I've been catching up on my Goodreads reading challenge. A friend of mine gave me a box of old books last year and, with writing and publishing my own novels, I haven't had much time to read. I just finished A place called here by Cecelia Ahern. I have to say, when I read the reviews I wasn't excited yet something about the storyline kept me intrigued. Like the main character, Sandy Short, I admit, I often wonder what else is there? What don't we know? When people and things simply vanish, where do they go? I like where Cecelia's mind went. How nice would it be to think that kids such as the O'Brien brothers from Newfoundland were simply stuck in another dimension. One where everyone looked out, helped and provided for one another. Somewhere where there was counselling and guidance for those who needed it.
I found that the fact that Sandy worked as a private missing persons locator oddly fitting. If anyone was likely to go missing, searching unknown locations, travelling alone, asking questions to the wrong people, wouldn't it be a likelihood that this person would easily 'vanish' as well?
The back-story of Jenny-May kept me intrigued. Sigh... As a parent, could you imagine? You're child just disappearing?
Certain parts, particularly Sandy's time spent in 'Here' seemed to drag on. I understood the play reference and the authors desire to build upon that but, I think it could have been cut down quite a bit.
This was the first book I've read by Cecelia Ahern. Like 90% of the worlds female population I saw, and loved PS, I love you. I guess I was hoping that this book would be more like that, romantic, funny... however it fell short. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed it. It made me think and explore different ideas and what if's. I'd recommend it for some light, weekend reading. When you're in the mood for something that's not too serious, minimal commitment. ;)
