Book: The Ocean between Us (R, W, D)
Susan Wiggs' The Ocean between Us is a complex love story. It entertwines the lives of a group of Navy men and the women they leave behind and deals honestly with the personal cost of a life of serving one's country.
Grace is turning 40. She has three kids in high school and wants to start her own business. Her husband Steve, on his way to another 6-month deployment, puts his foot down on the issue and ships off. As Grace struggles to find meaning in her life outside her almost-grown children and her absent husband, she decides to reclaim her life for herself. She buys a house Steve hasn't seen and starts the business he didn't want her to pursue.
Even as she stakes out her new independence, we also see Grace interact with other, younger Navy wives. There is a real sense of military pride here, from both the women and the men, but also a sense of loss. As time slides by, Grace wonders where her youth went and whether she wants to continue to live this way.
A gorgeous story that hits all the emotional high notes yet deals honestly and realistically with life's lows. Grade: A
Grace is turning 40. She has three kids in high school and wants to start her own business. Her husband Steve, on his way to another 6-month deployment, puts his foot down on the issue and ships off. As Grace struggles to find meaning in her life outside her almost-grown children and her absent husband, she decides to reclaim her life for herself. She buys a house Steve hasn't seen and starts the business he didn't want her to pursue.
Even as she stakes out her new independence, we also see Grace interact with other, younger Navy wives. There is a real sense of military pride here, from both the women and the men, but also a sense of loss. As time slides by, Grace wonders where her youth went and whether she wants to continue to live this way.
A gorgeous story that hits all the emotional high notes yet deals honestly and realistically with life's lows. Grade: A
posted by JJ at 2:49 PM
