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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good grief, this book was enthralling!, March 17, 2009
This review is from: Talking to the Dead: A Novel (Paperback)
Talking to the Dead is a page turner in the truest sense of the word. You'll forget to eat while you are reading this story! No joke! I read this book in two sittings. It was absolutely amazing. Talking to the Dead is making my best of 2009 fiction list for sure. The writing was so well done I'd never guess it was a debut novel. I loved how the author didn't hold back on any of the issues that the character Kate was dealing with. Plus, the ending made me smile and emit a satisfied sigh. I've read some other books dealing with pain and grief and none of them come close to being as good as this one. It almost reads like a suspense in that you find out a little bit more and a little bit more as the story moves along. More than once I found myself saying, "No way!" Yet it was totally believable. The way her mind dealt with the trauma, like when she watched that short video clip over and over was SO well done. I felt like I was Kate and I hurt right along with her. At the same time I rejoiced with her when things started turning around. The dialog was also done amazing as well. The honesty of the spiritual journey and the character's inner voice was fabulous. And for people who don't know much about mental health issues, I loved how accurate and true-to-life the story was. Clearly the author did her research in many areas. I can't say enough great things about this debut novel. If you don't buy any other books this year, get this one!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
From Grief to Healing, August 5, 2009
This review is from: Talking to the Dead: A Novel (Paperback)
Grieving widow Kate Davis can't get her husband's voice out of her head. As she camps out on the living room floor and avoids going upstairs even if it means not showering for weeks, she begins to question her sanity. When Kevin's voice goes from comfortingly familiar to cruel, Kate determines to find out why he keeps showing up.
Kate's quest takes her from phsychiatrists, to group therapy, to a frightening attempted exorcism, and almost to the brink. A kind pastor with a passion for inner city youth offers a break from the mental chaos. But can Kate's mind handle the truth behind Kevin's unrelenting then suddenly absent voice?
Bonnie Groves does a beautiful job of weaving humor into Kate's journey through grief, difficult truths, and struggling to accept God's love. While the book delves into tough topics, the "I know someone just like that" characters and Kate's often hilareous observations keep the tone from getting too heavy. This could have easily been a depression story. Instead I had a hard time letting go of it for the night. In the end I wished I knew Kate so I could check in on how she was doing.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good read, July 26, 2009
This review is from: Talking to the Dead: A Novel (Paperback)
Kate Davis has just went through one of the most horrific experiences that anyone can go through...that is buring her husband. Kevin and Kate were married for five years. In that whole time, Kate loved Kevin. At times though it seemed like that was something not quite right about Kevin but nothing too serious enough to draw red flags for Kate.
Now that Kevin is gone, all Kate wants to do is be left alone. Kate may be depressed...what by sleeping on the floor, not shaving in weeks but she is not crazy...no matter how many conversations; she carries on with her dead husband. Kate's sister and mother try to help Kate get out of her slump. Kate acknowledges that she does need help but professional help, especially as she and Kevin have been commicating a lot. The counselor suggests Kate go to group therapy. There she meets Jack. Jack is a kind hearted soul.
Kate is starting to make progress. The only thng left for her to do, in order to move on with her life is that let Kevin go but will she be able to. Also how will Kate react when she learns her life with Kevin was built on lies?
This is the first novel I have read by this author. I thought Talking to the Dead was a very deep, thought-provoking story. This story reminded me of an updated version of the movie, The Sixth Sense but without the creepy elements. Bonnie Grove really gave her characters depth and diminsion. Kate started out kind of weak but as the story progressed you could see she grow into a strong woman. I got to know Kevin and what type of man he was, because Kate would flash back to the past and the present. I don't know if Bonnie's goal was to make me hate Kevin but if it was then she did her job. I couldn't stand Kevin and felt that Kate is better off without him. Talking to the Dead is a good read.
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