Home Song

This book reads like a bad made-for-tv movie and was a complete waste of time. Spencer's grammatically shaky, over-emotional and adjective-laden prose made the book a pain to navigate and nearly impossible to enjoy, while her complete inability to draw a realistic human character forced the story into cliche after cliche. Her teenagers were wooden, drenched with sickly sweet kindness and school spirit and completely lacking any normal adolescent characteristics; her adults were erratic, frenzied and drawn without an ounce of realism.

I picked up this book at a used book sale and thought the story might have some interesting twists - there were none. I thought the plight of the characters, especially the principal's wife Claire, might show more resonate in some way - it did not. I suppose if nothing else, Home Song did evoke strong feelings in me as a reader: I was so angry with each of the characters and so bored by the non-existent plot that I couldn't wait to finish the book, review it and shelve it on the 'never to be touched again' pile. Should be zero stars. show less

Feelgood story about a happy family torn apart by the father's one indiscretion just before his wedding day, eighteen years ago. The feelings of all concerned here are sensitively described amid Tom's desparate attempts to reconcile with his wife.
The TV movie of this was hugely disappointing, but, as ever the book is far superior.
Excellent story about the family unit.

I like LaVyle Spencer in general, but I don't think this was her best book. It wasn't bad....an inteesting read. But it wasn't a great book either. The characters were for the most part likeable, if a bit unrealistic. The whole situation though, was a bit unrealistic. I mean, what are the chances that off all the schools in the US, you would move into the one at which your bio dad whom you never knew would be the principal? And really, would you leave your kid in that school. I mean, the mom obviously had money.....there are no private schools around?

But forgetting all that, because there would be no story if you didn't...it was entertaining, but a bit drawn out at times. No doubt Claire would be upset. But it seemed to take way to show more long to reach the conclusion you knew would come....that she would forgive and restore her family. And then, when she did....it came WAY too easily. Like BOOM.....I'm enlightened and all is well. After enduring chapters of her harshness and how the rest of the family coped, it just seemed like it should have taken a couple of chapters for her to think about what Monica said. And the most puzzling part was the last sentence. What was that about her 'liking' Monica. Was that a hint that Monica would become a good friend and part of the family? Or was that a threat.....Tom, I'm going to keep you on edge with this forever.

An interesting story, but maybe don't bump it to your 'must read' list. show less

I know I've read this before, but I read it again anyway. 17 years ago, Tom had a one night stand 3 days before his wedding to Claire, and his previously unknown son has just transferred into his school. He can't leave well enough alone and seeks out Kent's mother to confirm his suspicion, which sets in motion a chain of events that almost destroys his marriage and family.

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