Publication
St Martins Griffin
Collection
Call number
Fiction H
Status
Available
Call number
Description
After a string of foster homes and the death of her heroin-addict mother, Lexi Baill is taken in by a newly discovered great-aunt who lives a spartan life near Seattle. Lexi soon meets Mia and her loving twin brother, Zach. The friendship flourishes, and Mia's mother draws Lexi into the family circle. A slowly growing attraction between Zach and Lexi begins, but then Lexi, Mia, and Zach collectively make a bad decision that results in a tragedy with extreme repercussions.
Genres
Media reviews
An epic tale of love, friendship, loss and forgiveness.
Once I finished sobbing (and we're talking UGLY cry), I was able to look at Night Road and realize just how wonderful this book truly was.
I am having such a hard time writing the review for this book because it evoked so much emotion
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in me - sad, angry, happy, frustrated - that I don't know if I can find the appropriate words. How do you tell someone about a book that, literally, took your breath away? Having read Winter Garden and Firefly Lane, I thought I knew what I was in for but this one... nothing could prepare me for the ride I was about to have.
As the characters lives become intertwined, and the story more developed, you can see the amazing gift and talent that Kristin Hannah has. Through her writing, I became a classmate of Lexi, Mia and Zach. I could feel every emotion that I had back then, resurfacing. Their journey through high school becomes like that of a memory, something you have done and aren't just reading about.
Overall, this is a book that I am and will be thinking about for a long time to come. Whether you are a mother, a sister or a friends, Night Road is a story that anyone can relate to. A definite MUST-read!!
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A flawed but never dull drama.
Even readers who like their melodrama thick will have problems as Hannah pushes credibility to the breaking point, and more than once.
User reviews
LibraryThing member booksandbosox
Lexi Baill and Mia Farraday are opposites on the scale of privilege - but on the fateful first day of high school, they discover they have more in common than one would guess. Soon Lexi is absorbed by the Farraday family - hovering mom Jude, aloof dad Miles, and gorgeous popular twin Zach - in a
I won this ARC on LibraryThing's Early Reviewers. I've neved read a Hannah novel before but I've become more and more intrigued by them over the years - they look hefty and interesting. Having finished my first shot at her, I'm left a little underwhelmed. It seemed like a less well-done Jodi Picoult novel. The plot was interesting and compelling, but in a predictable sort of way. I don't think anything happened in this novel that I couldn't see coming. The characters were sort of cookie-cutter, in a way that I didn't really understand. I felt like I knew them, but they didn't seem all that unique. And at times, it felt like Hannah was throwing in details that were supposed to make me believe they were unique but really just seemed like the typical idosyncracies that normal people have. My biggest problem with the characterization was how unlikable Jude was. I never - not at any point in the story - felt sympathy for her. Most of the time, I wanted to punch her in the face for being such a horrendously unaware and self-involved person. I liked the redemptive sort of happy ending, though it didn't feel very realistic to me and was maybe the part of the book that dragged the most (as it was blindingly obvious what was going to happen). For me, the most interesting part of this book was the twin relationship and I think it was grossly unexplored. One of the topics that is largely ignored in literature is grief between siblings. Here, Hannah had a wonderful chance to explore that issue and she ignored it, choosing instead to focus on the type of grief we get hit over the head with in the media - that of a parent losing a child. Perhaps this is a personal vendetta of mine but I found it very bothersome. I would have been much more interested in hearing Zach's perspective on things that Jude's. I am certainly willing to give Hannah another chance - the book was touching and compelling, despite its flaws.
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way she's never been before. But when a terrible tragedy strikes, has everyone been too devastated by their own actions to remain the family they were before?I won this ARC on LibraryThing's Early Reviewers. I've neved read a Hannah novel before but I've become more and more intrigued by them over the years - they look hefty and interesting. Having finished my first shot at her, I'm left a little underwhelmed. It seemed like a less well-done Jodi Picoult novel. The plot was interesting and compelling, but in a predictable sort of way. I don't think anything happened in this novel that I couldn't see coming. The characters were sort of cookie-cutter, in a way that I didn't really understand. I felt like I knew them, but they didn't seem all that unique. And at times, it felt like Hannah was throwing in details that were supposed to make me believe they were unique but really just seemed like the typical idosyncracies that normal people have. My biggest problem with the characterization was how unlikable Jude was. I never - not at any point in the story - felt sympathy for her. Most of the time, I wanted to punch her in the face for being such a horrendously unaware and self-involved person. I liked the redemptive sort of happy ending, though it didn't feel very realistic to me and was maybe the part of the book that dragged the most (as it was blindingly obvious what was going to happen). For me, the most interesting part of this book was the twin relationship and I think it was grossly unexplored. One of the topics that is largely ignored in literature is grief between siblings. Here, Hannah had a wonderful chance to explore that issue and she ignored it, choosing instead to focus on the type of grief we get hit over the head with in the media - that of a parent losing a child. Perhaps this is a personal vendetta of mine but I found it very bothersome. I would have been much more interested in hearing Zach's perspective on things that Jude's. I am certainly willing to give Hannah another chance - the book was touching and compelling, despite its flaws.
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LibraryThing member alanna1122
I don't usually read books like this. Books that promise a lot of tearful moments and heartbreak.
I was surprised how much I liked it. I was even more surprised that I found myself reaching for it again and again - squeezing pages in when I could here and there throughout my day.
The characters were
Without going into specifics there is a lot of high drama in this novel. Lifetime TV Movie ready drama. These kind of plot twists and turns generally turn me off - but for some reason I went along for the ride with this novel. I think the writing was just that much better that it made what could have been absurd or just not believable - compelling.
Anyway - it's not a particularly happy book - so maybe not something I'd suggest that you take to read beachside on your honeymoon or something like that - but if you have a long flight or lots of time to kill somewhere - I think this book would just be perfect for making the time fly.
I would recommend it - and more than that I think I will probably read more by this author some day.
I was surprised how much I liked it. I was even more surprised that I found myself reaching for it again and again - squeezing pages in when I could here and there throughout my day.
The characters were
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really well drawn. I felt like I could identify in part with several of them. Being a mom myself - I felt like I share a lot in common with Jude even though my kids are much younger. I thought the teenagers were believable too. There were a few things that bothered me along the way but basically I bought into everyone's story.Without going into specifics there is a lot of high drama in this novel. Lifetime TV Movie ready drama. These kind of plot twists and turns generally turn me off - but for some reason I went along for the ride with this novel. I think the writing was just that much better that it made what could have been absurd or just not believable - compelling.
Anyway - it's not a particularly happy book - so maybe not something I'd suggest that you take to read beachside on your honeymoon or something like that - but if you have a long flight or lots of time to kill somewhere - I think this book would just be perfect for making the time fly.
I would recommend it - and more than that I think I will probably read more by this author some day.
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LibraryThing member Ezinwanyi
I thought the author's writing style was very descriptive and vivid. Her tone was conversational and engaging.
Night Road introduces us to a young woman named Alexa “Lexi” Baill, who was a product of a heroin addicted mother. She was in and out of various foster homes until a great-aunt named
After four days in her new home in Port George, Washington, she makes her first friend Mia Farraday, an outcast, like herself. Mia was the twin sister of Zach Farraday, a popular jock who dragged Mia along in order to try to help her fit in. Soon the three of them become a packaged deal of sorts, going everywhere together, and sleepovers at the Farradays etc.
Jude Farraday became the mother that Alexa always wanted, but never had. Jude Farraday was slightly neurotic when it came to parenting. She insisted on walking her high school kids to their lockers, checking home work, chaperoning all school dances etc.
This book weaves a story about teenagers pushing boundaries, learning responsibilities, making choices and living with the consequences of those choices. It was heart wrenching when I realized that they were going to drive home drunk that fateful night. I knew the consequences would be quite severe and it was.
I loved the easy friendship between Mia and Lexi—the way they accepted each other after experiencing so many rejections in life. I loved how Zach and Lexi fell in love and how Mia ultimately accepted their love. I also loved how hard Zach worked at protecting Mia in all things. This book is about relationships with siblings, parents, and lovers. It reminds me that sometimes in life one bad decision can completely alter the path of your future. Drinking and Driving is always a bad choice, but forgiveness can be a healing comfort.
The author told a wonderful story about acceptance, love, anger, loss and ultimately forgiveness. I was rooting for everyone. I really think Miles Farraday and Eva Lange and the attorney Scott were the unsung heros in this book. I don’t want to give it all away but they were the supporting cast that held the primary characters together.
I LOVED THIS BOOK and I wish I could give it more stars.
Night Road introduces us to a young woman named Alexa “Lexi” Baill, who was a product of a heroin addicted mother. She was in and out of various foster homes until a great-aunt named
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Eva Lange came to claim her. I knew this book would leave me in tears when Lexi met her great-aunt for the first time and said “If you keep me, you won’t regret. I swear it.” I knew then that this young woman was going to captivate me.After four days in her new home in Port George, Washington, she makes her first friend Mia Farraday, an outcast, like herself. Mia was the twin sister of Zach Farraday, a popular jock who dragged Mia along in order to try to help her fit in. Soon the three of them become a packaged deal of sorts, going everywhere together, and sleepovers at the Farradays etc.
Jude Farraday became the mother that Alexa always wanted, but never had. Jude Farraday was slightly neurotic when it came to parenting. She insisted on walking her high school kids to their lockers, checking home work, chaperoning all school dances etc.
This book weaves a story about teenagers pushing boundaries, learning responsibilities, making choices and living with the consequences of those choices. It was heart wrenching when I realized that they were going to drive home drunk that fateful night. I knew the consequences would be quite severe and it was.
I loved the easy friendship between Mia and Lexi—the way they accepted each other after experiencing so many rejections in life. I loved how Zach and Lexi fell in love and how Mia ultimately accepted their love. I also loved how hard Zach worked at protecting Mia in all things. This book is about relationships with siblings, parents, and lovers. It reminds me that sometimes in life one bad decision can completely alter the path of your future. Drinking and Driving is always a bad choice, but forgiveness can be a healing comfort.
The author told a wonderful story about acceptance, love, anger, loss and ultimately forgiveness. I was rooting for everyone. I really think Miles Farraday and Eva Lange and the attorney Scott were the unsung heros in this book. I don’t want to give it all away but they were the supporting cast that held the primary characters together.
I LOVED THIS BOOK and I wish I could give it more stars.
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LibraryThing member annettemills
Night Road was a heartbreaking, emotional book (in a “mother’s worst nightmare” sort of way.) From the first couple of pages, we know there is going to be a tragedy. After that short intro, we are taken back in time to meet our characters.
Mia and Zach are twins just starting high school. They
Lexi is the new girl in school. After living in foster care for most of her life, she comes to live with her great aunt Eva in Port George, Washington, which is an island community on the coast.
Lexi and Mia, both being misfits, hit it off immediately and a strong friendship is born. Eventually, Zach and Lexi begin to have romantic feelings, but the threesome handles this, and they are always together. The first 150 pages of the book cover their high school experience, the building of their bonds, and the difficulties of a typical high school life. And then tragedy strikes.
I won’t say too much about the tragedy, but the following 200+ pages cover the impact this tragedy has on all their lives, and Hanna does this in a very accurate way. Suffice it to say, everyone’s life undergoes dramatic change, and none of these changes are positive.
The plot was compelling, and if you’ve read my recent Blog Hop post, I’m a plot driven person. I never wanted to not finish this book, but I also had trouble “living in” this book. I felt like I was reading a story, never pulled into it, like in the best books. I read it because I wanted to find out what happened. There were only a few, maybe picky problems I had, but I think these may have been why I felt detached, especially at the beginning of the book.
There were just “unfinished” things. For example, Zach is a popular football player. They NEVER talk about football games, or go to the games or anything. It is mentioned several times that Zach is a shoe-in for homecoming king. They even say during the dance, that Zach needs to come inside, because they are going to announce the king. Then…. nothing. We never find out anything about whether he was king. Not that this is important to the story, but I felt these facts were given just to reinforce how popular he was, but they were like threads hanging off the story.
Miles, the twins’ father, is a skeleton character. He exists to tell Jude to stop smothering the kids, which he does every time he appears. Even if they are in the room, Miles never talks to the kids. I found this weird. I felt like Eva, Lexi’s aunt, was also a shallow character. We go for pages and pages, when Lexi is experiencing high school, without ever hearing anything about Eva, when Lexi supposedly lives with her.
Caroline, Jude’s mother, never appears without the reader being told exactly what she is wearing. She’s a rich, uppity, high class woman who is impeccably dressed, but even when we are in the midst of tragedy and sorrow, we are once again given a description of what she is wearing. It detracted from the story for me. Most of the time we are told exactly what Jude is wearing too. “She put on a pair of khakis and a white shirt.” Why does that matter? Can’t we just be told “She got dressed”?
These seem like minor things, but added up, I think they made this story less meaningful to me. Entertaining, but just a story. I loved Hannah’s True Colors. I passed that book on to everyone I know. I just didn’t feel the same way about this book. I’ll pass it on to fans of Hannah, but it’s not at the top of my list of her books.
Thanks LibraryThing and St. Martin’s Press for sending me this book for my honest review.
Mia and Zach are twins just starting high school. They
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have led a privileged life, and their mother, Jude has catered to their every whim (as long as it’s her whim too.) She’s a helicopter parent – she has her hand in every aspect of their lives.Lexi is the new girl in school. After living in foster care for most of her life, she comes to live with her great aunt Eva in Port George, Washington, which is an island community on the coast.
Lexi and Mia, both being misfits, hit it off immediately and a strong friendship is born. Eventually, Zach and Lexi begin to have romantic feelings, but the threesome handles this, and they are always together. The first 150 pages of the book cover their high school experience, the building of their bonds, and the difficulties of a typical high school life. And then tragedy strikes.
I won’t say too much about the tragedy, but the following 200+ pages cover the impact this tragedy has on all their lives, and Hanna does this in a very accurate way. Suffice it to say, everyone’s life undergoes dramatic change, and none of these changes are positive.
The plot was compelling, and if you’ve read my recent Blog Hop post, I’m a plot driven person. I never wanted to not finish this book, but I also had trouble “living in” this book. I felt like I was reading a story, never pulled into it, like in the best books. I read it because I wanted to find out what happened. There were only a few, maybe picky problems I had, but I think these may have been why I felt detached, especially at the beginning of the book.
There were just “unfinished” things. For example, Zach is a popular football player. They NEVER talk about football games, or go to the games or anything. It is mentioned several times that Zach is a shoe-in for homecoming king. They even say during the dance, that Zach needs to come inside, because they are going to announce the king. Then…. nothing. We never find out anything about whether he was king. Not that this is important to the story, but I felt these facts were given just to reinforce how popular he was, but they were like threads hanging off the story.
Miles, the twins’ father, is a skeleton character. He exists to tell Jude to stop smothering the kids, which he does every time he appears. Even if they are in the room, Miles never talks to the kids. I found this weird. I felt like Eva, Lexi’s aunt, was also a shallow character. We go for pages and pages, when Lexi is experiencing high school, without ever hearing anything about Eva, when Lexi supposedly lives with her.
Caroline, Jude’s mother, never appears without the reader being told exactly what she is wearing. She’s a rich, uppity, high class woman who is impeccably dressed, but even when we are in the midst of tragedy and sorrow, we are once again given a description of what she is wearing. It detracted from the story for me. Most of the time we are told exactly what Jude is wearing too. “She put on a pair of khakis and a white shirt.” Why does that matter? Can’t we just be told “She got dressed”?
These seem like minor things, but added up, I think they made this story less meaningful to me. Entertaining, but just a story. I loved Hannah’s True Colors. I passed that book on to everyone I know. I just didn’t feel the same way about this book. I’ll pass it on to fans of Hannah, but it’s not at the top of my list of her books.
Thanks LibraryThing and St. Martin’s Press for sending me this book for my honest review.
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LibraryThing member am64547
Kristin Hannah's Night Road is an emotional story that covers many poignant topics. The story revolves around 2 major characters; Lexi Baill , a 14 year old foster child, and Jude Farraday, an affluent mother to teenage twins Mia and Zach.
I did not enjoy this book, and the only reason I kept
The second half of the book is incredibly heartbreaking. After a tragic car accident, Lexi is left to shoulder all of the blame and subsequent consequences. I struggled to continue reading as heartache after heartache piled themselves on this young girl. It was disheartening when Jude completely shuns Lexi from their lives, and I had no sympathy for her throughout the remainder of the book.
The plot of the book comes off as very cheesy and stereotypical. The Farradays are the wealthy, perfect family who accept no blame for their actions while Lexi struggles to make the best out of her life only to suffer again and again.
I did not enjoy this book, and the only reason I kept
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reading it was in hopes that everything would be righted for Lexi. In the beginning, I enjoyed reading about Lexi and her burgeoning relationships with Mia and Zach, but I found Jude's character to be insufferable. Her constant fretting about her twins made me skim through her narration. She is a classic helicopter mom throughout the book. I also found her attitude towards Lexi to be incredibly condescending and holier than thou; it was okay for Lexi to be a great friend to her children but heaven forbid Lexi consider herself to be one of the Farradays. The second half of the book is incredibly heartbreaking. After a tragic car accident, Lexi is left to shoulder all of the blame and subsequent consequences. I struggled to continue reading as heartache after heartache piled themselves on this young girl. It was disheartening when Jude completely shuns Lexi from their lives, and I had no sympathy for her throughout the remainder of the book.
The plot of the book comes off as very cheesy and stereotypical. The Farradays are the wealthy, perfect family who accept no blame for their actions while Lexi struggles to make the best out of her life only to suffer again and again.
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LibraryThing member KC9333
This is one of Hannah's better novels. Fans of Picoult will find much to like in this book. The characters are well drawn and the story takes a few unexpected turns. The description of a helicopter suburban mom is dead on, as is the gut wrenching depiction of her grief. The last third of the novel,
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however, moves too quickly and covers a lot of ground before reaching its convenient end. Even so, Night Road is definately worth the read. Show Less
LibraryThing member mel927
I received this as an Advanced Reading Copy. From the time I picked it up, I couldn't put it down until I finished. Kristin Hannah knows human emotion. Have a box of kleenex handy.
Lexi grew up in foster care with a druggie mother. As she starts high school she finally learns she has a great aunt
A must-read!
Lexi grew up in foster care with a druggie mother. As she starts high school she finally learns she has a great aunt
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who takes her in. Her first day od school she meets Mia who becomes her best friend. Mia's family is the perfect family. For once Lexi is part of something real and lasting. Until a fateful grad-praty ruins everything. A must-read!
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LibraryThing member ReviewsbyMolly
Wow! Talk about a WILD ride! This book was fantastic! It is a first for me, as I have NEVER read a Kristin Hannah novel before. And it's certainly not going to be the last either! She really brings the different emotions of sadness, happiness and loneliness together in an incredibly unforgettable
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way. This story is filled with so much emotion! WOW! I know I said that already but I just can't help myself. This is a book that is deserving of 5 stars, two thumbs and highest praises. As you meet the many characters in this novel, they will be come family. You won't want the story to end, and you'll do what you can to hang on to those new friends and the story. Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster of a ride with this awesome new novel. Well done, Kristin....you have a new fan! Show Less
LibraryThing member ark76
Hannah's newest book is consistent with the style and genre at which she has become an expert: emotional dramas, speaking closely to mothers. Untypically, the first half of the book was slow and reminiscent of a Lifetime Channel style movie about teenage friendship and love and an overbearing
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mother refusing to let go of her young adults as they approach college. I recommend you stick with it as the second half of the book has much more depth and is worth the wait. The characters that in the first half seemed flat and stereotypical undergo a tragedy that changes everyone. The "after" part of their life shows how grief and guilt can change not just yourself but stress the relationships they thought were unbreakable. This is a story of how a perfect life can be changed in an instant and how to pick up the pieces after everything has gone wrong. Show Less
LibraryThing member sdbookhound
One of my favorite books this year! This book had just the right amount of romance and drama to keep me involved. The characters were well written and believable. This is my first Kristin Hannah book and I'm sure it will not be my last.
LibraryThing member salander_9277
This novel is fantastic! I read it all in one day. It was engaging and completely captivated me until the end.
It is a story of three teens who become friends and the way life altering decisions warp the future. Lexi is a foster care child who is sent to Western Washington to live with her only
It was heartbreaking, poignant, and beautifully written. This is the first novel I've read by Kristin Hannah but it's so enthralling I will be on the lookout for other stories available.
It is a story of three teens who become friends and the way life altering decisions warp the future. Lexi is a foster care child who is sent to Western Washington to live with her only
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known relative after many years in the system. Her great-aunt gives her hope in life and a stable home. She meets Mia and Zach, twins, who become her family after years of being alone. It's a dream come true for Lexi, until one fateful day when one bad decision shatters the world she knows.It was heartbreaking, poignant, and beautifully written. This is the first novel I've read by Kristin Hannah but it's so enthralling I will be on the lookout for other stories available.
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LibraryThing member ariterp
I didn't really like this book when I first started reading it. It seemed a little too cheesy - all too perfect life for mom Jude. Perfect house, perfect boy-girl twins, perfect surgeon husband. The book surprised me though. I loved Lexi's character and was happy with the end of the book.
LibraryThing member kleigh
I loved Lexi from the start and that's what kept me reading - wanting to know the end of her story. This book was a page turner for me - especially the second half. The second half also had more emotional depth and I really feel like I walked away with it teaching me a few things about love and
This was my first Kristin Hannah novel and as long as her other books aren't always as sad as this one, I'm sure I'll be reading many more.
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forgiveness. The book had some things I don't like - (somewhat predictable, mostly sad), but some things I did like (well developed characters, real emotion).This was my first Kristin Hannah novel and as long as her other books aren't always as sad as this one, I'm sure I'll be reading many more.
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LibraryThing member MsNick
Reading Night Road by Kristin Hannah was an emotional and rather improbable rollercoaster ride. I immediately fell in love with Lexi’s character and wanted her to be happy at last, and I was also drawn to many other terrific characters, with the exception of Jude. I found myself growing more and
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more frustrated with Jude, the mother of the twins that Lexi befriends. Heavy-handed as a parent, Jude turns on a dime in regards to her personality to an extent that I found unbelievable. There are many incredible plot-twists leading up to an end that I think most fans of Ms. Hannah’s will enjoy. While I am a reader who prefers gritty over saccharine, and I’m apt to label this book as “Mommy Chick-Lit”, I still found Night Road to be an enjoyable read. Show Less
LibraryThing member MissYvonnee
A good read that held my interest and by midway through I couldn't put it down. Night Road is an emotional story about love, friendship, and family bonds that are shattered by tragedy. It's a story that reminds us that sometimes a key to moving forward is finding forgiveness in others as well as
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ourselves. This is the first Kristin Hannah book I have read and the day after finishing I went to my local library to search out others by her. Show Less
LibraryThing member SissyCa
This was the first Kristin Hannah book I have read, and was hooked by page two. I enjoyed this book and the emotional journey it took me on. This story intertwines two characters that learn about acceptance, forgiveness, and true love. Lexi is a girl who comes from nothing and her coming of age
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with a friend who seems to have everything. Right as all her dreams seem to come true tragedy strikes and a loving mother who is deemed overly protective is left to deal with the unthinkable. Great read would recommend to others. Show Less
LibraryThing member landa102
I recieved this as an ARC from Library Thing and I didn't really know what to expect but upon opening the book I was hooked from the first page. This is the first book I have read from this author and I think now I might go back and read some others.
In this book Kristin Hannah tackles real life at
I will try to explain without giving away the story that the families become interwined until one tragic night when a teenage party and a mistake that happens all to frequently happens and one of the main characters is killed in an accident.
The rest of the story deals with how this affects all the rest of the families with shocking results. Although I could understand Judes grief I also got mad at her often for being so self absorbed in her grief that she forgot the others who needed her love. I have seen this so often in my work as a nurse. In the last part of the book it deals with the power of forgivenss and how when we forgive the forgiveness helps the person who is forgiving more than the person who needs the foregivenss. I cried in this part and for me to cry a book has to be really good because I don't cry easily.
I encourage you to read this book and be touched . This book reminded me of some of Jodi Picoults books.
This is a book that will touch you , make you angry and make you really think about what you would you do if put in the same situation
In this book Kristin Hannah tackles real life at
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its core and also motherhood in all its forms.In the beginning you meet Lexi who has an imperfect life growing up with a mother who doesn't care and The Faraday's who have the perfect life . They are wealthy, affulent and with all the material things a family could want.I will try to explain without giving away the story that the families become interwined until one tragic night when a teenage party and a mistake that happens all to frequently happens and one of the main characters is killed in an accident.
The rest of the story deals with how this affects all the rest of the families with shocking results. Although I could understand Judes grief I also got mad at her often for being so self absorbed in her grief that she forgot the others who needed her love. I have seen this so often in my work as a nurse. In the last part of the book it deals with the power of forgivenss and how when we forgive the forgiveness helps the person who is forgiving more than the person who needs the foregivenss. I cried in this part and for me to cry a book has to be really good because I don't cry easily.
I encourage you to read this book and be touched . This book reminded me of some of Jodi Picoults books.
This is a book that will touch you , make you angry and make you really think about what you would you do if put in the same situation
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LibraryThing member Cats57
Jude Farraday is a happily married, stay-at-home mom who puts everyone’s needs above her own. Her twins, Mia and Zach, are bright and happy teenagers. When Lexi Baill enters their lives, no one is more supportive than Jude. A former foster child with a dark past, Lexi quickly becomes Mia’s best
When Lexi returns, older and wiser, she demands a reckoning. Long buried feelings will rise again, and Jude will finally have to face the woman she has become. She must decide whether to remain broken or try to forgive both Lexi…and herself.
Night Road is a vivid, emotionally complex novel that raises profound questions about motherhood, loss, identity, and forgiveness. It is an exquisite, heartbreaking novel that speaks to women everywhere about the things that matter most.
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friend. Then Zach falls in love with Lexi and the three become inseparable. But senior year of high school brings unexpected dangers and one night, Jude’s worst fears are confirmed: there is an accident. In an instant, her idyllic life is shattered and her close-knit community is torn apart. People—and Jude—demand justice, and when the finger of blame is pointed, it lands solely on eighteen-year-old Lexi Baill. In a heartbeat, their love for each other will be shattered, the family broken. Lexi gives up everything that matters to her—the boy she loves, her place in the family, the best friend she ever had—while Jude loses even more.When Lexi returns, older and wiser, she demands a reckoning. Long buried feelings will rise again, and Jude will finally have to face the woman she has become. She must decide whether to remain broken or try to forgive both Lexi…and herself.
Night Road is a vivid, emotionally complex novel that raises profound questions about motherhood, loss, identity, and forgiveness. It is an exquisite, heartbreaking novel that speaks to women everywhere about the things that matter most.
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LibraryThing member ginger30297
I need to first say that I have never read a Kristin Hannah book before this one. I have always hesitated to buy one of her books when I see them at the store because I did not want to waste the money buying a book I may not even like or finish. That said, I was extremely surprised when I received
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this book and started reading it only to discover that I really was not able to put it down! I know you hear that a lot, I know I do, but I have found that usually does not mean you, yourself, would not be able to put it down. In this case it was true! I was drawn into the story completely. Kristin Hannah was really able to make you FEEL what the characters were feeling. Maybe it was just because I am a Mom and don't have much longer to go before my own children become teenagers, but I could sympathize with everything they were going through. You could feel the pain and helplessness the characters were feeling like you were there yourself, or even in their shoes. I'm not going to go into detail about anything that goes on because you really should just read it and form your own opinion. I will definitely be buying more of her books to read! Show Less
LibraryThing member angela.vaughn
I had been meaning to pick up a Hannah book for years now and had always, ALWAYS opted for another instead. Now...I am kicking myself. If all of her books are this wonderful, I am in for a real treat. No amount of a review can do this book justice, but I can say that this book will be passed around
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may family until it is dogeared, taped and smudged by tears. It will be talked about on facebook, the phone and around the table over coffee. Why? It could have been any one of us.... Show Less
LibraryThing member blockbuster1994
Night Road is my first Kristin Hannah novel. The novel opens with Lexi, a 14 year old girl raised within the foster family system, being delivered to yet another new home. Lexi adapts to her new surroundings and (as teenage girls are apt to due) falls in love. The story kind of stalls out for
But, of course, this is not the end of the story. On a tragic night, a child is killed in a completely realistic scenerio that many of us parents fear. It is a parent's worst nightmare.
This novel explores the aftermath of death, of forgiveness and grief, and how life continues to move forward inspite of the pain.
I found the pace of the writing perfect (even the romance part of the novel on reflection) and the characters well created and believable. Generally this is not the storyline I go for, but I enjoyed the ride and will read more from this author.
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while, but that is exactly how teenage romance works; it is simply larger than life (and sappy to the outsiders).But, of course, this is not the end of the story. On a tragic night, a child is killed in a completely realistic scenerio that many of us parents fear. It is a parent's worst nightmare.
This novel explores the aftermath of death, of forgiveness and grief, and how life continues to move forward inspite of the pain.
I found the pace of the writing perfect (even the romance part of the novel on reflection) and the characters well created and believable. Generally this is not the storyline I go for, but I enjoyed the ride and will read more from this author.
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LibraryThing member smileydq
I read this book in one evening, staying up late because I couldn't put it down. Hannah's descriptions are vivid and her characters are real - I felt as though their struggles were my own; their emotional upheaval affected me and kept me turning the pages. Lexi, Zach and Mia felt like people I had
There were moments in the story that were predictable, for sure (it's hard to write a rich kid/poor kid relationship without falling into at least a couple of standard literary traps) but I definitely found myself surprised more often than not. When tragedy struck, I could truly feel the fabric of these characters' lives ripping apart.
Hannah raises profound questions about motherhood, friendship, identity, loss and forgiveness. I know the product description hints to a chick-lit story aimed mostly at women - and yes, I do believe women are more likely to respond to the story and it's players, but I do not want to label this novel as chick-lit - Hannah deserves the credit for crafting a truly enjoyable, finely nuanced and complex work of literary fiction. I give this book 5 stars, and strongly recommend that readers scoop it up when it hits the shelves in March 2011.
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always known; Jude was just like so many moms I knew in high school. There were moments in the story that were predictable, for sure (it's hard to write a rich kid/poor kid relationship without falling into at least a couple of standard literary traps) but I definitely found myself surprised more often than not. When tragedy struck, I could truly feel the fabric of these characters' lives ripping apart.
Hannah raises profound questions about motherhood, friendship, identity, loss and forgiveness. I know the product description hints to a chick-lit story aimed mostly at women - and yes, I do believe women are more likely to respond to the story and it's players, but I do not want to label this novel as chick-lit - Hannah deserves the credit for crafting a truly enjoyable, finely nuanced and complex work of literary fiction. I give this book 5 stars, and strongly recommend that readers scoop it up when it hits the shelves in March 2011.
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LibraryThing member revzonian
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for the advanced reader's copy of Night Road. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as my first Kristin Hannah experience. I was immersed into the plot and struggled with my love-hate relationship with the characters almost immediately. It is easy to dislike Jude Farraday,
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the overprotective mother of teenage fraternal twins because she hovered over every detail of their lives. I disliked her even more so after the tragedy that occurred in their lives, but I understood where she was coming from. Being a mother is not easy, and when you think that your parenting skills are going to produce the best outcomes, you lose sight of the minor details in your children's lives that really matter. For instance, she didn't even know what her daughter's favorite flower was. To make matters worse, she didn't even grow that kind of flower in her garden. She also didn't think to have "the talk" with her son, though she did with her daughter. In any event, she learns the hard way to just go with the flow, and that was when I started liking her. Of the twins, Zach was the stronger one and Mia was the insecure one. Lexi was the best friend of Mia and eventually the girlfriend. Nothing could break this triangle, until the tragedy, but a gift and a second chance become the answer. I couldn't put this book down and was bawling quite a bit towards the end, so grab a box of tissues. Show Less
LibraryThing member SPutman
I happily received an advance readers' edition of this book. Having not read Kristin Hannah's books before, I had no idea what to expect. Even though I snagged a free Kindle version of Firefly Lane, I have not read it yet...but I will now. (Hannah is comparable to Jodi Picoult in her
The book covers a ten-year span, from 2000 when the main character is 14 to 2010 when she is 24. I won't give you the plot summary since many others have done so here. In fact, I'd say don't read too many reviews because too much is given away. But I will say I was wrapped up in the story from beginning to end. The characters are well developed, and the plot has enough twists and turns to hold the reader's interest throughout the story.
Hannah's well-written story has much to say about life, relationships, parenting, families, forgiveness and acceptance. Read it. You will be glad you did.
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storytelling.)The book covers a ten-year span, from 2000 when the main character is 14 to 2010 when she is 24. I won't give you the plot summary since many others have done so here. In fact, I'd say don't read too many reviews because too much is given away. But I will say I was wrapped up in the story from beginning to end. The characters are well developed, and the plot has enough twists and turns to hold the reader's interest throughout the story.
Hannah's well-written story has much to say about life, relationships, parenting, families, forgiveness and acceptance. Read it. You will be glad you did.
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LibraryThing member reader247
Kristin Hannah has another solid life story in her latest novel: Night Road. This is the story of friendship and love and seeing things when others don't. Lexi has been passed around in foster care since her drug addicted mother died. When she settles in one place she meets a true friend and
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becomes a vital part of their family. Many things happen for a reason and this story is all about forgiveness. Very touching. Show Less
Language
Original publication date
2011
ISBN
9781250838490