Status
Available
Call number
Publication
New York, N.Y. : St. Martin's Press, 2012.
Description
Fiction. Literature. HTML: "Home Front is Hannah's crowning achievement."�??The Huffington Post In this powerhouse of a novel, Kristin Hannah explores the intimate landscape of a troubled marriage with this provocative and timely portrait of a husband and wife, in love and at war. All marriages have a breaking point. All families have wounds. All wars have a cost. . . . Like many couples, Michael and Jolene Zarkades have to face the pressures of everyday life�??children, careers, bills, chores�??even as their twelve-year marriage is falling apart. Then a deployment sends Jolene deep into harm's way and leaves defense attorney Michael at home, unaccustomed to being a single parent to their two girls. As a mother, it agonizes Jolene to leave her family, but as a solider, she has always understood the true meaning of duty. In her letters home, she paints a rose-colored version of her life on the front lines, shielding her family from the truth. But war will change Jolene in ways that none of them could have foreseen. When tragedy strikes, Michael must face his darkest fear and fight a battle of his own�??for everything that matters to his family. At once a profoundly honest look at modern marriage and a dramatic exploration of the toll war takes on an ordinary American family, Home Front is a story of love, loss, heroism, honor, and ultimately, hope. "Hannah has written a remarkable tale of duty, love, strength, and hope that is at times poignant and always thoroughly captivating and relevant." �??Library Journal (starr… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member squiresj
This book will have you reading and not be able to put down. You will get a better understanding about how it is to have a soldier in the family. Also how their return affects all of the family.
I never understood how my brother's first marriage broke up but now I do.
Also a guy at chuch came back
Be sure and have a box of kleenxs on hand.
I never understood how my brother's first marriage broke up but now I do.
Also a guy at chuch came back
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and I taught his son, I saw so much of this. You hear more and more on the news about soldiers committing violent acts. You would understand if you read this book.Be sure and have a box of kleenxs on hand.
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LibraryThing member ashlou6225
Another tear jerker! Cried from the middle all the way through!
LibraryThing member bandpmom
I loved this book! What an amazing story of a military family. This is not a traditional military family, instead the mother gets deployed to Iraq instead of the husband. The husband is not supportive but stays to take care of his children. This story deals with the emotional toll the war takes on
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the entire family, not just the person deployed. It also deals with PTSD, a real disorder that affects the person for life. The author does an excellent job of giving details that make the story come to life. It makes you realize the hard job the military has to provide our freedom while still being real people with real problems. I laughed, I cried, I sympathized because I was also a military wife with a husband that was deployed. Thankfully, he was in the Navy before 9/11 and we were not at war. If you want to know the truth about the soldiers and sailors that fight for us overseas and the family that is left behind, read this book! Show Less
LibraryThing member bookaholicmom
This story addresses some important issues. Jolene is a mom and wife but she also serves in the National Guard. When she is deployed to Iraq, she leaves behind her daughters and unhappy husband. I could feel the pain that our service members must feel when they have to leave their loved ones
Michael is Jolene's husband. He struggles with his life being up ended. Michael is assigned a case where an ex-soldier has killed his wife. His client is not talking which makes his job difficult. To top it off he has to take care of his daughters while his wife is deployed.
I won't give away any more of the story. It would spoil it for the reader. This book is emotional and at times heart wrenching. It gives a look into the families who are left behind when a service member is deployed. My husband is retired military so I remember those difficult times. This book gives us a different look as mom is the one who is being deployed. The reader also gets to see what it is like for the service member when they are deployed.
Kristin Hannah always makes me see two or three sides to every story and this book is no different. She can take a character you are pretty sure you will hate and make you see things through their eyes. She does her research when she tackles a new book and subject. As a reader, I appreciate the work and research she puts into each story. I felt so many different emotions reading this book, which I pretty much read in one day. You can't put this one down! This is a book I won't soon forget. I look forward to Kristin Hannah's next novel!
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behind. They hurt but have to keep their heads on straight to do their job. Not an easy thing to do. I found myself admiring Jolene for her strength!Michael is Jolene's husband. He struggles with his life being up ended. Michael is assigned a case where an ex-soldier has killed his wife. His client is not talking which makes his job difficult. To top it off he has to take care of his daughters while his wife is deployed.
I won't give away any more of the story. It would spoil it for the reader. This book is emotional and at times heart wrenching. It gives a look into the families who are left behind when a service member is deployed. My husband is retired military so I remember those difficult times. This book gives us a different look as mom is the one who is being deployed. The reader also gets to see what it is like for the service member when they are deployed.
Kristin Hannah always makes me see two or three sides to every story and this book is no different. She can take a character you are pretty sure you will hate and make you see things through their eyes. She does her research when she tackles a new book and subject. As a reader, I appreciate the work and research she puts into each story. I felt so many different emotions reading this book, which I pretty much read in one day. You can't put this one down! This is a book I won't soon forget. I look forward to Kristin Hannah's next novel!
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LibraryThing member rdh123
Wow, what a story. Michael and Jolene Zarkades, husband and wife, father and mother to 2 girls ages 4 and 11, .lawyer and Black Hawk pilot. Jolene is deployed along with her best friend, Tami. A story of the struggles of leaving a family and the struggles of returning from war. A story full of
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emotions. Would recommend this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member RtB
Reviewed by JoAnne
Review copy provided by SheKnows Book Club
This was a wonderful story of family, friendships, duty and the destruction and havoc of war. I was reeled in from the first page to the last especially with the prologue that set the stage and the epilogue that wrapped everything up
Favorite Quote: Michael reached out, took Jolene's hand. He should have done that before, told her he'd be there for her. She grasped his hand so tightly it hurt. He wanted to wrap his arms around both of them, but he didn't dare. If he got close enough to kiss her, he might fall apart and be the only man in the room who cried. His kids didn't need to see that.
Review copy provided by SheKnows Book Club
This was a wonderful story of family, friendships, duty and the destruction and havoc of war. I was reeled in from the first page to the last especially with the prologue that set the stage and the epilogue that wrapped everything up
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neatly and tied up the loose ends. All my emotions and senses were involved. There were tears, sobs, outright laughter, love, heartache and loss. The scenes set in Iraq were so vivid that you felt you were there feeling the heat with the dust swirling and mud forming along with all the sounds of the war - bombs, machine gun fire and helicopters on missions. You could feel how the war separated families, how soldiers had to be creative to stay in contact with their families back home and how both those in the war and those at home had to sugarcoat their lives so as not to give the others something to worry about and not be able to do something to help. The friendships created by those serving together in the military whether at home or in a war zone created unbreakable bonds and they became each others family. The struggles upon their return home, especially when injured, was heartbreaking. You felt you were on the roller coaster with the families being reunited especially since they had difficulty knowing where they fit in - those on the home front had managed without them while they served their country. There was a happily ever after that was not expected for one family whose love ended up stronger and heartache for another. I highly recommend this book as well as others written by Hannah, although by far this is my favorite book of hers.Favorite Quote: Michael reached out, took Jolene's hand. He should have done that before, told her he'd be there for her. She grasped his hand so tightly it hurt. He wanted to wrap his arms around both of them, but he didn't dare. If he got close enough to kiss her, he might fall apart and be the only man in the room who cried. His kids didn't need to see that.
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LibraryThing member bookwyrmm
Hannah knows how to play a reader’s emotions. As I listened to this, I smiled, I cried (way more than I wanted), and I yelled at the characters—a lot! It really takes talent to make a reader (or listener) do that, so kudos to Hannah for writing yet another remarkable, heart-wrenching tale.
LibraryThing member KristiB41
I love every story by Kristin Hannah. This was no exception. I could have done without so much information on the husband's case he was trying but I see how it had to play out for the ending of the book. Another great book from one of my all time favorite authors!
LibraryThing member bdouglas97
Really enjoyed another Kristin Hannah novel...Really felt the intensity of the front lines and the trauma that faces our troops when they get home.
LibraryThing member busyreadin
A compelling story of a 41 year old woman whose marriage is suddenly in trouble who is suddenly called to active duty in Iran for the National Guard.
More than a war story, it chronicles the life of a workaholic husband thrust into the role of Mr Mom. Dealing with a tween and a kindergardener is
When Jolene is injured and returns home, the struggle begins to rehab both her physical and her emotional life.
This book stuck with me for a couple of weeks. I kept thinking about the characters and their lives. To me that makes a 5 star book.
More than a war story, it chronicles the life of a workaholic husband thrust into the role of Mr Mom. Dealing with a tween and a kindergardener is
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much more of a challenge than he anticipates and it causes him to re-evaluate his role in his family and his marriage.When Jolene is injured and returns home, the struggle begins to rehab both her physical and her emotional life.
This book stuck with me for a couple of weeks. I kept thinking about the characters and their lives. To me that makes a 5 star book.
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LibraryThing member Twink
When patrons come into the library looking for a 'good' story, Kristin Hannah is an author that I recommend.
In her latest book, Hannah tackles a number of themes, combining them into a topical and thought provoking read.
Michael and Jolene have been married for a number of years. They have two
Home Front explores a struggling marriage, the effects of war and military service on family, friends and on the military members themselves, both during and after service. Hannah has turned things around by having a mom and wife as the one leaving and the husband as the one holding up the home front.
I really did not like Michael at all in the beginning. It took the entire book for me to change my opinion. This is a testament to Hannah's story telling. All of her characters rang true and I became emotionally involved in each and every one of their stories. Jolene's oldest daughter Betsy is a typical twelve year old - very self centered and hard to love at times. Five year old Lulu's bewilderment was heartbreaking. The relationship between Jolene and her best friend Tammy is a joy. Jolene's rough childhood has made her determined to always paint a sunny picture and smile through it all. But, the war changes each and every relationship -mother, daughters, husband, wife, friend and most difficult of all - Jolene's relationship with herself.
Kristin Hannah has done a remarkable job of depicting war, the horrors, the after effects, the pride, honour and duty associated with the military. Just as engaging is the story of a husband and wife, striving to find the love they once shared.
So, those looking for a (really) 'good' story will find it in Home Front.
In her latest book, Hannah tackles a number of themes, combining them into a topical and thought provoking read.
Michael and Jolene have been married for a number of years. They have two
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daughters. Michael is a lawyer and Jolene is a helicopter pilot in the National Guard. There have been bumps along the way, but nothing prepares Jolene for Michael's unexpected announcement - he doesn't love her anymore and wants a divorce. Jolene has an announcement of her own - she's been deployed to Iraq...Home Front explores a struggling marriage, the effects of war and military service on family, friends and on the military members themselves, both during and after service. Hannah has turned things around by having a mom and wife as the one leaving and the husband as the one holding up the home front.
I really did not like Michael at all in the beginning. It took the entire book for me to change my opinion. This is a testament to Hannah's story telling. All of her characters rang true and I became emotionally involved in each and every one of their stories. Jolene's oldest daughter Betsy is a typical twelve year old - very self centered and hard to love at times. Five year old Lulu's bewilderment was heartbreaking. The relationship between Jolene and her best friend Tammy is a joy. Jolene's rough childhood has made her determined to always paint a sunny picture and smile through it all. But, the war changes each and every relationship -mother, daughters, husband, wife, friend and most difficult of all - Jolene's relationship with herself.
Kristin Hannah has done a remarkable job of depicting war, the horrors, the after effects, the pride, honour and duty associated with the military. Just as engaging is the story of a husband and wife, striving to find the love they once shared.
So, those looking for a (really) 'good' story will find it in Home Front.
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LibraryThing member bachaney
The Iraq War has become the subject of many pop culture subjects in recent years. Most of these stories are told from the perspective of a young man. I was drawn to Home Front, the latest novel from Kristin Hannah because it is told from the perspective of a middle aged mother, who is taken from
Hannah's research for this novel must have been meticulous, because she really captures the life of a helicopter pilot and what it must be like for a woman to deploy to Iraq. She also does a great job of capturing PTSD and the challenges of recovering from a major injury. This is not an easy, fun story to read, but it did make me think about the sacrifices our troops have made in Iraq. Hannah's strengths as a writer really help the reader to explore this, and there is enough of her normal love and family life to keep the Hannah fan engaged. All in all a really great story that helps connect a female reader to the Iraq war experience.
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her suburban life in the Army Reserves straight to the front lines in Iraq. The novel chronicles how Jolene's life changes from sedate and perfect to upside down as her husband tells her he has doubts about her marriage on the eve of her deployment, her children panic at her departure, and she must deal with the harsh realities of life in Iraq. One fateful day the unthinkable happens, and Jolene's helicopter is in the line of fire. The aftermath of that situation will change Jolene's life and her family, forever.Hannah's research for this novel must have been meticulous, because she really captures the life of a helicopter pilot and what it must be like for a woman to deploy to Iraq. She also does a great job of capturing PTSD and the challenges of recovering from a major injury. This is not an easy, fun story to read, but it did make me think about the sacrifices our troops have made in Iraq. Hannah's strengths as a writer really help the reader to explore this, and there is enough of her normal love and family life to keep the Hannah fan engaged. All in all a really great story that helps connect a female reader to the Iraq war experience.
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LibraryThing member Pat.Egan.Fordyce
I found this book extremely emotional for me. I am a great fan of Kristin Hannah novels, Firefly Lane I think was my favorite...until now.
The Zarkades family seems like your ordinary American family...till you take a closer look. Michael is a criminal defense attorney, starting to wonder if he will
This is where the true story of Michael, Jolene, Betsy and Lulu starts. It s a story of honor, patriotism, loss, but most of all love. Jolene learns she is not a superwoman, Michael learns that words misspoken in anger and pain, can cut to the heart.
I enjoyed every emotion evoked by this wonderful story, and can't wait for Ms. Hannah's next. Thank you for your wonderful stories.
The Zarkades family seems like your ordinary American family...till you take a closer look. Michael is a criminal defense attorney, starting to wonder if he will
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ever be able to defend an innocent person. He is quite affected by his fathers death, but is unable to express his feelings. Consequently, he's removed himself from the family, and working harder than ever. Jolene had a difficult childhood, without real family or love. She is a helicopter pilot with the National Guard, a mother of two girls, (12 and 4 ), and trying to work as a super mom, as her husband starts to act emotionally colder. He starts missing family dinners, sports events for his 12 year old, and most devastating to Jolene, he even forgot her birthday. By her side emotionally and physically is her best friend/ next door neighbor Tami. They are both in the Guard and fly together often. One night after Michael again missed an important event, and in a combination fo anger and guilt, he lashes out at Jolene and tells her "I don't love you anymore!" Within days she finds out she is being deployed with Tami to Iraq.This is where the true story of Michael, Jolene, Betsy and Lulu starts. It s a story of honor, patriotism, loss, but most of all love. Jolene learns she is not a superwoman, Michael learns that words misspoken in anger and pain, can cut to the heart.
I enjoyed every emotion evoked by this wonderful story, and can't wait for Ms. Hannah's next. Thank you for your wonderful stories.
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LibraryThing member KC9333
Somewhat predictable but so well written it is easy to forgive. You cannot help but root for these characters as they struggle to put their lives back togethr after tragedy strikes.
LibraryThing member Sharn
"She had to go away to war and lose almost everything to find what really mattered."
Well, there it is, in one quote, that Kristin Hannah wrote herself, the summary of this whole book. Right now I wish I had a Kindle or had marked pages with good quotes on them because now I can't find them. What an
This book is about a woman, Jolene, who flies a Black Hawk in the military and is deployed to Iraq with her best friend, Tami, who also flies. The day before Jolene got the news that she was getting deployed, her husband told her that he didn't love her anymore. When she left for Iraq she had to cope with leaving her children and worrying about her marriage. As the days passed she just went through the motions until she could see her kids again until one night, her Black Hawk is shot down. Now it's a whole new world and Jolene has to be stronger than she's ever had to be in the past.
I really liked this book and yes, I cried. Not like I did in Night Road but I still wiped away some tears.
Definite recommend.
Well, there it is, in one quote, that Kristin Hannah wrote herself, the summary of this whole book. Right now I wish I had a Kindle or had marked pages with good quotes on them because now I can't find them. What an
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amazing story of love, determination, stubbornness and loyalty.This book is about a woman, Jolene, who flies a Black Hawk in the military and is deployed to Iraq with her best friend, Tami, who also flies. The day before Jolene got the news that she was getting deployed, her husband told her that he didn't love her anymore. When she left for Iraq she had to cope with leaving her children and worrying about her marriage. As the days passed she just went through the motions until she could see her kids again until one night, her Black Hawk is shot down. Now it's a whole new world and Jolene has to be stronger than she's ever had to be in the past.
I really liked this book and yes, I cried. Not like I did in Night Road but I still wiped away some tears.
Definite recommend.
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LibraryThing member bookalover89
Kristin Hannah has once again written a beautiful story of love, loss, and hope. You won't soon forget "Home Front."
LibraryThing member vonze
Kristin Hannah's latest novel is a powerful, emotional read. At first, I wasn't sure I'd identify with the main character, Jolene, a 40 year old mother who is being deployed to Iraq. However, Kristin Hannah, who I wasn't familiar with prior to reading this novel, truly breathes life into her
Although the plot involves the Iraq War, the novel does not come off as political, it does an excellent job of focusing on the struggles of a wife and mother who happens to be a soldier. The story breaks your heart and then believably begins to heal the pieces.
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characters. I felt that Jolene and her husband, Michael, grew and evolved in a natural, realistic way.Although the plot involves the Iraq War, the novel does not come off as political, it does an excellent job of focusing on the struggles of a wife and mother who happens to be a soldier. The story breaks your heart and then believably begins to heal the pieces.
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LibraryThing member MaryinHB
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT
Jolene and Michael deal with daily life like other couples, they have their ups and downs, although currently, there are in a down phase. So when reservist Jolene is called up for duty to serve in Iraq, the family is thrown into turmoil. Although she hides it, as a mother of
Kristin Hannah tackles some very important subjects in her latest release. I have always felt that the public doesn't really know what happens in a combat zone, unless you are related to someone who has been there and even then, you don't get the full story since these people are trained to push aside their feelings. It also brings up the question of whether women should serve in combat. To say this is an emotional read is an understatement and much like Jodi Picoult, Hannah mines the depth of research and character development to bring to life a story that I am sure is happening all over the country but mostly not talked about.
LOVED IT
Jolene and Michael deal with daily life like other couples, they have their ups and downs, although currently, there are in a down phase. So when reservist Jolene is called up for duty to serve in Iraq, the family is thrown into turmoil. Although she hides it, as a mother of
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young children, what she sees there tears her apart and leaves her with PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome). Michael must step up and become a single parent while defending another soldier who kills his wife and is clearly suffering from PTSD as well after being shot down from her Black Hawk helicopter. (Note: major tears at this point) Michael feels sorry for himself after the death of his father and feels he doesn't love Jo anymore and lets her know. (Serious weeping at this point)Kristin Hannah tackles some very important subjects in her latest release. I have always felt that the public doesn't really know what happens in a combat zone, unless you are related to someone who has been there and even then, you don't get the full story since these people are trained to push aside their feelings. It also brings up the question of whether women should serve in combat. To say this is an emotional read is an understatement and much like Jodi Picoult, Hannah mines the depth of research and character development to bring to life a story that I am sure is happening all over the country but mostly not talked about.
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LibraryThing member lrobe190
From a distance, Michael and Joleen Zarkades seem to have it all: a solid marriage, two exciting careers, and children they adore. But after twelve years together, the couple has lost their way; they are unhappy and edging toward divorce. Then the Iraq war starts. An unexpected deployment will tear
Once again Hannah explores a current issue from several perspectives, drawing readers into the story, allowing them to experience a roller coaster of emotions.. Impossible to put down. The ending was a little abrupt which was disappointing given the tautness of the rest of the story.
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their already fragile family apart, sending one of them deep into harm's way and leaving the other at home, waiting for news. When the worst happens, each must face their darkest fear and fight for the future of their family.Once again Hannah explores a current issue from several perspectives, drawing readers into the story, allowing them to experience a roller coaster of emotions.. Impossible to put down. The ending was a little abrupt which was disappointing given the tautness of the rest of the story.
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LibraryThing member teeth
This story is about a broken marriageand a soldier coming home from war. it helps all of us who read this novel to try and understand what our soldiers go through when they come home from war.
LibraryThing member kiwifortyniner
This is the first book I have read by Kirsten Hannah and the best one that I have read that deals with life for a military family involved in the war in Iraq. The characters will stay with me. They were very real. Michael and Jolene have had 12 happy years together and have two children they adore
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but their marriage is going through a rough patch and they are heading towards divorce. It is at this point that Jolene, a helicopter pilot is deployed to Iraq with her really good friend Tami. Michael does not understand or appreciate what his wife is doing and why she has to go there at all and he is certainly not prepared or ready to care for the children, and resents having to do it. Jolene is torn between her duty and her love of her family and knows what she must do but finds it really difficult to leave the family. Her youngest daughter is still very young. What do you write in the goodbye letter that you leave for them in case you do not come back and once you are there what do you tell your husband with whom you are not communicationg very well, and your children, about what you are doing over there. How do you cope with the death of colleagues, and how do you cope if you are injured and not able to continue to lead the life that you are used to. This book deals with all these issues, to me, very effectively. It was a moving story that brought me to tears but left me with hope for the famiy. Show Less
LibraryThing member Staciele
Ever since I read FIREFLY LANE, I have been in love with Kristin Hannah's writing. In the novels she has written and I have read since, I have become more and more entranced in her writing. I noticed a big change when I read WINTER GARDEN and then NIGHT ROAD. Both stories were so emotionally
I have never had a novel grip me so emotionally as HOME FRONT did. By chapter five, I was sobbing so much, my children were worried about me and I had to stop reading because I couldn't see the words anymore. I am not the only reader to feel this way. Many friends that have read it felt the same way. Hannah has found a way to write the words exactly how they would be felt and those of us reading can feel like the characters are our friends and family. We are hurting right along side of them. This story will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
With no one close to me going off to war, I learned much about military families and their way of life. I have a new appreciation for those who go off to war and for those who have been left behind at home. Even though you see and hear about the families, the daily struggles are often forgotten. In this story, the mother is the one to go off to war. Not just any mom, but a mom who runs the household, controls the schedule, and is the main caretaker in the family. Jolene lives and breathes her military career, but her family is what means the most to her. Jolene gets the kids ready for school, drops them off, goes off to her job, picks the kids up and handles all the night time care while her husband is gone all day running his law firm. So, when Jolene has to go off to war, Michael has no idea what he is in for. In the book where Jolene and her friend Tami are talking about leaving for war, Jolene asks, "How have men done it all these years, gone off to war and left their kids behind?" Tami answers, "They had wives." That is what makes this story different and one to be read.
Without giving away too much of the story, another part of the novel stuck with me, "There was so much training before one goes to war, and so little for one's return." Unfortunately, I am hearing more and more of how true this is. There aren't enough resources to assist those to transition back into civilian life. After just reading UNBROKEN, I have come to realize our government has not come far enough since WWII in ways to help soldiers deal with the effects of PTSD and the horrors of war.
There is so much I could say about his novel, but I don't want to spoil one bit of the story for anyone who has yet to read it. This would make an excellent book club pick. The dynamics of family, friendships, marriage, war, and grief will make for a lively discussion. This has definitely been my favorite book of the year.
Finally, I want to leave you with one last piece from the story that reminded me to live my life truthfully and not hide behind my intentions.
"It's not intentions that matter. It's actions. We are what we do and say, not what we intend to."
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gripping they ripped at my heart and pulled me through the novel gasping for air. Then HOME FRONT came out and I purchased it immediately. Since then I have heard wonderful accolades and read many reviews about how powerful the story is. But reviews and book club reads have kept me from reading it...until now. I have never had a novel grip me so emotionally as HOME FRONT did. By chapter five, I was sobbing so much, my children were worried about me and I had to stop reading because I couldn't see the words anymore. I am not the only reader to feel this way. Many friends that have read it felt the same way. Hannah has found a way to write the words exactly how they would be felt and those of us reading can feel like the characters are our friends and family. We are hurting right along side of them. This story will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
With no one close to me going off to war, I learned much about military families and their way of life. I have a new appreciation for those who go off to war and for those who have been left behind at home. Even though you see and hear about the families, the daily struggles are often forgotten. In this story, the mother is the one to go off to war. Not just any mom, but a mom who runs the household, controls the schedule, and is the main caretaker in the family. Jolene lives and breathes her military career, but her family is what means the most to her. Jolene gets the kids ready for school, drops them off, goes off to her job, picks the kids up and handles all the night time care while her husband is gone all day running his law firm. So, when Jolene has to go off to war, Michael has no idea what he is in for. In the book where Jolene and her friend Tami are talking about leaving for war, Jolene asks, "How have men done it all these years, gone off to war and left their kids behind?" Tami answers, "They had wives." That is what makes this story different and one to be read.
Without giving away too much of the story, another part of the novel stuck with me, "There was so much training before one goes to war, and so little for one's return." Unfortunately, I am hearing more and more of how true this is. There aren't enough resources to assist those to transition back into civilian life. After just reading UNBROKEN, I have come to realize our government has not come far enough since WWII in ways to help soldiers deal with the effects of PTSD and the horrors of war.
There is so much I could say about his novel, but I don't want to spoil one bit of the story for anyone who has yet to read it. This would make an excellent book club pick. The dynamics of family, friendships, marriage, war, and grief will make for a lively discussion. This has definitely been my favorite book of the year.
Finally, I want to leave you with one last piece from the story that reminded me to live my life truthfully and not hide behind my intentions.
"It's not intentions that matter. It's actions. We are what we do and say, not what we intend to."
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LibraryThing member kim.jacobs
Another great book from Kristin Hannah! I love how she is able to put so many feelings into words, and the books are so true to life and realistic that it makes it easy to relate to so many characters! I enjoyed getting to know Tami and Jo and following their story, their friends, and families.
LibraryThing member TerriBooks
This novel addresses the effects of military service on families and individuals, especially focusing on the issues when it's Mom who goes to war, and comes back with a life-changing injury. Despite a couple slow places with a bit too much introspection, the story moved along quickly and kept my
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interest. At times it became "preachy," the author trying a little too hard to make her point. But I enjoyed the characters and their development through the book. And the setting of an island a ferry ride away from Seattle was an extra that I loved. Show Less
LibraryThing member jo-jo
Hannah did a marvelous job of taking something we hear about every day and giving us an inside glimpse of a family scarred by war. This novel was an example of how war changes everyone, and leaves an impression on soldiers' souls for a lifetime. Jolene is the heroine of our story, and even though
Since Jolene was raised by two alcoholic parents, she adapted the attitude early on of brushing off the bad circumstances, smiling, and moving on. She wouldn't allow herself to grovel in self-pity. This attitude can be fine and dandy in most circumstances, but in others it may appear that you are not offering support to others in need. This behavior is what pushed her husband Michael away as he deals with his grief alone and practically giving up on their marriage.
Things change quickly for the family when Jolene is deployed to Iraq as a helicopter pilot. As she prepares for war she tries to assure her girls that she will be fine and won't even see the front lines of battle. But she is scared and doesn't know what to expect over there. Her heart and mind are in more turmoil as she realizes her marriage is over as her unit deploys.
I think Hannah did a great job of letting us know what the war is like. One thing I guess I didn't realize before reading this novel is that unlike previous wars, everywhere is the front line. There isn't a safe haven to retreat to and soldiers must always be on their guard. We all hear how bad things are on the news, but sometimes the gravity of the situation is not realized. That's how it was for me until I read this book.
While Jolene is gone, Michael steps up to the plate and finally becomes the father he should have been years ago. He changes in her absence, and also comes to accept Jolene for the woman she is, the woman he fell in love with. Upon her return, they are both wounded souls and now must fight for the person they fell in love with, although they have both changed and will never be the people they once were.
This was a very good book, and I think my only complaint is the overall sadness of the story. I understand it is not a joyful theme by any means, but I was spotted crying several times while reading this one. With themes of family, love, loss, war, and perseverance, I think many of you would enjoy this book. The gals in my book club loved this book and it made for a great discussion. I don't hesitate in recommending this novel for personal reading or as a book club selection.
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she beat the odds of her youth, she now has a new battle to face.Since Jolene was raised by two alcoholic parents, she adapted the attitude early on of brushing off the bad circumstances, smiling, and moving on. She wouldn't allow herself to grovel in self-pity. This attitude can be fine and dandy in most circumstances, but in others it may appear that you are not offering support to others in need. This behavior is what pushed her husband Michael away as he deals with his grief alone and practically giving up on their marriage.
Things change quickly for the family when Jolene is deployed to Iraq as a helicopter pilot. As she prepares for war she tries to assure her girls that she will be fine and won't even see the front lines of battle. But she is scared and doesn't know what to expect over there. Her heart and mind are in more turmoil as she realizes her marriage is over as her unit deploys.
I think Hannah did a great job of letting us know what the war is like. One thing I guess I didn't realize before reading this novel is that unlike previous wars, everywhere is the front line. There isn't a safe haven to retreat to and soldiers must always be on their guard. We all hear how bad things are on the news, but sometimes the gravity of the situation is not realized. That's how it was for me until I read this book.
While Jolene is gone, Michael steps up to the plate and finally becomes the father he should have been years ago. He changes in her absence, and also comes to accept Jolene for the woman she is, the woman he fell in love with. Upon her return, they are both wounded souls and now must fight for the person they fell in love with, although they have both changed and will never be the people they once were.
This was a very good book, and I think my only complaint is the overall sadness of the story. I understand it is not a joyful theme by any means, but I was spotted crying several times while reading this one. With themes of family, love, loss, war, and perseverance, I think many of you would enjoy this book. The gals in my book club loved this book and it made for a great discussion. I don't hesitate in recommending this novel for personal reading or as a book club selection.
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Language
Original publication date
2012
ISBN
1429942215 / 9781429942218