Row Away From The Rocks (Paperback)

by Lisbeth J. Thom (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Orphaned mysteriously and raised by her domineering grandmother in Wisconsin, newly married Carrie Barnes is enjoying a new life in sunny Atlanta when she receives word that Gram is dying of cancer. She puts her life on hold and returns home to care for Gram. All of her reserves of love and compassion are tested as she tries to make her grandmother's last days as peaceful as possible while coping with pressures on her job and her marriage. A troubled relationship with a cousin adds to her difficulties. This much of Lisbeth Thom's novel may seem familiar to many women who have struggled with the terminal illness of aging parents or grandparents, but Carrie's story has a twist. While putting Gram's affairs in order, she discovers new information about the death of her parents. The resolution of this mystery allows her to forgive and changes things with cousin Jennifer, which ultimately brings her a sense of peace.

About the Author
Lisbeth Thom, a native of Vandalia, Illinois, has published articles, short stories, and poetry in publications such as: The Catholic Digest, The Georgia Journal, Catalyst, Home Life Magazine, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and The Milwaukee Journal. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Georgia State University. Thom lives in Savannah, GA.

Product Details

• Paperback: 263 pages
• Publisher: NewSouth Books (May 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1588381544
• ISBN-13: 978-1588381545
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,364,383 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Challenges, June 13, 2006

By	L. Stokes (Big Canoe, Georgia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ms. Thom's characters are beautifully developed and you feel as though you know all of them in your own circle of friends - particularly the grandmother. I have been through the loss of my mother and the eccentricities of an aging parent are a challenge for anyone. Ms. Thom's thought processes and actions are a help to anyone who is trying to cope with these problems. We are not always sure of our decisions or our actions -- it's a daily juggle, and life goes on - as in daily meals and errands. Our friends and relatives can never truly see our path as we do -- and yet, if we are lucky as Carrie is -- our friends and relatives are our mainstay and support. It may take a village to raise a child -- but it also takes a village to help one let go of an elderly parent or grandparent.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensitive and Insightful, August 18, 2005

By	V. Alexander (Gold River, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For caregivers and all those with terminally ill loved ones this book is a must read. It provides a look at the day to day stress and difficulties of providing care; frustration with the medical world, and the far reaching impact on other relationships. The author writes from the heart.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful Glimpse into the Role of a Caretaker, August 4, 2006

By	Bernard Kearse (Sandy Springs, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Lisbeth Thom has captured the complicated dynamics of the caretaker role for an elderly relative. It reflects the roller coaster ride of mixed emotions affecting all the parties involved. But most of all, it is a beautifully written and realistic portrayal of duty, guilt, compassion, hardship, forgiveness and memories relating to a loved one who is experiencing the trials of the final events of natural life.