Outside The Ordinary World. Dori Ostermiller (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
I wanted to dislike this book, but then I realized it was the infidelity I detested. The story was rock solid, the writing nearly impeccable with lots of unusual little bits that kept me hooked, even in my loathing of the adult Sylvia and especially Tai (ugh). His whole trippy, Zen, "wise" (while seducing someone's wife), gorgeous, trail-hiking, art-loving, labyrinth-building, tea- brewing, and oh yeah, homewrecking persona was beyond irritating and that made me not like Sylvia. I loved the childhood chapters, and Elaine was spellbinding. Funny, her screw-ups didn't bother me so much. I thought Nathan was a good guy for the most part. His flip-out at the end was grand; glad he showed some crazy. I am kind of making light of this book, but really it is rich in meaning with lots of layers for thinking about serious family stuff. Engrossing and definitely worth reading. The year is 2005, and Sylvia is married with two daughters. For the last 7 years, Sylvia and her husband Nathan along with the girls have spent their weekends working on their "dream home", an old farmhouse, which that they bought at auction and hoped to have totally renovated within a year. The excitement of their marriage is gone, the renovations are not going well, the money is running out and to make matters worse, Sylvia's carreer as an artist is at a standstill. Flash back 30 years, twelve year old Sylvia has a secret which she shares with her sister Ali and her mother Elaine. Elaine has a "special friend" Mr. Robert, who takes the trio on trips, buys them gifts and even sends Sylvia cards which she treasures and hides in a box from her father. Although Sylvia tells herself that she is not like her mother and will not make the same mistakes, she is tempted to make decisions that have the potential to destroy everything she has.
What do You think about Outside The Ordinary World. Dori Ostermiller (2011)?
UGH...again, a book with a good premise but then started reading like a romance novel. UGH UGH UGH
—jackhoppe
I hated this book until just past the half way mark, then it was pretty good.
—Achi
Extremely well written, engaging story. I couldn't put it down.
—akash
Just purchased on my new NOOK!Ho Hum and fairly predictable...
—lovelyd
