One Breath Away

I like Heather Gudenkauf's work. I was in complete thrall of "The Weight of Silence" and read it in one sitting on a Boston-Sacramento flight recently. But this? What is this? Is the author trying to borrow and apply the suspense and minute-by-minute trauma of the families in "The Weight of Silence"? If that's what she's doing, it isn't working. Instead of getting into the hearts and minds of the families and community players, the reader has to stand back and watch the author paint the scenes using a very bland, broad brush outlining the main features without developing anything substantial.

There is only a lot of small-town gossip and nothing really happens. However, I must qualify this review because I have not finished the book due to a diminishing supply of patience.

I don't object to books that are mostly back story if the stories are detailed and layered enough. But these tales are shallow and merely skim the surface of buried family drama and small-town dysfunction. I want to know more but there is nothing there. Ack! Frustrating!

The Columbine/Virginia Tech plot homage is not even frightening, and the entire scene comes off flat as an Iowa prairie.

But the narration is great.

If you are a fan of Jodi Picoult, you are going to love this tightly knit drama.
What could be more terrifying than a gunman in a school!

Told from the viewpoints of the children, their families, teachers and the police, this story is a compelling account of the events that unfolded on this horrific day.

Heather Gudenkauf had me captivated from the start and it is easy to see why I love her novels.

Yes. I really enjoy this one. The Narrators were fantastic and the tension in this one builds gradually but, oh so very effectively. I only gave the story four stars, because I did not walk away having a true understanding of the cause of the rift between Holly and her father. Early on, I did have my suspicions correct as to who the gunman was, but the author managed to convince me I was incorrect and throw enough doubt on my theories to make me disbelieve myself. I love it when someone can do that! By the end I was convinced it was someone else.

It's hard not to love and empathize with Augie, as it is clear that she has mothered not only her little brother, but her mother as well. She is one determined and protective young lady.

I think if I read the book on paper, the sincerity and angst of little P. J. might have less impact. The narrator managed to bring home the lost and somewhat abandoned feelings this little boy carries in his heart.

Yes, it kept drawing my back.

I will read more of this author.

Not a terrible book just same-old-same-old. I fast forwarded to the end about 2/3 through the audio. Save your credit even if you liked any of her previous books.