I bought this book back in October. I’ve been saving it for two conflicting reasons. 1. Nearly everyone says this is one of the best books (if not, THE best) they’ve ever read. However, when I skimmed the synopsis it dealt with some hard topics, I wasn’t sure I wanted to delve into that territory just yet. And reason 2. Because I knew if I read it, it would be over. No one likes this book to end, so… But, I did read it – and ohmygosh, it’s akin to being on a roller coaster. The highs, the LOWS, and EVERY emotion in between. But in the end, what I remember most of all is the true love and kindness of people, despite their conditions, a community coming together. Which is the sentiment that won out overall.

I’m a member of the Friends and Fiction group on Facebook. It’s an amazing group with readers sharing their favorite books, answering questions others have, etc. I add so many books to my TBR list each time I take a peek at their site. I’ve ALWAYS seen Kristin Hannah’s books listed, but then read a quick blip what they’re about: (historical fiction/war (The Women, The Nightingale) and though nah, I want something happier. (Thank you to my SIL for passing along her copy of The Women and telling me it’s a book that needs to be read! 🙌) Now, I like to mix a more dramatic book and then a lighter book. I feel like I’m learning more about the world this way as well as getting varying points of view, which is always good. Little did I know that one Kristin Hannah book turns into I MUST READ THEM ALL! This is one book I highly recommend – it’s a keeper!

My review on Goodreads:

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to read The Great Alone, let me say this: This book almost did me in. I dove into it and from the very beginning I was hooked, like every other Kristin Hannah book i’ve read so far. Little did I know the non-stop suspense would carry through to the very end. The ups and downs were like a roller coaster. I think I felt every emotion while I read this book, happiness, sadness, I was terrified for the character and mad as hell. I felt bad that war had caused such a change in the dad as well as for his family. All is not lost. This is not doom and gloom. It’s someone’s real life somewhere – but this book is more about resilience, strength, love and most of all hope. You will tear through the pages at such a rapid rate. I’m passing this along to someone special to read. He loves books about Alaska, and he has read the Robert Service poem, The Cremation of Sam McGee, aloud to me. Wow. I think he’ll get through this book about as fast as I did. Another book to keep. I have given away so many books, but these Kristin Hannah books are keepers. Will reread again one day, and that’s not usually my thing.

What’s a favorite of yours? No horror or creepy books, ha ha – I draw the line there.

📚 Until next time…