The Great Alone

Do not read this book. . . unless you have the time to read it straight through (all 545 glorious pages), because you won't be able to put it down. Seriously.

I was captivated from the get-go. I've tried to go back and figure out why because I'm an author myself and I want to give my readers this same experience. Maybe it was the time (1974), maybe the main character (Leni, 13)) or maybe her untenable situation (child of an abusive couple.) Truly, every turn and twist in this book was pretty much dictated by the crazed, Vietnam vet dad. Even after he was out of the picture.

Another character that needs to be mentioned is the setting. Alaska. And the quirky folks that state attracts—including a man who married a goose. This goes beyond color. Also, the whole idea of months of darkness and the pressure it applies to human behavior gives twists and turns to the book that couldn't happen anywhere else.

If there was a bad spot, I sort of guessed the ending. But even that was worth reading for the masterful way Kristin Hannah tells a story. On to her next book.