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Losing It All
Frank Barnes is content living on the streets of Atlanta. A soup kitchen and a makeshift shanty sure beat his days as a POW in Vietnam. But Chloe Roberts can’t handle the eviction that sends her into the hell of homelessness. With no family or friends to turn to, Chloe and her children are sucked into the traumatic world of night shelters, and dangerous predators.
When they bump into each other at the soup kitchen, Frank offers Chloe a glimmer of hope that she can pull her life back together. She rekindles his lost sense of self-worth by taking his mind off his own problems. But they will not meet again until Frank is riding high as a working man, and Chloe has hit rock bottom.
By helping Chloe rebuild her broken life, Frank banishes the demons from his own past. Unfortunately, the past comes strolling back into their lives, threatening to destroy the happiness they have finally found.
When they bump into each other at the soup kitchen, Frank offers Chloe a glimmer of hope that she can pull her life back together. She rekindles his lost sense of self-worth by taking his mind off his own problems. But they will not meet again until Frank is riding high as a working man, and Chloe has hit rock bottom.
By helping Chloe rebuild her broken life, Frank banishes the demons from his own past. Unfortunately, the past comes strolling back into their lives, threatening to destroy the happiness they have finally found.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2013
19 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Marsha Cornelius
8 books118 followersM. R. Cornelius lives in the suburbs north of Atlanta with her husband and two spoiled cats who refuse to wear socks and dust the furniture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 2, 2015
Losing It All follows the stories of U.S. Vietnam veteran, Frank, who was left unemployed and homeless after the war, and Chloe, a young, married woman with two small children and a husband who has her. Both characters, finding themselves on the streets, grapple with emotional and mental challenges throughout the novel, constantly seeking a way to escape their current living conditions and pave a better life for themselves. When their separate tales intertwine, they each serve as a source of hope for the other, allowing them to overcome their challenging pasts.
I haven't read many books featuring such a large array of homeless characters, so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. Cornelius, however, did an excellent job immortalizing such a prevalent and universal theme in her writing, exposing many of the challenges posed by a life on the streets. Frank is able to make the most of his situation, satisfied with only basic necessities. Upon realizing that he has the power to dictate his future, Frank secures a job as a stablehand, moving into and renovating a nearby house. Chloe, similarly, is evicted from her apartment and forced to rebuild her life while simultaneously caring for her children. With a bit of assistance from Frank along the way, she is able to pick up the pieces and start anew.
Cornelius did an excellent job with both of the main character's characterization, portraying their physical and emotional development throughout the novel. She accurately portrayed their grief and senses of helplessness as they struggled to adapt to change. Most importantly, Cornelius stressed their necessary reliance upon one another.
I was quite surprised by the number of unexpected twists and turns. For the most part, the plot left me on my toes. One of my only complaints was the cliche horse theme that was introduced in the latter half of the novel. Upon receiving a job as a stablehand, Frank immediately befriends the nasty, ornery horse that intentionally raises hell for every other character in the book...except for Frank, of course. Through their daily interactions and training sessions, Frank tames the seemingly untamable gelding, astonishing his employers. From the moment horses were introduced, I could tell that it would simply be a rehashing of the most common and significantly overused equestrian plot, which has gotten a bit old at this point. There were also a few inaccuracies regarding horse care and training which the average reader likely would not have picked up (I'll admit, I am nitpicking a bit here).
Overall, Losing It All was a quick, but enlightening read. It stresses the importance of not judging a man's character based upon his physical appearance, but upon his actions, a lesson which all of us tend to forget from time to time.
Note: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read many books featuring such a large array of homeless characters, so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. Cornelius, however, did an excellent job immortalizing such a prevalent and universal theme in her writing, exposing many of the challenges posed by a life on the streets. Frank is able to make the most of his situation, satisfied with only basic necessities. Upon realizing that he has the power to dictate his future, Frank secures a job as a stablehand, moving into and renovating a nearby house. Chloe, similarly, is evicted from her apartment and forced to rebuild her life while simultaneously caring for her children. With a bit of assistance from Frank along the way, she is able to pick up the pieces and start anew.
Cornelius did an excellent job with both of the main character's characterization, portraying their physical and emotional development throughout the novel. She accurately portrayed their grief and senses of helplessness as they struggled to adapt to change. Most importantly, Cornelius stressed their necessary reliance upon one another.
I was quite surprised by the number of unexpected twists and turns. For the most part, the plot left me on my toes. One of my only complaints was the cliche horse theme that was introduced in the latter half of the novel. Upon receiving a job as a stablehand, Frank immediately befriends the nasty, ornery horse that intentionally raises hell for every other character in the book...except for Frank, of course. Through their daily interactions and training sessions, Frank tames the seemingly untamable gelding, astonishing his employers. From the moment horses were introduced, I could tell that it would simply be a rehashing of the most common and significantly overused equestrian plot, which has gotten a bit old at this point. There were also a few inaccuracies regarding horse care and training which the average reader likely would not have picked up (I'll admit, I am nitpicking a bit here).
Overall, Losing It All was a quick, but enlightening read. It stresses the importance of not judging a man's character based upon his physical appearance, but upon his actions, a lesson which all of us tend to forget from time to time.
Note: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2014
The novel is set mostly around Atlanta, Georgia in the US. Frank is a Vietnam vet whose life has crashed and burned, leaving him a vagrant trying to scratch out an existence as best he can. Chloe is a small town, naïve mother of two who has allowed her path through life to be determined by others. When husband Duane deserts her, everything gradually falls apart and she ends up in a shelter for homeless women.
Marsha Cornelius has clearly put a great deal of research into this story. I recently watched the 1960s BBC (UK) drama-documentary ‘Cathy Come Home’, which shows how easily families in the UK in the 1960s could descend from keeping their heads above water into homelessness; this book had the same effect on me. It’s shocking, but so real, and really made me think about how so many people are just a couple of salary cheques away from the street! The details of both Chloe and Frank’s struggles are very well illustrated, as is their climb back to something approaching normality – though indeed, what they consider ‘normal’ is not the conventional lifestyle some would expect.
The message of this book is definitely one of love and relationships mattering more than anything else, and about it being the simple things in life that can bring the most happiness. The romantic aspect of the story was perfectly portrayed too, I thought; not schmaltzy, or overtly sexy for the sake of it but just touching and true to life.
It’s a story about love and hope, the goodwill of friends, and the discovery of inner strength. Recommended.
Marsha Cornelius has clearly put a great deal of research into this story. I recently watched the 1960s BBC (UK) drama-documentary ‘Cathy Come Home’, which shows how easily families in the UK in the 1960s could descend from keeping their heads above water into homelessness; this book had the same effect on me. It’s shocking, but so real, and really made me think about how so many people are just a couple of salary cheques away from the street! The details of both Chloe and Frank’s struggles are very well illustrated, as is their climb back to something approaching normality – though indeed, what they consider ‘normal’ is not the conventional lifestyle some would expect.
The message of this book is definitely one of love and relationships mattering more than anything else, and about it being the simple things in life that can bring the most happiness. The romantic aspect of the story was perfectly portrayed too, I thought; not schmaltzy, or overtly sexy for the sake of it but just touching and true to life.
It’s a story about love and hope, the goodwill of friends, and the discovery of inner strength. Recommended.
July 5, 2016
This book literally took me forever to read! Now, part of that was life getting in the way, i.e. migraines, writing, kids. But, I have to admit, part of it was procrastination. Don't get me wrong. Losing it All is a good book. Let me explain...
Frank is a Vietnam War vet who, as you can imagine, has suffered a great deal. He lives with chronic pain, nightmares, and a broken heart. Because of this, Frank decides to distance himself from traditional life. When he first leaves the VA, he is a hard, angry drunk (trying to numb the pain), but finds himself again through the help of his homeless friends. Frank has demons, but he is a good and honest man, a faithful friend, and has a great deal of self-respect. I like Frank.
It's Chloe I didn't like- at all. Chloe had a difficult upbringing with a stepfather who abused her. She then married an abusive man who abandoned her and her two children. She loses her home and car and ends up in a shelter for women. In every sense of the word, Chloe is a victim. And she lives like one. Throughout the majority of the book, she whines about her life and what people have done to her. She seems to care more about her hair and makeup in the shelter than being strong for her kids. Now, don't start yelling at me, telling me that I am heartless or don't have any compassion. The fact is, Chloe and I, sadly, have much in common. I lived in a homeless shelter for pregnant women when I was pregnant with my first child. The circumstances were different, but it was horrible. The worst part was that life would only get worse. The thing is, I feel for Chloe. I've lived her life and then some. I just have a difficult time with her weakness. I felt very sorry for myself as a teenager, but once I had my son, it changed everything.
Overall, this was a good book- a little slow, but good. I just wish that Chloe had grown to be a strong woman, instead of just getting lucky to have found Frank. I would have liked to have seen the last couple of chapters have gone a little differently so that Chloe could have been a heroine instead of a lucky victim who finally found a good man.
Losing it All is a difficult book for me to rate because, while I think I should have enjoyed it more (that's why I kept reading), I just didn't.
Thank you to the author for offering me a copy of Losing it All in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 stars
www.julaynadams.wordpress.com
Frank is a Vietnam War vet who, as you can imagine, has suffered a great deal. He lives with chronic pain, nightmares, and a broken heart. Because of this, Frank decides to distance himself from traditional life. When he first leaves the VA, he is a hard, angry drunk (trying to numb the pain), but finds himself again through the help of his homeless friends. Frank has demons, but he is a good and honest man, a faithful friend, and has a great deal of self-respect. I like Frank.
It's Chloe I didn't like- at all. Chloe had a difficult upbringing with a stepfather who abused her. She then married an abusive man who abandoned her and her two children. She loses her home and car and ends up in a shelter for women. In every sense of the word, Chloe is a victim. And she lives like one. Throughout the majority of the book, she whines about her life and what people have done to her. She seems to care more about her hair and makeup in the shelter than being strong for her kids. Now, don't start yelling at me, telling me that I am heartless or don't have any compassion. The fact is, Chloe and I, sadly, have much in common. I lived in a homeless shelter for pregnant women when I was pregnant with my first child. The circumstances were different, but it was horrible. The worst part was that life would only get worse. The thing is, I feel for Chloe. I've lived her life and then some. I just have a difficult time with her weakness. I felt very sorry for myself as a teenager, but once I had my son, it changed everything.
Overall, this was a good book- a little slow, but good. I just wish that Chloe had grown to be a strong woman, instead of just getting lucky to have found Frank. I would have liked to have seen the last couple of chapters have gone a little differently so that Chloe could have been a heroine instead of a lucky victim who finally found a good man.
Losing it All is a difficult book for me to rate because, while I think I should have enjoyed it more (that's why I kept reading), I just didn't.
Thank you to the author for offering me a copy of Losing it All in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 stars
www.julaynadams.wordpress.com
June 21, 2015
§Robbie's Review§
In her third novel, Losing It All, author Marsha Cornelius puts into words, as the title indicates, what is likely one of the greatest fears we all have, particularly in these difficult economic times. Even though the book is set in the '80's, the subject matter is timeless, touching on many social issues such as displaced veterans, the homeless, domestic abuse, incest and rape—issues which continue to be a part of our society. Frank Barnes is not your typical book boyfriend, but you may fall a little in love with him, as I did, before the end of the book. From their first meeting, Frank feels a special connection with Chloe Roberts even though she seems to be more concerned with the color of her nail polish than the devastating blow she has been dealt in life.
"He took her hand for a quick shake, but at that moment of contact, with palm against palm, the nerve endings in his hand seemed to vibrate. That slight tremor ran quickly up his arm and across his chest jarring something loose that had been in a deep sleep for a very long time. Blood that had slowly trickled through his veins for years suddenly rushed to his head. His heart lurched in a a crazy-fast rhythm."
One of the criteria I look for in rating a book is the author's ability to show rather than tell a story. There is no doubt Marsha Cornelius has the gift. In looking for passages to quote in my review, it was notable that I found no pontificating in the narrative, but rather page after page of descriptive language showing the reader all the anguish, fear, heartache, rejection, love, pride and joy these characters are feeling. And, as the reader, I felt what the characters were feeling, not because the author told me what I ought to be feeling , but because she put me inside her characters.
"The night Frank found out he was number sixteen in the draft, he and Candy crawled into the back of his '59 Impala to grind their hips against each other in desperation. She cried the whole time. If he had know how soon he'd be sweltering in that Godforsaken jungle, or how long he'd lay helpless in that dirt pit waiting to die, he might have bawled right along with her."
I would never categorize Losing It All as a romance novel, but it is the best kind of love story. There is no sexy billionaire, no long-legged beauty in stiletto heels and a pencil skirt, and there are no young professionals going clubbing at the end of the work day. Many of the characters live in constant fear that what little they have may be taken away just as surely as the carefully nurtured link between Frank and Chloe may be broken by a threat from the past.
"I need you Chloe. I want you to stay here. Forever. I want to take care of you. I want you to take care of me—"
This book is superbly written, hard to put down and as to the ending...as the saying goes...things turn out just the way they're supposed to.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book directly from the author. I was not paid to read or review this book. All opinions are my own, and I was never influenced by anything or anyone
In her third novel, Losing It All, author Marsha Cornelius puts into words, as the title indicates, what is likely one of the greatest fears we all have, particularly in these difficult economic times. Even though the book is set in the '80's, the subject matter is timeless, touching on many social issues such as displaced veterans, the homeless, domestic abuse, incest and rape—issues which continue to be a part of our society. Frank Barnes is not your typical book boyfriend, but you may fall a little in love with him, as I did, before the end of the book. From their first meeting, Frank feels a special connection with Chloe Roberts even though she seems to be more concerned with the color of her nail polish than the devastating blow she has been dealt in life.
"He took her hand for a quick shake, but at that moment of contact, with palm against palm, the nerve endings in his hand seemed to vibrate. That slight tremor ran quickly up his arm and across his chest jarring something loose that had been in a deep sleep for a very long time. Blood that had slowly trickled through his veins for years suddenly rushed to his head. His heart lurched in a a crazy-fast rhythm."
One of the criteria I look for in rating a book is the author's ability to show rather than tell a story. There is no doubt Marsha Cornelius has the gift. In looking for passages to quote in my review, it was notable that I found no pontificating in the narrative, but rather page after page of descriptive language showing the reader all the anguish, fear, heartache, rejection, love, pride and joy these characters are feeling. And, as the reader, I felt what the characters were feeling, not because the author told me what I ought to be feeling , but because she put me inside her characters.
"The night Frank found out he was number sixteen in the draft, he and Candy crawled into the back of his '59 Impala to grind their hips against each other in desperation. She cried the whole time. If he had know how soon he'd be sweltering in that Godforsaken jungle, or how long he'd lay helpless in that dirt pit waiting to die, he might have bawled right along with her."
I would never categorize Losing It All as a romance novel, but it is the best kind of love story. There is no sexy billionaire, no long-legged beauty in stiletto heels and a pencil skirt, and there are no young professionals going clubbing at the end of the work day. Many of the characters live in constant fear that what little they have may be taken away just as surely as the carefully nurtured link between Frank and Chloe may be broken by a threat from the past.
"I need you Chloe. I want you to stay here. Forever. I want to take care of you. I want you to take care of me—"
This book is superbly written, hard to put down and as to the ending...as the saying goes...things turn out just the way they're supposed to.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book directly from the author. I was not paid to read or review this book. All opinions are my own, and I was never influenced by anything or anyone
December 17, 2014
Frank and Chloe, for completely different reasons find themselves homeless. Frank is happy enough on the streets, collecting cans each day to make a little money. After the horrors of fighting and battling to survive in the Vietnam war, he returns to the US disabled and ignored and turns to alcohol and drugs to dull the physical and mental pain. Another homeless man, Randall, helps Frank work through his issues, get dried out and cleaned up. They forge a close friendship.
Frank makes the most of the little he has, with his good friends and the little community they have built. When all Frank knows is destroyed horrifically and violently one night, and he almost loses his life, he doesn’t know whether he will be able to claw his way back again. Until a chance meeting changes his life forever.
Chloe, after being abandoned by her husband, and with no-one to turn to for help, is left with two children and debts she can’t pay off. After losing her home and all her possessions, she doesn’t know how her life could get any worse. But it can…a whole lot worse.
Sinking further and further into a pit of despair and hopelessness, Chloe can’t se a way forward. She is at the mercy of a very defective system of shelters, incompetent childcare and predatory men, leaving her emotionally battered and completely drained. Until a helping hand reaches out to pull her back from the brink.
The story is told from both Frank’s and Chloe’s points of view. It brings home the stark reminder that the homeless of this world are actually out there, struggling to survive from day-to-day against sometimes unimaginable odds. Losing it all. How far can one person fall before all hope is gone. This is a fascinating book with wonderfully developing characters and a sometimes harrowing storyline, dealing with the complex issues and situations the homeless can, and more than likely do, face.
I was drawn to Frank immediately, there’s depth and authenticity in his character. He’s had a really rough deal but despite everything he cares about others and does whatever he can to help. Chloe hasn’t had a happy life and, I think partly because of that, chose poorly when it came to a husband and father for her children. The two characters’ lives are interlinked and brought together in a compelling and profound storyline. Their portrayal is genuine, believable and endearing. The writing is accomplished and descriptive with a reality that encompasses so many emotions, hope, love, anguish, misery, all of which shine through the narrative.
A really excellent read which enforces the old adage, never judge a book…You never really know the true story behind a person’s appearance and what events forced them into a certain situation. Or how a single act of kindness can be the start of changing someone’s life for the better.
Frank makes the most of the little he has, with his good friends and the little community they have built. When all Frank knows is destroyed horrifically and violently one night, and he almost loses his life, he doesn’t know whether he will be able to claw his way back again. Until a chance meeting changes his life forever.
Chloe, after being abandoned by her husband, and with no-one to turn to for help, is left with two children and debts she can’t pay off. After losing her home and all her possessions, she doesn’t know how her life could get any worse. But it can…a whole lot worse.
Sinking further and further into a pit of despair and hopelessness, Chloe can’t se a way forward. She is at the mercy of a very defective system of shelters, incompetent childcare and predatory men, leaving her emotionally battered and completely drained. Until a helping hand reaches out to pull her back from the brink.
The story is told from both Frank’s and Chloe’s points of view. It brings home the stark reminder that the homeless of this world are actually out there, struggling to survive from day-to-day against sometimes unimaginable odds. Losing it all. How far can one person fall before all hope is gone. This is a fascinating book with wonderfully developing characters and a sometimes harrowing storyline, dealing with the complex issues and situations the homeless can, and more than likely do, face.
I was drawn to Frank immediately, there’s depth and authenticity in his character. He’s had a really rough deal but despite everything he cares about others and does whatever he can to help. Chloe hasn’t had a happy life and, I think partly because of that, chose poorly when it came to a husband and father for her children. The two characters’ lives are interlinked and brought together in a compelling and profound storyline. Their portrayal is genuine, believable and endearing. The writing is accomplished and descriptive with a reality that encompasses so many emotions, hope, love, anguish, misery, all of which shine through the narrative.
A really excellent read which enforces the old adage, never judge a book…You never really know the true story behind a person’s appearance and what events forced them into a certain situation. Or how a single act of kindness can be the start of changing someone’s life for the better.
May 28, 2015
Losing It All is the heart-wrenching and well contrived story of homelessness, despair, hope, and finally a chance to begin anew.
Frank is a Vietnam War Veteran like many other heroes, he lives on the streets. He figures nothing could be worse than his time spent as a POW, but he soon discovers just how violent the streets of Atlanta can be.
Chloe is also learning a thing or two about the streets after being evicted from her apartment with no where to turn and two small children to look after. She seeks refuge at the women's shelter and for the sake of her kids tries to follow the routine of day shelters, night shelters, and soup kitchens. During a visit to the soup kitchen she meets Frank. She is appalled by is haggard appearances, and although he seems helpful, Chloe shies away from him. Chloe is more determined than ever to get herself and her kids off the streets. But, just when her situation seems to be turning around devastation strikes from all directions. Now, completely hopeless Chloe is but a shell of her former self. Can she overcome the tragedy her life has become?
Meanwhile, Frank has be given a second chance and he plans to do whatever it takes to keep from screwing things up. He has a job, plenty of food, clean clothes, and shelter. It seems his life couldn't get any better so when he sees a zombie-like Chloe and her two children in front of the Roswell shelter he is compelled to help them. Chloe is resistant and it takes some coaxing to get her to bring the kids and go with him. Chloe is no longer the woman Frank remembered and he's not sure she will ever be again, but he's determined to do what he can.
Losing It All is completely captivating and utterly heartbreaking, yet it is also a testament to the power of the human spirit. Just when Frank is ready to give up a miracle puts Ray in his life and when Chloe loses all hope a miracle brings her Frank. Despite heartache, good comes to those who deserve it and that in itself left me inspired. I also have to admit that when little Ethan muttered those three little words to Frank I felt my heart leap and my eyes filled with tears.
The author effectively brings her characters to life on the pages and her ability to spin a fascinating tale shines through. I absolutely loved Losing It All and highly recommend picking up a copy.
Frank is a Vietnam War Veteran like many other heroes, he lives on the streets. He figures nothing could be worse than his time spent as a POW, but he soon discovers just how violent the streets of Atlanta can be.
Chloe is also learning a thing or two about the streets after being evicted from her apartment with no where to turn and two small children to look after. She seeks refuge at the women's shelter and for the sake of her kids tries to follow the routine of day shelters, night shelters, and soup kitchens. During a visit to the soup kitchen she meets Frank. She is appalled by is haggard appearances, and although he seems helpful, Chloe shies away from him. Chloe is more determined than ever to get herself and her kids off the streets. But, just when her situation seems to be turning around devastation strikes from all directions. Now, completely hopeless Chloe is but a shell of her former self. Can she overcome the tragedy her life has become?
Meanwhile, Frank has be given a second chance and he plans to do whatever it takes to keep from screwing things up. He has a job, plenty of food, clean clothes, and shelter. It seems his life couldn't get any better so when he sees a zombie-like Chloe and her two children in front of the Roswell shelter he is compelled to help them. Chloe is resistant and it takes some coaxing to get her to bring the kids and go with him. Chloe is no longer the woman Frank remembered and he's not sure she will ever be again, but he's determined to do what he can.
Losing It All is completely captivating and utterly heartbreaking, yet it is also a testament to the power of the human spirit. Just when Frank is ready to give up a miracle puts Ray in his life and when Chloe loses all hope a miracle brings her Frank. Despite heartache, good comes to those who deserve it and that in itself left me inspired. I also have to admit that when little Ethan muttered those three little words to Frank I felt my heart leap and my eyes filled with tears.
The author effectively brings her characters to life on the pages and her ability to spin a fascinating tale shines through. I absolutely loved Losing It All and highly recommend picking up a copy.
September 8, 2015
This was a phenomenal book. It's not a bodice ripping romance, but a story that has some romance in it. This story is full of depth and struggle for two people who have lost everything and do everything they can to survive and thrive. We start with Frank, a disabled Vietnam vet of the age of 34, who gave up on life and ended up living on the streets. He initially tried to get a job with the help of his friends, but his having served in Vietnam made it difficult for him to get accepted by employers who were so caught up in the national divide and overall bad feeling regarding Vietnam Veterans. So Frank gives up and becomes comfortable in his community of homeless friends until an awful event forces him to try once again to make something of himself. Meanwhile Chloe and her two kids are abandoned by her husband and thrown out on the street when she can't make rent. She faces this new world of homelessness and confusion and we live it with her as she tries to provide for her family and keep her kids safe. This book is so full of depth. The writing is superb. It is written in a way that we are right there with Frank and Chloe, living their experiences with them. We are rooting for them to find success and happiness. This book does have a HEA, but it's a realistic one, not a fairy tale one and yet a beautiful ending for Frank, for Chloe and for her kids. This book gave me an inside look at what it's like to suddenly lose everything and to be reliant on state run shelters as well as the dangers of living on the street. I feel this book has actually changed me for the better and has given me more compassion for those who are struggling after having lost everything. This was truly a phenomenal book.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2013
Cornelius sets the reader right into the tough trough of a city’s squalid underbelly. We can imagine ourselves looking into the concrete underpasses of whatever modern urban environment we may know, as a similar story could be written there a thousand times. The ending may be less kind, less relieved by love, but the story will be much the same. True life, sadly, often reads like this.
We are made to see how easy it is to fall so low that an unexpectedly dry corner in the most derelict of landscapes can come to feel like a treasure, a blessing even. Life can be so much worse than living in the shelter of a sturdy cardboard box with just enough mouldy bread or a nearby soup kitchen.
This is a story of continuing hope despite the worst of what life can throw at us, of dealing with whatever damage we are responsible for drawing onto ourselves, of dealing with the consequences of physical and mental abuse; a love story despite the engulfing scum. We are made to see how long and how tough the march from true poverty truly is.
Beautifully written, completely believable, a story that is often paralleled in some way by the real lives of societies all too real outcasts. The end was a great relief. We must finally remember that very few such badly blighted lives end with so much fulfilled hope. This third novel by Cornelius is as different as was each of the first two. Each one is of the same high quality. I will be reading Marsha Cornelius’s next work, whatever ‘genre’ she picks.
We are made to see how easy it is to fall so low that an unexpectedly dry corner in the most derelict of landscapes can come to feel like a treasure, a blessing even. Life can be so much worse than living in the shelter of a sturdy cardboard box with just enough mouldy bread or a nearby soup kitchen.
This is a story of continuing hope despite the worst of what life can throw at us, of dealing with whatever damage we are responsible for drawing onto ourselves, of dealing with the consequences of physical and mental abuse; a love story despite the engulfing scum. We are made to see how long and how tough the march from true poverty truly is.
Beautifully written, completely believable, a story that is often paralleled in some way by the real lives of societies all too real outcasts. The end was a great relief. We must finally remember that very few such badly blighted lives end with so much fulfilled hope. This third novel by Cornelius is as different as was each of the first two. Each one is of the same high quality. I will be reading Marsha Cornelius’s next work, whatever ‘genre’ she picks.
June 5, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.
Frank has already lost everything after returning from Viet Nam. Chloe's husband has left to find and job and hasn't returned. After Chloe is evicted, she takes her children and goes to a shelter. At a food kitchen she meets Frank. Frank leaves Atlanta to find a job. When Chloe and the kids leave Atlanta, they meet Frank again. Chloe and Frank start to build a life when Duane, Chloe's husband, returns.
Some parts of this book were hard to read because of Chloe's situation but it is heartwarming to see Chloe develop confidence. I enjoyed the book and would like to see a sequel to find out what happens to Chloe and Frank.
Frank has already lost everything after returning from Viet Nam. Chloe's husband has left to find and job and hasn't returned. After Chloe is evicted, she takes her children and goes to a shelter. At a food kitchen she meets Frank. Frank leaves Atlanta to find a job. When Chloe and the kids leave Atlanta, they meet Frank again. Chloe and Frank start to build a life when Duane, Chloe's husband, returns.
Some parts of this book were hard to read because of Chloe's situation but it is heartwarming to see Chloe develop confidence. I enjoyed the book and would like to see a sequel to find out what happens to Chloe and Frank.
July 19, 2015
A sad, sweet novel that kept me reading all night. Marsha Cornelius is a talented writer and this book was the perfect antidote to an unpleasant novel I had read immediately before.
There's nothing earth-shattering going on in the novel, but like The Human Comedy by William Saroyan, it left me with a visceral understanding of the human condition and a realization of just how close we all are to being in similar circumstances.
There's nothing earth-shattering going on in the novel, but like The Human Comedy by William Saroyan, it left me with a visceral understanding of the human condition and a realization of just how close we all are to being in similar circumstances.
September 30, 2015
This is a wonderful book! I'm not sure if Ms. Cornelius has lived through any of the events she wrote about, but if not, she has wonderful empathy. Although I've read a great many books, only three have moved me to tears, including this one. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
October 18, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. The only truly negative thing is, I want more of the story. I am not going to give you a summery of the story, if you want that you can get it at the top. What I want you to know is this book will make you rethink the way you think about others. You don't know why people are in certain situations, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve some kind of respect and kindness. This book made me stop and think about how I react with those people around me, and makes me sad that people can be so cruel.
This was a well written story that will touch your heart and well worth the read!
This was a well written story that will touch your heart and well worth the read!
May 14, 2019
A great story of love, healing and redemption. There is some hope in life even when you are homeless and struggling to find your footing in life.
August 6, 2016
Losing It All by Marsha Cornelius is one of my favorite novels ever. It was painfully realistic, interesting and dramatic, and full of romance and plot twists that you never see coming. Honestly, this novel is a roller coaster from beginning to end, a gripping and edge-of-your-seat novel that is so painstakingly real, you are entranced from page one. Addicting and one of the most realistic contemporaries I have ever read, this novel takes hold of both your mind and heart and takes you on an emotional ride.
Frank Barnes is content living on the streets of Atlanta. A soup kitchen and a makeshift shanty sure beat his days as a POW in Vietnam. But Chloe Roberts can’t handle the eviction that sends her into the hell of homelessness. With no family or friends to turn to, Chloe and her children are sucked into the traumatic world of night shelters, and dangerous predators.
When they bump into each other at the soup kitchen, Frank offers Chloe a glimmer of hope that she can pull her life back together. She rekindles his lost sense of self-worth by taking his mind off his own problems. But they will not meet again until Frank is riding high as a working man, and Chloe has hit rock bottom.
By helping Chloe rebuild her broken life, Frank banishes the demons from his own past. Unfortunately, the past comes strolling back into their lives, threatening to destroy the happiness they have finally found. -Amazon.com
The plot is fantastic. As I have previously said several times by now, this novel is both tragically and beautifully realistic. It perfectly showcases the ups and downs of basic human life and displays relationships and flawed lives in flawless clarity. There is no sugar-coating in this novel. It plainly tells the truth, not trying to make the blows of life any easier. Several touchy subjects are confronted in this novel, including divorce, rape, war, and especially the subject of the homeless and those in women's shelters. These subjects are carefully weaved into this novel, so that several topics are covered, many that will change your mind and leave you questioning. Both the topic of returning Vietnam soldiers and those who are living homeless on the streets resonated deeply with me, and left me with newfound knowledge. These weren't the only things in this novel that made me rethink, but they were two of the most prominent. The plot is perfectly paced and flowing so that you are never bored and never confused on what is going on. It's intriguing, educational, and full of emotion and a rawness so shocking, it's hard to imagine how the author came to compose this novel.
The characters were some of the most deeply interesting characters I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Frank's character was one I was instantly enamored by. He starts out kind of questionable; he's known as a bum on the streets, when actually it is much deeper than that. Once a star football player with his life going great for him, it wasn't long until he was drafted into Vietnam. When he got back home, not only was he met with the nation's anger and scorn, he was also faced with the fact that his life was going downhill. He ended up on the streets trying to survive. Dynamic, funny, romantic, and a very caring person, you find much more to Frank then one would first thing. This is because of the amazing character development you find throughout the entire novel. Chloe, the other side of the story, is also a very interesting character to experience. Her character begins as a troubled mom who can never stick up for herself and is left homeless and alone with her two children after her husband runs off and leaves her with nothing. Evicted from their apartment, Chloe and the kids are forced to stay in a women's shelter and face many more challenges before crossing paths with Frank... And everything changes. Truly interesting, addicting, and both having a part in a simply emotional and complicated relationship, these characters will always leave you wanting more.
The writing was absolutely amazing and everything I had been wanting. Cornelius writes with the mind-blowing capability to copy reality to paper almost effortlessly, and show real and raw human emotion. It's real writing, not forced or fake, but true. There's no "filler" type writing, no unnecessary wordiness, no lengthy passages that seem to drag on forever and forever... Every word is vital to the plot and conveys its meaning perfectly. I really can't say much more than the fact that Cornelius harness fantastic writing ability and a complete understanding of reality and human emotions.
Overall, this novel is an exciting and emotional tour de force, full of completely unexpected plot twists and true life situations. The writing is clearly there, the plot is fantastic, and the novel will quickly become a favorite of yours. Five stars, without a doubt.
Frank Barnes is content living on the streets of Atlanta. A soup kitchen and a makeshift shanty sure beat his days as a POW in Vietnam. But Chloe Roberts can’t handle the eviction that sends her into the hell of homelessness. With no family or friends to turn to, Chloe and her children are sucked into the traumatic world of night shelters, and dangerous predators.
When they bump into each other at the soup kitchen, Frank offers Chloe a glimmer of hope that she can pull her life back together. She rekindles his lost sense of self-worth by taking his mind off his own problems. But they will not meet again until Frank is riding high as a working man, and Chloe has hit rock bottom.
By helping Chloe rebuild her broken life, Frank banishes the demons from his own past. Unfortunately, the past comes strolling back into their lives, threatening to destroy the happiness they have finally found. -Amazon.com
The plot is fantastic. As I have previously said several times by now, this novel is both tragically and beautifully realistic. It perfectly showcases the ups and downs of basic human life and displays relationships and flawed lives in flawless clarity. There is no sugar-coating in this novel. It plainly tells the truth, not trying to make the blows of life any easier. Several touchy subjects are confronted in this novel, including divorce, rape, war, and especially the subject of the homeless and those in women's shelters. These subjects are carefully weaved into this novel, so that several topics are covered, many that will change your mind and leave you questioning. Both the topic of returning Vietnam soldiers and those who are living homeless on the streets resonated deeply with me, and left me with newfound knowledge. These weren't the only things in this novel that made me rethink, but they were two of the most prominent. The plot is perfectly paced and flowing so that you are never bored and never confused on what is going on. It's intriguing, educational, and full of emotion and a rawness so shocking, it's hard to imagine how the author came to compose this novel.
The characters were some of the most deeply interesting characters I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Frank's character was one I was instantly enamored by. He starts out kind of questionable; he's known as a bum on the streets, when actually it is much deeper than that. Once a star football player with his life going great for him, it wasn't long until he was drafted into Vietnam. When he got back home, not only was he met with the nation's anger and scorn, he was also faced with the fact that his life was going downhill. He ended up on the streets trying to survive. Dynamic, funny, romantic, and a very caring person, you find much more to Frank then one would first thing. This is because of the amazing character development you find throughout the entire novel. Chloe, the other side of the story, is also a very interesting character to experience. Her character begins as a troubled mom who can never stick up for herself and is left homeless and alone with her two children after her husband runs off and leaves her with nothing. Evicted from their apartment, Chloe and the kids are forced to stay in a women's shelter and face many more challenges before crossing paths with Frank... And everything changes. Truly interesting, addicting, and both having a part in a simply emotional and complicated relationship, these characters will always leave you wanting more.
The writing was absolutely amazing and everything I had been wanting. Cornelius writes with the mind-blowing capability to copy reality to paper almost effortlessly, and show real and raw human emotion. It's real writing, not forced or fake, but true. There's no "filler" type writing, no unnecessary wordiness, no lengthy passages that seem to drag on forever and forever... Every word is vital to the plot and conveys its meaning perfectly. I really can't say much more than the fact that Cornelius harness fantastic writing ability and a complete understanding of reality and human emotions.
Overall, this novel is an exciting and emotional tour de force, full of completely unexpected plot twists and true life situations. The writing is clearly there, the plot is fantastic, and the novel will quickly become a favorite of yours. Five stars, without a doubt.
December 5, 2013
As you may or may not know, I've been a fan of Marsha Cornelius' work ever since I read the thrilling H10N1 (find the review here). Sure, it could have been the fact that I work with the flu virus that made that book so exciting, but I soon followed it up with her next work, The Ups and Downs of Being Dead (review here.) So, once I heard that she had a third book coming out, Losing It All, I knew I had to give it a try. The only problem was that it had a romance-type feel to it, of which I am not accustomed to reading. But, since I am working on overcoming my tendency to be a genre snob, I figured I should give it a try!
Losing It All tells the story of Frank Barnes and Chloe Roberts. Frank is a Vietnam veteran and a drifter, kindhearted yet down on his luck and accustomed to living on the streets. Chloe isn't any better off as her husband abandons her and her children, leaving them to fend for themselves. She and Frank eventually meet randomly at a soup kitchen, with Chloe taking note of Frank's kind manners and gentle actions despite his living conditions. Frank decides to help Chloe, who seems scared and awkward at her first trip to the soup kitchen. Although both decide that this chance meeting was just that, a brief encounter that wouldn't bear repeating, both seem to find it impossible to forget the other. Sadly, a terrible accident leaves Frank badly injured, and it is many weeks later before he sees Chloe again, and she is in far worse shape than when he met her for the first time. Frank, on the other hand, finds a steady job and a place to call his own. Now that Frank's luck has turned for the better, will Chloe allow him to help her and her children? What will become of these two battered individuals?
I have to admit that my self-imposed stigma against romance-themed novels was unfounded. I've come to find that I enjoy the part in most stories when two main romantic interests finally come together after many chapters of waiting. I've just never noticed it before. It's funny how authors can write a plot line where most everyone knows that these characters will eventually end up together, yet there is a ton of enjoyment in getting to that point, waiting impatiently for the characters to realize that they are in fact perfect for each other. I guess that I was doing this all along, but it took Cornelius's work (as well as some introspection) to realize that this is the case. In short, I really enjoyed this story. It had an engaging plot with plenty of sub-plots that kept my attention span. Cornelius' characterizations are spot on, and I felt as if I was on the streets with Chloe and Frank at some points. The sense of pride that I felt for Frank for taking charge of his life and turning it around was definitely palpable. In all, this is a great and enticing story that will make you want to keep reading, even if it happens to be labeled as romantic-leaning.
Todd (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://wp.me/p18lIL-1Yi
Losing It All tells the story of Frank Barnes and Chloe Roberts. Frank is a Vietnam veteran and a drifter, kindhearted yet down on his luck and accustomed to living on the streets. Chloe isn't any better off as her husband abandons her and her children, leaving them to fend for themselves. She and Frank eventually meet randomly at a soup kitchen, with Chloe taking note of Frank's kind manners and gentle actions despite his living conditions. Frank decides to help Chloe, who seems scared and awkward at her first trip to the soup kitchen. Although both decide that this chance meeting was just that, a brief encounter that wouldn't bear repeating, both seem to find it impossible to forget the other. Sadly, a terrible accident leaves Frank badly injured, and it is many weeks later before he sees Chloe again, and she is in far worse shape than when he met her for the first time. Frank, on the other hand, finds a steady job and a place to call his own. Now that Frank's luck has turned for the better, will Chloe allow him to help her and her children? What will become of these two battered individuals?
I have to admit that my self-imposed stigma against romance-themed novels was unfounded. I've come to find that I enjoy the part in most stories when two main romantic interests finally come together after many chapters of waiting. I've just never noticed it before. It's funny how authors can write a plot line where most everyone knows that these characters will eventually end up together, yet there is a ton of enjoyment in getting to that point, waiting impatiently for the characters to realize that they are in fact perfect for each other. I guess that I was doing this all along, but it took Cornelius's work (as well as some introspection) to realize that this is the case. In short, I really enjoyed this story. It had an engaging plot with plenty of sub-plots that kept my attention span. Cornelius' characterizations are spot on, and I felt as if I was on the streets with Chloe and Frank at some points. The sense of pride that I felt for Frank for taking charge of his life and turning it around was definitely palpable. In all, this is a great and enticing story that will make you want to keep reading, even if it happens to be labeled as romantic-leaning.
Todd (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://wp.me/p18lIL-1Yi
August 15, 2015
Losing it all was about a man who had lived on the streets years after coming back from the war and learning to deal with his life on the streets, he made friends and they almost were like a family looking out for one another on the streets finding ways to survive and cope with the harsh conditions they had to live in. Whereas on the other end of the scale Chloe was a married woman with two small children who thought her husband had gone away to look for work, she managed to keep going just in their place barely but it came to a breaking point where the landlord threw her out after she wrote a bad cheque to pay the rent, it turns out her delightful husband had cleared out the account and left her and the two young children with nothing, forcing them into the streets and into homelessness. She was an unemployed, homeless mother who had hit rock bottom and had no idea how to cope with having no home or job. Their stories entwined throughout the book and from it they both took hope, it gave Frank something to live for and it gave Chloe there was hope and kindness in the world. I honestly thought this book would be a quick light read, I was wrong, it was quick yes but it wasn't light it covered such a sensitive subject of homelessness in great depth and gave me as a reader a new empathy for the troubles a homeless person would have to endure let alone prejudices to fight against.
Frank was a seemingly strong character who had just come to accept his life on the streets, but he hadn't lost his nature, where he wanted to give what help and kindness he could, this was shown when he took his friend to the medical centre in a trolley just because his friend refused to go. He started off as such a simple character but gradually as I read more I came to learn a lot more about him and his world and his development was well documented in the book without being a main focus which made it a much better read and it became much easier to relate and feel empathy towards him.
Chloe through most of this book was fearful, dissapointed, scared and pretty naive, her character was shown to be a little weak but the fact she kept going showed some of her strength. I can't say I connected as well with Chloe as I did with Frank, I don't know why but maybe it was her naivety.
This was a well written book where we were given an in depth look at those a lot less fortunate than most of us and it showed just how easily life could change, We are all just as easily able to slip into homelessness as easily as Chloe or Frank especially now the economy is on the tip of the scales, we never really do know what's waiting around the corner and this author really took that and ran completely with it immersing us in a story whereby we felt truly for the characters and even felt their struggles, reading this was tough but it was definitely an eye opener.
Overall this book was a meaningful hard book to read, full of twists and turns, a touch of romance and lots of despair but also how inner strength is just as important as our physical strength if not more so to become what we want to be. We shouldn't judge people on what they look like, but who they are as people and how they act.
Frank was a seemingly strong character who had just come to accept his life on the streets, but he hadn't lost his nature, where he wanted to give what help and kindness he could, this was shown when he took his friend to the medical centre in a trolley just because his friend refused to go. He started off as such a simple character but gradually as I read more I came to learn a lot more about him and his world and his development was well documented in the book without being a main focus which made it a much better read and it became much easier to relate and feel empathy towards him.
Chloe through most of this book was fearful, dissapointed, scared and pretty naive, her character was shown to be a little weak but the fact she kept going showed some of her strength. I can't say I connected as well with Chloe as I did with Frank, I don't know why but maybe it was her naivety.
This was a well written book where we were given an in depth look at those a lot less fortunate than most of us and it showed just how easily life could change, We are all just as easily able to slip into homelessness as easily as Chloe or Frank especially now the economy is on the tip of the scales, we never really do know what's waiting around the corner and this author really took that and ran completely with it immersing us in a story whereby we felt truly for the characters and even felt their struggles, reading this was tough but it was definitely an eye opener.
Overall this book was a meaningful hard book to read, full of twists and turns, a touch of romance and lots of despair but also how inner strength is just as important as our physical strength if not more so to become what we want to be. We shouldn't judge people on what they look like, but who they are as people and how they act.
November 2, 2015
Originally posted at Bunny's Review
When first starting Losing It All I did not know what to expect. I thought I might be reading a book about someone in recovery or maybe some homeless person's getting back on their feet after being pushed back down for the hundredth time. Little did I realize it was all of this and more. A moving story that keeps pulling readers into a web and not letting go until it has drained the last tear drop from whoever kept turning the pages.
I was about 75% finished with this story and BrownieBoy Bunny decided my Kindle charging cable was something that he should kill, again. When I got the new charging cable and was able to charge my Kindle to finish reading I thought to take a day or so to gather my thoughts before writing the review. Well it has been almost half a year before I got around to writing this review. I had honestly forgotten until the author emailed asking me if I had a review coming. Yeah I have a review coming sorry about that. My brain totally forgot about needing to write this. I forgot to make my list and then the review was forgotten.
Today the first sentence in the book really strikes me. Currently suffering from a broken kneecap again I can totally relate to the sentence and the pain Frank has suffered.
Pain's a bitch.
Yeah Frank pain really is a bitch and it just does not want to let go. I may not know about phantom pains but my husband suffers from them. Almost 30 years ago my husband cut the fingers off on his right hand. According to him they are still happening.
The author does not state what year the book is sent but this reader took it for the late 70's to mid-80's. A story about the horror's a Vietnam Vet has seen and suffered. A story about how we as citizens here in America have let down one of the most important person, a soldier protecting our freedom.
This story brought heartache, tears, and a restless knowing that people were more concerned with not supporting the people they elected to office than a solider still suffering from a war long forgotten.
Then readers get to the part about a young mother just trying to keep food on the table for her young while wondering what has happened to her husband. A husband who packed everything and left Chloe with two kids and no money.
A young woman who has seen more than most married women at twice the age. A young woman who does not know where or how to find help.
Losing It All takes readers on a journey. A journey thru the life of two separate people until these two people realize they need and want each other.
Long after finishing the book readers will reflect back and wonder about the homeless man they passed or the young mother trying to put food on the table with no money.
The bunnies and I highly suggest this book to all who enjoy a twisting story that ends leaving readers feeling satisfied. A story that can break your heart but repair it pages later.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots
When first starting Losing It All I did not know what to expect. I thought I might be reading a book about someone in recovery or maybe some homeless person's getting back on their feet after being pushed back down for the hundredth time. Little did I realize it was all of this and more. A moving story that keeps pulling readers into a web and not letting go until it has drained the last tear drop from whoever kept turning the pages.
I was about 75% finished with this story and BrownieBoy Bunny decided my Kindle charging cable was something that he should kill, again. When I got the new charging cable and was able to charge my Kindle to finish reading I thought to take a day or so to gather my thoughts before writing the review. Well it has been almost half a year before I got around to writing this review. I had honestly forgotten until the author emailed asking me if I had a review coming. Yeah I have a review coming sorry about that. My brain totally forgot about needing to write this. I forgot to make my list and then the review was forgotten.
Today the first sentence in the book really strikes me. Currently suffering from a broken kneecap again I can totally relate to the sentence and the pain Frank has suffered.
Pain's a bitch.
Yeah Frank pain really is a bitch and it just does not want to let go. I may not know about phantom pains but my husband suffers from them. Almost 30 years ago my husband cut the fingers off on his right hand. According to him they are still happening.
The author does not state what year the book is sent but this reader took it for the late 70's to mid-80's. A story about the horror's a Vietnam Vet has seen and suffered. A story about how we as citizens here in America have let down one of the most important person, a soldier protecting our freedom.
This story brought heartache, tears, and a restless knowing that people were more concerned with not supporting the people they elected to office than a solider still suffering from a war long forgotten.
Then readers get to the part about a young mother just trying to keep food on the table for her young while wondering what has happened to her husband. A husband who packed everything and left Chloe with two kids and no money.
A young woman who has seen more than most married women at twice the age. A young woman who does not know where or how to find help.
Losing It All takes readers on a journey. A journey thru the life of two separate people until these two people realize they need and want each other.
Long after finishing the book readers will reflect back and wonder about the homeless man they passed or the young mother trying to put food on the table with no money.
The bunnies and I highly suggest this book to all who enjoy a twisting story that ends leaving readers feeling satisfied. A story that can break your heart but repair it pages later.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots
July 29, 2015
The author mailed me the ebook version in exchange for an honest review
It took me a long time to finish this book, but not because the book was boring or poorly-written, but because with every chapter for about first 50% of the book my heart was breaking more and more. The story is so sad, heartrending, painful and just so tragic, that after reading one chapter I had to take time off to read something more fun and cheerful not to feel so upset.
The storyline:
the story follows two different people - a Vietnam veteran Frank and a mother of two kids Chloe. Each of them does not have an easy life, they have to struggle everyday to survive, especially it is hard on Chloe since she has to take care not only of herself but of her two children - Ethan and Katie, who are still young and do not fully understand what is happening to them and why. Both Frank and Chloe become homeless and wander the streets of the city for completely different reasons, but one day they meet in the soup-kitchen and this meeting changes their lives, not at once, but at some point (thankfully).
MCs:
Frank - I loved him, he is everything a woman can want in a man (except for being the homeless part - because for me living this way just meant that he gave up on himself and this is not something people should ever do). But as soon as Frank pulled himself together (and with a little bit of luck, of course), his life got back on track and he became much happier and was able to do what he did.
Chloe - I felt so sorry for her, the poor thing. So one day her husband tells her he is going to another city/state to earn money for them, but then never comes back and Chloe is left with 2 kids but no money and is kicked out of their rented flat and has to go to women's shelter. From this moment it just gets worse and worse. I felt sad for Chloe much more than for Frank, because, firstly, she is a woman and it is always harder for women in such situations (as they are more vulnerable), secondly, she also has Katie and Ethan to take care of, and thirdly, this situation is new to her and she has no clue what to do and whom to trust.
So, once I got past 50% of sadness, the book really picked up for me and I couldn't stop reading. I was very happy with the way it ended, but I have a feeling there should be a second book about Frank and Chloe, because I want to know more about them and how the things are going for them and the kids.
I'm so glad that I had an opportunity to read this book, because in a way it shows what people are like, that there are different kinds of people - good, evil, compassionate, caring, loving or eager to help a stranger. It also shows that whatever situation you are in - it is entirely up to you to make a decision and take actions to change it (of course, you might need help from other people, but first step is totally you).
Anyways, this book was so great that I greatly enjoyed reading it, and I would recommend everyone to read it, because everyone can learn a lesson or two from it and just enjoy an interesting and well-written book.
It took me a long time to finish this book, but not because the book was boring or poorly-written, but because with every chapter for about first 50% of the book my heart was breaking more and more. The story is so sad, heartrending, painful and just so tragic, that after reading one chapter I had to take time off to read something more fun and cheerful not to feel so upset.
The storyline:
the story follows two different people - a Vietnam veteran Frank and a mother of two kids Chloe. Each of them does not have an easy life, they have to struggle everyday to survive, especially it is hard on Chloe since she has to take care not only of herself but of her two children - Ethan and Katie, who are still young and do not fully understand what is happening to them and why. Both Frank and Chloe become homeless and wander the streets of the city for completely different reasons, but one day they meet in the soup-kitchen and this meeting changes their lives, not at once, but at some point (thankfully).
MCs:
Frank - I loved him, he is everything a woman can want in a man (except for being the homeless part - because for me living this way just meant that he gave up on himself and this is not something people should ever do). But as soon as Frank pulled himself together (and with a little bit of luck, of course), his life got back on track and he became much happier and was able to do what he did.
Chloe - I felt so sorry for her, the poor thing. So one day her husband tells her he is going to another city/state to earn money for them, but then never comes back and Chloe is left with 2 kids but no money and is kicked out of their rented flat and has to go to women's shelter. From this moment it just gets worse and worse. I felt sad for Chloe much more than for Frank, because, firstly, she is a woman and it is always harder for women in such situations (as they are more vulnerable), secondly, she also has Katie and Ethan to take care of, and thirdly, this situation is new to her and she has no clue what to do and whom to trust.
So, once I got past 50% of sadness, the book really picked up for me and I couldn't stop reading. I was very happy with the way it ended, but I have a feeling there should be a second book about Frank and Chloe, because I want to know more about them and how the things are going for them and the kids.
I'm so glad that I had an opportunity to read this book, because in a way it shows what people are like, that there are different kinds of people - good, evil, compassionate, caring, loving or eager to help a stranger. It also shows that whatever situation you are in - it is entirely up to you to make a decision and take actions to change it (of course, you might need help from other people, but first step is totally you).
Anyways, this book was so great that I greatly enjoyed reading it, and I would recommend everyone to read it, because everyone can learn a lesson or two from it and just enjoy an interesting and well-written book.
July 9, 2014
I am just going to jump into this review. Losing It All was a hard story to read. And not for the reasons you think. No it is not a bad story. It is a hard story. It is a challenging story. One that a lot of authors don't tell. Losing It All isn't your typical story of life, love, and hope. Oh no, Marsha Cornelius gives us a story that is so deep in loss and despair that often times you wonder if you are ever going to find that little ray of sunshine. That one tiny glimmer of hope amongst the darkness.
In Losing It All we follow the paths of two people. Frank, the homeless veteran who is perfectly content with life on the streets. Who battles demons both physical and mental. And Chloe, the mother of two who has everything ripped from her in a single night. Each set of characters starts in a different place. Frank is already in despair, but yet he chooses to be happy with his life. He chooses to make it the best he can. He has friends, he has worth, and he has purpose.
Chloe starts with hope. With happiness and in one single moment everything is torn apart. She loses everything and is thrown into the world of being a single mom and homeless. She is scared, hopeless, and desperate. But Chloe is a fighter and is determined to get herself out of her bad situation. She chooses to see hope for a brighter future.
Both characters think that things are as bad as they are going to get. But as Marsha Cornelius shows us, sometimes life deals us a hand full of spades and bleeding hearts. Both Frank and Chloe learn that there is always more to lose. The question is how far down can you go before you break? Before there is no hope of putting you back together.
Losing It All is that story. It is the story of how bad things can get. Of how far down a person can go before the sun begins to shine again.
Both of them are dealt crappy hands. Throughout Losing It All there are moments of happiness, hope and love. Of course, Marsha Cornelius is quick to slap that hope off the page. I'm not saying there isn't hope. Because there is. Underneath all the bleak darkness that these two stories lie in there is hope. But they have to fight to get it. They have to battle demons that break most people down to nothing.
Losing It All is just that. A story about losing it all. That's life. Not everyone is going to get a happy ever after. Not everyone gets roses and sunshine. Some peoples roads are paved with sadness, tears, and bitterness. And Marsha Cornelius does a splendid job of giving us the darker side of life. Losing It All is a beautifully sad story. One that is hard to read because of the truths that lie within its pages. This story is not for that faint at heart, but definitely a story of life and how no matter how bad things get things can get worse and if you let them things can get better.
*Receive a free copy in exchange for an honest review
In Losing It All we follow the paths of two people. Frank, the homeless veteran who is perfectly content with life on the streets. Who battles demons both physical and mental. And Chloe, the mother of two who has everything ripped from her in a single night. Each set of characters starts in a different place. Frank is already in despair, but yet he chooses to be happy with his life. He chooses to make it the best he can. He has friends, he has worth, and he has purpose.
Chloe starts with hope. With happiness and in one single moment everything is torn apart. She loses everything and is thrown into the world of being a single mom and homeless. She is scared, hopeless, and desperate. But Chloe is a fighter and is determined to get herself out of her bad situation. She chooses to see hope for a brighter future.
Both characters think that things are as bad as they are going to get. But as Marsha Cornelius shows us, sometimes life deals us a hand full of spades and bleeding hearts. Both Frank and Chloe learn that there is always more to lose. The question is how far down can you go before you break? Before there is no hope of putting you back together.
Losing It All is that story. It is the story of how bad things can get. Of how far down a person can go before the sun begins to shine again.
Both of them are dealt crappy hands. Throughout Losing It All there are moments of happiness, hope and love. Of course, Marsha Cornelius is quick to slap that hope off the page. I'm not saying there isn't hope. Because there is. Underneath all the bleak darkness that these two stories lie in there is hope. But they have to fight to get it. They have to battle demons that break most people down to nothing.
Losing It All is just that. A story about losing it all. That's life. Not everyone is going to get a happy ever after. Not everyone gets roses and sunshine. Some peoples roads are paved with sadness, tears, and bitterness. And Marsha Cornelius does a splendid job of giving us the darker side of life. Losing It All is a beautifully sad story. One that is hard to read because of the truths that lie within its pages. This story is not for that faint at heart, but definitely a story of life and how no matter how bad things get things can get worse and if you let them things can get better.
*Receive a free copy in exchange for an honest review
July 17, 2014
I really have no idea where to start…I really liked this book, but at the same time I hated it. Okay, I hated it not because it is bad, but because it presents a reality in which I am sure no one wants to ever live. The book is amazingly well written and it is very easy to read.
This book affected me more than I wanted to. I wish I will never be in Chloe’s situation. In a way it was very useful for me to read this book because I motivates me to do everything in my power not to end up in Chloe’s place. While reading it, I promised myself that I will never do some of the mistakes that Chloe did – for example I will have my own bank account. I am not saying that one shouldn’t have a joint account, but they should also have a separate one. I refuse to depend 100% on someone else. Of all of Chloe’s mistakes, there is one I truly wish never to make, but it is also the one that as much as we want to prevent it, we cannot really control it – marrying the wrong person…
I admire Chloe for her strength and for her patience. She was going through a very stressful situation and even though at times she reacted badly, she did her best to look after her children, children who did not truly understand what was going on. As much as I admire her I also disliked her a lot because she was unable to cope with certain things, she seemed unable to understand what was happening and it was like she refused to adapt. I know that the situation was new and she went through a lot, but in my opinion she could have tried a little bit harder to move on.
I really liked Frank because I was able to see right from the beginning that he was a good man, a better man than Duane could ever be. I must say that I found it highly unfair that it was easier for him than it was for Chloe and not only because he did not many any children. Frank is very hardworking and he was able to build a new life for himself.
I found it very interesting how Frank kept on going after so many years, he never though about giving up, he did not lose his faith.
The cover is really beautiful, the title is perfect. The plot is very interesting and complex and it makes you value a lot more the good things in your life and it also gives you the strength to keep fighting and to try as hard as possible to prevent going through the same things as the characters in this book.
This book affected me more than I wanted to. I wish I will never be in Chloe’s situation. In a way it was very useful for me to read this book because I motivates me to do everything in my power not to end up in Chloe’s place. While reading it, I promised myself that I will never do some of the mistakes that Chloe did – for example I will have my own bank account. I am not saying that one shouldn’t have a joint account, but they should also have a separate one. I refuse to depend 100% on someone else. Of all of Chloe’s mistakes, there is one I truly wish never to make, but it is also the one that as much as we want to prevent it, we cannot really control it – marrying the wrong person…
I admire Chloe for her strength and for her patience. She was going through a very stressful situation and even though at times she reacted badly, she did her best to look after her children, children who did not truly understand what was going on. As much as I admire her I also disliked her a lot because she was unable to cope with certain things, she seemed unable to understand what was happening and it was like she refused to adapt. I know that the situation was new and she went through a lot, but in my opinion she could have tried a little bit harder to move on.
I really liked Frank because I was able to see right from the beginning that he was a good man, a better man than Duane could ever be. I must say that I found it highly unfair that it was easier for him than it was for Chloe and not only because he did not many any children. Frank is very hardworking and he was able to build a new life for himself.
I found it very interesting how Frank kept on going after so many years, he never though about giving up, he did not lose his faith.
The cover is really beautiful, the title is perfect. The plot is very interesting and complex and it makes you value a lot more the good things in your life and it also gives you the strength to keep fighting and to try as hard as possible to prevent going through the same things as the characters in this book.
March 19, 2014
Losing It All
This book reads like a master class in character development and conflict. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.
Chloe's life has never been easy, but she was making the most of it until her husband abandoned her and left her to fend for herself and their two children. When the sheriff arrived to evict her from their apartment, Chloe ends up at a woman's shelter. Taking their meals at soup kitchen, she meets a long-haired Vietnam Vet named Frank who helps her learn the "rules" of the homeless community. Determined not to let it destroy her or her children, she gets a job, saves some money, and even makes a friend. When she and her friend decide to get a place together, life starts to look up, and in the blink of an eye, a fire destroys it all. Chloe ends up on the streets and her life is a downward spiral until Frank steps in...
Frank returned from the war with nightmares of his time as a POW and the physical and emotional pain of combat injuries. It took him years to work through the anger, but he has mellowed and resigned himself to a life on the streets. He meets Chloe and her children in a brief encounter at the soup kitchen and for the first time in a long time he wonders if there isn't more to life than collecting cans. When a couple of punk kids attack him and kill a couple of his homeless buddies, he ends up in the hospital and decides it's time to get off the streets. Chance lands him a short -term gig cleaning out stalls at a horse ranch. After demonstrating a willingness and eagerness to work, his short term employment becomes a full time job. In a trip into town a short time later he runs into Chloe, in a daze and in need of help.
Together the two of them feel out a growing relationship. Each carries enough emotional baggage to keep the other at bay, but slowly they learn to trust and appreciate each other...and even love each other.
This review was posted after reading a free copy of this book as part of First Page Last Page's Read & Review Club
This book reads like a master class in character development and conflict. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.
Chloe's life has never been easy, but she was making the most of it until her husband abandoned her and left her to fend for herself and their two children. When the sheriff arrived to evict her from their apartment, Chloe ends up at a woman's shelter. Taking their meals at soup kitchen, she meets a long-haired Vietnam Vet named Frank who helps her learn the "rules" of the homeless community. Determined not to let it destroy her or her children, she gets a job, saves some money, and even makes a friend. When she and her friend decide to get a place together, life starts to look up, and in the blink of an eye, a fire destroys it all. Chloe ends up on the streets and her life is a downward spiral until Frank steps in...
Frank returned from the war with nightmares of his time as a POW and the physical and emotional pain of combat injuries. It took him years to work through the anger, but he has mellowed and resigned himself to a life on the streets. He meets Chloe and her children in a brief encounter at the soup kitchen and for the first time in a long time he wonders if there isn't more to life than collecting cans. When a couple of punk kids attack him and kill a couple of his homeless buddies, he ends up in the hospital and decides it's time to get off the streets. Chance lands him a short -term gig cleaning out stalls at a horse ranch. After demonstrating a willingness and eagerness to work, his short term employment becomes a full time job. In a trip into town a short time later he runs into Chloe, in a daze and in need of help.
Together the two of them feel out a growing relationship. Each carries enough emotional baggage to keep the other at bay, but slowly they learn to trust and appreciate each other...and even love each other.
This review was posted after reading a free copy of this book as part of First Page Last Page's Read & Review Club
September 7, 2016
I began reading this book after a little bit of a reading funk and all I have to say is wow. This book was incredible. Other than a movie here or there and stories I've heard about those who are homeless I've never really felt like I was experiencing it through the perspective of someone living that life. All I can say is...Chloe and Frank took some extremely horrible circumstances and fought like hell to make their lives better. Despite much trial and error, the strength these characters possessed was awe-inspiring. Even more so, the story itself was inspiring. It truly made me appreciate a hot shower and the food on my table. This is the kind of book that really makes you put your life into perspective and realize things truly can be worse.
Chloe went from being a meek housewife to one firecracker of a woman. Her determination and strength to make a better life for herself and her children was incredible. Even though she had her weak moments it was clear to me that Chloe was a character I would grow to love and respect. Plus she's raising two of the most adorable and wonderful children! Katie and Ethan were quite the duo. I have to say they provided some really great comic relief...especially Ethan. Kids really do say the darndest things.
Frank was amazing. This is the first adult novel I've read that the main male MC was actually just a good guy through and through. He did grow and develop as a character/person throughout the story but he didn't start out as some great big jerk. He was just a man who went through a horrible time (Vietnam) and had to find the motivation to put it in the past. I was so amazed by Frank's patience with not only Ethan and Katie, but also Chloe. He is the kind of man that every girl wants to find, unlike Chloe's loser ex-husband, Duane. I don't even want to talk about how awful he was.
This story was truly heart-wrenching but well worth the read. It affected me in a way that few other books have leaving me with a feeling of gratitude for the things I have and the things I have not had to face. I would not hesitate to recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Chloe went from being a meek housewife to one firecracker of a woman. Her determination and strength to make a better life for herself and her children was incredible. Even though she had her weak moments it was clear to me that Chloe was a character I would grow to love and respect. Plus she's raising two of the most adorable and wonderful children! Katie and Ethan were quite the duo. I have to say they provided some really great comic relief...especially Ethan. Kids really do say the darndest things.
Frank was amazing. This is the first adult novel I've read that the main male MC was actually just a good guy through and through. He did grow and develop as a character/person throughout the story but he didn't start out as some great big jerk. He was just a man who went through a horrible time (Vietnam) and had to find the motivation to put it in the past. I was so amazed by Frank's patience with not only Ethan and Katie, but also Chloe. He is the kind of man that every girl wants to find, unlike Chloe's loser ex-husband, Duane. I don't even want to talk about how awful he was.
This story was truly heart-wrenching but well worth the read. It affected me in a way that few other books have leaving me with a feeling of gratitude for the things I have and the things I have not had to face. I would not hesitate to recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
December 28, 2013
"A Heartfelt Story of Survival"
A good book will hit you emotionally. This one did; it made me sad, it made me smile, and it made me drop a tear or two of joy. This is not just a good book, ... it's a great book!
Frank Barnes, an injured Vietnam veteran, is down and out in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been for 12 years and his war injuries still plague him. He and two other homeless men, Del and Randall, lived in self-made shelters of used plywood and plastic near the train yard. Frank has lived there for 10 years with them. Chloe Roberts is a checkout clerk at Foodtown, a worn out and smelly old grocery store. Chloe's husband, Duane, had left in a hurry one day under the guise of getting into training for a new job ... but that had been three months ago and he's not called or returned home. She is raising two young children, Ethan and Katie, trying to pay bills and the rent. She's lost her free babysitter and is forced to quit her job. In one shocking moment, Chloe is evicted from her apartment, her bank account emptied by Duane, and she and her children take up a short residence in a women's shelter. Her days become restricted to moving from the shelter each morning, to a day shelter and lunch, to a free daycare center while she seeks employment. She arrives at St. Mark's Church where lunch is available for the homeless. Frank, dirty, bearded, with long hair, and repulsive, kindly assists her with the routine. That evening, Frank, Del and Randall warm themselves near their wood fire. Suddenly they are attacked by thugs, killing Del and burning to death Randall as he rested in his shanty. Frank? Well, he has been nearly killed but survives, only to move on elsewhere. And Chloe? Well she finally gets a job, and shares an apartment with a gal who is using Chloe to benefit herself. Where is Chloe going to find herself next? This is an absolutely wonderful and captivating novel, superbly well written and edited. The characters are captivating and very unique, the plot development excellent. It's a very heartwarming story such as the popular Hallmark feel-good-movies. Highly recommend, it's a story you'll never forget.
A good book will hit you emotionally. This one did; it made me sad, it made me smile, and it made me drop a tear or two of joy. This is not just a good book, ... it's a great book!
Frank Barnes, an injured Vietnam veteran, is down and out in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been for 12 years and his war injuries still plague him. He and two other homeless men, Del and Randall, lived in self-made shelters of used plywood and plastic near the train yard. Frank has lived there for 10 years with them. Chloe Roberts is a checkout clerk at Foodtown, a worn out and smelly old grocery store. Chloe's husband, Duane, had left in a hurry one day under the guise of getting into training for a new job ... but that had been three months ago and he's not called or returned home. She is raising two young children, Ethan and Katie, trying to pay bills and the rent. She's lost her free babysitter and is forced to quit her job. In one shocking moment, Chloe is evicted from her apartment, her bank account emptied by Duane, and she and her children take up a short residence in a women's shelter. Her days become restricted to moving from the shelter each morning, to a day shelter and lunch, to a free daycare center while she seeks employment. She arrives at St. Mark's Church where lunch is available for the homeless. Frank, dirty, bearded, with long hair, and repulsive, kindly assists her with the routine. That evening, Frank, Del and Randall warm themselves near their wood fire. Suddenly they are attacked by thugs, killing Del and burning to death Randall as he rested in his shanty. Frank? Well, he has been nearly killed but survives, only to move on elsewhere. And Chloe? Well she finally gets a job, and shares an apartment with a gal who is using Chloe to benefit herself. Where is Chloe going to find herself next? This is an absolutely wonderful and captivating novel, superbly well written and edited. The characters are captivating and very unique, the plot development excellent. It's a very heartwarming story such as the popular Hallmark feel-good-movies. Highly recommend, it's a story you'll never forget.
April 14, 2015
The author, Marsha Cornelius, gave me a copy of this novel in exchange for my review.
The real charm of Cornelius’s work is that these are good people looking to better themselves. They’re caring and have worldview but know that the real work starts with them. When we meet Frank, he’s lost in a void of having lost half of his foot but not so consumed that he doesn’t recognize a young woman who needs him. He knows the story as it shakes out in the community won’t work to his favor but that doesn’t stop Frank from doing what he can. He’s a really good guy and is written so that the reader cares what happens to him. Our feelings for Frank are built into the real person rising off of the page and not any cheap manipulation of emotion.
Chloe has additional worries in her two children, Katie and Ethan. While a lot of the book is working hard toward an end and not achieving that end would be devastating all around, Ethan and Katie inject a life and innocence into the novel that many of us will recognize and embrace. Chloe was a beaten-down wife of a callus husband but when she breaks free of him she starts it’s a matter of time before her spirit builds.
Cornelius’s writing style is very complete. Technically, it’s flawless. The story and shifts flow seamlessly and lead the reader to look at the clock and be astounded at how much time passed by. The characters are fully fleshed out with realistic motivations. Things happen that may be a bit hard for the more sensitive readers, but the things that happen are real. Losing It All is an unconventional literary romance. The story is raw and holds no punches and stays with the reader long after the book is closed.
The real charm of Cornelius’s work is that these are good people looking to better themselves. They’re caring and have worldview but know that the real work starts with them. When we meet Frank, he’s lost in a void of having lost half of his foot but not so consumed that he doesn’t recognize a young woman who needs him. He knows the story as it shakes out in the community won’t work to his favor but that doesn’t stop Frank from doing what he can. He’s a really good guy and is written so that the reader cares what happens to him. Our feelings for Frank are built into the real person rising off of the page and not any cheap manipulation of emotion.
Chloe has additional worries in her two children, Katie and Ethan. While a lot of the book is working hard toward an end and not achieving that end would be devastating all around, Ethan and Katie inject a life and innocence into the novel that many of us will recognize and embrace. Chloe was a beaten-down wife of a callus husband but when she breaks free of him she starts it’s a matter of time before her spirit builds.
Cornelius’s writing style is very complete. Technically, it’s flawless. The story and shifts flow seamlessly and lead the reader to look at the clock and be astounded at how much time passed by. The characters are fully fleshed out with realistic motivations. Things happen that may be a bit hard for the more sensitive readers, but the things that happen are real. Losing It All is an unconventional literary romance. The story is raw and holds no punches and stays with the reader long after the book is closed.
February 8, 2016
Awesome!
Marsha Cornelius did a wonderful job on writing this book. It revolves around a mother named Chloe with two children named Ethan and Katie. They live in an apartment, her husband, Duane, told her he had to go out of town and gave her a little bit of money. The thing is, he never come's back, and she was going to be evicted from the apartment. She doesn't know what to do with 2 children, how would she work? How would she fed the children,or where would they sleep? A police officer spotted her in front of doorsteps and told her that she could not stay there, however he is a crooked cop and took advantage of her. She is mentally upset and physically drained. She finally goes to a Woman's Shelter where they give her work, food, a place to sleep as well as daycare for her children. One day at the soup kitchen she meets a guy named Frank yet after her experience with the police officer she is wary. She does not see Frank after this encounter and then she overheard that Frank and his 2 friends were killed. Although the shelter allows you a certain amount of time to stay, long enough to save some money to find a place of your own. There is another lady at the shelter who told Chloe they could room together, even though another warned her against them moving in together. Things eventually go downhill and she is on the streets again without a place to go. This is a must read to find out what happens, who will be the one person to help her, will her husband show up again?, . I highly recommend this book!
Marsha Cornelius did a wonderful job on writing this book. It revolves around a mother named Chloe with two children named Ethan and Katie. They live in an apartment, her husband, Duane, told her he had to go out of town and gave her a little bit of money. The thing is, he never come's back, and she was going to be evicted from the apartment. She doesn't know what to do with 2 children, how would she work? How would she fed the children,or where would they sleep? A police officer spotted her in front of doorsteps and told her that she could not stay there, however he is a crooked cop and took advantage of her. She is mentally upset and physically drained. She finally goes to a Woman's Shelter where they give her work, food, a place to sleep as well as daycare for her children. One day at the soup kitchen she meets a guy named Frank yet after her experience with the police officer she is wary. She does not see Frank after this encounter and then she overheard that Frank and his 2 friends were killed. Although the shelter allows you a certain amount of time to stay, long enough to save some money to find a place of your own. There is another lady at the shelter who told Chloe they could room together, even though another warned her against them moving in together. Things eventually go downhill and she is on the streets again without a place to go. This is a must read to find out what happens, who will be the one person to help her, will her husband show up again?, . I highly recommend this book!
November 3, 2013
Losing it All, by Marsha Cornelius
No Canadian publisher, available for Kindle.
Frank is a war veteran with an injury to his foot that left him with a limp. When we meet him, he’s living under a bridge with a few other homeless men, a perfect example of an American hero who’s fallen through the system and been forgotten by the government who sent him to war.
Chloe is a mother of two young children whose husband has left under pretense of looking for work. She’s unable to make her rent and finds herself dragging her kids and a few of their belongings to a women’s shelter. There, she meets Frank, who is friendly and helpful, but she’s understandably guarded; what are the chances that this is the one man in the world who wouldn’t let her down?
I loved the book so much that I sent it to my mom to read; while she didn’t love it quite as much as I did, I believe it’s only because she’d just finished reading Crazy Rich Asians and the juxtaposition of the richest people in the world followed by the poorest was a little to much for her.
The story has a few small ups and a lot of downs, some of which appear at painfully inappropriate times. This truly is a world where the characters work very hard to get ahead, only to take one step forward and two steps back. It certainly made me feel grateful for everything that I have.
At the centre of this heartwarming book is a message about the power that we all have to make even one person’s life a little easier.
No Canadian publisher, available for Kindle.
Frank is a war veteran with an injury to his foot that left him with a limp. When we meet him, he’s living under a bridge with a few other homeless men, a perfect example of an American hero who’s fallen through the system and been forgotten by the government who sent him to war.
Chloe is a mother of two young children whose husband has left under pretense of looking for work. She’s unable to make her rent and finds herself dragging her kids and a few of their belongings to a women’s shelter. There, she meets Frank, who is friendly and helpful, but she’s understandably guarded; what are the chances that this is the one man in the world who wouldn’t let her down?
I loved the book so much that I sent it to my mom to read; while she didn’t love it quite as much as I did, I believe it’s only because she’d just finished reading Crazy Rich Asians and the juxtaposition of the richest people in the world followed by the poorest was a little to much for her.
The story has a few small ups and a lot of downs, some of which appear at painfully inappropriate times. This truly is a world where the characters work very hard to get ahead, only to take one step forward and two steps back. It certainly made me feel grateful for everything that I have.
At the centre of this heartwarming book is a message about the power that we all have to make even one person’s life a little easier.
June 6, 2015
Losing It All is a terrific narrative on the state of the homeless in America and specifically homeless vets. The author does a great job explaining the why and how of the condition of not only veterans but of the homeless in general.
While the characters in this novel find employment and homes and eventually a family to love and care for, this is definitely not the case for all individuals in this circumstance.
I must admit I have never read any work that dealt so completely with homelessness in such an honest and forthright manner. Sadly what happens to Frank, his friends and Chloe and her children could happen to anyone.
I did enjoy the portion of the book that dealt with Frank, his work in the stable and his relationship with the horse. Having been around horses and horsemen most of my life I found this to be a very engaging part of the story.
Overall I felt this work was extremely well written, the characters well developed and the plot very believable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that not only judges people by the situations they find themselves in but also to anyone that would like to understand their fellowman.
Not everyone choses to live on the streets and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity no matter what their position in life. The next time you see a homeless man or woman always remember – there but for the grace of God go I.
While the characters in this novel find employment and homes and eventually a family to love and care for, this is definitely not the case for all individuals in this circumstance.
I must admit I have never read any work that dealt so completely with homelessness in such an honest and forthright manner. Sadly what happens to Frank, his friends and Chloe and her children could happen to anyone.
I did enjoy the portion of the book that dealt with Frank, his work in the stable and his relationship with the horse. Having been around horses and horsemen most of my life I found this to be a very engaging part of the story.
Overall I felt this work was extremely well written, the characters well developed and the plot very believable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that not only judges people by the situations they find themselves in but also to anyone that would like to understand their fellowman.
Not everyone choses to live on the streets and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity no matter what their position in life. The next time you see a homeless man or woman always remember – there but for the grace of God go I.
February 11, 2014
I have to say that this book was so different then every book that i've read in my life. I never read about the homeless people and what happened to them.
I thing it was a challenge for the author to write a book like this.
This book is about to people. Shit happens and they are end up in street. It was so bad to read about a mom with to kids are ended up in street because the father of those kids left them. It was hard, and more, because this happens in real life to.
On the other hand, it was about a men that serve his country, and still ended up in street. It was hard. But you know, every bad thing that happens to you is still good in it. They learn how to struggle, how to fight for them. And it was hard and in the same time, wonderful to see that process.
The story was good, and different, but still slow. I was bored most of the time. And it sad because of the story. I don't know. Maybe it is just me... What kept me to finish it was my curiosity in how this book it's gonna end.
It is a great story to read. A story about struggle to keep you on the surface. It was a challenge for me to read this book, and hope that i've learn more how to appreciate life and the things that i'm blessed with.
I thing it was a challenge for the author to write a book like this.
This book is about to people. Shit happens and they are end up in street. It was so bad to read about a mom with to kids are ended up in street because the father of those kids left them. It was hard, and more, because this happens in real life to.
On the other hand, it was about a men that serve his country, and still ended up in street. It was hard. But you know, every bad thing that happens to you is still good in it. They learn how to struggle, how to fight for them. And it was hard and in the same time, wonderful to see that process.
The story was good, and different, but still slow. I was bored most of the time. And it sad because of the story. I don't know. Maybe it is just me... What kept me to finish it was my curiosity in how this book it's gonna end.
It is a great story to read. A story about struggle to keep you on the surface. It was a challenge for me to read this book, and hope that i've learn more how to appreciate life and the things that i'm blessed with.
January 1, 2014
"Losing It All" is a poignant commentary on homelessness in the United States. Told through the eyes of a disabled Vietnam war veteran whose country all but abandons him on his return from combat and a pretty young woman whose husband leaves her with an empty bank account and two small children, the novel explores the reasons people end up homeless and challenges the common belief that all homeless persons are drug-addicted losers. The woefully inadequate public services available to assist the homeless are, unfortunately, portrayed accurately, including sub-standard childcare, 3-month limits in shelters, and impersonal or threatening interactions with social workers and policemen. The experience of being homeless is devastating both physically and emotionally; healing from such an experience is a long, painful process. The reader comes to care deeply about the characters in this novel, learning about homelessness along with them as they survive the worst and slowly begin to piece together the broken pieces of their lives. This compelling novel is well worth your time; I highly recommend "Losing It All."
September 29, 2014
This book was a page turner. I was first sucked in by the mother and children, waiting, watching, how their lives on the street would unfold. I immediately identified with them as "normal" people living in suburbia and then when the ended up homeless it was utterly disgusting and intriguing at the same time. The writing really drew me in through the dialogue and inner emotions expressed so profoundly for each character. I found Chloe to be weak and strong at the same time because I think Marsha Cornelius was excellent at capturing the real and gritty reserve it takes to be a human being, woman, mother and to take all that and do it all....homeless...on the street with yours kids after going through a tramatic event with zero support.
Then the situation with the male lead character and how he ended up homeless but his heart was pure. The way these two characters evolved and their lives intertwined was something I never expected but it was oh so believable. This book was refreshing...the story, the plot and the telling of it and the subject of homelessness being brought to life in such a significant way because I really connected with it. Love this book. A great read!
Then the situation with the male lead character and how he ended up homeless but his heart was pure. The way these two characters evolved and their lives intertwined was something I never expected but it was oh so believable. This book was refreshing...the story, the plot and the telling of it and the subject of homelessness being brought to life in such a significant way because I really connected with it. Love this book. A great read!
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