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You and Me and Us
The heartbreaking, yet hopeful, story of a mother and daughter struggling to be a family without the one person who holds them together—a perfect summer read for fans of JoJo Moyes and Marisa de los Santos.
Alexis Gold knows how to put the “work” in working mom. It’s the “mom” part that she’s been struggling with lately. Since opening her own advertising agency three years ago, Alexis has all but given up on finding a good work/life balance. Instead, she’s handed over the household reins to her supportive, loving partner, Tommy. While he’s quick to say they divide and conquer, Alexis knows that Tommy does most of the heavy lifting—especially when it comes to their teenage daughter, CeCe.
Their world changes in an instant when Tommy receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, and Alexis realizes everything she’s worked relentlessly for doesn’t matter without him. So Alexis does what Tommy has done for her almost every day since they were twelve-year-old kids in Destin, Florida—she puts him first. And when the only thing Tommy wants is to spend one last summer together at “their” beach, she puts her career on hold to make it happen…even if it means putting her family within striking distance of Tommy’s ex, an actress CeCe idolizes.
But Alexis and Tommy aren’t the only ones whose lives have been turned inside out. In addition to dealing with the normal ups and downs that come with being a teenager, CeCe is also forced to confront her feelings about Tommy’s illness—and what will happen when the one person who’s always been there for her is gone. When the magic of first love brings a bright spot to her summer, CeCe is determined not to let her mother ruin that for her, too.
As CeCe’s behavior becomes more rebellious, Alexis realizes the only thing harder for her than losing Tommy will be convincing CeCe to give her one more chance.
You and Me and Us is a beautifully written novel that examines the unexpected ways loss teaches us how to love.
Alexis Gold knows how to put the “work” in working mom. It’s the “mom” part that she’s been struggling with lately. Since opening her own advertising agency three years ago, Alexis has all but given up on finding a good work/life balance. Instead, she’s handed over the household reins to her supportive, loving partner, Tommy. While he’s quick to say they divide and conquer, Alexis knows that Tommy does most of the heavy lifting—especially when it comes to their teenage daughter, CeCe.
Their world changes in an instant when Tommy receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, and Alexis realizes everything she’s worked relentlessly for doesn’t matter without him. So Alexis does what Tommy has done for her almost every day since they were twelve-year-old kids in Destin, Florida—she puts him first. And when the only thing Tommy wants is to spend one last summer together at “their” beach, she puts her career on hold to make it happen…even if it means putting her family within striking distance of Tommy’s ex, an actress CeCe idolizes.
But Alexis and Tommy aren’t the only ones whose lives have been turned inside out. In addition to dealing with the normal ups and downs that come with being a teenager, CeCe is also forced to confront her feelings about Tommy’s illness—and what will happen when the one person who’s always been there for her is gone. When the magic of first love brings a bright spot to her summer, CeCe is determined not to let her mother ruin that for her, too.
As CeCe’s behavior becomes more rebellious, Alexis realizes the only thing harder for her than losing Tommy will be convincing CeCe to give her one more chance.
You and Me and Us is a beautifully written novel that examines the unexpected ways loss teaches us how to love.
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2020
231 people are currently reading
11179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 611 reviews
May 18, 2020
I’m not sobbing, you’re sobbing.
Alexis knows she works too much and she has done so since she started her own ad firm a few years ago. She’s missed a lot of things like family dinners and school plays, but she knows Tommy, her supportive partner, will smooth everything over, especially with their teenage daughter CeCe, who is definitely at the stage of hating everything Alexis does or says. (She even hopes that the couple will split up so she can live with Tommy alone.)
When Tommy is diagnosed with terminal cancer and chooses not to fight it, everything Alexis has depended on is thrown into disarray. He wants to spend his last summer at their beach house in Destin, Florida, where they first met as children, so despite her concerns about his ex-wife, a television actress, being in Destin at the same time they will be, she can’t deny him this wish.
It’s not easy going from being the one taken care of to becoming the caretaker, especially when your daughter has such resentment for you. The worse Tommy’s condition gets, the more strained her relationship with CeCe gets, even though Alexis is (mostly) doing the best she can.
As you can imagine, this is a tremendously poignant book but it’s not maudlin. It’s a book that is tremendously genuine in its depiction of grief, facing the loss of your true love or your parent, and how hard it is to see someone who was so vital become so physically ill.
The one area I struggled with was CeCe. I understood her attitude toward Alexis, and know it’s probably accurate, but she was just so hurtful and mean sometimes I didn’t entirely enjoy reading scenes with her in them. Ultimately it got easier, but that was the sore spot for me in this book.
To be honest, it might not have been the best idea to read this book as the sixth anniversary of my dad’s death approaches, but I was really captivated by the beauty of the emotions Allison Hammer captured. Sure, my eyes were red afterward, but reading You and Me and Us was worth the emotional trauma.
Thanks to William Morrow Books for the Bookstagram giveaway through which I won a copy of this book!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Alexis knows she works too much and she has done so since she started her own ad firm a few years ago. She’s missed a lot of things like family dinners and school plays, but she knows Tommy, her supportive partner, will smooth everything over, especially with their teenage daughter CeCe, who is definitely at the stage of hating everything Alexis does or says. (She even hopes that the couple will split up so she can live with Tommy alone.)
When Tommy is diagnosed with terminal cancer and chooses not to fight it, everything Alexis has depended on is thrown into disarray. He wants to spend his last summer at their beach house in Destin, Florida, where they first met as children, so despite her concerns about his ex-wife, a television actress, being in Destin at the same time they will be, she can’t deny him this wish.
It’s not easy going from being the one taken care of to becoming the caretaker, especially when your daughter has such resentment for you. The worse Tommy’s condition gets, the more strained her relationship with CeCe gets, even though Alexis is (mostly) doing the best she can.
As you can imagine, this is a tremendously poignant book but it’s not maudlin. It’s a book that is tremendously genuine in its depiction of grief, facing the loss of your true love or your parent, and how hard it is to see someone who was so vital become so physically ill.
The one area I struggled with was CeCe. I understood her attitude toward Alexis, and know it’s probably accurate, but she was just so hurtful and mean sometimes I didn’t entirely enjoy reading scenes with her in them. Ultimately it got easier, but that was the sore spot for me in this book.
To be honest, it might not have been the best idea to read this book as the sixth anniversary of my dad’s death approaches, but I was really captivated by the beauty of the emotions Allison Hammer captured. Sure, my eyes were red afterward, but reading You and Me and Us was worth the emotional trauma.
Thanks to William Morrow Books for the Bookstagram giveaway through which I won a copy of this book!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
April 6, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
Puppies. Rainbows. Kittens. Unicorns. Ice cream. I cycle through the list of things that should make me smile, just thinking about them. If I can fill my head with enough happy thoughts, maybe the sad ones will go away.
“Here’s to cheating, lying, stealing and drinking,” Tommy says, catching us all off guard. “Tommy.” I look over at Abigail and then back to him. “It’s okay,” he says, before continuing, “‘If you’re going to cheat, cheat death.’” He turns slightly in his chair to face Jill. “‘If you’re going to lie, lie for a friend.’” He turns back toward me, his eyes locking onto mine. “If you’re going to steal, steal a heart.” His gaze drifts over to Abigail, who meets his stare. “If you’re going to drink, drink with me.”
Like a living page of the “stars are just like us” magazine spread, Monica Whistler is standing in front of me, a prescription bag in her hand. If there is any justice in the world, I hope it’s for herpes.
I remember reading something once— if you have a boy, you only have to worry about one penis. If you have a girl, you have to worry about all the penises.
The house feels like a museum, each room an exhibit, a memory of us.
My Review:
This poignantly written and well-crafted book hit all the feels and even managed to astound me with the realization that this was the author’s debut. Alison Hammer has found her niche as she writes with a deft hand. Her words were cleverly arranged and pack an emotive punch that managed to squeeze my cold heart, stung my eyes, and wedged hot rocks in my throat several times. She also put a smirk on my face and had me grinding my teeth and stamping my little foot in irritation with the obnoxious behaviors and selfishness of the mother and daughter characters until their “aha moments” slapped them briskly in their matching faces. And they were in dire need of such stunning alterations, and being stubborn, they required repeated applications to chisel away at their thoughtless rigidity and blossom into softer and more pleasantly humanized amalgamations of themselves.
Although I initially had my doubts of their redeemability, I came to admire and even adore Ms. Hammer’s skill and agility with her characters’ development, which was beyond insightful and was richly perceptive and profoundly observant, with sensitive handling and thoughtful touches tucked in that added additional depth to the reading experience. This talented wordsmith is definitely one to watch and has been added to my list.
Puppies. Rainbows. Kittens. Unicorns. Ice cream. I cycle through the list of things that should make me smile, just thinking about them. If I can fill my head with enough happy thoughts, maybe the sad ones will go away.
“Here’s to cheating, lying, stealing and drinking,” Tommy says, catching us all off guard. “Tommy.” I look over at Abigail and then back to him. “It’s okay,” he says, before continuing, “‘If you’re going to cheat, cheat death.’” He turns slightly in his chair to face Jill. “‘If you’re going to lie, lie for a friend.’” He turns back toward me, his eyes locking onto mine. “If you’re going to steal, steal a heart.” His gaze drifts over to Abigail, who meets his stare. “If you’re going to drink, drink with me.”
Like a living page of the “stars are just like us” magazine spread, Monica Whistler is standing in front of me, a prescription bag in her hand. If there is any justice in the world, I hope it’s for herpes.
I remember reading something once— if you have a boy, you only have to worry about one penis. If you have a girl, you have to worry about all the penises.
The house feels like a museum, each room an exhibit, a memory of us.
My Review:
This poignantly written and well-crafted book hit all the feels and even managed to astound me with the realization that this was the author’s debut. Alison Hammer has found her niche as she writes with a deft hand. Her words were cleverly arranged and pack an emotive punch that managed to squeeze my cold heart, stung my eyes, and wedged hot rocks in my throat several times. She also put a smirk on my face and had me grinding my teeth and stamping my little foot in irritation with the obnoxious behaviors and selfishness of the mother and daughter characters until their “aha moments” slapped them briskly in their matching faces. And they were in dire need of such stunning alterations, and being stubborn, they required repeated applications to chisel away at their thoughtless rigidity and blossom into softer and more pleasantly humanized amalgamations of themselves.
Although I initially had my doubts of their redeemability, I came to admire and even adore Ms. Hammer’s skill and agility with her characters’ development, which was beyond insightful and was richly perceptive and profoundly observant, with sensitive handling and thoughtful touches tucked in that added additional depth to the reading experience. This talented wordsmith is definitely one to watch and has been added to my list.
May 3, 2020
You and Me and Us is a heartrending story that made my cry, smile that left me hopeful and feeling gratified. This is a story of a family that went through what I can only describe as ‘kintsukuroi’ or kintsugi, which is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery and mending the break with gold or silver, not hiding the cracks, where once repaired becomes an even more beautiful than the original unbroken piece.
The story is centered on Alexis, Tommy and their teen daughter, Cece. Alexis owns a business - a highly competitive ad agency struggling to succeed in a man’s world. The razor focus on her business has tilted her work/life balance to the whims of her demanding clients. Tommy, her loving and supportive partner takes over what Alexis may be lacking, like raising their daughter and running the household.
Suddenly, Tommy becomes sick. So sick that he has asked to go back to spend the summer in his favorite summer spot in Destin, Florida. This may be the last summer they spend together.
Told in dual point of views on how Alexis and Cece are dealing with Tommy’s sickness, their anger and disappointments, and their coming together as a family reeling in their grief. It’s a story of the complexities of mother - daughter relationships, families dealing with terminal illness, and how to keep hope alive and move on with their lives. I cannot recommend this book enough.
The story is centered on Alexis, Tommy and their teen daughter, Cece. Alexis owns a business - a highly competitive ad agency struggling to succeed in a man’s world. The razor focus on her business has tilted her work/life balance to the whims of her demanding clients. Tommy, her loving and supportive partner takes over what Alexis may be lacking, like raising their daughter and running the household.
Suddenly, Tommy becomes sick. So sick that he has asked to go back to spend the summer in his favorite summer spot in Destin, Florida. This may be the last summer they spend together.
Told in dual point of views on how Alexis and Cece are dealing with Tommy’s sickness, their anger and disappointments, and their coming together as a family reeling in their grief. It’s a story of the complexities of mother - daughter relationships, families dealing with terminal illness, and how to keep hope alive and move on with their lives. I cannot recommend this book enough.
March 26, 2020
This book had a good premise and it did hold my interest but I do wish this would have been more of an emotional read. I think the main problem is I didn't feel any connection to the main characters and so I missed out on what could have been a good tearjerker. This was a nice distraction though from everything going on in the real world so for that reason I am thankful I read it.
Alexis Gold is always working and that means she sometimes misses out on important moments in her teenage daughter's life. Her husband, Tommy, is supportive of her career and maintains a good relationship with their daughter, CeCe. When Tommy receives a terminal cancer diagnosis he asks his wife and daughter to spend the summer with him in Destin, Florida. Alexis will have to figure out how to juggle her job while being there for Tommy just as he has always been there for her. Given Alexis and CeCe don't have the best mother-daughter relationship, knowing Tommy is the glue that holds their family together is making this situation even harder for them.
The story alternates between the perspectives of Alexis and CeCe. Their relationship is just as much a part of the story as their individual relationships with Tommy. I've read many books over the years that explore mother-daughter dynamics and unfortunately I didn't find there to be anything special or memorable with this one. We all have characters we gravitate towards and while they kinda fell flat in my eyes, that doesn't mean that will be the case for every reader. At the very least this story is yet another reminder life can change in an instant so value the things that are truly important.
I won a free copy of this book from the publisher and the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program but was not obligated to post my review here. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Alexis Gold is always working and that means she sometimes misses out on important moments in her teenage daughter's life. Her husband, Tommy, is supportive of her career and maintains a good relationship with their daughter, CeCe. When Tommy receives a terminal cancer diagnosis he asks his wife and daughter to spend the summer with him in Destin, Florida. Alexis will have to figure out how to juggle her job while being there for Tommy just as he has always been there for her. Given Alexis and CeCe don't have the best mother-daughter relationship, knowing Tommy is the glue that holds their family together is making this situation even harder for them.
The story alternates between the perspectives of Alexis and CeCe. Their relationship is just as much a part of the story as their individual relationships with Tommy. I've read many books over the years that explore mother-daughter dynamics and unfortunately I didn't find there to be anything special or memorable with this one. We all have characters we gravitate towards and while they kinda fell flat in my eyes, that doesn't mean that will be the case for every reader. At the very least this story is yet another reminder life can change in an instant so value the things that are truly important.
I won a free copy of this book from the publisher and the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program but was not obligated to post my review here. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
December 24, 2019
I won this via goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.
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I'm still processing this book. Cursing work too for being busy and making me too tired to focus on reading.
This was a beautiful experience and journey to go on with these people. They felt so real, there was many times I wanted to walk into their house and give them a hug.
I'm sucking at this haha, but I really don't know what to say except have tissues ready.
Would highly recommend.
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I'm still processing this book. Cursing work too for being busy and making me too tired to focus on reading.
This was a beautiful experience and journey to go on with these people. They felt so real, there was many times I wanted to walk into their house and give them a hug.
I'm sucking at this haha, but I really don't know what to say except have tissues ready.
Would highly recommend.
December 11, 2020
If you like emotional, engaging, life-affirming stories that make you laugh and cry, you need to pick this one up!
Alexis and Tommy are the kind of couple everyone wants to be: they support each other, tease each other, and love each other with their whole hearts. In order for Alexis to focus on running her own advertising agency, Tommy has taken over as the primary parent for their now-teenage daughter, Cece. And while there are frequent sparks between Cece and Alexis—as often happens between teenaged daughters and their mothers—Tommy is always there to smooth things over.
But then Tommy gets sick. Sick enough that Alexis takes the summer off to spend together as a family at their favorite beach town, Destin, Florida. Alexis and Cece, for the first time, realize that they won’t always have him to bring them together.
I adored this book! I felt like I knew every character, like I could feel the ocean area and taste the Arnold Palmers. Yes, this is a tear-jerker, but it’s also funny and wise and poignant. Anyone who has ever struggled to connect with someone they love, or has lost a loved one, will relate to this book.
Highly recommended! Not one to miss. Out 4/7/20 in the US!
(I received a copy from the author)
Alexis and Tommy are the kind of couple everyone wants to be: they support each other, tease each other, and love each other with their whole hearts. In order for Alexis to focus on running her own advertising agency, Tommy has taken over as the primary parent for their now-teenage daughter, Cece. And while there are frequent sparks between Cece and Alexis—as often happens between teenaged daughters and their mothers—Tommy is always there to smooth things over.
But then Tommy gets sick. Sick enough that Alexis takes the summer off to spend together as a family at their favorite beach town, Destin, Florida. Alexis and Cece, for the first time, realize that they won’t always have him to bring them together.
I adored this book! I felt like I knew every character, like I could feel the ocean area and taste the Arnold Palmers. Yes, this is a tear-jerker, but it’s also funny and wise and poignant. Anyone who has ever struggled to connect with someone they love, or has lost a loved one, will relate to this book.
Highly recommended! Not one to miss. Out 4/7/20 in the US!
(I received a copy from the author)
April 30, 2020
This book started out a little slow, then I had a love hate relationship with Lexie, She was not the best mother or wife but boy did she show up when she needed to. I ended up loving her. I will not lie I did cry. So be sure to have your Kleenex handy while reading this one.
So glad I grabbed a copy of this one.
So glad I grabbed a copy of this one.
August 31, 2019
Sometimes a book comes along that you can't put down, even if you're in a coffee shop and you're crying so hard into your iced latte that you're pretty sure other customers think a family member died but really you've just connected so much with the characters in said book that your heart is both breaking and healing.
That book was YOU AND ME AND US by Alison Hammer for me.
Alexis is a forty-something-year-old woman who is brilliant at work but not so brilliant at parenting. Her teenage daughter, CeCe, spends most of her time with her father, Tommy. For years, this has worked for their little family. Until Tommy gets sick. Really, really sick.
The family decides to spend their last summer together in Florida in the town where Tommy and Alexis first met. For the first time, Alexis and CeCe are forced to figure out a way to come together without Tommy's help. It's not gonna be easy, that's for sure.
This book is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. The author tackles love. loss, grief, family relationships with skill and such depth. The writing is deceptively easy and simple, the feelings behind those words are huge.
I loved everything about this book and am so excited for others to experience these characters. I was blessed to read an early copy of this novel but the story and the characters have stuck with me for months.
5/5 Stars
Number of Ugly Cries: A LOT
That book was YOU AND ME AND US by Alison Hammer for me.
Alexis is a forty-something-year-old woman who is brilliant at work but not so brilliant at parenting. Her teenage daughter, CeCe, spends most of her time with her father, Tommy. For years, this has worked for their little family. Until Tommy gets sick. Really, really sick.
The family decides to spend their last summer together in Florida in the town where Tommy and Alexis first met. For the first time, Alexis and CeCe are forced to figure out a way to come together without Tommy's help. It's not gonna be easy, that's for sure.
This book is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. The author tackles love. loss, grief, family relationships with skill and such depth. The writing is deceptively easy and simple, the feelings behind those words are huge.
I loved everything about this book and am so excited for others to experience these characters. I was blessed to read an early copy of this novel but the story and the characters have stuck with me for months.
5/5 Stars
Number of Ugly Cries: A LOT
September 1, 2020
A tragic story about love and loss. Alexis and Tommy have been together for over 15 years. Although never married, their love is fierce and strong. A love to envy. CeCe, their daughter, is a somewhat typical 14 year old. She is usually at odds with her mother but very close to her father, her relationship with Tommy is stronger than most father/teen daughter connections.
Their near perfect life comes to a halt when Tommy receives a terminal cancer diagnosis. The rest of the story centers around their last few months together. As Alexis' and CeCe's hearts start breaking, they start working together to mend fences to build the mother-daughter bond that was missing for years.
The book alternates perspectives between Alexis and CeCe. Towards the end, Tommy has a voice as well. The cover of the book states "One family. One last summer." This really says it all. It was so incredibly sad, but moving. It's not often that a book brings tears to me eyes, but this one left me with tears running down my face. And just when I dried off, I was sobbing again.
A fantastic debut novel and I can't wait to read more by Alison Hammer.
Their near perfect life comes to a halt when Tommy receives a terminal cancer diagnosis. The rest of the story centers around their last few months together. As Alexis' and CeCe's hearts start breaking, they start working together to mend fences to build the mother-daughter bond that was missing for years.
The book alternates perspectives between Alexis and CeCe. Towards the end, Tommy has a voice as well. The cover of the book states "One family. One last summer." This really says it all. It was so incredibly sad, but moving. It's not often that a book brings tears to me eyes, but this one left me with tears running down my face. And just when I dried off, I was sobbing again.
A fantastic debut novel and I can't wait to read more by Alison Hammer.
April 17, 2020
⚕️BOOK REVIEW⚕️
You and Me and Us by Alison Hammer
Pub Date: April 7, 2020
452 pages
-DESCRIPTION-
Alexis is a hard-working wife and mother of one. Often her job has her missing out on moments with he family, none feeling it more than her daughter, CeCe. Her husband Tommy is diagnosed with terminal cancer and his last wish is to send the summer with his family in Florida.
-THOUGHTS-
I am missing these characters as I'm writing this. They seemed so real. They were my friends and my family. Perfect in their imperfections. The story is told from the point of view of Alexis and CeCe. Both voices could not have been more different. It's hard to believe this is Hammer's debit novel.
-RATING-
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars
I highly recommend this book!
-SIMILAR RECOMMENDED READS-
Beyond the Point
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Map of the Heart
You and Me and Us by Alison Hammer
Pub Date: April 7, 2020
452 pages
-DESCRIPTION-
Alexis is a hard-working wife and mother of one. Often her job has her missing out on moments with he family, none feeling it more than her daughter, CeCe. Her husband Tommy is diagnosed with terminal cancer and his last wish is to send the summer with his family in Florida.
-THOUGHTS-
I am missing these characters as I'm writing this. They seemed so real. They were my friends and my family. Perfect in their imperfections. The story is told from the point of view of Alexis and CeCe. Both voices could not have been more different. It's hard to believe this is Hammer's debit novel.
-RATING-
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars
I highly recommend this book!
-SIMILAR RECOMMENDED READS-
Beyond the Point
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Map of the Heart
January 25, 2023
Viena šeima. Ir paskutinė jų vasara..
Atrodo, jog vos per vieną akimirką pasikeičia visas Vislerių šeimos gyvenimas.. Kuomet Tomiui yra diagnozuota onkologinė liga. Viskas galbūt nebūtų taip blogai, tačiau ši liga jau gana pažengusi, o ir vyras nusprendžia nesigydyti. Jis nori turėti laiko tiek, kiek jam yra skirta. Šį jo sprendimą be galo sunkiai priima žmona Aleksė bei dukra Sesilija. Šeima nusprendžia vasarą praleisti Tomio ir Aleksės gimtajame miestelyje prie jūros. Kad ir kaip bebūtų sunku, jie puikiai supranta, jog ši vasara kartu jiems bus paskutinė.
Skaudus bei tikrai jautrus romanas. Tik pradėjus skaityti, tampa aišku, jog čia laimingos pabaigos nebus. Tačiau šis žinojimas nei kiek nepalengvina kelio iki to. Šioje knygoje šviesių bei gražių dalykų tikrai daug. Draugystės tema, meilė bei dukros ir tėvo ryšys buvo kažkas nuostabaus. Nors pradžioje galbūt ir norėjosi teisti Tomį už tokį priimtą sprendimą, tačiau perskaičius visą istoriją, aš puikiai jį suprantu. Ir visiškai suprantu būtent tokį jo pasirinkimą.
Sugraudino mane ši istorija, nors tiesą pasakius neįsivaizduoju, kaip galėjo būti kitaip 🤭 Ši knyga patiks mėgstantiems gyvenimiškas bei jautrias istorijas ❤️
Atrodo, jog vos per vieną akimirką pasikeičia visas Vislerių šeimos gyvenimas.. Kuomet Tomiui yra diagnozuota onkologinė liga. Viskas galbūt nebūtų taip blogai, tačiau ši liga jau gana pažengusi, o ir vyras nusprendžia nesigydyti. Jis nori turėti laiko tiek, kiek jam yra skirta. Šį jo sprendimą be galo sunkiai priima žmona Aleksė bei dukra Sesilija. Šeima nusprendžia vasarą praleisti Tomio ir Aleksės gimtajame miestelyje prie jūros. Kad ir kaip bebūtų sunku, jie puikiai supranta, jog ši vasara kartu jiems bus paskutinė.
Skaudus bei tikrai jautrus romanas. Tik pradėjus skaityti, tampa aišku, jog čia laimingos pabaigos nebus. Tačiau šis žinojimas nei kiek nepalengvina kelio iki to. Šioje knygoje šviesių bei gražių dalykų tikrai daug. Draugystės tema, meilė bei dukros ir tėvo ryšys buvo kažkas nuostabaus. Nors pradžioje galbūt ir norėjosi teisti Tomį už tokį priimtą sprendimą, tačiau perskaičius visą istoriją, aš puikiai jį suprantu. Ir visiškai suprantu būtent tokį jo pasirinkimą.
Sugraudino mane ši istorija, nors tiesą pasakius neįsivaizduoju, kaip galėjo būti kitaip 🤭 Ši knyga patiks mėgstantiems gyvenimiškas bei jautrias istorijas ❤️
November 1, 2019
Alison Hammer's debut is perfect in every way. The writing is flawless and engaging, the characters are flawed and real, the story will rip your heart to shreds and duct tape it back together. I adored this book from word one to the very last word, and that's rare.
May 24, 2020
I liked the story, but I can’t stand when authors make a teenage girl so entitled and just plain awful to her parents.
December 7, 2021
Nepateisino lūkesčių.
Baisiai ištempta, tas pats per ta patį...
Baisiai ištempta, tas pats per ta patį...
November 25, 2021
„Tu. Aš. Mes“ - jautri istorija apie šeimą, kuri mirtinos ligos akivaizdoje bando iš likusio laiko išpešti visko, kuo daugiau.
Aleksė - tikra darboholikė, neskaičiuojanti praleistų valandų darbe. Šeimai laiko lieka tik trupiniai, bet ji nesuka dėl to galvos, nes turi tobulą vyrą, kuris dukteriai atstoja abu tėvus. Tomis - idealus tėtis, vyras, psichoterapeutas, pagrindinė šeimos jungtis. Sisi - maištaujanti paauglė, niekaip nerandanti ryšio su motina, bet tiesiog dievinanti savo tėvą. Šeimai susidūrus su neišvengiamu likimu jie leidžiasi į pajūrį paskutinėms vasaros atostogoms kartu.
Ech kiek jausmų sukėlė man ši knyga. Pykau ant Tomio, kad jis nesiryžo kovoti su šia liga. Pykau ant Aleksės, kad tokia suaugusi moteris, o kartais elgiasi kaip mažvaikė. Grožėjausi jų meile, nes tik tokia meilė ir gali įveikti viską. Žinoma tik ne tą prakeiktą vėžį. Žavėjausi Tomio ir dukters santykiais, turbūt daugeliui tėvų jie būtų pavyzdys. Ir verkiau, nes buvo gaila Tomio, man jis toks šiltai tobulas pagrindinis veikėjas pasirodė, kad buvo skaudu ne mažiau nei jo artimiesiems.
Tai pasakojimas, kuris tik dar kartą primena, kad turime vertinti kiekvieną dieną ir skirti savo laiką artimiesiems.
Aleksė - tikra darboholikė, neskaičiuojanti praleistų valandų darbe. Šeimai laiko lieka tik trupiniai, bet ji nesuka dėl to galvos, nes turi tobulą vyrą, kuris dukteriai atstoja abu tėvus. Tomis - idealus tėtis, vyras, psichoterapeutas, pagrindinė šeimos jungtis. Sisi - maištaujanti paauglė, niekaip nerandanti ryšio su motina, bet tiesiog dievinanti savo tėvą. Šeimai susidūrus su neišvengiamu likimu jie leidžiasi į pajūrį paskutinėms vasaros atostogoms kartu.
Ech kiek jausmų sukėlė man ši knyga. Pykau ant Tomio, kad jis nesiryžo kovoti su šia liga. Pykau ant Aleksės, kad tokia suaugusi moteris, o kartais elgiasi kaip mažvaikė. Grožėjausi jų meile, nes tik tokia meilė ir gali įveikti viską. Žinoma tik ne tą prakeiktą vėžį. Žavėjausi Tomio ir dukters santykiais, turbūt daugeliui tėvų jie būtų pavyzdys. Ir verkiau, nes buvo gaila Tomio, man jis toks šiltai tobulas pagrindinis veikėjas pasirodė, kad buvo skaudu ne mažiau nei jo artimiesiems.
Tai pasakojimas, kuris tik dar kartą primena, kad turime vertinti kiekvieną dieną ir skirti savo laiką artimiesiems.
April 20, 2025
Verkiu.... Šluostausi ašaras, giliai kvėpuoju ir vėl verkiu....
Istorija, mane labai sugraudinusi.
Mylimas vyras ir tėvas miršta. Jam liko nebedaug, o darbų iš sudaryto sąrašo tiek daug. Mama ir dukra, viena kitą mažiau suprantančios, daugiau besipysktančios. Vyro noras, prieš iškeliaujant, išmokint jas abi labiau bendrauti ir pasitikėti.
Istorija, mane labai sugraudinusi.
Mylimas vyras ir tėvas miršta. Jam liko nebedaug, o darbų iš sudaryto sąrašo tiek daug. Mama ir dukra, viena kitą mažiau suprantančios, daugiau besipysktančios. Vyro noras, prieš iškeliaujant, išmokint jas abi labiau bendrauti ir pasitikėti.
September 15, 2021
Apie galimą ašarų laviną, sufleruoja knygos aprašymas - tai istorija apie šeimą, susidurusią su viena iš baisiausių žinių - šeimos galva, Tomis, serga labai agresyvia plaučių vėžio forma. Šansų išgyventi nedaug, todėl vyras pasirenka gana netikėtą ir skaudžią išeitį - nebekovoti. Vietoj alinančio gydymo, jis pasiūlo dukrai ir žmonai keliauti paskutinių vasaros atostogų ir likusį, bei greit tirpstantį likusį laiką, išnaudoti kuo prasmingiau.⠀
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Nors iš pradžių atrodo, kad knygos pamatas - tik Tomio liga, greitai paaiškėja, kad pagrindiniai vaidmenys čia atiduoti dukrai Sisi ir žmonai Aleksei. Daug dėmesio skirta amžinai jų nesantaikai, paauglės gyvenimo dramoms, Aleksės bandymams neištyžti, kai griūna jų pasaulis.⠀
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Norėjosi daugiau Tomio - jo minčių, gilesnių argumentų dėl priimto sprendimo nesigydyti. Džiaugiausi kiekvienu epizodu, kai jis sušmėžuodavo knygoje - itin patiko jo makabriškas humoras, kalbant apie ligą ar artėjančią mirtį. Gaila, kad jį taip užgožė dvi jo šeimos moterys.⠀
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Sisi bei Aleksės personažai ir jų logika dažnai trikdė. Taip, taip. Žinau. Paaugliams jų gyvenimiškos dramos dėl menkniekių atrodo labai svarbios. Bet tie "tėtis miršta, einu pasiglamžyt su savo simpatija, kol niekas nemato" ir "pamiršau pasidaryt selfį su aktore", pasirodė nei šis, nei tas. ⠀
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Mama nenusileido dukrai - lygioj vietoj kėlė dramą dėl vyro buvusios žmonos. Ar buvo dėl ko? Mano nuomone - ne.⠀
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Per daug nereikalingų konfliktų, per mažai dėmesio brangiam žmogui. ⠀
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Man asmeniškai, istorija gana artima. Tėčio netekau būdama dvylikos (tokio amžiaus, pagal pirminę autorės idėją, turėjo būti ir Sisi). Lygiai kaip ir jai, tėtis buvo visatos centras, brangiausias ir reikalingiausias pasaulyje. Gal dėl to kiek atlaidžiau žiūrėjau į Sisi emocijų šuolius, bei kaprizus - sunku sudėlioti save į vietas, kai visas tavo pasaulis byra po kojom.⠀
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Iš autorės baigiamojo žodžio, galima įtarti, kad kažkada galim sulaukti ir pasakojimo, kaip Sisi ir Aleksei sėkėsi toliau. Nors ši knyga itin nesužavėjo, neslėpsiu - smalsumas nugalėtų ir tęsinį tikrai skaityčiau.
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Nors iš pradžių atrodo, kad knygos pamatas - tik Tomio liga, greitai paaiškėja, kad pagrindiniai vaidmenys čia atiduoti dukrai Sisi ir žmonai Aleksei. Daug dėmesio skirta amžinai jų nesantaikai, paauglės gyvenimo dramoms, Aleksės bandymams neištyžti, kai griūna jų pasaulis.⠀
⠀
Norėjosi daugiau Tomio - jo minčių, gilesnių argumentų dėl priimto sprendimo nesigydyti. Džiaugiausi kiekvienu epizodu, kai jis sušmėžuodavo knygoje - itin patiko jo makabriškas humoras, kalbant apie ligą ar artėjančią mirtį. Gaila, kad jį taip užgožė dvi jo šeimos moterys.⠀
⠀
Sisi bei Aleksės personažai ir jų logika dažnai trikdė. Taip, taip. Žinau. Paaugliams jų gyvenimiškos dramos dėl menkniekių atrodo labai svarbios. Bet tie "tėtis miršta, einu pasiglamžyt su savo simpatija, kol niekas nemato" ir "pamiršau pasidaryt selfį su aktore", pasirodė nei šis, nei tas. ⠀
⠀
Mama nenusileido dukrai - lygioj vietoj kėlė dramą dėl vyro buvusios žmonos. Ar buvo dėl ko? Mano nuomone - ne.⠀
⠀
Per daug nereikalingų konfliktų, per mažai dėmesio brangiam žmogui. ⠀
⠀
Man asmeniškai, istorija gana artima. Tėčio netekau būdama dvylikos (tokio amžiaus, pagal pirminę autorės idėją, turėjo būti ir Sisi). Lygiai kaip ir jai, tėtis buvo visatos centras, brangiausias ir reikalingiausias pasaulyje. Gal dėl to kiek atlaidžiau žiūrėjau į Sisi emocijų šuolius, bei kaprizus - sunku sudėlioti save į vietas, kai visas tavo pasaulis byra po kojom.⠀
⠀
Iš autorės baigiamojo žodžio, galima įtarti, kad kažkada galim sulaukti ir pasakojimo, kaip Sisi ir Aleksei sėkėsi toliau. Nors ši knyga itin nesužavėjo, neslėpsiu - smalsumas nugalėtų ir tęsinį tikrai skaityčiau.
February 3, 2020
What a touching, beautiful novel. The characterizations are expertly done, they're so real, they could be family members, neighbors or friends.
I found myself grieving after I finished it... Grieving, yet healing at the same time. I haven't experienced a novel which has done that in quite some time.
I highly recommend this novel, but want to make you aware that it will grip your heart.
As any good book should.
I found myself grieving after I finished it... Grieving, yet healing at the same time. I haven't experienced a novel which has done that in quite some time.
I highly recommend this novel, but want to make you aware that it will grip your heart.
As any good book should.
June 4, 2020
I really wanted to love this book. Two of the main plots are so very, very near and dear to my heart. My dad passed almost 6 months ago and the grief still grips me just about every day. I didn't know how I would handle this book. Also, in my own personal situation, I have reunited with a love from 20 years ago and we will spend the rest of our lives together. So this should be the perfect combination. However, nothing of these characters rang true to me at all. I
*** spoiler alerts***
HATED CeCe and her complete self centerness. Yes, she is suppossed to be a angst ridden teenager, but her dad is dying, like immediately dying and yet all she cares about is her raging anger to her mother who did nothing but work hard? Her rage isn't pointed to her mother because her dad is dying - her rage is just to the woman herself. I truly skipped so many of CeCe's lines because I just wanted to see if she changed. She ONLY changes because her mother 'allowed' her to pursue her dreams. There is no moving through grief of her father. Even a teenager who has had a basic storybook relationship with her father should work through her grief other than 'wow - i got an audition - all is now great in the world'.
Alexius I should identify with. I do much more with her than my teen age self with CeCe. However, when given the news of her soul mate's mortality - she at refuses HIS wishes. WHY? because she's JEALOUS of a past relationship?? If my love told me he was sick, my ONLY goal in life would be to do anything the man asked of me. THEN the story line would be of what obstacles were in place to obtain his wishes.
I almost DNF this book, but I truly had to see if the characters finally truly lived up to Tommy's adoration of them.. Can't really say that they did and that just left me more sad than what actually happened to him.
*** spoiler alerts***
HATED CeCe and her complete self centerness. Yes, she is suppossed to be a angst ridden teenager, but her dad is dying, like immediately dying and yet all she cares about is her raging anger to her mother who did nothing but work hard? Her rage isn't pointed to her mother because her dad is dying - her rage is just to the woman herself. I truly skipped so many of CeCe's lines because I just wanted to see if she changed. She ONLY changes because her mother 'allowed' her to pursue her dreams. There is no moving through grief of her father. Even a teenager who has had a basic storybook relationship with her father should work through her grief other than 'wow - i got an audition - all is now great in the world'.
Alexius I should identify with. I do much more with her than my teen age self with CeCe. However, when given the news of her soul mate's mortality - she at refuses HIS wishes. WHY? because she's JEALOUS of a past relationship?? If my love told me he was sick, my ONLY goal in life would be to do anything the man asked of me. THEN the story line would be of what obstacles were in place to obtain his wishes.
I almost DNF this book, but I truly had to see if the characters finally truly lived up to Tommy's adoration of them.. Can't really say that they did and that just left me more sad than what actually happened to him.
April 13, 2021
After beloved husband/father Tommy receives a grim lung cancer diagnosis, his family's life will never be the same. His wife, Alexis, is a workaholic so their teen daughter, CeCe, has always been closer to her dad than her mom. Will Alexis be able to build a relationship with her daughter while also grieving the imminent loss of her husband?
Well, wow. This debut blew me away! I was drawn into the story from the very first pages and didn't want to put it down. The characters were all so well written, and I loved every single one, flaws and all. I teared up several times ... but don't let the sad parts scare you away because this story was also so full of HOPE and LOVE ... and we can all use a good dose of that right now!
4.5 stars
I do have to add that while the balloon release ceremony was very touching in fiction, it would be extremely harmful to the environment in real life. Click here for more information.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia and Destin, Florida
I received an advance copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
Well, wow. This debut blew me away! I was drawn into the story from the very first pages and didn't want to put it down. The characters were all so well written, and I loved every single one, flaws and all. I teared up several times ... but don't let the sad parts scare you away because this story was also so full of HOPE and LOVE ... and we can all use a good dose of that right now!
4.5 stars
I do have to add that while the balloon release ceremony was very touching in fiction, it would be extremely harmful to the environment in real life. Click here for more information.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia and Destin, Florida
I received an advance copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
April 7, 2020
Thank you to for providing me with a copy of this novel for review purposes.
I knew when I first read this synopsis that I would be crying, and this story did not disappoint!
Plot:
Alexis Gold is a working mum. She never planned to have a family, but she loves her partner Tommy, and their daughter CeCe. Tommy takes the role of working part-time from home, while raising Cece, while Alexis starts up and runs her own successful advertising agency.
However, everything changes when Tommy receives a terminal cancer diagnosis. His wish is to return to Destin - the beach where he grew up, met Alexis, and have visited every year with Cece. Their beach.
As the realization hits Cece, the cracks begin to appear as her resentment to Alexis grows for not being their as she grew, and she comes to terms with growing up without her best friend and father. Alexis puts her career on hold, and puts her family first - packing up and making their way 'home' for one last summer.
Review:
Gah!!! Where to begin??
This would have been a brilliant story about a dysfunctional mother - daughter relationship all on its own, but in the face of a timer and loss of a loved one every emotion was elevated.
The strained relationship was so hard to read but I could feel both sides. You could feel the tension and you could feel the unspoken words.
And talking about things doesn't always solve them, which was a huge factor in this story between Alexis and CeCe.
Alongside the grief, CeCe is trying to find some normalcy, trying to dream about her future, navigate growing up, making friends, having dreams and boys. While she was frustrating at times she was a good kid and there was no lack of trying on her side either. Her perspective was interesting, it was a different love story to Alexis', with her relationship with Tommy.
I truly empathized with Alexis as well. She was struggling with a lifetime of reflection, and bitterness to her future and her loss. Her relationship with Tommy was beautiful and oh how I cried on the couch.
Grief is such a tricky thing. There is no wrong or right way to experience it, and there was a range of coping strategies between the characters that clashed, but that was real for me. Things do not fit perfectly in life. I think Hammer did a fantastic job of handling this theme, and even though tears were shed, it was hard to put down this book.
Here is what I have to say about cancer. My Pa passed away from lung cancer when I was a teen. He was my favourite person in the world. He did get treatment and it changed him. It changed his demeanor as well as his appearance. At some point, he refused to let us see him because he wanted us to remember him in a better way.
I still struggle with this, but I am also grateful, because I don't remember him being at his worst, and our memories are precious. Every story with cancer is different, and I felt very connected to this one.
Beautiful story looking at the good the bad and the ugly of family dynamics at the toughest of times.
I knew when I first read this synopsis that I would be crying, and this story did not disappoint!
Plot:
Alexis Gold is a working mum. She never planned to have a family, but she loves her partner Tommy, and their daughter CeCe. Tommy takes the role of working part-time from home, while raising Cece, while Alexis starts up and runs her own successful advertising agency.
However, everything changes when Tommy receives a terminal cancer diagnosis. His wish is to return to Destin - the beach where he grew up, met Alexis, and have visited every year with Cece. Their beach.
As the realization hits Cece, the cracks begin to appear as her resentment to Alexis grows for not being their as she grew, and she comes to terms with growing up without her best friend and father. Alexis puts her career on hold, and puts her family first - packing up and making their way 'home' for one last summer.
Tomorrow is as much about for you as it is for your dad and me. It's about you and me and us. Our family.- Alexis Gold, You and Me and Us
Review:
Gah!!! Where to begin??
This would have been a brilliant story about a dysfunctional mother - daughter relationship all on its own, but in the face of a timer and loss of a loved one every emotion was elevated.
The strained relationship was so hard to read but I could feel both sides. You could feel the tension and you could feel the unspoken words.
And talking about things doesn't always solve them, which was a huge factor in this story between Alexis and CeCe.
Alongside the grief, CeCe is trying to find some normalcy, trying to dream about her future, navigate growing up, making friends, having dreams and boys. While she was frustrating at times she was a good kid and there was no lack of trying on her side either. Her perspective was interesting, it was a different love story to Alexis', with her relationship with Tommy.
I truly empathized with Alexis as well. She was struggling with a lifetime of reflection, and bitterness to her future and her loss. Her relationship with Tommy was beautiful and oh how I cried on the couch.
Grief is such a tricky thing. There is no wrong or right way to experience it, and there was a range of coping strategies between the characters that clashed, but that was real for me. Things do not fit perfectly in life. I think Hammer did a fantastic job of handling this theme, and even though tears were shed, it was hard to put down this book.
Here is what I have to say about cancer. My Pa passed away from lung cancer when I was a teen. He was my favourite person in the world. He did get treatment and it changed him. It changed his demeanor as well as his appearance. At some point, he refused to let us see him because he wanted us to remember him in a better way.
I still struggle with this, but I am also grateful, because I don't remember him being at his worst, and our memories are precious. Every story with cancer is different, and I felt very connected to this one.
Beautiful story looking at the good the bad and the ugly of family dynamics at the toughest of times.
I highly recommend this read, and I strongly advise having tissues on hand.
(Triggering topics include death of a loved one, cancer patients and treatment. Although I will note that this is handled with as much grace as possible.)
I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on You and Me and Us. Have you read this? Tell me what you thought! 
Feel free to comment below or on my 'bookstagram' at @ReadWithWine .
April 28, 2020
Oh my gosh. I think this book is going to be very popular this summer, you guys. You and Me and Us by Alison Hammer ticks all of my literary boxes: family, marriage, parenthood, and friendship. Check, check, check and check! By page 14, I was already 100% invested in this story and it’s relatable characters. It’s always a good sign when I lock myself in the bathroom (to hide from my children) for an hour or so with a book. Next time, I’ll sneak wine. I always forget that very important part. If you haven’t read the synopsis of this novel yet, I suggest you don’t bother. Go in blind like I did. All you need to know is that it follows one family during one summer. There is a terminal cancer diagnosis, so I do want to bring that trigger warning to your attention. Be prepared to smile and probably cry a little too. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! I guarantee you will fall in love with this family. Especially Tommy! He’s definitely one of my very favorite fictional dads. LOVE that guy. The love and affection he shows the women in his life made me melt. I was a puddle on the floor. This fantastic debut is available now. Please, please, please find a way to get your hands on a copy. 4.5/5 heartwarming stars for You and Me and Us!
June 16, 2020
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. It showed how there are no guarantees in life, how everyone has flaws and when tragedy strikes, we all cope differently. That we are even being selfish in our choices to attempt being selfless. It illustrates that no matter how hard we try, we can't choose how we feel, even when we know better than to only see the bad.
It was painful and sometimes annoying to read the reactions of Alexis and CeCe, how they both assumed things based on what they thought they knew, but in reality didn't have a clue. How they realize they are not ready to let the glue that held there family together all this time go. It was disarming to witness how they eventually do grow to each other and put there differences behind.
This is a story of friendship, family, love and saying goodbye, nicely put into words by this goodbye hidden in a toast to life.
" Here's to cheating, lying, stealing and drinking.
If you're going to cheat, cheat death.
If you're going to lie, lie for a friend.
If you're going to steal, steal a heart.
If you're going to drink, drink with me."
It was painful and sometimes annoying to read the reactions of Alexis and CeCe, how they both assumed things based on what they thought they knew, but in reality didn't have a clue. How they realize they are not ready to let the glue that held there family together all this time go. It was disarming to witness how they eventually do grow to each other and put there differences behind.
This is a story of friendship, family, love and saying goodbye, nicely put into words by this goodbye hidden in a toast to life.
" Here's to cheating, lying, stealing and drinking.
If you're going to cheat, cheat death.
If you're going to lie, lie for a friend.
If you're going to steal, steal a heart.
If you're going to drink, drink with me."
April 8, 2022
5 Stars
Now, this is how you write an emotionally moving story that doesn't leave the reader depressed. My previous read had done just that and it was a disappointment.
You kind of know there'll be a gut punch in this story if you've read the book blurb and the author handles it wonderfully. I was in love with this family and their supportive friends. Alexis and Tommy were an amazing couple and I enjoyed their playfulness and love for one another. I also liked their daughter's story arc. Cecelia was a 14-year-old who realistically acted 14 with all the emotional turmoil, confusion, and general sassiness it entailed.
The story progressed to an obvious conclusion, but it was so full of love and strength without verging into melodrama. It was real and messy with a hopeful ending. I closed this book with a bittersweet happiness that was lacking in my previous read and I'm looking forward to more stories by this capable author.
December 19, 2019
Last night, I was finishing up this book in bed and sobbing. My husband came into the room, took one look at me, and stopped short.
"It's a really sad book," I explained.
"Sounds like fun," he said, giving me a mystified look.
I didn't know how to explain to him that it was fun, that it was such a treat to read a book with such lifelike, captivating characters that I enjoyed the grief I felt for them, and so I just nodded and turned back to the book ... which I couldn't put down until I had finished it. Alison Hammer has created something really special here: an emotionally complex story about love, loss, and family, populated with characters that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
"It's a really sad book," I explained.
"Sounds like fun," he said, giving me a mystified look.
I didn't know how to explain to him that it was fun, that it was such a treat to read a book with such lifelike, captivating characters that I enjoyed the grief I felt for them, and so I just nodded and turned back to the book ... which I couldn't put down until I had finished it. Alison Hammer has created something really special here: an emotionally complex story about love, loss, and family, populated with characters that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
March 3, 2020
YOU AND ME AND US is a powerful and hopeful debut about grief, love, and the ties that bind--even when we resist.
The crisis threatening to rip the family apart is heartbreaking and raw, not sugar-coated and sentimental. But real life continues with first loves, best friend squabbles, and mother/daughter friction. The characters are multilayered and their reactions are so very real. Many stories gloss over the anger that comes hand-in-hand with grief. This story didn't shy away from it. There were fights, and disagreements, tears and love notes, all the good stuff. And Tommy, wow, what a guy. The world would be a much better place if we could clone him!
YOU AND ME AND US = perfect book club reading. There is much to discuss.
The crisis threatening to rip the family apart is heartbreaking and raw, not sugar-coated and sentimental. But real life continues with first loves, best friend squabbles, and mother/daughter friction. The characters are multilayered and their reactions are so very real. Many stories gloss over the anger that comes hand-in-hand with grief. This story didn't shy away from it. There were fights, and disagreements, tears and love notes, all the good stuff. And Tommy, wow, what a guy. The world would be a much better place if we could clone him!
YOU AND ME AND US = perfect book club reading. There is much to discuss.
October 6, 2019
A sparkling debut. I'm not a crier, and I just went through 2 napkins and a half roll of toilet paper (in the very best way).
It's about work and old and new love and screw ups and teenagers and friendships and pain and grief and memories . . . life. It's about life. And it's so bittersweet-just like the real thing.
Best book I've read all year, I kid you not.
It's about work and old and new love and screw ups and teenagers and friendships and pain and grief and memories . . . life. It's about life. And it's so bittersweet-just like the real thing.
Best book I've read all year, I kid you not.
March 31, 2022
3.5⭐ Patiko. Bijojau skaityti šią knygą, nes istorijos apie mylimų žmonių netektį mane visada liudina...
Kad neapsiverkčiau visą laiką , skaitant knygą, kartojau sau:"tai netikra Istorija, čia tik knyga" ir panašiai. Beveik pavyko, bet Tomio laiškas mane pribaigė. Ašaros upeliais tekėjo ....
Kad neapsiverkčiau visą laiką , skaitant knygą, kartojau sau:"tai netikra Istorija, čia tik knyga" ir panašiai. Beveik pavyko, bet Tomio laiškas mane pribaigė. Ašaros upeliais tekėjo ....
August 19, 2021
Jautri pradžia ir užtektinai skaudi siužetinė tema apie laiką pripažinti, kad mes visi mirtingi, laiką iš naujo įvertinti savo šeimą, laiką, kuris lieka gyventi po to, kai sužinai liūdną diagnozę.
Atrodo oho, kokia emocija. Kiek čia turėtų būti gylio, minties, vidinės dramos... Bet ji taip ir lieka kažkur pasąmonėje, nes kūrinys staiga pamiršta kokią temą nutarė gvildenti ir pereina prie paaugliškų patinka-nepatinka situacijų, vaikiškų pavydo scenų bei buities.
Yra moteris, kuri kažkodėl be didelio pagrindo bijo buvusios vyro žmonos, nes ši gali pasirodyti geresnė jos pačios dukrai. Kodėl? Nes aktorė, o dukra žavisi aktorėmis? Tai kas? Paaugliai žavisi daug kuo. Bet čia iš to sukurta tokia tragedija, kad likau pasimetusi. Dar yra duktė, kuri labai myli tėvą (nors judviejų scenų kažką kartu veikiant vos pora), nekenčia mamos ir sako jam, kad jie galėtų gyventi dviese. Už kelių skyrių ta dukra jau stengiasi mamai ruošti šaltą arbatą ir aš niekaip neaptikau kodėl tie jausmai lyg karuselėse šokinėjo aukštyn ir žemyn. Ir yra tėvas, mirtinas ligonis, o gal veikiau šešėlis. Jis nori sutaikyti motiną su dukra, bet kažkodėl mielai apsikabina buvusią žmoną, kuri kadaisę jį įskaudino.
Apskritai knygoje per mažai skirta emocijų išjautimui, ligai, mirčiai, santykiui, kuris nėra paauglės virkavimas, kad pamiršo asmenukę su aktore (nors tėvas už mėnesio mirs). Veikėjai čia per tušti, daug scenų ir dialogų apskritai niekaip neįtakoja siužeto, o veikėjų elgesys nemotyvuotas.
Tarsi turėjo būti apie skaudų išsiskyrimą, bet taip ir nebuvo. Gaila. Nes iš tokios siužeto idėjos buvo galima parašyti daug jautresnį ir žymiai labiau įtikinantį romaną.
Atrodo oho, kokia emocija. Kiek čia turėtų būti gylio, minties, vidinės dramos... Bet ji taip ir lieka kažkur pasąmonėje, nes kūrinys staiga pamiršta kokią temą nutarė gvildenti ir pereina prie paaugliškų patinka-nepatinka situacijų, vaikiškų pavydo scenų bei buities.
Yra moteris, kuri kažkodėl be didelio pagrindo bijo buvusios vyro žmonos, nes ši gali pasirodyti geresnė jos pačios dukrai. Kodėl? Nes aktorė, o dukra žavisi aktorėmis? Tai kas? Paaugliai žavisi daug kuo. Bet čia iš to sukurta tokia tragedija, kad likau pasimetusi. Dar yra duktė, kuri labai myli tėvą (nors judviejų scenų kažką kartu veikiant vos pora), nekenčia mamos ir sako jam, kad jie galėtų gyventi dviese. Už kelių skyrių ta dukra jau stengiasi mamai ruošti šaltą arbatą ir aš niekaip neaptikau kodėl tie jausmai lyg karuselėse šokinėjo aukštyn ir žemyn. Ir yra tėvas, mirtinas ligonis, o gal veikiau šešėlis. Jis nori sutaikyti motiną su dukra, bet kažkodėl mielai apsikabina buvusią žmoną, kuri kadaisę jį įskaudino.
Apskritai knygoje per mažai skirta emocijų išjautimui, ligai, mirčiai, santykiui, kuris nėra paauglės virkavimas, kad pamiršo asmenukę su aktore (nors tėvas už mėnesio mirs). Veikėjai čia per tušti, daug scenų ir dialogų apskritai niekaip neįtakoja siužeto, o veikėjų elgesys nemotyvuotas.
Tarsi turėjo būti apie skaudų išsiskyrimą, bet taip ir nebuvo. Gaila. Nes iš tokios siužeto idėjos buvo galima parašyti daug jautresnį ir žymiai labiau įtikinantį romaną.
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