REVIEW for Alice Bliss

A big thank you goes out to Penguin Group for sending me a copy of this book.

TITLE:                 Alice Bliss
AUTHOR:            Laura Harrington
GENRE:               YA
RATING:             4 Stars

I have to be honest and start off my review by saying that this book was very difficult to read.  For anyone who has had to grow up without their dad, this book will surely bring back a lot of emotions.

Alice loves her dad and one of her most vivid memories is that of dancing with him and while her family is not perfect, she is relatively happy.  Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of her parents who both view their lives (and relationship) in quite different terms.  While mom wants fancy meals, dad is aching to "be" more than he is and therefore enlists in the reserves where he will be sent to Iraq.

Of course, this premise sets up an emotional storyline that the author has done a fine job of writing in a very touching and raw manner. 

As a reader, we feel as though we have been brought into the very personal world of these characters and are privy to their emotions, fears and love for each other.  We also see how dysfunctional a family can be, as each member views an act or an event in a completely different manner.

The author does a wonderful job of showing us the issues that arise in a family unit, as everyone tries to find their own personal bliss, while trying to live happily within the family.  Of course, we also get a close up view of what the perils of war can do to a family- as everyone confronts their own demons, which, of course, include dealing with their fear of losing their beloved father and husband.

I loved that the concept of this book was "diary entries".  This is a precise and effective method of making us understand exactly what Alice and her family are living with (and through).

Having said all of this, I have to say that this book could be a tad heavy at times and I found myself having to read it by pacing myself.