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Synopsis: With stars and dollar signs in his eyes, Warren Ziller uproots his wife and three kids from Wisconsin to Palos Verdes, California to make his millions in real estate. Unfortunately, Warren's get-rich-quick scheme isn't working out, and has secretly piddled his life savings away.
We also hear from each member of the Ziller family, and get their perspective on life in California. Each have their own issues and hang-ups, each contribute to the overall dysfunction. When tragedy strikes, in a cruel and senseless turn of events, it is the final straw that sends the family over the edge into the abyss.
My thoughts: When Ti described this story as heartbreaking, she picked the right word. My heart just kept sinking with every disc I listened to - could this family ever catch a break? Sprinkled into the general misery were brief moments of familial love and connectedness, but it wasn't enough to act as the glue to hold things together.
Towards the end of the story, I saw small signs of hope that things could possibly improve, but that definitive leap is left to the imagination of the reader. Do I believe that life eventually turned a corner for the Ziller family? Yes, I have to believe that, otherwise this story would have been unbearable.
A word about the audio production: The narrator of this audio book, David Colacci, is a veteran in the business. I don't believe I've ever heard him, but it was only a matter of time because he has many many titles to his credit. He was pleasant to listen to, and handled accents, male and female voices expertly.
3.5 out of 5 stars
12 comments:
I remember Ti's review of that book. It really sounds despairing - I don't think I'd want to read it until after the holidays.
I also remember Ti's review and decided against the book based on the word tragic! :--)
I also read this book because of Ti's review. I loved it as much as she did. Whoever said that bloggers don't influence readers doesn't know me!
Enjoyed your review.
I don't think I read Ti's review. This one sounds like it would be tough to swallow!
I hadn't heard of this one before, but I do sometimes like stories that are a bit sad and tragic for some reason. I don't think now would be the right time for me to listen, but I think I am going to go ahead and order this one from the library and check it out at some point. Great review today, Sandy!
'heartbreaking' is not a word that makes me want to rush out and grab a book.
I've wanted to read this since reading Ti's review. I probably will one of these days.
I need something light and fun right now!
Ti does have a way of selling books, doesn't she? Sounds like a book I'd have to be in a good place for or I might end up geting a bit down.
I'm with OJ up there...too much tragedy scared me off!
Also...what the heck are the kids doing on the cover?? Their postures make it look like they're bowling.
Well you know me, I am no stranger to tragic stories. However, there WAS light at the end of the tunnel but it was a small, low wattage light. You had to really look for it, but it was there.
Sounds depressing so I'd have to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy this one.
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