“It was but yesterday I thought myself a fragment quivering without rhythm in the sphere of life. Now I know that I am the sphere, and all life in rhythmic fragments moves within me.” ― Kahlil Gibran
What an amazing story. I’ve read Scars by this author and absolutely loved it, so I jumped at the chance to read her latest.
Dan and Travis are an established couple who have been together for twenty-two years. They have two children and everything they could possibly want in life. When an unforeseen tragedy happens, it shakes Dan to the core of his soul.
This is so beautifully written. The emotions this author put me through while reading this story was astounding. The fear of losing a loved one. Stepping into uncharted territory where the outcome is unknown. Having no way of making it better, everything is out of your control. These are just some of the emotions the main character is experiencing. The author put me right there beside him, feeling the same way.
Most of the story is told from Dan’s POV in present day, while waiting for news – good or bad – about Travis. Dan takes us back to the beginning, to relive some of the poignant moments of the life he’s shared with Travis. Being a fan of flashbacks, I loved how we got to take a glimpse into their lives. When the nerd and the jock first meet, both are sexually inexperienced. They learned together, which was actually very funny and beautiful at the same time. We saw them buy a house and start a family, too. Also, in the later years, Dan reflects on special moments between Travis and the children. It would be devastating for them all to lose him.
What made this story so special to me, and one I’ll remember for a very long time, is the way the author portrayed the characters love for each other. There have been a few books I’ve read where I get that the characters love each other, but very few authors can make you feel it in your gut. Dan and Travis’s love for each other literally knocked me off my feet. I think that’s why this was such and emotionally charged story for me. I just wanted to hug Dan tight and cry right along with him.
I can’t give too many details about Travis’s condition or well being, as it would spoil the story for future readers. I will say this, it’s a heart thumping read with some OMG! and “oh no” moments that will leave readers shocked and horrified. But hey, that’s life and the author does a tremendous job to bring those exclamations out, so kudos to her.
Overall, I believe this story is fantastically written. It’s a story I don’t think anyone should miss out on. And as I’ve seen some people giving this book a bad rap because of this, I will leave you with the last three words of the book: you have been warned…..To Be Continued.
This book has great appeal and is on my wish list. Please be Santa and count me in. Thanks!