What do You think about Beach Girls (2004)?
Jack Kilvert is running. He's running from his past. He's running from his emotions. He's running from his reality. Jack and his daughter Nell are spending their summer in Hubbard's Point, Connecticut. Jack is hiding in his childhood vacation spot. Nell is searching for her mother's oldest childhood friend who still lives in Hubbard's Point. In finding Stevie, Nell is trying to feel contected to her mother who died just over one year ago.In this heart-felt novel there are no surprises. Love conquers all. By the end of the novel, all the story lines are wrapped up, topped with a bow, and everyone lives Happily Ever After.
—Michelle
Nell is the nine year old who has lost her mother and is yearning somehow to reach out and 'touch' her through her friends of long ago. She is all of nine going on twenty. I thought maybe she spoke and acted a little older than a nine year old, but then I thought of the wisdom I have come across from young people and decided to go with the flow. She seeks out Stevie Moore a recluse, who paints and writes story books for children, always sharing the darker side of nature as well as the positive. While there is a notice up outside Stevie's house that says Go Away, Nell is determined to visit and so she does. Stevie is a complicated woman, at a young age she experienced the loss of her mother, so has an immediate 'feel' for Nell. She has had a few unsuccessful marriages and now just lives by herself with her cat Tilly. However she does have an aunt and cousin with whom she is close. She longs for connection but is now careful with her heart.Maddie Kilvert is one of the other women who was part of the 'beach girls', growing up she was secure in the knowledge of the love of her parents and older brother Jack, four years older than her. She always expected the best out of life. Emma is the third 'beach girl' she's an extrovert, welcomes change and excitement and I sensed a little envious of Stevie.Now so many years later life has very much changed for them. One is dead, one does not know and the other is lost in grief, guilt and loss. Can people recover from loss and go on to lead fulfilling lives? It's not easy and all the denial and avoidance will not help in the long run. Is there hope? The story Luanne Rice weaves says a resounding yes.This book sucked me in, I loved the writing and the details of the coastline and the coastal habitat for all kinds of birds and other creatures, that was so well integrated into the story. The theme of family and friendship was strong, as was the redeeming nature of love and faith and overcoming obstacles. One of those books I didn't want to end.
—Kathryn
I didn't have any intention of reading more Luanne Rice air-popped mental popcorn right now but it was at eye level the first row I went through. What the hell.I got done with this some time ago. It was not so good. The characters were really whiny and can't seem to handle anything. (Ex: "OH GAHWD! My hair dryer broke! I'm going to isolate myself and paint my misery!") The book went on and on and on about why they were miserable. The male character was a shit who took his being a clueless moron out on his sister who had, in reality, nothing to do with why he was miserable. But as with this author's other books it has that funny mystical, fanciful quality to it that didn't make it a total loss. Though I think I am fried on Luanne Rice books.
—KJ
