Reconstructing Amelia

By: Kimberly McCreight

Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

When Kate, single mother and law firm partner, gets an urgent phone call summoning her to her daughter's exclusive private school, she's shocked. Amelia has been suspended for cheating, something that would be completely out of character for her over-achieving, well-behaved daughter.

Kate rushes to Grace Hall, but what she finds when she finally arrives is beyond comprehension. Her daughter is dead.

Despondent over having been caught cheating, Amelia has jumped from the school's roof in an act of impulsive suicide. At least that's the story Grace Hall and the police tell Kate. In a state of shock and overcome by grief, Kate tries to come to grips with this life-shattering news. Then she gets an anonymous text: Amelia didn't jump.

The moment she sees that message, Kate knows in her heart it's true. Clearly Amelia had secrets, and a life Kate knew nothing about. Wracked by guilt, Kate is determined to find out what those secrets were and who could have hated her daughter enough to kill. She searches through Amelia's emails, texts, and Facebook updates, piecing together the last troubled days of her daughter's life.

Reconstructing Amelia is a stunning debut pause-resistor that brilliantly explores the secret world of teenagers, their clandestine first loves, hidden friendships, and the dangerous cruelty that can spill over into acts of terrible betrayal.

©2013 Kimberly McCreight (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Gut wrenching

Where does Reconstructing Amelia rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top. I have a list of special favorite books that I would re-read, and that I recommenc to friends/family. This book is on that list

Who was your favorite character and why?

Amelia was my favorite. She was so "normal". She expressed her emotions well, and handled herself very maturely.

What does Khristine Hvam bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Oh the characters came alive with such emotion! She especially reads teenage girl voices very well.

If you could rename Reconstructing Amelia, what would you call it?

The title is exellent. I wasn';t sure what it meant, but after reading the book I realize how clever the title is.

Any additional comments?

The author explores parenthood with all it's emotions, flaws and joys. the book is heartbreaking and beautiful.

Solid read / listen.

This is a solid read. Is it the best book I've ever read? No. Is it the worst? Not even close. The narrator does a fantastic job. She keeps you engaged throughout. Some of the story lines get a little... I'll say far fetched, but alas, this is fiction.

Melodramatic!

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. The plot could have been believable, but there were too many silly twists and turns, making the book complicated and way too long.

What could Kimberly McCreight have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Less detailed reading of Facebook and texts, less gratuitous sex and melodrama with the teen relationships, less verbiage.

Which character – as performed by Khristine Hvam – was your favorite?

Umm. None, though the narration was very well done!

Do you think Reconstructing Amelia needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No.

Any additional comments?

I wish I had known that most of the book was about teenagers, I wouldn't have read it. Maybe I'll stick with nonfiction.
BTY: I think the writing was very good, but I didn't like the story.

Loved it!!

Loved the book. This is a must read for all mothers of teenagers. So many twists and turns hard to put down the book. Excellent

Great for your next gone girl fix

Love the book. Wonderful narration performance by Khristine Hvam. I find myself constantly looking for new well written book similar to Gone Girl, the Silent Wife, the Secret History and this book definitely hit the spot. I couldn't stop listening to it and devoured it in a day.

GREAT STORY, GREAT CHARACTERS, VERY TOUCHING

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I loved the back and forth/varied story structure in this book. We get one character's POV in the present trying to solve the murder of her daughter, and the daughter's POV in the past telling the events leading up to the murder -- both coming together at the end of the book. The two characters were so well written and performed, so touching in their details and relations to one another (if you're a sucker for mother/daughter stories like I am -- this one will get you). The story constantly had me guessing and trying to put the pieces all together. For long sections I was convinced I had figured it out, but new information always had be scattering to figure it out again. While there were components of it I did take correct guesses at, I didn't figure out the end (at least not in its entirety).

Any additional comments?

Definitely worth the read if you love a good mystery! But don't mistake it for your typical detective-type mystery. It's much more about the victim and the personal story of her, her mother and the other people she left behind.

Spellbinding story poignant message

Sad, funny, insightful. Exploring the world of teen bullying and te affects on even the most grounded of kids. Growing up in a modern world is very different. Brilliantly narrated. Unforgettable.

Loved!

Wonderful narrator awesome story. Loved all of the characters. And filled with surprises. Well worth the listen!

Worth listening

There were a number of unexpected paths on the journey to reconstructing what happened to Amelia. The introduction of the various characters and side story lines kept me guessing to the very end. It's worth the listen. I also enjoyed the narrator. Her voice and energy complemented the story.

Redeemed by the Reader

Khristine Hvam could read the dictionary to me and I would be happy! She saved this audiobook from total mediocrity! The story reminded me of a 2013 version of the "afterschool movie of the week" from 30 yrs ago. Same basic premiss of adolescent bullying that went on when I was in HS, just updated with cyberbullying, homosexuality and working parents. It would have been more interesting if it was better edited and a few non-important characters were left out. I think that a teen might enjoy this book and it could open up a discussion for parents to explore boundaries. For my adult bookclub it was a poor selection, thankfully not mine.