Genres
Publication
Mira (2011), Edition: 2nd Paperback
Description
Fiction. Literature. In 1977, pregnant Genevieve Russell disappeared. Twenty years later, her remains are discovered and Timothy Gleason is charged with murder. But there is no sign of the unborn child. CeeCee Wilkes knows how Genevieve Russell died, because she was there. And she also knows what happened to the missing infant, because two decades ago she made the devastating choice to raise the baby as her own. Now Timothy Gleason is facing the death penalty, and she has another choice to make. Tell the truth, and destroy her family. Or let an innocent man die in order to protect a lifetime of lies . . .
User reviews
LibraryThing member jjmachshev
What makes a mother? Genes? Childbirth? Love? And once a mother bonds with her child, is there anything that can break that bond? Diane Chamberlain’s novel “The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes” gives us the story of a teenage mother and her child. But there’s a lot more to it than just that
CeeCee’s mother died when she was just twelve. But she left her daughter a legacy of letters. Each letter intended for different days, some special some not, in CeeCee’s future life. And each chapter in this book that’s about CeeCee opens with quotes or paragraphs from one of those letters. An intelligent and gifted child, CeeCee completes her schooling early and is currently working towards getting into college and waiting tables when the book opens. But CeeCee is starving for love and naïve as only a 16 year old can be. Even when the reader sees the train wreck coming, you still wince and want to rail at CeeCee for her actions. Her love and longing for love results in her involvement in an unspeakable crime—at 16. Now, she’s on the run with a newborn and before she can figure a way out of this mess, she’s in love again…with the newborn she names Cory. Thus begins the live of Eve, formerly CeeCee.
Eve lives as a single mother and eventually loves and marries. But she can never stop looking over her shoulder. And 26 years later, the dead mother’s body is discovered. Now a man stands accused of murder and CeeCee/Eve is the only one who can prevent his death. To admit her involvement will destroy her family and their careers. To do nothing will destroy her.
As I read this story, I found myself trying to think of what I would have done if I were CeeCee. Lured into something she would never have considered…except for love. Forced into circumstances she could never have imagined…except for love. Then trying to build a life and find some happiness. And finally having to make decisions I couldn’t imagine in my worst nightmare. Does this make her strong? Or weak? Ms. Chamberlain’s ability to blur the absolute lines of right and wrong is incredible. Her portrayal of life in a southern college town is scarily bang on. Her characters become people you know or people you would like to know, to talk to, to ask questions of. But you’re still aware it’s fiction. And you quietly thank whatever deity you prefer that it is.
“the Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes” is about motherhood and mothers. It’s about family and what makes a family. It’s about love and forgiveness and repentance. This is a book I’m glad I read. It made me think and made me reconsider absolutes. This is one I can’t recommend highly enough for those who are looking for more than a quick escape read…because this is surely not that. But it is a book that will draw out your emotions from one end of the scale to the other. And sometimes…that’s just what we need.
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and one small review can’t possibly describe the incredible and fascinating twists and turns the story takes.CeeCee’s mother died when she was just twelve. But she left her daughter a legacy of letters. Each letter intended for different days, some special some not, in CeeCee’s future life. And each chapter in this book that’s about CeeCee opens with quotes or paragraphs from one of those letters. An intelligent and gifted child, CeeCee completes her schooling early and is currently working towards getting into college and waiting tables when the book opens. But CeeCee is starving for love and naïve as only a 16 year old can be. Even when the reader sees the train wreck coming, you still wince and want to rail at CeeCee for her actions. Her love and longing for love results in her involvement in an unspeakable crime—at 16. Now, she’s on the run with a newborn and before she can figure a way out of this mess, she’s in love again…with the newborn she names Cory. Thus begins the live of Eve, formerly CeeCee.
Eve lives as a single mother and eventually loves and marries. But she can never stop looking over her shoulder. And 26 years later, the dead mother’s body is discovered. Now a man stands accused of murder and CeeCee/Eve is the only one who can prevent his death. To admit her involvement will destroy her family and their careers. To do nothing will destroy her.
As I read this story, I found myself trying to think of what I would have done if I were CeeCee. Lured into something she would never have considered…except for love. Forced into circumstances she could never have imagined…except for love. Then trying to build a life and find some happiness. And finally having to make decisions I couldn’t imagine in my worst nightmare. Does this make her strong? Or weak? Ms. Chamberlain’s ability to blur the absolute lines of right and wrong is incredible. Her portrayal of life in a southern college town is scarily bang on. Her characters become people you know or people you would like to know, to talk to, to ask questions of. But you’re still aware it’s fiction. And you quietly thank whatever deity you prefer that it is.
“the Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes” is about motherhood and mothers. It’s about family and what makes a family. It’s about love and forgiveness and repentance. This is a book I’m glad I read. It made me think and made me reconsider absolutes. This is one I can’t recommend highly enough for those who are looking for more than a quick escape read…because this is surely not that. But it is a book that will draw out your emotions from one end of the scale to the other. And sometimes…that’s just what we need.
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LibraryThing member CandyH
What a tremendous book! There are so many issues and values at work in this book--kidnapping, death, relationships, families, truth, honesty. But the greatest issue of this story is LOVE and the many ways it is displayed amongst the characters. A quote from one of the main characters, "You can
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never have peace if you are living a lie" portrays one of the most important themes of this story. This is well worth reading and keeps the reader interested right to the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member punxsygal
A thorough engrossing story of a decision made and the lifelong consequences that result. A governor's young pregnant wife was kidnapped. Twenty-eight years later her remains are found and a man is charged with her murder. Only one person - CeeCee Wilkes - can refute the charges against him. But
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CeeCee Wilkes disappeared long ago. Show Less
LibraryThing member momei
A very interesting book with a good plot. I enjoyed the beginning and the end. The middle was a bit slow. I found myself angry with Cory because of way she turned on Eve/CeCe (besides a few other reasons). I really felt for Eve as a mother and how much she loved her daughter. Eve committed a crime
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but I felt sorry for her and I did not want her to go to jail. I think the author did a really good job with all the characters. I can not wait to read other books by this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member Fluffyblue
Good story to start with about a teenager who tries to fit in, and gets involved with a man who coerces her into committing a serious crime with him and his brother. The book then tells the story of the life of the teenager and events that subsequently occurred as a result of the crime.
I thought
I thought
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the beginning and end were good, but it was very staid and bland in the middle. Recommended reading, but just be wary of the downtime in the middle! Show Less
LibraryThing member jamaicanmecrazy
I can relate to Cee-Cee's insecurities and I can understand what drove her to make the disastrous choices that she made. However, I just felt the story was a bit too contrived to consider it great fiction. Not a bad read for a rainy day, especially if you don't want to hurt your brain.
LibraryThing member MsGemini
This was a real page turner. I enjoyed the story from beginning to end. I really sympathized with the main character, CeeCee. I plan to read more of Diane Chamberlain.
LibraryThing member busyreadin
Interesting story of a young, naive, 16 year old who becomes involved in a kidnapping, and it's aftermath.
LibraryThing member leadmomma
This is a fast moving book that presents a complex situation in a way that makes you feel for all the different characters involved. The book is well placed in Chapel Hill/Charlottesville - it's always nice when the place adds to the story (vs. detracts or distracts). This book would make a
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terrific pick for a book club because there are a variety of issues that would make for an interesting discussion. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheLoisLevel
This book is absolutely horrible. Clunky plot, poorly characterized...and I didn't give two hoots about any of the characters by the end. I was happy to at least see that the book is set in Charlottesville, VA and at UVA...from which I have received 2 degrees...and she didn't even manage to catch
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any of the beauty of the area. She didn't try. I'm not sure she's every been to Charlottesville as the has the main character working at a student diner on "Main Street." "Main Street" Charlottesville is nowhere near UVA....I kept thinking something interesting was going to happy at the end, but nothing...she tied up all the loose threads in the most boring way imaginable. It's as though she worked at it! Don't waste your time. Show Less
LibraryThing member DubaiReader
If you don't think Jodi Picoult writes fast enough .... try this.
This was a wonderfully thought provoking book covering many topical issues. Beautifully written and believable, it fully deserves its good reveiews.
It's difficult to précis the story without giving too much away.
Cee Cee is just 12
At the end we are left mulling over the moral issues, which are never really clear cut. We wonder what we would have done in the same situation, and most of all, whether we would have admitted our part in it. It's a heart wrenching decision and affects so many people.
Brilliant, life-like characters, all very different from one another but melding together as a whole.
I shall definitely be passing this one on - and looking out the author's past work.
NB: The Lost Daughter and The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes are the same book by two different titles.
This was a wonderfully thought provoking book covering many topical issues. Beautifully written and believable, it fully deserves its good reveiews.
It's difficult to précis the story without giving too much away.
Cee Cee is just 12
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when her mother dies and she is left in care without love. When she meets Tim Gleeson she falls head over heels in love. In the first chapter we are told that Tim Gleeson is on trial for his life so we know that he's not the great catch that she thinks he is but the rest of the pieces of the puzzle are gradually added as we read on.At the end we are left mulling over the moral issues, which are never really clear cut. We wonder what we would have done in the same situation, and most of all, whether we would have admitted our part in it. It's a heart wrenching decision and affects so many people.
Brilliant, life-like characters, all very different from one another but melding together as a whole.
I shall definitely be passing this one on - and looking out the author's past work.
NB: The Lost Daughter and The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes are the same book by two different titles.
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LibraryThing member ritakhavich
What an emotional book! This was such an incredible story and I was totally immersed the whole time. This book was randomly suggested and I had no idea what to expect, but I'm so glad I read this. The story was different than any others I've read, it seemed realistic, and sad, even heart-wrenching
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at times but it was also heart-warming. Following complicated lives touched by crimes, love, lies and choices whose consequences spiraled out through family and other relationships. Families destroyed, families re-united, identities discovered, fears conquered but most of all, my heart touched. I actually cried and I would recommend this book to anyone in a heartbeat! Show Less
LibraryThing member countrylife
An imaginative, though it seems to me, implausible, story, yet written in a way to keep me turning the pages just to see what would happen next.
A pretty boy with pretty words. Give a lonely girl love to get something from her; in this case, her help with a crime. Then a newborn, a dead mother, an
A quick and satisfying winter read. Yet, I find that it hasn't stuck with me.
A pretty boy with pretty words. Give a lonely girl love to get something from her; in this case, her help with a crime. Then a newborn, a dead mother, an
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instantaneous decision, and a new life. The years roll on. Mothers and daughters, smothering love and insecurities. Secrets long-held, now revealed. A quick and satisfying winter read. Yet, I find that it hasn't stuck with me.
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LibraryThing member indygo88
My first book by this author, but definitely enjoyable enough to make me want to explore more of her writing. Though this was a fairly easy read, the storyline was unique enough to be really refreshing. I think it would be easy to criticize a character such as CeeCee for some of her decisions in
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this book, but who's to say we might not act the same way at a young age, especially when blinded by love? While she annoyed me a little bit for her naivete early on, she evolves into a strong character and you can't help rooting for &/or feeling sorry for her. I didn't particularly love the person her daugther Cory became, but as a victim of some odd & unusual circumstances, maybe her behavior was justified. Show Less
LibraryThing member wagrobanite
This book was really really good! It was slow to get started (hence me taking so long to read it!) but once the story got going, I couldn't wait to finish it to see how it ended. I wasn't a of the whole starting out with Corrine, switching to CeeCee then to Eve, back to Corrine, then finally back
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to Eve, but I completely understand why they did it (all those names will make sense when you read the book ;)). This book also has a lot of thought provoking moments. Does our genetics influence who are or do the parents who raise us? Does your age matter if you commit a crime? It was a very interesting thought at the end! Definitely worth the read! Show Less
LibraryThing member jlouise77
I thought this was a fantastic book!! I love that it had a little bit of everything, suspense, drama, romance, parent/child conflict, it was great! It was also a very fast read, because it was so good, yet was light enough for summer reading and heavy enough to make you think and have an emotional
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reaction to the book. HIghly recommend!! Show Less
LibraryThing member yonitdm
This was an enjoyable story. The characters were well fleshed out and while the mystery was known to the reader, how the ending would wrap up all the loose ends was thrilling and made for tense reading.
LibraryThing member salgalruns
This was definitely a quick read, and overall, it's more of a 3.5 than a 3. There were parts of the story that you just sort of gloss over because they don't seem to be super accurate, but it WAS a summer fiction read for me, and definitely on the lighter side of the books I've been reading, so it
The summary is as follows (in a nutshell): CeeCee committed a crime back when she was 16, in which she delivered a baby girl from a kidnapped hostage who then died following childbirth. She then kept the child for her own and assumed another identity. That's the bottom line. Her child grew up, totally unaware of the way she came into the world and when everything comes out, the drama truly unfolds.
Character wise, I just got annoyed. I'm not one for dependent people, and this book is riddled with needy characters. Eve is utterly and completely dependent on everyone she comes into contact with, with the one exception being her 2nd daughter, Dru, who she can't really connect with as much - interesting. I wanted to tell her to STOP being a therapist and get some therapy for this herself. Cory, her daughter, has so many phobias, that it actually becomes somewhat ridiculous. I got a little frustrated that the two main female roles in the book (mother and daughter) were both dependent and scared of everything, and yet the guys were much stronger and dominant. Sort of annoying.
The one theme that is worthy of discussion in the book is what would you do for your child? What lengths would you go to in order to protect them? In this case, Eve does it all, she deceives, she overprotects, and she loves with wild abandon. Was it too much? We'll never know - the story makes it seem that Cory's anxieties are all a result of Eve's parenting, but who can say if that's the case? Whether Eve's parenting was good or bad would make for some good book club discussions.
FAST read, and some themes (as in parenting) were good discussion points, but I just couldn't get past the annoyance of the characters.
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was easy to do.The summary is as follows (in a nutshell):
Character wise, I just got annoyed. I'm not one for dependent people, and this book is riddled with needy characters. Eve is utterly and completely dependent on everyone she comes into contact with, with the one exception being her 2nd daughter, Dru, who she can't really connect with as much - interesting. I wanted to tell her to STOP being a therapist and get some therapy for this herself. Cory, her daughter, has so many phobias, that it actually becomes somewhat ridiculous. I got a little frustrated that the two main female roles in the book (mother and daughter) were both dependent and scared of everything, and yet the guys were much stronger and dominant. Sort of annoying.
The one theme that is worthy of discussion in the book is what would you do for your child? What lengths would you go to in order to protect them? In this case, Eve does it all, she deceives, she overprotects, and she loves with wild abandon. Was it too much? We'll never know - the story makes it seem that Cory's anxieties are all a result of Eve's parenting, but who can say if that's the case? Whether Eve's parenting was good or bad would make for some good book club discussions.
FAST read, and some themes (as in parenting) were good discussion points, but I just couldn't get past the annoyance of the characters.
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LibraryThing member Marlene-NL
I have read more than 100 pages and to be honest I think the story line is making no sense what so ever. Totally unrealistic. So stupid.Can't say more without spoilers, so I will shut up. For now!. Not sure if I can finish this book with so many idiots in it.
Update May 17 2012: Well, I nearly quit
What I do not like:
The story is crazy, very unrealistic: Especially the kidnapping. It was so weird, giving a 16 year old such a big job to do while she did not know what she had to do. If you are kidnapping someone,you want to be sure the person who is in care of the prisoner, can handle his or her own. In this book that was not the case at all.
2: The coincidences all through this book. 1 example: All of a sudden the husband of the kidnapper pops up to be the president of the school where Eva is teaching.
If this is not enough, then her daughter go's to the exact same school Ceecee was in. Come on now!
What I do like about this book:
I like that her subjects are not doing the most obvious things. I liked that Eve's daughter did not like her mum, and that Eve made a lot of mistakes bringing her up. Normally the main character is the best mum on the planet.I liked the mental illnesses that were in this book.
I am not done yet. Still have to read about 30% but it is getting better and better.
Update May 18 2012. Okay finished it. I think this is a book I would consider a beach read. It is easy to read, sometimes it can be annoying but if you do not expect too much it is a nice read.
Sometimes I am in the mood for easy reads so I will try another Diane Chamberlain book. 3.5 stars.
Update May 17 2012: Well, I nearly quit
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reading this book after what I wrote above.Glad I sticked with it, only because there were so many raving reviews.What I do not like:
The story is crazy, very unrealistic: Especially the kidnapping. It was so weird, giving a 16 year old such a big job to do while she did not know what she had to do. If you are kidnapping someone,you want to be sure the person who is in care of the prisoner, can handle his or her own. In this book that was not the case at all.
2: The coincidences all through this book. 1 example: All of a sudden the husband of the kidnapper pops up to be the president of the school where Eva is teaching.
If this is not enough, then her daughter go's to the exact same school Ceecee was in. Come on now!
What I do like about this book:
I like that her subjects are not doing the most obvious things. I liked that Eve's daughter did not like her mum, and that Eve made a lot of mistakes bringing her up. Normally the main character is the best mum on the planet.I liked the mental illnesses that were in this book.
I am not done yet. Still have to read about 30% but it is getting better and better.
Update May 18 2012. Okay finished it. I think this is a book I would consider a beach read. It is easy to read, sometimes it can be annoying but if you do not expect too much it is a nice read.
Sometimes I am in the mood for easy reads so I will try another Diane Chamberlain book. 3.5 stars.
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LibraryThing member voracious
Cee Cee Wilkes is a naive young teen when she meets Tim, a charismatic young graduate student who frequents the diner where Cee Cee works. Tim is charming and attentive and soon Cee Cee has fallen completely in love with him. When Tim convinces Cee Cee to help him with the kidnapping of the
Once the wife is kidnapped, however, the plans completely unravel and Cee Cee is forced to go into hiding and start a new life as a young mother. Over the years, she matures, becomes educated, and lives a stable family life, never disclosing to her husband or family her real identity or the events that forced her to keep dangerous secrets for many years. Years later, when new information about the kidnapping is revealed, Cee Cee must decide whether she will do the right thing and pay the ultimate price for the truth, or continue to keep her secrets.
I found the writing to be a little pedantic in the beginning and I had a hard time getting into the story due to Cee Cee's naivity and the transparency of Tim's coersion. However, as the story went on, I became more interested in what would happen and I did not forsee Cee Cee's decision at the end. In all, this was an interesting book that made for a very heated discussion at our book club. I would definitely recommend it for a book club, as it raised some excellent ethical debates about the value of human life and freedom.
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governor's wife, in an attempt to coerce the governor into setting his sister (who is on death row) free, Cee Cee goes along with the plot, as she would do anything to help TIm.Once the wife is kidnapped, however, the plans completely unravel and Cee Cee is forced to go into hiding and start a new life as a young mother. Over the years, she matures, becomes educated, and lives a stable family life, never disclosing to her husband or family her real identity or the events that forced her to keep dangerous secrets for many years. Years later, when new information about the kidnapping is revealed, Cee Cee must decide whether she will do the right thing and pay the ultimate price for the truth, or continue to keep her secrets.
I found the writing to be a little pedantic in the beginning and I had a hard time getting into the story due to Cee Cee's naivity and the transparency of Tim's coersion. However, as the story went on, I became more interested in what would happen and I did not forsee Cee Cee's decision at the end. In all, this was an interesting book that made for a very heated discussion at our book club. I would definitely recommend it for a book club, as it raised some excellent ethical debates about the value of human life and freedom.
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LibraryThing member bookalover89
Astounding and heart renching novel! Diane Chamberlain has the talent and heart in her stories.
LibraryThing member nyiper
So detailed from beginning to end....whew. Just a fascinating story. I could not imagine how Chamberlain was going to handle the multiplying number of lies. Beautifully written.
LibraryThing member AmeKole
This book was riveting. I did not feel as though I could connect well to the main character as she stumbled through her endless wrong turns in life, or her daughter as she attempted to reconcile her mothers choices with her own life. It is a great storyline, with a satisfying resolution, but could
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have been better written. I was eager to finish it, both so I could find out how it ends as well as to be done with the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member olegalCA
Really 4 1/2 stars but quite excellent. I always am able to feel Chamberlain's characters, even when she switches every few chapters. It is a delicate storyline but handled sensitively.
LibraryThing member fefferbooks
Eh. It kept my attention, but I thought it went a little overboard trying to be edgy in spots.
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2006
Physical description
7.8 inches
ISBN
077830485X / 9780778304852
Other editions
The Lost Daughter by Diane Chamberlain (Paperback)