    
Thumper
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Thumper
Post Number: 384
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 08:43 pm: | 
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Hello All,
You all don't mind if I talk about a book or two do you? *eyebrow raised* Good. I just finished a review of one book, half done with the review of The Apostles. So, I was ready for a little fictional R&R. I picked up The People Next Door. I chose this book because of the concept of the novel. Bettye Griffin wrote on a subject that isn't discussed in our popular fiction, but something most of us are living through everyday...but not to the extent of the characters in her novel. The People Next Door is a novel that centers on Lisa and Darrell Canfield who with their children is building their dream home in Jacksonville, Florida. The Canfields are a blended family. Lisa came into her second marriage with her daughter Paige Bentacourt, and Darrell came into it with his daughter Devon. Later on, Lisa and Darrell had a set of twin boys: Courtney and Carey. The Canfields was a happy group. They are finally building a huge home that will comfortably house their large brood as well as Darrell's mother, Esther. Everything is fine until Lisa's ex-husband, Dr. Brad Bentacourt and his second wife Suzanne (who Lisa believes stole Brad from her while Suzanne worked in Brad's medical office as a receptionist) moves in next door. Then all kinds of things, events and dramatic episodes occurs.
I loved this book! Griffin did a fine job placing the characters in believable situations. Hell, I was just thrilled that someone decided to write about a situation other than what has become the norm in AA commercial fiction. I wish others would look around and do the same thing.
The book flowed nicely. It's actually a page turner. Griffin does an adequate job and has a likable writing style. She's no Morrison or Wideman, true enough, but she kept the story going, featured characters with a few flaws, has a nice sense of humor. The book was just plain enjoyable. If you are interested in a nice readable book, I would suggest you check out The People Next Door when it is released next month.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0758207379/aalbccom-20
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