Product Description
Nineteen years ago, a famous filmmaker disappeared from Los Angeles, taking his two children, Dorothea and Jimmy, to a desolate corner of New Mexico. There he raised them in complete isolation without television, computer, radio -- not even a newspaper. Now, at twenty-three, Dorothea leaves in search of her missing brother -- and ventures into the outside world for the first time. Her search becomes an odyssey of discovery when Dorothea meets Stephen Spaulding, a cab driver dealing with his own mysterious history. With him as her guide, Dorothea uncovers the truth of her family's past and the terrifying day that changed her father forever. Together, they have a chance to discover that although a heart can be broken by the tragic events of a day, a day can also bring a new chance at love and a deeper understanding of life's infinite possibilities.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 55 reviews)

Excellent Book!

I just happened upon this book at the library. I had no expectations and was very pleasantly surprised at how good it was. It made me laugh and cry, I couldn't put it down.
November 03, 2008

Sweet, Sad, Thought Provoking

I found the book completely engrossing. You must get past heartbreak and horror, innocence and shame, recriminations and regrets, all beautifully detailed, to get to the point of the narative: Even though we can never have complete control over every aspect of our lives, we are responsible for how we react to pain and tragedy. Ms Tucker does this in a straightforward, non-judgemental prose that is both sweet, and at times, very funny. Dorathea is a remarkable character. Her trust and unaffected mannor are precious. I would recommend this book to all my friends and family.
December 28, 2007

A good story...

...well worth the reading time. Unusual story, good character development - yes, a little "clichey" - but I really enjoyed it!
October 24, 2007

eh...

I admit, I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 so I wouldn't appear too harsh... I am disappointed in this book, after reading a synopsis of what seemed like it would be an interesting story line and seeing all the good reviews. Like some other reviewers in the minority, I think the writing is bland and stilted, and the characters are uncompelling, leaving me bored, not invested and annoyed with them (especially Dorothea - GAG). In fact, several times this summer I have gratefully put the book away to move on to a new buy -- only to have to pick it up again when I've run out of other things to read. My latest stint with the book has put me within 20 pages of the end, but I don't think I can make myself finish it -- it's just not worth it, in my opinion. I haven't read Lisa Tucker's other books, so perhaps her style of writing just doesn't suit my tastes.
August 04, 2007

Hard to put down

This is one of those books that I had trouble putting down. But I was disappointed in the ending, as it left me wanting to know more about how all the characters survived the challenges in their life. I guess I have to make up my own real ending.

I've not read any of Ms. Tucker's other books, but I plan to.
July 23, 2007

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