I was a kid in 1974 and grew up in a family with similar issues... yeah, domestic violence wasn't nearly as talked abt nor taken as seriously in the courts. That was "a family issue". I cried thru this whole book. It's one of my all time favorites. I want to reread it but not sure my heart could take it.
I would have to agree with you on The Great Alone. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but I did not enjoy the second half as much and for similar reasons. I really enjoyed both The Nightingale and The Four Winds by her, which do not have the "Hallmark movie" feel at any point in them. If you liked her writing and the first half of the book, I would recommend trying out either of those two if you haven't read them already.
I feel you re the Great Alone! Matthew wouldn’t have fallen, she wouldn’t have moved to Seattle if Matthew’s dad wouldn’t level just made that phone call he ultimately made in the ending to clear her of all charges. Super huge whole. Still liked the book:)
I love The Great Alone. It showed abuse in such a realistic way. And being a survivor of domestic abuse and violence myself in this century… there could be better ways to help victims still. That’s something the book did well. Providing a look into the helplessness you feel when the one that’s meant to take care of you and provide love and comfort just doesn’t. I think because i was so connected to this book I didn’t really feel the shift. But the things you said, i can totally see that. I want to give a reread but we shall see. I also really liked People You Meet On Vacation! Such a fun read. I love how the author writes emotion.
@@AnastaciyaSh The ending of that book was fucking shit. Straight out of left field, completely shits on the rest of the book. I threw it against the wall in frustration.
I just watched this books's (The People We Meet On Vacation) cover on Instagram and wondered "Huh? Has Merphy not uploaded a video about this book?" And there was the video. I'm not even making this up! What is this sorcery? 🤯👀
Historical fiction just means the book takes place in a historical time period (aka, not contemporary). The focus isn’t necessarily on the historical events, but can be the culture and struggles of this place/time period.
Don't think I am saying some cheesy pick-up lines...but honestly merphy your voice heals me... whenever I see a notification of your video , I will be smiling like an idiot ..God bless you for your consistent tireless efforts to reach us ...btw, How was the day Merphy
I never processed the tonal shift till you brought it up but you are right it does shift and I think I really liked it, the ending felt so good to me but I can totally see how that could be jarring and being a con for someone’s reading experience for this book. Spoilers: I would have also wanted her to stay in Alaska but I think I read from the tonal shift to the end in one sitting, which is super rare for me to read that much in one go so I wasn’t really processing it and was just happy some happiness came out of it, even if it was a bit Hollywood.
I’ll have to say it feels nice not having to skip the spoilers because you’ve already read the book. First time that has ever happened to me lol. But I felt the same way of the Great Alone, the change in the tone of the story really threw me off but it was still a great read. I really enjoyed the time Leni and Cora spent together after what happened, the first part of the book was great.
The great alone is one of my favourite novels- I totally get that a lot of people don’t like the tonal shift and whilst I preferred the first half of the book I still loved the second half 💕
I just finished the Great Alone and I feel the same way. I had a hard time putting it to words though so it was so nice to hear your thoughts on it and sort of understand why I myself didn’t like the second half and the ending as much either. Still a great book, but wow it would’ve been so amazing if the second part was as good as the first. Then it would’ve been a 10/10 for me.
Absolutely loved the Great Alone, but my personal dislike after reading it twice is that I wish Kristin Hannah would've used the Alaska setting even more. Some of the things they do, such as canning vegetables, is just briefly mentioned, and I would've loved to hear more about how they were done. Might've been good opportunities for characterization, too.
I think you spoiling what you didn't like about the ending of Great Alone actually made me more interested in reading it. I'm often hesitant to read books like that because I hate tragic endings.
If you like the focus on Alaskan naturalism check out James Oliver Curwood. He was a pretty good descriptive writer though he was active during the early 20th century and can feel dated at times.
Ich didn't like the ending of the Great Alone too. I love all the books I read by Kristin Hannah, but i think romantic love is not her strong side. I never bought any love Story she wrote. All the other stuff in the books are way better & probably would shine more without the romance that kinda always is there, when it doesn't needs to be.
Totally agree with the two halves for The Great Alone, and the first half being superior. It didn't disappoint me enough not to love it though. It's a bit strange because her previous book (The Nightingale) didn't feel 'lifetime' to me at all but her previous books what I've read definitely did. So I thought she'd matured as a writer, but then this was a mix of both. It will be interesting to see what her recent one is like when I get to it (The Four Winds) Spoilers . . . . . . . . . . RE the murder of the Husband / Dad, I do think that was a realistic depiction. Even now it's not great, but in the 70s there would have been a very high chance of her going to prison for that.
Nice reviews! I totally agree on your critiques of The Great Alone. I did like the book overall, but not enormously so. The first half to me was certainly better, although it felt to me a bit clunky at times in the way the author tried to convey the time and place. The second half was off the rails, in a way that was admittedly somewhat entertaining but was definitely a huge tone shift. Also, SPOILERS... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I really disliked the way it ended. Like you said, I knew it would be kind of unsatisfying if Matthew didn't recover, but I personally think it was even less satisfying that he miraculously did. To me, the accident was written in a way where it kind of worked in the moment because you knew this was the consequence Leni and Matthew had to face for their choices (even if their decisions were understandable). So to have it then all get fixed in the last 10 pages strangely felt like a huge letdown to me even though it was the "good" outcome.
Me: This book doesn't really interest me, so I think I want to hear Merphy's spoiler thoughts since I probably won't read it Me a couple minutes later: oh, OH! There is a lot that goes down in this book.
I didn't really like People We Meet on Vacation. It was really predictable and the characters never really put much thought into taking their relationship to the next level. The romance wasn't that thrilling or at least it seemed more exciting back in the day when I was dating but that was also when dinosaurs lived.
Sadly, domestic abuse, even with pregnant women wasn't taken seriously as recently as the 90's. It's so sad. But, we really have come a long way with our laws since then.
I read The Great Alone and agree with everything you said. The first half was so much better than the second half. Overall enjoyed the book. I haven’t read People We Meet On Vacation but I’m interested in checking it out now. Thanks! Great video!
Hey ! I released bookmarks for People We Meet on Vacation and Beach Tead too! And as you all enjoyed the book, I’m sure you’ll love it! Please check it out on my Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/in-en/shop/ScintillareBySunidhi Follow me: instagram.com/_scintillare_
I was a kid in 1974 and grew up in a family with similar issues... yeah, domestic violence wasn't nearly as talked abt nor taken as seriously in the courts. That was "a family issue".
I cried thru this whole book. It's one of my all time favorites. I want to reread it but not sure my heart could take it.
BLESS YOU!
0:21 Bless you XD
I would have to agree with you on The Great Alone. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but I did not enjoy the second half as much and for similar reasons. I really enjoyed both The Nightingale and The Four Winds by her, which do not have the "Hallmark movie" feel at any point in them. If you liked her writing and the first half of the book, I would recommend trying out either of those two if you haven't read them already.
The Great Alone is one of my all time favorites. It's not even what I normally read but I love it!
Now I'm interested in People we meet on vacation since you said the miscommunication in this one is not annoying 👀
I feel you re the Great Alone! Matthew wouldn’t have fallen, she wouldn’t have moved to Seattle if Matthew’s dad wouldn’t level just made that phone call he ultimately made in the ending to clear her of all charges. Super huge whole. Still liked the book:)
I love The Great Alone. It showed abuse in such a realistic way. And being a survivor of domestic abuse and violence myself in this century… there could be better ways to help victims still. That’s something the book did well. Providing a look into the helplessness you feel when the one that’s meant to take care of you and provide love and comfort just doesn’t. I think because i was so connected to this book I didn’t really feel the shift. But the things you said, i can totally see that. I want to give a reread but we shall see.
I also really liked People You Meet On Vacation! Such a fun read. I love how the author writes emotion.
I loved The Great Alone but your ideas about what the second half could’ve been sounded exciting too, I never thought of that!
Now that Merphy has read Kristin Hannah it's time to read Jodi Picoult!!
And Sue Monk Kidd?
Ouch. I read My Sister's Keeper 8 years ago, and I'm still traumatized :/
@@AnastaciyaSh The ending of that book was fucking shit. Straight out of left field, completely shits on the rest of the book. I threw it against the wall in frustration.
I just watched this books's (The People We Meet On Vacation) cover on Instagram and wondered "Huh? Has Merphy not uploaded a video about this book?" And there was the video. I'm not even making this up! What is this sorcery? 🤯👀
You know it's a great Merphy video when bloopers come at the beginning and they come naturally candid. 😍🤓🥰
It’s interesting how books like the Great Alone are labeled historical fiction when the focus is not on the historical aspect of it.
Historical fiction just means the book takes place in a historical time period (aka, not contemporary). The focus isn’t necessarily on the historical events, but can be the culture and struggles of this place/time period.
Don't think I am saying some cheesy pick-up lines...but honestly merphy your voice heals me... whenever I see a notification of your video , I will be smiling like an idiot ..God bless you for your consistent tireless efforts to reach us ...btw, How was the day Merphy
Is it cheesy if I agree with you?
Not though 😅😅
I never processed the tonal shift till you brought it up but you are right it does shift and I think I really liked it, the ending felt so good to me but I can totally see how that could be jarring and being a con for someone’s reading experience for this book. Spoilers:
I would have also wanted her to stay in Alaska but I think I read from the tonal shift to the end in one sitting, which is super rare for me to read that much in one go so I wasn’t really processing it and was just happy some happiness came out of it, even if it was a bit Hollywood.
LOL that clumsiness is so cute
I loved both of these books - very different feels but we need variety in reading/ life :) Thanks for the reviews!
Don’t overestimate justice in the 1970s. It’s the same decade women first got the right to have a bank account.
Right? The justice system STILL isn’t where it needs to be for these sorts of situations
Hey merphy! My name is Dashel Napier, I’ve never met anyone else with my last name. That’s so sick, plus awesome channel
Def want to read people we meet on vacation
I’ll have to say it feels nice not having to skip the spoilers because you’ve already read the book. First time that has ever happened to me lol. But I felt the same way of the Great Alone, the change in the tone of the story really threw me off but it was still a great read. I really enjoyed the time Leni and Cora spent together after what happened, the first part of the book was great.
Both of these are on my TBR and looking forward to them!
This t-shirt suits you so well! The colour is just exquisite
The great alone is one of my favourite novels- I totally get that a lot of people don’t like the tonal shift and whilst I preferred the first half of the book I still loved the second half 💕
I just finished the Great Alone and I feel the same way. I had a hard time putting it to words though so it was so nice to hear your thoughts on it and sort of understand why I myself didn’t like the second half and the ending as much either. Still a great book, but wow it would’ve been so amazing if the second part was as good as the first. Then it would’ve been a 10/10 for me.
Absolutely loved the Great Alone, but my personal dislike after reading it twice is that I wish Kristin Hannah would've used the Alaska setting even more. Some of the things they do, such as canning vegetables, is just briefly mentioned, and I would've loved to hear more about how they were done. Might've been good opportunities for characterization, too.
I didn't think these books would be your speed. Lol.
I think you spoiling what you didn't like about the ending of Great Alone actually made me more interested in reading it. I'm often hesitant to read books like that because I hate tragic endings.
Also great video Merphy, Vacation sounds like a book I'd love, thanks
0:21 when a bee buzzes in your face.
I am just two minutes into the video, but I really like the premise of People We Meet On Vacation…friend to lovers is one of my favourite tropes!
The great alone has been on my tbr for the last year I will be reading this in the summer ☀️🌞
Drama, yes, that's the word I was looking for to describe the second part of the story!
Throwing books around, sneezing... Jesus!!!
Omg, 2 seconds after I watch your video : Instant buy! Thanks for your recommendation! :)
Merphy: I am guaranteed to like it if you do that trope
Me: How is Merphy speaking exactly what I'm thinking. CAN SHE READ MINDS?!?!
If you like the focus on Alaskan naturalism check out James Oliver Curwood. He was a pretty good descriptive writer though he was active during the early 20th century and can feel dated at times.
Ich didn't like the ending of the Great Alone too.
I love all the books I read by Kristin Hannah, but i think romantic love is not her strong side. I never bought any love Story she wrote. All the other stuff in the books are way better & probably would shine more without the romance that kinda always is there, when it doesn't needs to be.
Both of these are my summer reads!
0:21 That was amazing!😂❤️
Totally agree with the two halves for The Great Alone, and the first half being superior. It didn't disappoint me enough not to love it though. It's a bit strange because her previous book (The Nightingale) didn't feel 'lifetime' to me at all but her previous books what I've read definitely did. So I thought she'd matured as a writer, but then this was a mix of both. It will be interesting to see what her recent one is like when I get to it (The Four Winds)
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RE the murder of the Husband / Dad, I do think that was a realistic depiction. Even now it's not great, but in the 70s there would have been a very high chance of her going to prison for that.
Bless you
Nice reviews! I totally agree on your critiques of The Great Alone. I did like the book overall, but not enormously so. The first half to me was certainly better, although it felt to me a bit clunky at times in the way the author tried to convey the time and place. The second half was off the rails, in a way that was admittedly somewhat entertaining but was definitely a huge tone shift.
Also, SPOILERS...
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I really disliked the way it ended. Like you said, I knew it would be kind of unsatisfying if Matthew didn't recover, but I personally think it was even less satisfying that he miraculously did. To me, the accident was written in a way where it kind of worked in the moment because you knew this was the consequence Leni and Matthew had to face for their choices (even if their decisions were understandable). So to have it then all get fixed in the last 10 pages strangely felt like a huge letdown to me even though it was the "good" outcome.
Me: This book doesn't really interest me, so I think I want to hear Merphy's spoiler thoughts since I probably won't read it
Me a couple minutes later: oh, OH! There is a lot that goes down in this book.
I didn't really like People We Meet on Vacation. It was really predictable and the characters never really put much thought into taking their relationship to the next level. The romance wasn't that thrilling or at least it seemed more exciting back in the day when I was dating but that was also when dinosaurs lived.
I really didnt like that book either, its just so underwhelming and meh.
Loved the great alone ❤️
Yea the second half was a bit MUCH even Cora’s act of bravery wasn’t believable to me
I also felt sorry for her parents.
Love the shirt
I really like that shirt
Sadly, domestic abuse, even with pregnant women wasn't taken seriously as recently as the 90's. It's so sad. But, we really have come a long way with our laws since then.
I would really love to hear your thoughts on David Mitchell
I 100% agree with you about The Great Alone. The incident ruined the whole book for me..
I read The Great Alone and agree with everything you said. The first half was so much better than the second half. Overall enjoyed the book. I haven’t read People We Meet On Vacation but I’m interested in checking it out now. Thanks! Great video!
So I work closely with domestic violence cases and sadly what you mentioned is correct. Things are better in 2021 but we still have a LONG way to go.😪
0:21 Merph why are the news channels saying there has been an earthquake in Kentucky?
I've only read one Kristan Hannah book and it seemed like just needless drama as well.
The Great Alone! I'm excited to see your thoughts on it!
ordering people we meet on vacation rn
New book recommends, yay!!
You do buddy reads?!?!
5th comment!!! 2 mins.
Don't like narratives where friends become lovers. So trite, obvious, and an overused trope.
Hey ! I released bookmarks for People We Meet on Vacation and Beach Tead too! And as you all enjoyed the book, I’m sure you’ll love it!
Please check it out on my Etsy shop:
www.etsy.com/in-en/shop/ScintillareBySunidhi
Follow me: instagram.com/_scintillare_