This book was read for the June, 2012 Reading Romances Challenge. (You might not see the romance at first, but trust me...it's there!)
Summer in Martinstown by Jo Heroux follows the lives of the Brady family, Madeline and Matthew Brady, daughter Chloe, and sons Johnny and Jimmie through one incredible, life-changing summer.
The story takes place in Martinstown, Georgia, where "summers are hot, the neighbors know all your business, and everyone has a kind word to say about you." From the very beginning the author takes us on a descriptive journey that leapt from the speakers of my stereo. Yes, you heard that correctly. I chose to listen to this book, and it was my first ever book on tape (or in this case, CD). There was no particular reason why I chose this book to be in an audio format, except for the fact that at the time, this was the only way I could get it. (Although it is now currently available in an e-reader format.)
The detail to dialog ratio is high. I had not expected this. At first I was a bit overwhelmed and almost off put by the descriptions, but then I realized that reading a book in an audio format is far different than reading it visually. I was hearing the details in order to capture the visualizations instead of reading (seeing) the words. For me, I don't necessarily have to read every word to get the picture, but in this audio format, I really did need to hear every word, every detail, line by line, in order to get the visualization that I usually see in my mind's eye.I have to wonder if she wrote this book with this in mind, because I don't think that, for me personally, the story would have been as vivid had she'd chosen to write with less description.
I must commend Ms. Heroux for her ability to entice the reader into thinking they knew when the pivotal moment was going to happen. She even had me sitting on the edge of my seat, and although I think the story would have been interesting if it had gone that way, when "the" moment did happen, I was not expecting it. In fact, I was stunned! But somehow as I continued to listen, it made sense for it to unfold this way.
I won't give away the story, but I will say that, to me, Summer in Martinstown is about a family who has it pretty good, but then is dealt a serious blow that for some would be enough to send them over the edge. And although, it would seem that way, "going over the edge" was far from what the book did. Rather, it took a sharp curve and headed in a new, hopeful and exciting direction for the family.
I hope that somewhere down the road Ms. Heroux decides to build upon the characters that she developed here in this charming community of Martinstown. I, for one, will be back to visit if that ever happens.
In the meantime, read this one...you won't be disappointed!
Rating:
Wishing you moments of great reading!
Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!
