I think that I can count on one hand the number of books that I have read in my lifetime where the main male character loves more deeply than the main female character. Angel Falls is one of those books and for that reason alone this book is worth reading. It puts relationships in perspective and makes you realize what real love, or in this case, TRUE love, is all about. (You'll have to read the book to realize why TRUE love is funny...)
I honestly wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book when I turned the last page. Believe it or not, I hadn't even made up my mind as to how I felt about it until it was almost over. Normally, Kristin Hannh's books have me reaching for the tissues long before the book is even over, but this one kept my emotions so constant that it took me some time to really form my opinion about the book.
So, here it is. I was still swimming in thoughts from the book two books ago (Fly Away Home) when I picked this one up knowing that Hannah's books always are wonderful. I was still trying to figure out exactly what I thought of myself as a wife and of my marriage overall, as Fly Away Home made me question EVERYTHING! Within minutes of beginning Angel Falls, a catastrophy hits the family and life as they knew it is never the same (you'll have to read it to find out exactly what happens, but I've told you no more--and maybe less--than the book jacket would). I wasn't sure if I could continue reading at that point because it was just so painful to read and some scenes just broke my heart. But, if you chose to read this book, you will need to just keep reading. It does get better and things do change.
And because things change, and because Kristin Hannah is so skilled at her craft, she made me reevaluate all of the things I was questioning in my life because of Fly Away Home. She made me realize that true love is rare and if you have it, you better work hard to keep it. Love is work, but it's work worth doing. And, I no longer feel inadequate because I have given my life, and perhaps a little bit of myself along the way, for my family. If I am anything like Liam, well...I have done my job as mother and wife and will hold my head high from pride. Loving with your entire being is what we all should be doing. I found myself wishing that I could love like Liam loved Mike. It also made me realize that loving like Mike is definitely dangerous!
Liam reminded me that love is not always passionate and sexy (although that is nice from time to time--enter Liam and Mike and the locker room scene) and that"s not always a bad thing. Love is comfortable and it's being able to be who you really are all of the time and not having to apologize for it. It's being supportive, but also knowing when your parter needs time alone or to be with other friends. And, it's knowing that when your partner is away that there's no reason to be jealous or envious because we all need friends outside of our marriage. While I would love to be all things to Rob, it's not going to happen. I will never play golf and I will never understand exactly what he does at work and that's OK. Likewise, I don't want to go purse shopping with him and I like that he doesn't quite get what I do at school because this gives me the chance to leave it all behind when I get home everyday.
Fly Away Home made me sad and worried. Angel Falls reminded me that I am very blessed indeed. I have a wonderful husband and two girls are really good girls, most of the time. No one is perfect, as MIke reminds us throughout this book, and I need to stop trying to be the perfect wife to a perfect husband. All I need to do is love my family. With love the rest will fall into place.
Once again, Kristin Hannah has written a book that is powerful and worth reading. I wonder how long until she publishes a new one?
If this was s Facebook post, I would *like* it! Well said.
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