What do you think?
Rate this book
Sabrina's Window
On a chilly morning in Taos, New Mexico, a 17-year-old paperboy breaks the window of a 31-year-old hair stylist — an accident that marks the beginning of an instant, inexplicable bond between them. In the course of one high-desert summer, Joshua and Sabrina share confidences, intercede in each other’s love lives, go on a date that scandalizes the town, and confront questions of fidelity, desire, and the nature of love.
230 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
253 people want to read
About the author
Al Riske
7 books108 followers“Al Riske … understands how to walk the tightrope of subtle emotional resonance.”
— Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of Pay It Forward, Love in the Present Tense, and Chasing Windmills, among many others.
“Riske’s characters brim with the fears, desires, and idiosyncrasies of real, complex human beings.”
— Laura Matter, Blue Mesa Review
“A hugely talented writer, Al Riske beautifully captures the nuanced behavior of relationships and the universal struggle to understand why we do what we do.”
— Rachel Canon, author of The Anniversary
— Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of Pay It Forward, Love in the Present Tense, and Chasing Windmills, among many others.
“Riske’s characters brim with the fears, desires, and idiosyncrasies of real, complex human beings.”
— Laura Matter, Blue Mesa Review
“A hugely talented writer, Al Riske beautifully captures the nuanced behavior of relationships and the universal struggle to understand why we do what we do.”
— Rachel Canon, author of The Anniversary
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 22, 2012
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I don't read a lot of fiction written by men, and I found Mr. Riske's style to be one that I enjoyed getting used to. I didn't find Sabrina at all familiar, and i liked how much of a mystery she was to me. Her motivations seemed unclear, even to herself.
The only thing I disliked about this book was how unambiguously awful a couple of the characters were. It seemed to me that they added nothing positive to the lives of the other characters, and I wondered why Mr. Riske bothered to add such one-dimensional people to this book. I kept expecting them to do something important (not awesome, because it became clear pretty early on that they were not capable of awesomeness), and they never did.
The rest of the characters were a mixture of goodness and self-involvement, in the way of real people. I liked that this novel ended in a way that allowed the reader to imagine their lives continuing beyond the pages of the book.
The only thing I disliked about this book was how unambiguously awful a couple of the characters were. It seemed to me that they added nothing positive to the lives of the other characters, and I wondered why Mr. Riske bothered to add such one-dimensional people to this book. I kept expecting them to do something important (not awesome, because it became clear pretty early on that they were not capable of awesomeness), and they never did.
The rest of the characters were a mixture of goodness and self-involvement, in the way of real people. I liked that this novel ended in a way that allowed the reader to imagine their lives continuing beyond the pages of the book.
January 23, 2012
Al Riske's "Sabrina's Window" is an engaging and provocative tale of
modern romance, realistically rendered by a writer with a deft eye for
detail and a sensitivity to the emotional currents of developing
relationships. Riske captures the ambiguity and unpredictability of
shifts in power between the seeker and the sought and the pain and joy
of desires fulfilled and denied, and does so as much through what he
leaves unsaid as through his carefully wrought scenes and dialogue.
This book invites you in and then shuts the door quietly behind you,
allowing you to share moments between characters in a private space
with an atmosphere of intimacy that may leave you afraid to breathe
for fear of intruding. If you want to remember the feeling of
adolescent love or experience the confusion among adults unsure of
where they stand in their relationships, "Sabrina's Window" will take
you on a journey you won't soon forget. You're only regret will be how
quickly you arrive at your ultimate destination.
modern romance, realistically rendered by a writer with a deft eye for
detail and a sensitivity to the emotional currents of developing
relationships. Riske captures the ambiguity and unpredictability of
shifts in power between the seeker and the sought and the pain and joy
of desires fulfilled and denied, and does so as much through what he
leaves unsaid as through his carefully wrought scenes and dialogue.
This book invites you in and then shuts the door quietly behind you,
allowing you to share moments between characters in a private space
with an atmosphere of intimacy that may leave you afraid to breathe
for fear of intruding. If you want to remember the feeling of
adolescent love or experience the confusion among adults unsure of
where they stand in their relationships, "Sabrina's Window" will take
you on a journey you won't soon forget. You're only regret will be how
quickly you arrive at your ultimate destination.
May 26, 2013
I thought this was a well written coming of age story. It has characters that you root for as the book progresses. An unlikely friendship is the heart of the book and the complications of that friendship keep the book interesting. There were some unexpected twists that I wasn't expecting from the book that kept it entertaining. It was an easy quick read.
May 2, 2012
Unique imagination teaser, with “real” characters I could relate to. The text makes you feel like you are in the room “like a fly on the wall”.
July 13, 2013
I love a good mystery. A good thriller. A novel filled with suspense that keeps me on the edge of my recliner. But all voracious readers need to explore other genres, and I'm thrilled that "Sabrina's Window" was the book that reminded me I need to expand my reading habits.
Al Riske has packed so much emotional punch in this 217-page slice-of-life novel that I'm still thinking about the people that inhabit the pages. If you don't recognize someone from this book, I'd venture you grew up in a cave. What Al has done is remind us of people and moments we all knew at some point -- but quietly slipped from memory.
A sentence on the back of the advance copy I read simply states "...a 17-year-old paperboy breaks the the window of a 31-year-old hair stylist -- an accident that marks the beginning of an instant, inexplicable bond between them." Whoever wrote that description captured everything and everyone affected by the events of that chance encounter.
Sabrina is not just a hairdresser; she's an artist who now believes her paintings should be shoved in a closet. Joshua is not just a hormone-ridden high school-er; he's a caring young man determined to do the right thing, whether it means working in Sabrina's yard to pay for the window, or working gently and persistently to understand his girlfriend's changing demands.
The people of Taos, New Mexico are not ready to accept Sabrina and Joshua's relationship, since such friendships normally fill hours of tabloid TV programs. But as the story unwinds, people's opinions do change, because it's impossible to ignore the diverse facets of love.
Al's elegant writing style strengthens the book -- his sentences are Hemingway-esque, but tweaked with vivid descriptions. Sabrina doesn't just enjoy driving with a boyfriend, "She liked riding around in his car, a classic '57 Thunderbird convertible, turquoise with a black interior."
That the ending made me smile topped this wonderful novel. Reading it was much like hearing a piece of music. I know I'll read it again, and re-discover the nuances of something beautiful. I look forward to Al's next book, whether it continues with the lives of these characters, or if he can produce others who moved me so much.
Al Riske has packed so much emotional punch in this 217-page slice-of-life novel that I'm still thinking about the people that inhabit the pages. If you don't recognize someone from this book, I'd venture you grew up in a cave. What Al has done is remind us of people and moments we all knew at some point -- but quietly slipped from memory.
A sentence on the back of the advance copy I read simply states "...a 17-year-old paperboy breaks the the window of a 31-year-old hair stylist -- an accident that marks the beginning of an instant, inexplicable bond between them." Whoever wrote that description captured everything and everyone affected by the events of that chance encounter.
Sabrina is not just a hairdresser; she's an artist who now believes her paintings should be shoved in a closet. Joshua is not just a hormone-ridden high school-er; he's a caring young man determined to do the right thing, whether it means working in Sabrina's yard to pay for the window, or working gently and persistently to understand his girlfriend's changing demands.
The people of Taos, New Mexico are not ready to accept Sabrina and Joshua's relationship, since such friendships normally fill hours of tabloid TV programs. But as the story unwinds, people's opinions do change, because it's impossible to ignore the diverse facets of love.
Al's elegant writing style strengthens the book -- his sentences are Hemingway-esque, but tweaked with vivid descriptions. Sabrina doesn't just enjoy driving with a boyfriend, "She liked riding around in his car, a classic '57 Thunderbird convertible, turquoise with a black interior."
That the ending made me smile topped this wonderful novel. Reading it was much like hearing a piece of music. I know I'll read it again, and re-discover the nuances of something beautiful. I look forward to Al's next book, whether it continues with the lives of these characters, or if he can produce others who moved me so much.
March 8, 2014
Joshua Margolis' life was going just the way he wanted it to. He's seventeen years old, studious, and a little brazen, at times. All he can think about is his wonderful girlfriend, and the future they have together. Until the moment he breaks Sabrina Carlsen's window. It's then everything changes.
Determined to fix his mistake, Joshua vows to do anything Sabrina asks. It doesn't matter that she's far older than him. He broke her window. The least he can do is work for her in order to fix. In his mind, it'll allow him to get to know her better. She's beautiful, quite sweet, and definitely head-strong. So much so, that he finds himself intrigued by her.
Joshua's life takes another unexpected turn when things with his girlfriend, Ronni, start to change. Though he doesn't quite understand what's going on with her, he's willing to give her the space she needs. There's nothing he wouldn't do for her, and he wants to make sure she knows it. Granted, the changes are hard to bear, but he refuses to bend to the uncertainties roiling within him.
As his friendship with Sabrina deepens, so do Joshua's emotions. Part of him wants to explore what he feels, while another part of him knows he shouldn't think about the things tumbling through his mind. Sabrina is very much a woman, and definitely out of his reach. Everything about her is uncharted territory. Deep inside, he knows he should continue on the path in which his life is headed. The question is, how can he do that when temptations are always around the corner?
A sweet and heart-warming coming-of-age story, Sabrina's Window is one of those books that will make you want to read it over and over again. Al Riske immerses us in the life of young Joshua, a boy who's unexpected circumstances draw his life in directions he never thought it would take. Sabrina might be older than him, but she lends their friendship a profound warmth and strength that endures through every turn of the page. No matter what life throws at you, things can be overcome. This is a theme that crops up through the story itself, lending the tale it's own brand of intrigue. Al is definitely an author to keep an eye on!
Determined to fix his mistake, Joshua vows to do anything Sabrina asks. It doesn't matter that she's far older than him. He broke her window. The least he can do is work for her in order to fix. In his mind, it'll allow him to get to know her better. She's beautiful, quite sweet, and definitely head-strong. So much so, that he finds himself intrigued by her.
Joshua's life takes another unexpected turn when things with his girlfriend, Ronni, start to change. Though he doesn't quite understand what's going on with her, he's willing to give her the space she needs. There's nothing he wouldn't do for her, and he wants to make sure she knows it. Granted, the changes are hard to bear, but he refuses to bend to the uncertainties roiling within him.
As his friendship with Sabrina deepens, so do Joshua's emotions. Part of him wants to explore what he feels, while another part of him knows he shouldn't think about the things tumbling through his mind. Sabrina is very much a woman, and definitely out of his reach. Everything about her is uncharted territory. Deep inside, he knows he should continue on the path in which his life is headed. The question is, how can he do that when temptations are always around the corner?
A sweet and heart-warming coming-of-age story, Sabrina's Window is one of those books that will make you want to read it over and over again. Al Riske immerses us in the life of young Joshua, a boy who's unexpected circumstances draw his life in directions he never thought it would take. Sabrina might be older than him, but she lends their friendship a profound warmth and strength that endures through every turn of the page. No matter what life throws at you, things can be overcome. This is a theme that crops up through the story itself, lending the tale it's own brand of intrigue. Al is definitely an author to keep an eye on!
May 19, 2012
How many of us can remember a time when growing up, we had a secret crush on someone older than ourselves, but deep down inside we knew that it was just a dream or small fantasy as you may call it. In this novel, it all begins with a window. Solid and in tack. Broken into many pieces, with one bad throw. Pieces of sharp confusion sprayed in many directions. Never, truly put back together again permanently. Just lying there, waiting for the other to make the first move. Sabrina, the main character, finds herself adjusting fairly well to the new town that she has moved in to. She has a best friend,Tara, whom she hangs out with. She's gone out with a few guys, with some good and some not so good experiences. And then she has the young teenage boy, that broke her window, when delivering the paper. He insist on working the debt off, to fix it. Working the debt off takes a little longer than expected. Maybe even a little longer than needed as well. Sabrina's Window was so fast paced, that I turned the page one day and the next, the story had come to an end. There were times where I was a bit distracted from the switching of one life to another. But my anticipation to see how things would end, blocked out that frustration very quickly. The author provided enough descriptions of the characters, that I could truly paint a picture of their feelings and emotions in my mind. Those feelings that are softly pointing out, that something is wrong, something just isn't right, and will never be, or will it?
Check out www.onceuponatwilight.com for more reviews.
Check out www.onceuponatwilight.com for more reviews.
February 28, 2021
I'd just like to share a little of what people are saying about my debut novel, Sabrina's Window ...
"Sabrina's Window is a pure pleasure to read. Al Riske does an excellent job of creating colorful, realistic characters."
— Paige Lovitt, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"Al Riske’s writing is a gift. With uncommon grace and clarity, he arranges the details of our everyday lives into a sort of poetry. In Sabrina’s Window, seventeen-year-old Joshua and 31-year-old Sabrina are searching for themselves when they find each other, forming a bond that is as unlikely as it is deep and abiding. Reading Riske’s novel, I was reminded of how fragile and magnificent we humans are, how silly and petty … and absolutely generous we can be."
— Judy Clement Wall, ZebraSounds
"Al Riske captures the currents of love, desire and temptation coursing through all of us, and shows us how an unlikely friendship helps a boy become a man."
— Robert Baty, author of Vintage Conner and The Girl in the MGA
“The prose in Al Riske’s first novel, Sabrina’s Window, is clear and simple and elevates the book into something truly wonderful.”
— Mark Richardson, Thoughts on Writing and Reading
“His nuanced, subtle novel has much to share about relationships and art and the power and strength of friendships throughout our lives.”
— Alta Drawson, BiblioQuill
"Sabrina's Window is a pure pleasure to read. Al Riske does an excellent job of creating colorful, realistic characters."
— Paige Lovitt, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"Al Riske’s writing is a gift. With uncommon grace and clarity, he arranges the details of our everyday lives into a sort of poetry. In Sabrina’s Window, seventeen-year-old Joshua and 31-year-old Sabrina are searching for themselves when they find each other, forming a bond that is as unlikely as it is deep and abiding. Reading Riske’s novel, I was reminded of how fragile and magnificent we humans are, how silly and petty … and absolutely generous we can be."
— Judy Clement Wall, ZebraSounds
"Al Riske captures the currents of love, desire and temptation coursing through all of us, and shows us how an unlikely friendship helps a boy become a man."
— Robert Baty, author of Vintage Conner and The Girl in the MGA
“The prose in Al Riske’s first novel, Sabrina’s Window, is clear and simple and elevates the book into something truly wonderful.”
— Mark Richardson, Thoughts on Writing and Reading
“His nuanced, subtle novel has much to share about relationships and art and the power and strength of friendships throughout our lives.”
— Alta Drawson, BiblioQuill
March 22, 2014
This was a great coming of age story. I've been reading a lot lately, and reading fiction about a girl written by a man was intriguing.
Sometimes voice is such a hard thing to master in a story. As an author, you have to research and research, and really flush out those characters. Sometimes your muse has things in common with you, and sometimes he/she doesn't. I don't kow what the case was for Riske, but I can imagine that writing in an unfamiliar voice was a challenge at times.
He did an excellent job though. Adolescent love, confusion and the weight of the world are just a few of the ideas explored in this intimate tale. It wasn't quite as much of a trip down memory lane for me as I'd hoped, but then again, most of the time I'd rather not revisit adolescence anyway.
I do hope, and would recommend that other's who have recently gone through their own coming of age (whether that's as a teenager or 'adult') give this book a try. If I had children struggling with similar issues, I would probably descreetly leave a copy of this lying around and see what happened.
Luminis always seems to capture books & authors that on the surface may appear to be normative, and just another book in the genre. What I've learned, time and time again is that each book is quite unique whether its in writing style, or plot. This one was no exception.
Sometimes voice is such a hard thing to master in a story. As an author, you have to research and research, and really flush out those characters. Sometimes your muse has things in common with you, and sometimes he/she doesn't. I don't kow what the case was for Riske, but I can imagine that writing in an unfamiliar voice was a challenge at times.
He did an excellent job though. Adolescent love, confusion and the weight of the world are just a few of the ideas explored in this intimate tale. It wasn't quite as much of a trip down memory lane for me as I'd hoped, but then again, most of the time I'd rather not revisit adolescence anyway.
I do hope, and would recommend that other's who have recently gone through their own coming of age (whether that's as a teenager or 'adult') give this book a try. If I had children struggling with similar issues, I would probably descreetly leave a copy of this lying around and see what happened.
Luminis always seems to capture books & authors that on the surface may appear to be normative, and just another book in the genre. What I've learned, time and time again is that each book is quite unique whether its in writing style, or plot. This one was no exception.
March 9, 2014
I found this to be an unusual story, and with many turns than twists. It left me guessing what the boy was doing, and where he was going. The story starts off with a boy, Joshua, smashing the window of Sabrina’s house. This is the catalyst of the bond Joshua, 17, and Sabrina, 31, share – not of love exactly – but of adoration.
Joshua and Sabrina, both have their share of crushes, romance, and dates along the road. They share confidences with one another too. The question that was on my mind, was, that will they become boyfriend and girlfriend, albeit their age difference? Of course, I am not going to reveal that!
The reader will read about their inner passions, and what they like and dislike. We discover their true feelings of one another, and the plot line gets thicker here, when two new love affairs appear on the horizon, confusing the reader again! Each page is a turner, as the reader is kept wondering…
The setting of the book is based in Taos, New Mexico, where the temperature soars, and where so much happens. The reader is instantly brought into an exotic place, where they will learn something about the country.
The ending of the book is sharp, stopping at a junction with many possibilities of direction. The reader is left guessing here, or left to his or her imagination, as to what will happen next. Perhaps there is another book…?
Joshua and Sabrina, both have their share of crushes, romance, and dates along the road. They share confidences with one another too. The question that was on my mind, was, that will they become boyfriend and girlfriend, albeit their age difference? Of course, I am not going to reveal that!
The reader will read about their inner passions, and what they like and dislike. We discover their true feelings of one another, and the plot line gets thicker here, when two new love affairs appear on the horizon, confusing the reader again! Each page is a turner, as the reader is kept wondering…
The setting of the book is based in Taos, New Mexico, where the temperature soars, and where so much happens. The reader is instantly brought into an exotic place, where they will learn something about the country.
The ending of the book is sharp, stopping at a junction with many possibilities of direction. The reader is left guessing here, or left to his or her imagination, as to what will happen next. Perhaps there is another book…?
January 9, 2012
The story here is a classic one, boy meets girl, boy falls for girl but for some reason they cannot be together. In this case the reason in age. Sabrina is an adult while Joshua is barely a young man. I liked the idea of this story and enjoyed the build up of characters, especially Joshua. Learning about the life of a teenage boy was intriguing, interesting, funny and surprising, who knew boys had so many facets at that age. I only wish this book had been around to read when I was 16.
What really discouraged me in reading this book was the jumping from character to character, at times it would take me a bit to figure out who's story we were in. There was also a bit of development of character that just kind of dropped off the face of the book. I kept waiting for the return of Tara or some finalization to her story, and relationship with Sabrina. All in all I would recommend this book to those young adult female readers looking for a bit more insight into the minds of the young men in their lives!
What really discouraged me in reading this book was the jumping from character to character, at times it would take me a bit to figure out who's story we were in. There was also a bit of development of character that just kind of dropped off the face of the book. I kept waiting for the return of Tara or some finalization to her story, and relationship with Sabrina. All in all I would recommend this book to those young adult female readers looking for a bit more insight into the minds of the young men in their lives!
March 25, 2012
When so many books go out of their way to spell out every thought, every feeling characters are experiencing in excruciating detail, it’s what’s not said in Sabrina’s Window that makes its characters and story so effective. With a spareness, a simplicity that’s as much writing style as it is a reflection of the Taos, New Mexico desert setting, Al Riske weaves together a series of moments in a story where the beats between those moments are as important as what’s actually happening.
If you think you’ve read or seen this before – 17-year old boy develops crush on 31-year old woman, infatuation ensues – you haven’t. The unlikely friendship between Joshua and Sabrina starts somewhere basic, but evolves and influences their other relationships, for the better, I’d say. Even if at points you’re wondering why she doesn’t just tell this kid to buzz off, there’s nothing nefarious about why Sabrina doesn’t. It’s because love, even Platonic love, is positive and changes us for the better.
Review based on ARC copy won through FirstReads.
If you think you’ve read or seen this before – 17-year old boy develops crush on 31-year old woman, infatuation ensues – you haven’t. The unlikely friendship between Joshua and Sabrina starts somewhere basic, but evolves and influences their other relationships, for the better, I’d say. Even if at points you’re wondering why she doesn’t just tell this kid to buzz off, there’s nothing nefarious about why Sabrina doesn’t. It’s because love, even Platonic love, is positive and changes us for the better.
Review based on ARC copy won through FirstReads.
February 19, 2012
Well not actually reading yet, but just found out I won it in First Reads, so looking forward to receiving it! Thanks!
I received my advance copy from the author yesterday. It was rainy all day, so I took the opportunity to read it. I really enjoyed this book.
It was a quick read, yet full of emotion, insight, the constant questions of day to day life. I've been on a bit of a sci-fi kick lately, so the reality was refreshing and thought-provoking.
My only complaint is that it ended so soon - I want to know more about Sabrina and Joshua and their circle of people!
Thanks again, Al!
I received my advance copy from the author yesterday. It was rainy all day, so I took the opportunity to read it. I really enjoyed this book.
It was a quick read, yet full of emotion, insight, the constant questions of day to day life. I've been on a bit of a sci-fi kick lately, so the reality was refreshing and thought-provoking.
My only complaint is that it ended so soon - I want to know more about Sabrina and Joshua and their circle of people!
Thanks again, Al!
May 18, 2012
Interesting read. I wish Sabrina and Joshua had consummated their relationship. They were kindred spirits, soul mates, on the same wavelength, however you want to put it. This is a quick read. I liked the shortness of the scenes. It gave the story a tension on how it would all work out. The shortness also added a sexual tension to the story--would they or wouldn't they?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2012
With his trademark grace, elegance and economy, Al Riske captures the heart and teases the imagination in SABRINA’S WINDOW. Where so many others turn right, this novel turns left … and then hooks a U-turn, accelerates into oncoming traffic and cruises toward a scandalous conflict that presents no obvious answers. And that’s exactly the kind of book I love to read.
February 25, 2013
Had this book in my queue for some time and when I picked it up yesterday morning found I couldn't put it down until it was done. A pleasant surprise.
I was particularly impressed that two very different viewpoint characters both rang true. An accomplishment.
I was particularly impressed that two very different viewpoint characters both rang true. An accomplishment.
September 10, 2012
Thoughtful coming of age. Interesting interpersonal relationships. Fast read.
October 2, 2012
I love everything that Al Riske writes. This novel is no exception.
July 29, 2015
Originally posted at Butterfly-o-Meter Books on May 9 2012:
You know those reads that make your interest go up and down? This was one of those for me. I had moments when I was really interested in what was going on, moments when I was lost, moments when I was almost not caring. Odd reading experience.
The story looked like a very promising one. I love books that focus on young adult guys as well as girls, and here we have a young adult guy of 17 interacting with a grown woman a lot. I liked that contrast, the differences between them made their chemistry really interesting. I was thinking, guilty mind that I have, that this would be a rare scenario of younger guy meets mature woman, and not just as friends. I’m not suggesting corrupting minors here, but, you know, a romantic-ish hue to the story. I kept waiting for that to happen like half of the read, and as it didn’t other things started going on that got my interest.
Some of the characters were a big question mark for me. Like Ronnie, I didn’t get her at all. What was her porpoise in regards to Joshua’s development? Maybe her role was that of the question mark, I mean that’s what she was for me anyway. I didn’t really get this read, I think this is the issue. Sometimes you get it, sometimes you don’t. I just didn’t really get it.
Despite that fact, I went on reading it, curious about this character or that, this idea or that. The series of events were interesting to me, and Sabrina was really what kept me interested enough to keep going. She made sense to me, I got what was going on with her, what was her deal. So I did get some things, but the overall, not so much.
The writing was nice, I mean it was a nice ride though I didn’t get anywhere really myself. The ending there felt a bit abrupt, probably yet another aspect of me not getting the novel in the end. It didn’t click, though I was laughing here and there, getting curious here and there. But it had a lot of potential, and maybe you guys will have a better reading experience.
You know those reads that make your interest go up and down? This was one of those for me. I had moments when I was really interested in what was going on, moments when I was lost, moments when I was almost not caring. Odd reading experience.
The story looked like a very promising one. I love books that focus on young adult guys as well as girls, and here we have a young adult guy of 17 interacting with a grown woman a lot. I liked that contrast, the differences between them made their chemistry really interesting. I was thinking, guilty mind that I have, that this would be a rare scenario of younger guy meets mature woman, and not just as friends. I’m not suggesting corrupting minors here, but, you know, a romantic-ish hue to the story. I kept waiting for that to happen like half of the read, and as it didn’t other things started going on that got my interest.
Some of the characters were a big question mark for me. Like Ronnie, I didn’t get her at all. What was her porpoise in regards to Joshua’s development? Maybe her role was that of the question mark, I mean that’s what she was for me anyway. I didn’t really get this read, I think this is the issue. Sometimes you get it, sometimes you don’t. I just didn’t really get it.
Despite that fact, I went on reading it, curious about this character or that, this idea or that. The series of events were interesting to me, and Sabrina was really what kept me interested enough to keep going. She made sense to me, I got what was going on with her, what was her deal. So I did get some things, but the overall, not so much.
The writing was nice, I mean it was a nice ride though I didn’t get anywhere really myself. The ending there felt a bit abrupt, probably yet another aspect of me not getting the novel in the end. It didn’t click, though I was laughing here and there, getting curious here and there. But it had a lot of potential, and maybe you guys will have a better reading experience.
March 22, 2014
This book centers around two main characters, a 17 year old teenager named Josh and a 31 year old hairdresser named Sabrina. Josh’s life intersects with Sabrina’s when he breaks her window while trying to deliver her newspaper. He wants to make retribution for it and they end up developing a complicated but interesting relationship. The characters in the book are well developed and intriguing.
I really did enjoy this book, however I kept waiting for something MORE to happen. The plot was a little bit slow paced and I felt there could have been so much more done with it. Sabrina’s Window reminded me a little bit of the book “The Reader” by Bernhard Schlink but without the sexual scenes and focus on the romantic relationship.
Bottom line – worth reading.
I really did enjoy this book, however I kept waiting for something MORE to happen. The plot was a little bit slow paced and I felt there could have been so much more done with it. Sabrina’s Window reminded me a little bit of the book “The Reader” by Bernhard Schlink but without the sexual scenes and focus on the romantic relationship.
Bottom line – worth reading.
April 23, 2016
How many of us can remember a time when growing up, we had a secret crush on someone older than ourselves, but deep down inside we knew that it was just a dream or small fantasy as you may call it. In this novel, it all begins with a window. Solid and in tack. Broken into many pieces, with one bad throw. Pieces of sharp confusion sprayed in many directions. Never, truly put back together again permanently. Just lying there, waiting for the other to make the first move.
http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2012...
http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2012...
October 11, 2013
I enjoyed this novel until the last pages. I don't mind so much that I was left with unanswered questions, but I do mind that certain details in the story that were the most intriguing (and consequently, the most troublesome) just kind of magically disappeared. Why not address the more complicated issues? Seems a little like a cop-out to me.
August 1, 2012
I wasn't a big fan of this book. It was an ok read and I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't care for it, it just didn't click with me. I won this book from Goodreads.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews