Kathryn Craft

As if the world of ballet wasn't physically difficult enough, this great read gives us a glimpse into the other underlying demons many people in ballet face--the perfection of their body (and denying it nutrition), fierce competition, and rejection...especially if you don't fit into the typical "body" mold, as Penny does not.

Penny is a relatable (and somewhat complicated) character. Her two unlikely friends and supporters, Angela and Marty, are likable and endearing. Her journey in the story is so much more about "falling" out of a fourteen-story window. It is about whether we can ever dip to that low point and pick ourselves up again. Does Penny? Well, you'll have to read this great book to find out!
… (lisätietoja)

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this novel, which takes place in a 12 hour period. Ronnie is leaving her husband,Jeff, and most of the story unfolds through her eyes as she realizes his plan to commit suicide. They have two young sons, and the complex emotions of love, worry, fear, and possible loss are brilliantly portrayed.

We also read the POV of Jeff's mom, Janet, and Ronnie's mom, Beverly,- women who've been best friends for years. The depth of their emotional pasts (which, in a sense, affect their children's future) is unfolded in their short chapters.

Three women, all caring about each other and the man they may lose, and the tough decisions they've had to make along the way... and the decisions they'll have to make at the end, no matter what the outcome with Jeff.

Most authors pull a glimpse of their life into their stories in one way or another. Unfortunately, this author lived more than a sliver of this story, which is why, I feel, she was able to pull the reader into the emotional journey of the story so well.… (lisätietoja)

The Far End of Happy is intense and intimate, grabbing you from the start and not letting go. It is a novel, but it is based on events from the author’s life. She has stated, “It wasn’t long after my first husband’s suicide that I knew I’d one day make a story of it . . . .” So while it is fictionalized and she does not try to speak for anyone but herself, it has such a powerful ring of truth to it that you are mesmerized, tense, afraid to watch events unfold.

This is the story of Jeff’s suicide standoff that unfolds over twelve hours of absolute horror, fear and sadness not only for his wife Ronnie but for their sons Andrew and Will, her mother Beverly and her mother-in-law, Jeff’s mother, Janet. Ronnie and Jeff have been married for a number of years but most of those years have not been happy. Who is to say who’s to blame, but Ronnie has finally decided that this is it, she is going to through with the divorce she has thought about for so long. There have been bad business decisions, failed ventures, money mismanagement, and always at the core of it is Jeff’s need to control Ronnie, to make his dreams her own, to make it clear he cannot and will not live without her. She just can’t take any more. She has lost so much of herself; she can’t lose everything that makes her Ronnie. But then a drunk Jeff pulls into the driveway and the long, horrible, unbelievable day that feels like it will never end – with all of those involved afraid of how it might end – begins.

It is unlikely that most readers have been through a tragedy like this and can relate directly to Ronnie’s experience that fateful day. But The Far End of Happy sticks with you in a way you won’t forget once you’ve turned that last page. It’s not just about a man threatening to take his own life rather than lose his wife, it’s about the slow erosion of a wife’s personality, desires, dreams, about making her think she wants what he wants, about excessive drinking, spying, threatening, about subtly forcing her to make decisions and concessions that aren’t what her heart desires. And about her finally realizing she will disappear completely if she does not escape. It’s about family members with their own issues and backstories that have affected Ronnie and Jeff, about a mother who is fiercely loyal to her son and believes his choices are the only correct ones, and another mother who can’t understand why her daughter can’t just be satisfied with what she has, why she wants so much more or so much that is different. Ronnie’s case was extreme, but many women feel stuck, don’t know exactly how they got where they are but don’t think they can stay put, even if there are frightening consequences to their leaving.

The Far End of Happy is a sad, sobering, gripping story about a very strong woman. Thanks to the author for providing this very well-written book that I just could not put down. I leave this review voluntary and all opinions are my own.… (lisätietoja)

First off, a disclaimer: this is not a book I would have ever picked up, as I know nothing about dance or the dance world, and never had any desire to learn. If I saw it in the bookstore, I'd assume it was along the lines of that short-lived TV show, Bunheads, which I also never looked at. But I had taken a writing workshop with the author, Kathryn Craft, and was thrilled with how much she taught us about story, so I knew I had to read The Art of Falling when it was released.

It's an understatement to say I was not disappointed. As a writer, Ms. Craft "walks the walk" of what she teaches. The Art of Falling was a pitch-perfect example of fine storytelling. As readers:

-We care about the protagonist
-We watch her grow
-We experience surprises throughout the book
-We rejoice in the protagonist's accomplishments and cry at her defeats
-We hate to see it end

As I only have time to read at night, I lost many hours of sleep during the week I read this book, often staying up after midnight to 'just finish this chapter.' I thoroughly enjoyed The Art of Falling, and can't wait for Ms. Kraft's next book.… (lisätietoja)