I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Equinox is a beautifully crafted book about the meaning of love, forgiveness, and healing. Many books on these topics can have an overtly religious lilt, but Michael Geczi captures an organic experience without being didactic or specifically religious. All the characters in this book have a complete character arc where they learn something important about themselves and the world around them.
If you are interested in learning more about the book and the author, Michael Geczi, you can read more on my blog: Michael Geczi Author Interview
Equinox is a simple yet deep novel about the dilemmas and debates of human life and what it takes to cross the bridge when decisions are hard and the roads diverge from the obvious path. Michael Geczi, a former journalist and Wall Street executive has exhibited exemplary story-writing skills drawing the reader in with a concise and engaging writing style. The plot revolves around Nancy Carruthers, a Chicago-based project manager grappling with life's challenges. Despite a support network, she confronts crucial decisions when her estranged husband resurfaces, followed by another unexpected visitor. Amidst the turmoil, Nancy maintains a steadfast resolve, steering clear of despair. The novel seamlessly blends realistic and metaphysical elements, delving into themes such as family, faith, resilience, and second chances. Geczi employs multiple perspectives, offering a nuanced exploration of the characters' struggles. Each character is granted ample space to share their story, delving into the motives behind their actions. The book is about redemption when choice and chance both play crucial roles in their lives, from the early to the sunset years, and even beyond. With a well-crafted and fluid narrative, Equinox will resonate with readers seeking tranquil, uplifting tales infused with a hint of magic. Readers can savor its nuances, for instance in the bite-sized chapters akin to flash fiction, showcasing the author's storytelling prowess. Ultimately, Equinox invites readers to embrace the transformative power of healing and forgiveness, urging them to discover their equinox. The book also stands out as an example of crafting a compelling novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. This is a wonderful book! I haven't given it any tags because it doesn't fit any that I can think of. It is really about managing relationships, difficult situations and human feelings. But that doesn't really cover it. It made me feel good when I finished it and caused me to rethink a personal relationship of my own. I had read three of this author's books before, about murders, serial killers and they are psychological to different extents -certainly interesting and I enjoyed them. I ignored this book for some time because I wasn't sure what it was really about, but the end of the last book I read by this author, The Compass Killer, had such an unexpected twist at the end, I decided to read this one right away. As the synopsis says, it tells of a strong woman, Nancy, used to working hard to achieve her goals, getting married without she or her husband really thinking about love and what, or how much they knew about each other. He is profoundly damaged by a mother whose views of life were, in her younger life, profoundly damaged by her fanatical father and the extreme, fanatical community they lived in. When two enormously traumatic events occur that threatened to overwhelm even Nancy, she starts seeing a neighbour from across the street who died two years before. She is afraid she's going mad but it turns out her mother and 13 year old son have been having conversations with him too. The advice he gives each of them touched so many feelings that I actually felt he could have been talking to me. A masterpiece by Michael Geczi that I am very glad I read.
Nancy Carruther’s life was running smoothly until THAT day…the day when her no-so-ex husband arrives at her door asking about their son; that day her mom has a stroke; and that day when the ghost of her deceased neighbor comes back into the cul-de-sac. Suddenly her life has turned upside down. All the pain and fears have suddenly resurfaced, both hers and her son’s. Now she has to learn how to cope. And amazingly, it’s her deceased neighbor who teaches her the lesson of forgiving, of letting go and healing.
A beautifully told story about loss, forgiveness and moving onward. This story is touching and emotional. It’s is redemptive. I learned the importance of listening from this book, listening to others, but also listening to myself.
Nancy Carruthers feels like her life is getting very difficult, but she can't seem to do anything about it. Her mother falls unexpectedly ill, her sort of ex-husband shows up after 12 years, and her teenage son struggles with this reappearance. Enters her neighbor Carl, whom she barely knew when she thought life was good. He becomes a positive force in her life in an unusual way, teaching Nancy, her mother, and her son some lifelong truths that help them to come to terms with all that is going on. I enjoyed this book, especially Carl. I would reread his wise words and think about them.
**I received a free copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.***
A seriously beautiful book about endings and new beginnings - a how-to book for living your life with compassion. It is not preachy or religious, but uplifting and inspiring. Wonderfully edited, it is a joy to read.
I like the use of equinox as balancing a number of random changes that happen about the same time. I found myself thinking about how I would react in Nancy's place. And I loved Carl and his second chance.