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The Savant of Chelsea #2
Gracefully, Like a Living Thing: The Sequel to The Savant of Chelsea
A continuation of the haunting story of Alexandra and the aftermath of a midnight run to the Thirty-Fourth Street Subway Station. Who covers for her, and who will expose her? Psychological suspense abounds as world renown brain surgeon Alexandra Donicka is surrounded by faithful supporters from every walk of life when the death of her daughter is investigated. in the process she grapples with long-hidden emotions in an attempt to discover her own humanity. One facet of her life remains the same; the longing for what was left behind, until an unexpected surprise changes her outlook on everything.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2015
104 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Jenkins
259 books364 followersSuzanne Jenkins lives at the west Michigan lakeshore. She is the author of Pam of Babylon and the series; Don’t You Forget About Me,Dream Lover, Prayers for the Dying, Family Dynamics and The Tao of Pam. The Greeks of Beaubien Street,and The Princess of Greektown from the Greektown Stories, Alice's Summertime Adventure, The Savant of Chelsea and Someone Like You.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 3, 2018
Compelling
I just had to read this book after reading the Savant of Chelsea. I was fascinated by the events that shaped Alex's life. I appreciated how she was able to find her niche as a neurosurgeon and then watch her personality change when she adopted her grandchildren. Alex is a complex and interesting character.
I just had to read this book after reading the Savant of Chelsea. I was fascinated by the events that shaped Alex's life. I appreciated how she was able to find her niche as a neurosurgeon and then watch her personality change when she adopted her grandchildren. Alex is a complex and interesting character.
June 3, 2018
Page turner
This book keeps you in suspense until the end. I got this book right after I finished reading the first one. I couldn't wait to see what happened next!
This book keeps you in suspense until the end. I got this book right after I finished reading the first one. I couldn't wait to see what happened next!
January 22, 2020
Alexandra is a complex, intriguing, endearing and frightening character. After reading The Savant of Chelsea, which left the reader without closure, I was definitely ready for this book.
The transformation taking place in Alexandra is thrilling, as she becomes aware of her own self. My hope is that she progresses further. I think that action is a huge indicator that she still is not living in reality or accepting the demands of the huge responsibility she has (why run the streets of NYC at night). Seriously, what thinking parent with a staff and household depending in her would be so self absorbed as to leave all hours of the night, refuse phone calls, out self in danger’s path, and hook up with a previous stalker? Unfortunately, Alexandra has not progressed enough emotionally to understand selfishness and manipulation in herself (except infrequent moments) and in those who surround and attend to her.
The story is this picture of how neglect and abuse during childhood can have profound effects into adulthood. It also is a testimony to the need for human touch, loving interaction with infants and toddlers so they can form properly.
There are many unbelievable situations, but there are true life stories just as bizarre as this. Alexandra has many issues but autism does not suddenly begin. If one is autistic then it is true that in a high percentage if cases other disorders often accompany this, along with life circumstances compounding the issues. Perhaps the author is portraying this but it is not clear, since she did state, at one point “I have autism”. I believe that is even wrong terminology, in that it isn’t a disease but it is how someone processes information. Perhaps, “I am autistic” is preferred. But Alexandra may not even be on the spectrum, she may have developed the Tourette’s, anxiety, OCD, etc. from years if unbelievable neglect, suppression, abuse, and hunger with no one to help her learn cooing mechanisms, no one to help with much of anything.
Which makes me wonder—why is this neurologist not in therapy for herself? Alexandra is aware she has many issues and a demanding schedule.
I want to read the next novel and I hope it has satisfactory closure and it will end with the story as a trilogy.
The transformation taking place in Alexandra is thrilling, as she becomes aware of her own self. My hope is that she progresses further. I think that action is a huge indicator that she still is not living in reality or accepting the demands of the huge responsibility she has (why run the streets of NYC at night). Seriously, what thinking parent with a staff and household depending in her would be so self absorbed as to leave all hours of the night, refuse phone calls, out self in danger’s path, and hook up with a previous stalker? Unfortunately, Alexandra has not progressed enough emotionally to understand selfishness and manipulation in herself (except infrequent moments) and in those who surround and attend to her.
The story is this picture of how neglect and abuse during childhood can have profound effects into adulthood. It also is a testimony to the need for human touch, loving interaction with infants and toddlers so they can form properly.
There are many unbelievable situations, but there are true life stories just as bizarre as this. Alexandra has many issues but autism does not suddenly begin. If one is autistic then it is true that in a high percentage if cases other disorders often accompany this, along with life circumstances compounding the issues. Perhaps the author is portraying this but it is not clear, since she did state, at one point “I have autism”. I believe that is even wrong terminology, in that it isn’t a disease but it is how someone processes information. Perhaps, “I am autistic” is preferred. But Alexandra may not even be on the spectrum, she may have developed the Tourette’s, anxiety, OCD, etc. from years if unbelievable neglect, suppression, abuse, and hunger with no one to help her learn cooing mechanisms, no one to help with much of anything.
Which makes me wonder—why is this neurologist not in therapy for herself? Alexandra is aware she has many issues and a demanding schedule.
I want to read the next novel and I hope it has satisfactory closure and it will end with the story as a trilogy.
May 26, 2017
***** WOW. Here Comes Another Powerful and Unique Book!
Here we go again with a second WOW. The first WOW was Book One of this series, “The Savant of Chelsea,” which I found to be amazing––different, unique, and compelling. To my delight, this sequel, “Gracefully, Like a Living Thing,” was also riveting. It starts out with the finish of the first book’s cliffhanger of an ending and goes on from there. In this second book, the fascinating protagonist, Alexandria, a highly regarded, Asperger-oriented surgeon adds yet another notch on her belt: a secret so profound, so dangerous, if found out, it could destroy her.
Present are a few of the older characters from the opening book, more fully developed here, with a smattering of new characters, who add spice, anger, insanity, and peacefulness to the story. But what has truly touched me throughout both books is the fact that after all the turmoil Alexandria has had to endure in her life, all the sadness, all the loneliness, and mistrust, she finds out what truly helps her after all these years: grandmotherly love.
Here we go again with a second WOW. The first WOW was Book One of this series, “The Savant of Chelsea,” which I found to be amazing––different, unique, and compelling. To my delight, this sequel, “Gracefully, Like a Living Thing,” was also riveting. It starts out with the finish of the first book’s cliffhanger of an ending and goes on from there. In this second book, the fascinating protagonist, Alexandria, a highly regarded, Asperger-oriented surgeon adds yet another notch on her belt: a secret so profound, so dangerous, if found out, it could destroy her.
Present are a few of the older characters from the opening book, more fully developed here, with a smattering of new characters, who add spice, anger, insanity, and peacefulness to the story. But what has truly touched me throughout both books is the fact that after all the turmoil Alexandria has had to endure in her life, all the sadness, all the loneliness, and mistrust, she finds out what truly helps her after all these years: grandmotherly love.
December 22, 2019
Gracefully, Like a Living Thing
I really enjoyed the sequel to "The Savant of Chelsea and will read the 3rd instalment as soon as it comes out. The main character is fascinating and it is heartening to see her with her grandchildren - finally having a family of her own.I
While I like 99% of the book the one thing I didn't like is that every man Alexandra meets is an obsessive stalker. While she is beautiful, she also has issues that would normally make it difficult for a woman to establish one relationship.
I really enjoyed the sequel to "The Savant of Chelsea and will read the 3rd instalment as soon as it comes out. The main character is fascinating and it is heartening to see her with her grandchildren - finally having a family of her own.I
While I like 99% of the book the one thing I didn't like is that every man Alexandra meets is an obsessive stalker. While she is beautiful, she also has issues that would normally make it difficult for a woman to establish one relationship.
October 14, 2020
Meh
This sequel is a disappointment. The brilliant troubled doctor Alexandra is dealing with the consequences of her daughter's death. Juggling her career and childcare while attempting to hide her culpability puts a strain on her already precarious mental state. Her transformation from asexual, autistic and reserved to manipulative sex siren is not believable. The cop who covets her in New Orleans quickly becomes a pathetic puppy dog.Not what I was expecting after the excellent first novel.
This sequel is a disappointment. The brilliant troubled doctor Alexandra is dealing with the consequences of her daughter's death. Juggling her career and childcare while attempting to hide her culpability puts a strain on her already precarious mental state. Her transformation from asexual, autistic and reserved to manipulative sex siren is not believable. The cop who covets her in New Orleans quickly becomes a pathetic puppy dog.Not what I was expecting after the excellent first novel.
July 7, 2018
The sequel to The Savant of Chelsea -
Alexandra had to think of her grandchildren above all else. She could not risk losing them and as far as she knows there is only one person standing in the way; her daughter Elizabeth. Well that would be no more. Alexandra thought that no one had seen her. She was wrong. Can Alexandra’s peculiar personality convince others of her supposed grief? Detective Don Ross becomes obsessively determined to make sure she pays. But at what cost?
Alexandra had to think of her grandchildren above all else. She could not risk losing them and as far as she knows there is only one person standing in the way; her daughter Elizabeth. Well that would be no more. Alexandra thought that no one had seen her. She was wrong. Can Alexandra’s peculiar personality convince others of her supposed grief? Detective Don Ross becomes obsessively determined to make sure she pays. But at what cost?
March 13, 2018
Disappointed
The ending was too abrupt. The first book was free on one of the book sites I subscribe to. It left me wanting to read more and I was happy to find the sequel. Alexandra is a very complex woman but taking responsibility for her grandchildren totally changed her. The ending of the sequel left me wanting even more! !
The ending was too abrupt. The first book was free on one of the book sites I subscribe to. It left me wanting to read more and I was happy to find the sequel. Alexandra is a very complex woman but taking responsibility for her grandchildren totally changed her. The ending of the sequel left me wanting even more! !
May 14, 2018
I enjoyed this sequel to The Savant of Chelsea but was distracted by the editing errors: road instead of rode, kilt instead of killed, He’d instead of He’s, etc. 7 grandchildren in the 1st book brought to NY but only 6 are in this book. Sister’s name has changed from Tess to Eva. Many characters with psychological flaws. Abrupt ending. Would have rated higher with better editing.
June 15, 2018
Gracefully,Like a living Thing
The first book "The Savant of Chelsea" was excellent. Surprising story, unexpected twists and turns. This story was very good too. It's ending as well as in the first book was unexpected.
The first book "The Savant of Chelsea" was excellent. Surprising story, unexpected twists and turns. This story was very good too. It's ending as well as in the first book was unexpected.
December 27, 2018
Almost as Good as.....
I read the Savant of Chelsea, surprisingly pleased. I love Alexandra’s personality and quirks. She blossoms in this book as she is also tortured by a policeman who is conflicted. There are twists and turns. You’ll enjoy it.
I read the Savant of Chelsea, surprisingly pleased. I love Alexandra’s personality and quirks. She blossoms in this book as she is also tortured by a policeman who is conflicted. There are twists and turns. You’ll enjoy it.
May 15, 2020
Enjoyable read
Book 2 in the series did not disappoint. Troubling in places but the doctor does have a mental illness so don't think she can be blamed. For those who like dark stories I think this will give you what you need.
Book 2 in the series did not disappoint. Troubling in places but the doctor does have a mental illness so don't think she can be blamed. For those who like dark stories I think this will give you what you need.
July 1, 2021
Another well written book
I enjoyed this book “Gracefully, Like a Living Thing”. I highly recommend Suzanne Jenkins books. She has introduced me to the mixed up minds of people with mental problems.
I enjoyed this book “Gracefully, Like a Living Thing”. I highly recommend Suzanne Jenkins books. She has introduced me to the mixed up minds of people with mental problems.
August 1, 2021
Book two, is a continuation of book one. Wow, can it get any better? Very well done, kept me up til 3 am again! With baited breathe, I await book three! I must know what happens to Alexandra and her growing family.
February 11, 2024
Colleen’s death
Colleen was released from prison early. Came to see Alexandra about taking her kids back to New Orleans with her. She dies and Alexandra has full custody of her grandchildren. Detective gone rogue tries to assault Alexandra and ends up dead.
Colleen was released from prison early. Came to see Alexandra about taking her kids back to New Orleans with her. She dies and Alexandra has full custody of her grandchildren. Detective gone rogue tries to assault Alexandra and ends up dead.
February 20, 2018
To think I waited 2 years to read this sequel. Ugh!
May 24, 2018
Should've had a third book!
May 24, 2018
Excellent book
Excellent book. Keeps you reading and not wanting to put it down A bizarre story but very true to life.
Excellent book. Keeps you reading and not wanting to put it down A bizarre story but very true to life.
June 7, 2018
It kept me interested with all the twists and turns but the ending seemed abrupt.
July 18, 2018
To short
When a book is this good, I hate it to end. I'm looking forward to the next installment of Alrxandra's life. She is a lovable character.
When a book is this good, I hate it to end. I'm looking forward to the next installment of Alrxandra's life. She is a lovable character.
July 29, 2018
Love This Author
After reading the first book, I couldn't wait to read this sequel. I am fascinated with the main character. Can' t wait for the next one to come out.
After reading the first book, I couldn't wait to read this sequel. I am fascinated with the main character. Can' t wait for the next one to come out.
August 24, 2018
Decent read
Really liked the first book the sequel was so far fetched and unbelievable. I kind of lost interest when she was continuously being attacked.
Really liked the first book the sequel was so far fetched and unbelievable. I kind of lost interest when she was continuously being attacked.
July 11, 2020
Alexandra is becoming a more compelling character but she certainly has some issues! The plot has plenty of twists, especially with character motivation.
December 5, 2020
Great story.
February 10, 2021
An easy, compelling read and sequel to 'The Savant of Chelsea'. Looking forward to reading the 3rd book.
February 5, 2024
Absolutely love this series!
It keeps getting better and better. I will immediately start the next in this series. Quite an unusual story with an incredible main character!
It keeps getting better and better. I will immediately start the next in this series. Quite an unusual story with an incredible main character!
September 25, 2015
This book, the sequel to the Savant of Chelsea, wasn't quite as interesting or intriguing as Savant. There were so many errors in this one, it was difficult to look over. I would say Ms. Jenkins needs a serious editor. Some of them were ridiculous...ducted instead of ducked stands out in my mind, but this was only one of dozens. In this read, Alexandra is pursued by two detectives and one, unassuming gas station owner. As she continues her bizarre routine of life after the murder of her daughter, she is caught in a web of individuals trying both to woo her romantically while at the same time trying to prove she was the murderer. The ending was as one would expect from this author. I do love the descriptions of the characters involved in her books and the way they are weaved into the plot. While this one was slightly disappointing, I'd read any of Ms. Jenkins books as she is a fine author, just needs an editor.
March 28, 2016
very intriguing characters, each with their own agenda. Interestingly enough that the manipulated become the manipulators, and having apparently learned everything necessary along the way. Whether knowingly or not, it would seem that when it became necessary for the good doctor to protect her own she, managed to revert to her survivor skills. Good for her!
October 24, 2015
2nd book
I was disappointed reading the sequel to the first book, it was drug out way to much almost to the point of being boring at times, and now it will obviously start into another sequel. I'm done!
I was disappointed reading the sequel to the first book, it was drug out way to much almost to the point of being boring at times, and now it will obviously start into another sequel. I'm done!
June 7, 2016
Disappointed with this sequel
Was looking forward to this sequel - truly disappointed with this half written story. Based on this book I will not read any other books by this author.
Was looking forward to this sequel - truly disappointed with this half written story. Based on this book I will not read any other books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews