Reconstructing Amelia

De: Kimberly McCreight

Narrado por: Khristine Hvam

New York Times Bestseller

“Like Gone Girl, Reconstructing Amelia seamlessly marries a crime story with a relationship drama. And like Gone Girl, it should be hailed as one of the best books of the year.” — Entertainment Weekly

The stunning debut novel from Kimberly McCreight in which a single mother reconstructs her teenaged daughter Amelia’s tragic death, sifting through her emails, texts, and social media to piece together the shocking truth about the last days of her life.

Kate's in the middle of the biggest meeting of her career when she gets the telephone call from Grace Hall, her daughter’s exclusive private school in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Amelia has been suspended, effective immediately, and Kate must come get her daughter—now. But Kate’s stress over leaving work quickly turns to panic when she arrives at the school and finds it surrounded by police officers, fire trucks, and an ambulance. By then it’s already too late for Amelia. And for Kate.

An academic overachiever despondent over getting caught cheating has jumped to her death. At least that’s the story Grace Hall tells Kate. And clouded as she is by her guilt and grief, it is the one she forces herself to believe. Until she gets an anonymous text: She didn’t jump.

Reconstructing Amelia is about secret first loves, old friendships, and an all-girls club steeped in tradition. But, most of all, it’s the story of how far a mother will go to vindicate the memory of a daughter whose life she couldn’t save.

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.

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.

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.