Last word first: (3/5) A great story with very likable characters that unfortunately suffered some writing problems.Description: James is a hard-working university student from a troubled background. After discovering that his girlfriend is cheating on him, he gets set up with Maria, a friend of a friend... and surprises himself by falling for her in a big way. Maria has her own issues. She’s struggling to separate her life from the control of her overbearing parents. Maria and James start to find that they might each be exactly what the other needs, but will an unexpected crisis bring them closer together, or push them apart?
My thoughts: What really struck me about Circle of Friends: James was that it sounded like a story I might hear in the checkout at the grocery store. That’s a good thing! This story contains events that feel like they could have happened to people that I know. Nobody was falling in love with a vampire, no one’s brain got moved into a supermodel’s body. The story is incredibly relatable; I could picture myself in the character’s shoes every step of the way. I kept wondering about what would happen next even when I wasn’t reading it, which is always a good sign.
Wolfe’s characterization is fantastic. While I didn’t always like the characters or agree with their actions, each and every character felt like a real person. They have well-rounded back stories that explain their hurts, hang-ups and decisions. Maria and James both come from abusive backgrounds, and their struggle to build a life together while escaping this influence is compelling.
My major problem with this book was that the writing felt stiff. I kept stepping out of the story and thinking, “People just don’t talk like that in real life!” I love it when an author really takes you inside the story so you can feel what the characters are feeling, and that just didn’t happen here. I was constantly being told how the characters were feeling. An example: “Maria’s expression mirrored his own anxiety and James struggled to say words of comfort. He opened his mouth to speak, but Maria reacted first. She gently put her arm around his neck and pressed herself against his body, giving him a kiss that was incredibly intense. Delighted with her nonverbal response, James affectionately rubbed her back.” It feels awkward to me. I’m including it here because I know style preferences are very personal and my reaction might not be yours; decide for yourself.
Overall, I think this book has a lot of good features to recommend it, but the writing issues made it difficult for me to fully enjoy.
About L. Diane Wolfe: She began writing as a teenager and was inspired to return by the adage that everyone needs “something to hope for and someone to love”. The author loves people, and her optimism is fueled by her spunky, sanguine personality. A Christian and a vegetarian, Wolfe enjoys sports and has a passion for roller coasters. Growing up in Salem, Oregon, the author now resides North Carolina with her husband and two cats. She is self-employed and a professional photographer.
Be sure to check out my interview with L. Diane Wolfe.
6 comments:
Your observation of "James" being a story that could happen to someone you know speaks a great deal of the realism of the book, as well as the Circle of Friends series. That in itself is one of the things I enjoy about a book - the reader's ability to identify, finding yourself becoming "part of" the story, experiencing the characters' emotions, and like you, always wondering, "what's going to happen next?"
You state that you "could picture (yourself) in the character's shoes.." yet later say that you "love it when an author really takes you inside the story so you can feel what the characters are feeling, and that just didn't happen here." I was a bit confused by those two statements. It is true that writing style and preferences are personal, and although I haven't yet read "James," I didn't find the paragraph you used as an example awkward. To me, it read as descriptive of a moment in the story.
There are usually many facets to an author's writing style; one that stands out to me with this author is her ability to make the characters so realistic. I enjoy the fact that we actually watch the characters struggle, learn, evolve and grow, leaving us with a feeling of having participated in their lives. That tends to amplify the overall message the books are "known for," and that is relaying positive, uplifting messages of overcoming some of the growing pains of life.
Great review.
CCP- I can see why those statements might be confusing. What I mean is that the plot is relateable, but the writing didn't really pull me in. It's the difference between an intellectual recognition and a gut reaction, if that makes it clearer.
I agree that the characters seem real and I enjoyed this story much more than Sarah's story. I have Mike's story sitting in my TBR pile and can't wait to read that one.
Making the characters believable and real was very important to me. I know there will be readers who think "I'm going through some of the same challenges right now" and it's my hope that by seeing these characters overcome, they will be able to overcome as well.
And I hope you enjoy Book IV, Debbie!
This book looks really good.I can't wait 2 read it.
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