Sunday, January 26, 2014

#9: The Heights by Peter Hedges

I bought this book because Peter Hedges is also the author of What's Eating Gilbert Grape and while I never read the book, the movie is one of my favorites.  The Heights may not be one of my all-time favorites, but it was a great book, an easy read, and one that should've been saved for my spring break trip (although how do you know a book is a good beach bag book until you've read it and then it's too late).  The Heights carries an intense warning to married folks (you will need to read it to uncover the message).  And it ends with the best message I've read lately: those who are meant to be together will be together, no matter what.  NO MATTER WHAT.  I adored the ending.

The Heights is the story of Tim and Kate Welch, a history teacher and a stay-at-home-mom who love each other and love their marriage.  They also love their neighborhood, The Heights, and most of their neighbors.  But, things change dramatically when Tim loses his job, Kate returns to work, and wealthy Anna Brody moves into The Heights.  The chapters are told by both Tim and Kate alternately with the occasional neighbor/student thrown in for some variety.  I love that Tim's most disliked student tells the last chapter.  It's a fabulous way to end this great read.

It's gossipy, funny, and should be read at the beach. I really liked it.
Happy reading!
:) Dodie

No comments:

Post a Comment