The Skinny
(aka Back of the Book Summary in a Sentence)
Leni’s family has moved to Alaska to help the father, a Vietnam War POW, recover from PTSD.
Nutritional Value
(aka What’s Good)
Hannah has a knack for making me feel the desperation of the characters. They’re all desperately trying to accommodate the father, but PTSD is a hard beast to kill. The author also has a great way of weaving together actions and inner thoughts, because the characters often say one thing but they’re thinking another.
Freezer Burn
(aka What’s Bad)
The main character, Leni, is pessimistic and dismissive with her inner thoughts. I didn’t like that. She has good reason to be negative, but c’mon dude, you’re gonna follow your family anyway! Be positive!
Lingering Aftertaste
(aka My Prediction)
The father starts to crack and the family ends up parting ways because Leni can’t handle it anymore. Leni then regrets leaving later because it wasn’t her father’s fault.
Taste Test Verdict
(aka Would I Read More?)
I’ve read too many historical fiction books. I don’t think I can handle another one, so I pass.
Memorable Morsel
(aka Quotable Quote)
It’s crazy what some families needed to go through after Vietnam.
You don’t stop loving a person when they’re hurt. You get stronger so they can lean on you.
Leni has moved like 5 times in a year. When’s the last time your family moved? Tell us in the comments below!
Get The Great Alone on Amazon
Tim enjoys playing guitar and memorizing all the words to his favorite pop songs. When he’s traveling, catch him on planes reading from his trusty Kindle.