These Things Hidden...

These Things Hidden, Heather Gudenkauf.  WOW!

I chose to read this book, quite simply because of  the review Nise at Under the Boardwalk did, it was enough for me to click "request a copy" from my library.  I then chose to read it immediately after I picked it up because it was a trade paperback and it happened to be raining as I left the house, and it fit perfectly into my bag.

You know of course that some parts of  books you have to read at home, and so when it got to these points I would have to pack up my book and wait.  Very Hard to do.  Anyway... 

This is the story of life changing events of four women. Each chapter is told from one of the women's point of view.   Allison, her sister Brynn, Charm these three girls are just that girls, when their lives change forever, and then there is Claire who comes into the story as the mending faction.  Allison was a perfect daughter and then something changes that, and she is sent to prison.  We don't get too much info on the prison life, the story picks up when Allison is released.  Brynn is her younger sister who disowned her when she went to prison.  Charm and Claire come into the story line when the deed has been done and then are carefully intertwined.  It's a gobsmacking shocker at the end and very civilized conclusion.  

I think the only thing I hated about this story line is how the mother's were portrayed.  I can't imagine myself as being seen as one of these mother's.  Not Charms, Not Allison and Brynn's.  I don't really want to get too deeply into that since it would spoil the plot for you, but suffice it to say, I don't know too many sisters or mother's like these.  

I would recommend this book to you even if it was not so light to carry in your purse, it's a short, quick read, and keeps you caring for each of the characters, and for me even the mother's.  I wonder if Heather will write the other side of the story, from a mother's point of view. 

The parts of the book that you or I , I should say, are the parts that make me cry. 

P.S. I'd have a heart attack too, if these two girls were my daughters.  And thank heavens for grandmothers. So do press that button that says "request a copy" from your local library.  You'll be glad you did.

 Where are you Reading - OHIO

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