Review and Free Giveaway: Sunnyside Blues
By Kristen on May 13, 2009 in Reviews
Sunnyside Blues by Mary Carter
Release date: July 2009 / 336 pages
Synopsis (from back cover): Twenty-five-year-old Andes Lane has spent nine years moving restlessly from place to place as she searches for somewhere that feels right. In the little blue houseboat bobbing on a Seattle lake, she thinks she’s found it. But Andes has barely had a chance to settle in before her new life is upended by her landlord, Jay, and his ten-year-old son, Chase.
First line: “There was nothing remarkable about the police interrogation room.”
Review: I read this novel in one sitting, one weekend at the cabin, and mostly enjoyed it. However, the thought that kept surfacing as I was reading was… “Kind of creepy.” But I did really enjoy it!
The main character is sort tripping through life, which I usually find annoying, but Andes quickly was placed in a situation that required great responsibility and rose to the occasion. Her attraction to Chase’s father was “creepy thing #1″ and Jay’s willingness to give his son to a complete stranger was “creepy thing #2″ (not to mention Chase’s apparent pyromanic tendencies and Andes snake charming past… intrigued yet?).
But despite a rather foreboding beginning, the relationship of Andes and Chase is interesting, complex, and compelling. If you enjoyed About a Boy or Keeper and Kid, I’m pretty sure you would enjoy this novel, too.
Although mostly character-driven, the novel actually has a well-defined plot, too, that is intriguing and moves forward at a nice pace.
So, if you enjoy novels about young boys becoming friends with non-familial adults, give this a try! And, if you would like a chance to win a free copy, simply drop me a comment!
Welcome back!
This one looks really good!
Carey Stolber | May 13, 2009 | Reply
I would love to read this. I love books, that once you start reading it, it’s hard to put down.
sharon54220@gmail.com
Sharon Walling | May 13, 2009 | Reply
Thank you, Sharon and Carey — You both are in the running!!
Kristen | May 13, 2009 | Reply
Ooh…character-driven novels are my favorite. They’re so meaty.
Judy | May 14, 2009 | Reply
So true, Judy! Who needs plot?
Kristen | May 14, 2009 | Reply
Sounds like a good book, especially if it can be compared to Abouta Boy!! Please count me in
Sheri | May 14, 2009 | Reply
I’d love to try for this one! Sounds good!
Lisa | May 14, 2009 | Reply
You’re in the running, Lisa! I’m going away for the weekend, but I’ll choose a winner on Monday!
Kristen | May 15, 2009 | Reply
Any connection to “About a Boy” has to be a great read…please enter me into the contest. Enjoy your weekend away!
Linda | May 15, 2009 | Reply
Thank you, Linda — So far our weekend has been lovely…
Kristen | May 15, 2009 | Reply
This looks great. please enter me . Thank you.
summer plewes | May 17, 2009 | Reply
I would like to read this one. Please enter me in the giveaway
“Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Fun:
CoolCanucks.ca”
Belinda M | May 17, 2009 | Reply
The book sounds weird, but interesting. I would like to read it. Count me in, please, and thanks for a giveaway
Teresa | May 18, 2009 | Reply
Looks like an interesting book. Add me to the giveaway, please.
Suzan | May 18, 2009 | Reply
Summer and Belinda! You’re in the running!
Kristen | May 18, 2009 | Reply
It is kind of weird at times, Teresa — You and Suzan are in the running, too!
Kristen | May 18, 2009 | Reply
You won, Teresa!! Hope you enjoy it, too!
Kristen | May 18, 2009 | Reply
I loved “About a Boy” – please enter me!
Terri | May 19, 2009 | Reply
Congrats Teresa
Suzan | May 19, 2009 | Reply
This sounds like a great book. Enter me please!
Alexa | May 31, 2009 | Reply
Alexa and Aleksandra — You’re in the running, too!
Kristen | Jun 1, 2009 | Reply