know that one thing. I felt satisfied.
Excellent character development. Katie stole my heart. I basically felt like I grew up with Katie. The book starts out with her being only eleven and stays that way for about half the book. Then when she started growing up I thought maybe I wasn't going to like the grown-up Katie as much, but I did!!!
Boy this is one of those books that just gets into your bloodstream! I don't think this is one I will forget for a while. I think Carol Fragale Brill is going to be one of my favorite authors! She is definitely one of those authors I will read more of. Can't wait for the next one.
Thank you Carol for sending me an e-book copy for my honest review!
Some people might think the ending was abrupt or maybe a non-ending, but I actually thought it was perfect! Yes, me, queen of having the perfect ending. In this case you don't need to know more, you only need to know that one thing. I felt satisfied.
Excellent character development. Katie stole my heart. I basically felt like I grew up with Katie. The book starts out with her being only eleven and stays that way for about half the book. Then when she started growing up I thought maybe I wasn't going to like the grown-up Katie as much, but I did!!!
Boy this is one of those books that just gets into your bloodstream! I don't think this is one I will forget for a while. I think Carol Fragale Brill is going to be one of my favorite authors! She is definitely one of those authors I will read more of. Can't wait for the next one.
Thank you Carol for sending me an e-book copy for my honest review!
December 30, 2014
Dark...as in sad really...but pretty good.
Katie is robbed of a father in her young years due to death in the Vietnam war, robbed (not dead) of a mother due to inability to cope with the death of her husband and turns to drugs and alcohol, robbed of a loving grandfather (who took her in and showed her there is much more)due to stroke. It is a bit heart wrenching as she faces each of these great losses. Wanting to be loved and taken care of by a mother who incapable of doing so. Determined to not become her mother, bad choices throw her in neck deep to the same footsteps of alcoholism. She justifies everything and cannot see what really is, until the love of a life long friend and forever crush (but is it is really more) and the care of an uncle who is doing his best, help her to face reality and take steps to right herself.
I did cry in one or two places. Kept my interest and want of knowing what would happen next.
Katie is robbed of a father in her young years due to death in the Vietnam war, robbed (not dead) of a mother due to inability to cope with the death of her husband and turns to drugs and alcohol, robbed of a loving grandfather (who took her in and showed her there is much more)due to stroke. It is a bit heart wrenching as she faces each of these great losses. Wanting to be loved and taken care of by a mother who incapable of doing so. Determined to not become her mother, bad choices throw her in neck deep to the same footsteps of alcoholism. She justifies everything and cannot see what really is, until the love of a life long friend and forever crush (but is it is really more) and the care of an uncle who is doing his best, help her to face reality and take steps to right herself.
I did cry in one or two places. Kept my interest and want of knowing what would happen next.
May 1, 2015
Cape Maybe tells the story of a young girl growing up named Kate Mae. Her father was killed in VietNam when she was a baby and her mother drinks to excess and uses drugs. Her Poppi gains custody and as she grows up she always feels his love and high expectations. She also feels the need for her mother and wants to connect with her father.
She meet Dennis at age twelve and the remain friends although she wishes for more. She makes some mistakes, starts drinking and Dennis goes off to college to follow his plan and she doesn't fit into it now that she has Molly and continues to drink.
Cape Maybe tells a story of how addiction can pass from one generation to the next and the strength it takes to find a way to break the cycle and give the next generation a chance to live a normal life while telling a wonderful romance woven into the story.
She meet Dennis at age twelve and the remain friends although she wishes for more. She makes some mistakes, starts drinking and Dennis goes off to college to follow his plan and she doesn't fit into it now that she has Molly and continues to drink.
Cape Maybe tells a story of how addiction can pass from one generation to the next and the strength it takes to find a way to break the cycle and give the next generation a chance to live a normal life while telling a wonderful romance woven into the story.
February 24, 2015
Cape Maybe by Carol Brill is a great read! One reason I enjoyed the story is because I live in Cape May County, the setting of the story. The characters are all very well-developed and believable. I laughed and cried with them and even yelled at them occasionally! The plot was totally engaging. I routed for Katie and Dennis in their awkward teen moments, sympathized with Poppi and Uncle Nack as they did their best to raise Katie and support her addict mother, and marveled at how the author captured living in a South Jersey shore town with few opportunities for a bright future. Cape Maybe should be required reading for all Cape May County teens and their parents, as well as teens across America.
February 20, 2014
I was kindly given this book as a gift on Kindle from the author Carol – thanks Carol! I really enjoyed this read…..This is a coming of age story and I was surprised at how involved I became in the story. The story portrays the awful effect of addiction and how 11 year old Katie comes of age with her own problems. Were they inherited from her mother? Katie makes a lot of wrong choices in her late teens and sometimes I just wanted to grab her, so on occasion I didn’t even like Katie but I just loved Katie’s grandfather who took custody of her – he was lovely! This is a very well written book and quite a good read.
July 19, 2014
I read the Kindle edition of this book while I was visiting my son/daughter-in-law/Grand for the last time in Williamsburg, VA. (They are moving back to the Pacific Northwest...so happiness from this Granny in that regard of course!)
I really enjoyed the characters in the book and following along with their lives and the promises we make to others and ourselves in life, not knowing what things may make those promises not possible. Kate is the main character and the story follows her life from age 11 to high school; her alcoholic mom and her grandfather who is so hopeful and determined that Kate not end up like her mother.
Loved it...and can't wait for the next one from Brill.
I really enjoyed the characters in the book and following along with their lives and the promises we make to others and ourselves in life, not knowing what things may make those promises not possible. Kate is the main character and the story follows her life from age 11 to high school; her alcoholic mom and her grandfather who is so hopeful and determined that Kate not end up like her mother.
Loved it...and can't wait for the next one from Brill.
February 2, 2014
Journey with strong, smart, willful Katie through her difficult childhood, and stormy adolescence, cheering for her healing and growth. This beautifully written account of a young girl growing up in the shadow of her mother's alcoholism and mental illness is tender, honest, and real. You'll fall in love with Katie's Poppi (her grandfather) and her loyal friend, Dennis, who see her through very difficult times. You'll want to stay with Katie and her family on Cape Maybe for much longer than the time it takes to read this lovely book.
January 26, 2014
Not a horrible read, actually a pretty quick read.
Kate is a girl who lives with her alcoholic mother June, who happens to be in an abusive and toxic relationship. When June seems to pick her boyfriend Ray over Kate, Kate moves in with her Italian grandfather, Poppi. The rest of the book is a coming of age story, with love, drama, and a little bit of humor. Not too bad of a read for a book I got free off of amazon.
Kate is a girl who lives with her alcoholic mother June, who happens to be in an abusive and toxic relationship. When June seems to pick her boyfriend Ray over Kate, Kate moves in with her Italian grandfather, Poppi. The rest of the book is a coming of age story, with love, drama, and a little bit of humor. Not too bad of a read for a book I got free off of amazon.
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May 6, 2014
This is a very nicely written story about a young girl's struggle with alcoholism. Katie struggles with understanding how her mom can put drinking before her own welfare. She also struggles with trying to break free of the disease herself.
The story shows is engrossing and thought provoking. You feel both empathy and pity for Katie as she takes this journey into adulthood.
I reccomend this book and look forward to reading more of Carol's stories.
The story shows is engrossing and thought provoking. You feel both empathy and pity for Katie as she takes this journey into adulthood.
I reccomend this book and look forward to reading more of Carol's stories.
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