This is a Wisconsin author who we were fortunate enough to have call in to our book club to discuss it with us.Book was quirky, and good, author made the book even better. All of Kring's books have children as the main character, and they are usually wise beyond their years.Interesting story, we tried to Skype with the author but had technical difficulties. We decided to just do speaker phone.As we were signing off, after speaking to Sandra for about 30 minutes, one of the book club members interrupted. She notices that one of the acknowledgements was to a Professor from WA who assisted her with one of the segments of the book that dealt with PI. The book club member said, "That is my son." The author was so excited, she told Irene (book club member) that she had tried to reach him to tell him that the book was coming out but never heard back from him. Irene told Kring that the reason she had not heard was because he had left WA and was now living and teaching in Norway! Irene reassured Kring that she would relay the message to her son the next day when she called him.What are the chances?! Again, I wish this site offered half stars. I almost want to round up and give Kring's book four stars. This story is so heartfelt. I laughed and cried. I sympathized with characters I was shocked to find myself sympathizing with. I cringed when Kring's powerful descriptions of abuse left me aching. Eleven year old Lucy, while often older than her age, is written as a believable character. I smiled when she spoke, hearing myself around that age. I was even sad to come to the end- wanting more from Kring. Like did Tess marry Peter, did anyone ever scream at Jeana to "Shut the hell up?" What kind of relationship did Lucy and Milo have as they aged? And, did Lucy end up, in her old age, like her own grandmother? I recommend "Thank you for all things." I think I would have enjoyed reading it when I was a teenager, and then again as an adult. This is the kind of story you may feel one way about when you are younger, and another way about when you are older. Kring's writing style let's the reader understand the perspectives of both an eleven year old, and a 60 year old. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
What do You think about Thank You For All Things (2008)?
Sandra Kring does it again. Another book I could not put down. I highly recommend this one!
—kpamenter
Somewhat of a look back at parts of my childhood. Touching in places, infuriating in others.
—ulzana
