I recently told the Squid and our colleagues that this book really reads like it should be a stage play. It is dialogue rich and has very few "sets".
The story revolves around the machinations in a small New England town's medical community. The protagonist of the story is Dr. Munro. After his mentor, Dr. Wade Bowers, dies, he leaves Munro a lengthy handwritten letter. The letter details Bowers' differences with a third man, Dr. Miles Warner.
If you are a fan of "soapy" reads or stories that explore the "secrets" that a small town holds, then this might be a book for you.
I have two caveats to share.
First, when my mother gave me the book to read, I was certain she told me it was a murder-mystery or involved some sort of crime. The cover made me think the same thing. I was about 120 pages into this 168 page book when I realized that I was mistaken.
Second, Dr. Kelly saved my life. He was my eye doctor growing up. At a check up before heading off to college, he discovered some abnormal swelling behind my eyes that turned out to be the result of a brain tumor.
So why am I sharing a book with you? Well, the aforementioned Squid set up a Blogging Book Club. Details are HERE.
Others in the Club...
Posts
'I was about 120 pages into this 168 page book when I realized that I was mistaken.'
ReplyDeleteI don't know why, but this heartily amuses me.
I was determined to make it a detective story until the end....I remember realizing "Nope....either I misunderstood or mom has a very different definition of murder/mystery than I do!"
DeleteIn the end I guess the best novels are always really about the secrets of the human heart.
ReplyDeleteTrue that! And in that light, this book was successful!
DeleteApparently, you really can't judge a book by its cover, because this looks like a crime novel to me, too. I wonder if it is at all autobiographical...?
ReplyDeleteJenny at Choice City Native
My mother told me she "recognized" a lot of the characters and a few of the anecdotes....I'm going to see her tonight for her birthday and I'll ask her about the big reveal...
DeleteI'm just glad Dr. Kelly found your brain tumor. My life wouldn't be nearly as fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating, my friend. June's bloghop list goes up tomorrow.
That makes two of us!!!!
DeleteMissed you this week...I'll be texting you later before I leave...Worcester bound!,
Sadly, I'll be missing your class again next week - middle school show is on Friday. I think that means I won't see them again this year. It's too bad - fun group. I'll see them again next year, hopefully in drama, too.
DeleteThe cover is very intriguing.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Ann at My Creatively Random Life
Isn't it though! I think I can be forgiven my misconception!!
DeleteI like stage plays even more than books, so this sounds like a good one for me! BTW, dig your profile blurb....DHWAV, etc. :O)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I have a soft spot for plays and scripts....this one would be fun to adapt.
DeleteStunned by your connection to the author. Holy cow. I would read every word this guy ever wrote if I were you.
ReplyDeleteGreat cover for a crime novel! Yeah.
I think it's so cool that your mother recognizes some of the characters; now that really is a small town.
The really good books are the ones that surprise us, pleasantly, late in the read.
ReplyDeleteCan I just say (like everyone else has stated) that the tie-in with the doctor is an amazing story! Thanks for sharing it! The final question is: Did you actually like it?
ReplyDelete