The Best Time We Ever Had

by Claudia Lombardo

Genres: Fiction

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels a bit like being a “fly on the wall” as family is formed, grows, and ages. No one is perfect, the crises seem very real, and the conflicts are entirely relatable. I enjoyed all of the characters, though I sympathized with some more than others. There really isn’t a plot, per se - but is there in the lives of a normal family? Beautifully written. I didn’t want this book to end.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plodding start and continued through the entire book: a typical suburban family and their existences. Mother Father and four girls. Every girl takes on their life and how they see their parents marriage. If you willingly choose to read about other people's mundane life, then this book is for you.

[JMacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

On my best book list - my kind of book! A family saga about a normal dysfunctional group of people who love and hate each other all at the same time and experience lives of wonderful joy and deep despair.

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Such a looooonnnnnggggg look into a boring, self absorbed family who manage to complain about their miserable albeit priviledged lives.

[Stephanie Raffelock · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the most fun I ever had. Some nice descriptive prose, but mostly a rambling narrative in search of a story. Disappointing.

[Sarah Colpitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Follows a family through the years. Does a great job of making you really think about how families and experiences mold you into the person you become. Long book, but honestly the last half of the book went by fast. Bonus that this author comes from the Iowa Writers Worshop!

[Debra Shaughnessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Most Fun We Ever Had" by Claire Lombardo is an extraordinary family saga that captivates from start to finish. Lombardo skillfully weaves a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own complexities and vulnerabilities. The story unfolds through multiple generations, exploring love, secrets, and the intricacies of family dynamics. The prose is beautifully crafted, and Lombardo's keen observations make the characters feel incredibly real. This novel is a heartfelt exploration of the highs and lows of life, leaving you with a profound and resonant emotional experience. Highly recommended for those seeking a thought-provoking and deeply satisfying listen. Even though it was 20 hours on audio I wish it was a little longer! Book 2? Maybe?

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of a family with 4 sisters and about the different relationships that occur between all the family members. The story hops back and forth through time and the author navigate these hops well so as not to confuse the reader. There were comical parts and sad parts and everything in between. There was great character development and I was engaged through the whole book. I would recommend this novel.

[Nina Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was rooting for all the characters and all the storylines had me interested.

[Cherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5☆ Over all this book was to long for what it was! I enjoyed it but also was happy it ended!
The book over all is about a white family & who becomes wealthy and their dysfunctional family dynamics. Each character struggles, & feels miserable in their life. The don't feel they can open up to other family members. The girls all give off a spoiled vibe. It dose have some triggers in the book if you can even get that far, with pregnancy issues. The book takes a while to get you to truly care about the characters but I did get a few laughs & did feel sad enough to tear up towards the end of the book.

[Erin Mullins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Families! This family is like all others. Troubled and loving, turmoil and peace and dedicated to each other! There weren’t any HUGE surprises or twists in the novel of time for the Sorensen family but I can see clearly why Reese picked this as a book of the month. These women are strong and determined and power through dealing with struggles. They are just like us which makes reading about this family so hard to turn away from them. I love these characters and am sad to not be walking alongside of them anymore.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me think so much about my childhood, my sister, my parents, parenthood, and maturing at different ages. The character development was wonderful as I felt I knew each character well. The details of each person were amazing and I highly recommend reading this book. It's a long one and sometimes it could have been less descriptive but I wouldn't change anything anyway.

[Alexa Asakiewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me think a lot about family, siblings, and marriage. I was sucked into this family's orbit almost from chapter one, and I spent lovely days with them. If anything, I only wish I could stay in there. I think what makes this book most compelling is that almost everything seems to be going wrong. Yet, somehow, together they are alright.

[Carol El Hawary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dragged interminably. Gave up because I couldn't face reading any more. Don't know if there was meant to be a story, if so I couldn't find it. Most of the characters were self centred, selfish cowards. I'm stunned that this book was long listed for the Women's Prize for Fiction. Makes me wonder about the judges.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great read, with impeccable insight in family which upfront looks pretty normal, and it is. And that's the problem. The dynamic between characters are well written so it never gets overwhelmed or boring. I enjoyed it and highly recommend reading it. Maybe the lack of actual happening, the missing of the actual twist is why I have given it four star ratings. But I loved it.

[Sheila Dailie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story caught my attention as we also have four daughters who have established their own families. Who knows when a secret might come out to put doubt in everyone's minds about what they thought to be true about their family?
The ending was perfect, as a family's story is never over when there are still babies and marriages. Glad that I listened to this family saga!

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

The format....flashbacks to earlier times...throughout the book help develop the plot and characters. However, in general, it is a bit of a grind to plod through the life struggles of the four daughters featured in. this book. Also, some parts stretch beyond believability, such as Jonah's trip west.

[Lesli Lawrence Krishnaiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Great characters that you can really sink your teeth into and the book just has heart.
One of those books where you feel a bit depressed when it ends and you want it to go on and on.
Can't go wrong here.

[Becka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Admittedly, this book took me much longer than most books because I just was not interested in it. But once I start a book, I have to finish it. The author writes very well and has a beautiful narrative but the story/characters simply bores me to tears.

[Becca Mihos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the character development and hopping through different parts of time. Story about the evolution of a couple’s relationship building their family along with the intertwined lives of their four grown daughters.

[Joan Kober · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and would actually give it 4 1/2 stars - disappointed that this was a debut novel so no other books so far although she is working on a second book. Strong characters and overall engaging family saga.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story of a family with 4 daughters - family relationships and sisterly relationships discussed. Mostly emotional relationship observations that rang true; however lacking point or plot over 600ish pages.

[Heather Minier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows a family through the course of roughly 40 years as their lives diverge and converge in a very relatable and meaningful way. I’d recommend for anyone who likes character driven books. While the plot is well done it is not fast paced or dramatic. A well crafted book.

[JoAnn DiMaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The incredible tumult of life in a large family juxtaposed against an orphan. Too many connections to self in parent and sibling relationships contained within. It has been an introspective process throughout this read.

[Susan Lass · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was extremely well written. I thought it was a bit long. The characters were well developed and interesting.

[Karin Nader]

I didn’t finish this book. Kind of all over the place. Didn’t catch my interest

[Della Leavitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four engaging, distinct sisters' lives should be boringly predictable, but are anything but.

[Mansi Shah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Awful. Awful. Awful. 2 stars for effort.

[Kimberly Keniley-Ashbrook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, in the opening chapter you're like "Wait, what?" A compelling family drama overall.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent fiction by a new female writer