Saturday 31 August 2013

The Returned by Jason Mott

Title: The Returned
Author: Jason Mott
ISBN: 9781743560525
Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Published: September 2013

Synopsis:

Harold and Lucille Hargrave's lives have been both joyful and sorrowful in the decades since their only son, Jacob, died tragically at his eighth birthday party in 1966. In their old age they've settled comfortably into life without him, their wounds tempered through the grace of time ... Until one day Jacob mysteriously appears on their doorstep—flesh and blood, their sweet, precocious child, still eight years old.


All over the world people's loved ones are returning from beyond. No one knows how or why this is happening, whether it's a miracle or a sign of the end. Not even Harold and Lucille can agree on whether the boy is real or a wondrous imitation, but one thing they know for sure: he's their son. As chaos erupts around the globe, the newly reunited Hargrave family finds itself at the center of a community on the brink of collapse, forced to navigate a mysterious new reality and a conflict that threatens to unravel the very meaning of what it is to be human.

My Thoughts:

Imagine having your loved ones return from the dead, returned to the world exactly the way they were before they died. Imagine the joy, the confusion, the turmoil and the questions. The Returned is a unique and emotional read. It follows the experiences of the Hargrave family and the small town of Arcadia, as they try to make sense of the 'miracle' that seems to be happening all over the world.

The plot progressed rather slowly especially through the first half of the book, it picked up in pace toward the end of the book Although the the ending seemed unresolved to me. There were too many unanswered questions for my liking, I almost felt cheated.

The Returned is the type of book that will make you question yourself, and the decisions you make and it will certainly keep you thinking long after you have put it down. I definitely recommend this as a book for book clubs as there are many questions and opportunities for discussion.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.

Saturday 24 August 2013

Quick Bookish Survey

Kelly at The Broke and the Bookish posted this little survey and I thought I would join in the fun!

1. The book I'm currently reading:

All The Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry.

The joys of working as a book seller is that my boss lets me borrow the ARC's that she is sent, which is how I got my hands on this one... Thanks Harper Collins Australia. So far I am loving it, but it is not due for release until October. I will be posting a review of this one in October.

2. The last book I finished:


As soon as I heard about this book I knew I had to read it. Thanks to Harlequin Australia for the ARC. 

3. The next book I want to read: 


Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns

I really enjoyed Man Drought by Rachael Johns so when an ARC of Outback Dreams turned up at work I had to borrow it. I am really excited for this one!

4. The last book I bought:

Splintered by A.G. Howard

I picked this one up yesterday. It sounds really interesting and the cover... just look at all the pretty colours!

5. The last book I was given:
I honestly can't remember the last book I was given. I think everyone must think I have too many books so they don't give them to me anymore!