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I first read this book nearly 20 years ago. Even with the controversy over whether it‘s a true memoir, it‘s still a reckoning of a story. The intensity, the emotion, the rawness and messy humanity-it all holds up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Book #93 in 2025

It‘s a shocking turn of events that start the book. I think it‘s a good plot that explores addiction, grief, shame and prison life. I think an alternating chapter between Corby and Emily could have softened the rigid character aspects and created more depth to their relationship. Corby was a lot for 434 pages. It‘s good, but not my favorite Lamb book.

I am clearly in the minority here but I can‘t say that I left the listening of this audiobook having enjoyed the experience. I‘ve read plenty of books that are devastating but, for one reason or another, the overall experience was cathartic or satisfying. I felt none of that here. It starts off devastating, continues devastating, and ends just the same way. I don‘t particularly find any of the characters compelling and was really aggravated ⬇️

This book is just one punch to the gut after another. I've never read Lamb before and I wasn't sure if he was for me but I think I may have to dive into his back list at some point. This was so raw and heavy - and while it did drag in a few places, ultimately, I just couldn't stay away.

I am not okay. I love a book that destroys me. Wally Lamb develops his characters in such a way, that despite their flaws, you feel the deepest empathy for them. He manages to fill you with incredible sadness while also giving you hope. I‘m emotionally wrecked and I expect to be haunted by this one for a long time.

Another Wally Lamb book that breaks the heart from the very first page...

A great story of how simple mistakes can turn into major tragedies. One of the through lines I appreciated most, that hope is always good, but expectations are problematic. An emotional and thoroughly worthwhile journey.