The Good Goodbye

By: Carla Buckley

Narrated by: Ali Ahn, Suzy Jackson, Eva Kaminsky

Two cousins, Rory and Arden, lie unconscious in a hospital burn unit. The fire, which broke out in their shared college dorm room, killed another student, and the police want answers. Tension between Rory and Arden's parents was already at an all-time high before the fire, owing to a recent financial crisis and the decline of the family business. As the parents huddle anxiously in the waiting room, carefully avoiding the subject of their own unraveling relationships, disturbing truths come to light. This is the deeply moving story of a family's struggle to hold together while their secrets threaten to tear them apart.

Carla Buckley is the author of The Deepest Secret, Invisible, and The Things That Keep Us Here, which was nominated for a Thriller Award as a best first novel and the Ohioana Book Award for fiction.

©2016 Carla Schwarz Buckley (P)2016 Recorded Books

phenomenal both literarily as well as performance.

loved it. couldn't wait to get back in the car. a new author for me!

A poignant exploration of family relationships

A beautifully crafted story about the relationships between parents and their children, and how far the bond of friendship can be stretched. Although I struggled to like Rory, in the end I felt nothing but a deep sympathy for her, and a much better understanding of her motives and her behavior. I loved Arden - a deeply insecure character who struggles in the shadow of Rory. It's been a long time since a book has touched me this much. The narrator for Natalie was especially impressive, moving me to tears more than once. One of my best reads so far for 2016.

Keeps you guessing!

I liked the overall storyline and the twists & turns it took. There were several times I was really surprised, times I was mad, & a variety of other emotions. There were times I felt the story was slow - maybe a little too much detail? But, I'd find I had to go back & re-listen because the story had lost me to a hair of boredom. Overall, though, I really liked it!

The readers

This book was very emotional and a great listen. The three readers were awesome and made it difficult to stop listening. I would highly recommend this book!

The Intertwined Lives

This story could be about any family. It takes you on a journey with two families held together with love, jealousy, secrets and lies. Each character plays their part in good times and tragedy. There is intrigue, deception and love. This book was a great read.