Grace

Tammy Greenwood is a master at writing riveting family drama, and this book might just be her best yet. Kurt and Elsbeth have been together forever it seems, and they've fallen into a number of common traps--accidental pregnancy that canceled college plans, taking over Kurt's family business after his brother was driven out of town, his mother died and his father became ill. The recession and a refinanced mortgage that now involved a huge balloon payment made things that much worse. Then there was Trevor--always a difficult child, and now that he's a teenager, and 6'2", the problems seem to be worse. What his parents don't understand is that he was only defending himself from some major bullies at school who were making his life a show more living hell. Little 6 year old Grace is the light of everyone's life. But the problems mount, and everyone tries to cope. Kurt picks up a second job, Elsbeth shoplifts compulsively as a way to deal with an ever present feeling of wanting, and Trevor picks up a camera to find a new way to see the world.

In a parallel story, there is the story of Crystal, a high school senior in the same town who has just given birth to a baby that she was forced to give up for adoption. She's struggling with what everyone else wants her to do and what she wants for herself.

Lack of communication and too many assumptions by too many people brings both stories to a literally explosive conclusion in this tightly woven, complex and completely absorbing drama. If you are like me, after reading the first two pages, you will not be able to put this amazing book down. show less

This is my first book by T. Greenwood and it most definitely will not be my last! I look so forward to reading more from this author and reading her earlier books. (love the front cover image as pulls on you- to want to learn what is inside this door and family)

The writing quality, the setting, the emotion was spectacular! The character development was excellent and complex. Readers will be drawn from the front cover to the back cover. Appears as though the author is not afraid to tackle certain subjects which is commendable, even though it may be difficult to read at times, like Jodi Picoult, Charles Martin, Lisa Genova, and Amy Hatvany (a fan of all).

Compelling - there is so much to this novel as it goes back and forth from one show more generation to another. The dynamics of a family with no demonstration of love, or the holding back thereof, and non- expressive-parent who gave up their life early on and is reflective throughout their parenting as they resent being held responsible for their son, and they too are even acting out themselves in all sorts of ways to cope. (Wow, total family dysfunction and drama)!

There are so many aspects to this story which is very realistic to family struggles and obstacles out there today for families which sometimes are often kept quiet and behind the scenes.

Being ignored since birth, Trevor is growing up in a man's body, his mother does not relate with repeated bullying at school with no friends. Unfortunately, he receives no help at school or a home and nowhere to turn. What makes it even worse, he has little control over his emotions.Ah, Grace comes along; the ideal child and younger sister; with all the characters circle around her as she is in the background yet one of the most important. While his parents fight to survive,

Trevor finds solace in a camera as a new way to see the word thru different eyes.There is also a story of Crystal (loved this character;) a high school senior who has given birth to a baby she was forced to give up for adoption and struggling with decisions. Between Kurt, Elsbeth, Trevor and Crystal-- from their voices; their story intertwines, making this a powerful story. GRACE demonstrates how a family can be shattered to bits with sadness, and slowly come out in one piece with hope, sometimes using grief to bind them together.

You will not be able to put this book down, as readers will want to devour every page - Totally amazing, intense, and captivating! Keeps you surprised with every swish of a finger, turning the page to see what is ahead. show less

“Every family photograph hides a story. Some are suffused with warmth and joy, others reflect the dull ache of disappointed dreams. For thirteen-year-old Trevor Kennedy, taking photos helps make sense of his fractured world. His father, Kurt, struggles to keep a business going while also caring for Trevor’s aging grandfather, whose hoarding has reached dangerous levels. Trevor’s mother, Elisabeth, all but ignores her son while doting on his five-year-old sister, Gracy, and pilfering useless drugstore items. Trevor knows he can count on little Gracy’s unconditional love and his art teacher’s encouragement. None of that compensates for the bullying he has endured at school for as long as he can remember. But where Trevor once show more silently tolerated the jabs and name-calling, now anger surges through him in ways he’s powerless to control. Only Crystal, a store clerk dealing with her own loss, sees the deep fissures in the Kennedy family - in the haunting photographs Trevor brings to be developed, and in the palpable distance between Elisabeth and her son. And as their lives become more intertwined, each will be pushed to the breaking point, with shattering, unforeseeable consequences. Book flap.

Eye-opening (no pun intended) story of how one’s perspective skews reality through the metaphor of the photograph. Well-written and credible (always what I’m looking for).

7.5 For fans of contemporary fiction about dysfunctional families and good writing. show less

Amazing story. It's hard to feel too bad about your life as you read about these wounded and hurting people. Ms. Greenwood hits all the right buttons to make you feel so many things. As I read the book I was full of emotions, mainly fear, apprehension, and pity for the hurting characters she portrays. It seems that there is no fix for all the problems that they encounter and endure. Yet life can change and there is redemption for wrong. Justice and grace are elements that make life endurable and even bring about new understanding and a sense of joy. There is much sadness in the book Grace, but there is also hope. In the midst of the greatest adversity, there can be another chance. Grace is a little girl, but it is also the theme of this show more book. If you read Grace, don't give up part way through. See the book through to the end, and you will experience grace. show less

A dysfunctional family, though they don;t see themselves as such. The mother too wrapped up in her daughter and the father who doesn't seem to see or understand exactly what is son is going through. Felt so bad fr the character Kyle, though he did have a teacher who encouraged and became a sort of safe haven for the abuse he took at the hands of some of his schoolmates. Very well and touchingly written, this story has one of the most shocking opening chapters I have read in a while and really drew me in to the lives of this family. Really wanted to see how they had ended up in this startling beginning. Did like the ending because despite everything there is renewed hope and a new understanding of the dynamics that made up this family.

I would go 3.5 stars on this. It was a fast read with a plot that carried you right along. The characters were likeable and seemingly well developed. I am not usually one for a nicely wrapped up ending but it suited this book.

A star knocked off for the horribly contrived happy ending. If you're going to write about reality, keep it real. The author is a good writer, though.