Synopsis (from Amazon): You know the Dugans. They’re that scrappy family that lives down the street. Their yard is overgrown, they don’t pick up after their dog, their five children run free—leaving chaos in their wake—and the father hasn’t earned a cent in years. The wife holds them together on her income alone. You wouldn’t want them for neighbors—but from a distance, they’re quite entertaining.
You can tell from the empty bottles lying under the bush out front that alcohol is an issue in the household—and all things considered, you can hardly blame the wife for leaving one day.
Without her at the helm, the rest carry on the best they can. Their strong sense of family keeps them going. They help—and in some cases, rescue—each other as they struggle for a better life. And while they never follow the rules, or completely conquer the adversity with which they’re faced, they do manage to meet their challenges—and even earn some much-needed respect. Along the way, they might even make you proud.
Set in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, the twelve linked stories of Our Love Could Light the World depict a dysfunctional family that’s messy and rude, cruel and kind, and loyal to the end.
My Review: I enjoyed Our Love Could Light the World and here is a summary of why I did!
Favorite Character(s): My favorite two characters were Lavania (Mrs. Dugan) and Patty Dugan her sister-in-law. They were both very strong women that were always there for their families and never gave up. They had their struggles, but were still able to pick themselves (and their families) up and continue on. Their lives where not perfect, far from it. They did't always make the best choice, but they moved on and learned from their past.
Setting: I really enjoyed the setting of Our Love Could Light the World since I am currently living in the Finger Lakes region. It was fun to read a story from this area of New York. Most books related to New York, take place in NYC!
Fast read/slow read: This book was such a fast read. I love fast reads! The book is a collection of short stories by different members of the Dugan family. They are all connected and interwoven. I wasn't sure how I would like a book of short stories, but it works so well.
Cover: It's perfect. Seriously, there are so many houses this could be in Upstate New York. I loved the cover.
One Sentence Summary: Our Love Could Light the World is a collection of stories about love, divorce, aging, alcoholism, growing up, abuse, and loving your family no matter how dysfunctional.
Would I Read Other Books by the Author: I would definitely read other books by Anne Leigh Parrish. Lucky for me, she has written other books!
Purchase: You can purchase Our Love Could Light the World online at Amazon for $15.95 ($4.99 Kindle version).
Giveaway: I am so excited to have one copy of Our Love Could Light the World to give away from TLC Book Tours!. All you have to do is leave a comment letting me know if you have ever been to the Finger Lakes Region in New York along with your email address (remember it is okay to use the format "email at yahoo, email at aol," etc.). Thank so much!
TLC Book Tours: Please check out other reviewers on the TLC Book Tour. You will stumble upon some fantastic book blogs and reviews!
Monday, June 3rd: Tiffany’s Bookshelf
Wednesday, June 5th: What She Read
Thursday, June 6th: The Relentless Reader
Monday, June 10th: Patricia’s Wisdom
Tuesday, June 11th: Seaside Book Nook
Wednesday, June 12th: Conceptual Reception
Thursday, June 13th: Books Speak Volumes
Monday, June 17th: The Best Books Ever
Tuesday, June 18th: No More Grumpy Bookseller
Tuesday, June 18th: BookChickDi
Wednesday, June 19th: Camilla Stein Review
Monday, June 24th: BookNAround
Note: I received a complimentary copy from TLC Book Tours for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
What a lovely post and fascinating book. I have been to the Finger Lakes Region. When I lived in Montreal we used to drive to upstate N.Y. during the summer and enjoyed this beautiful setting. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds captivating and special. What a great giveaway. Thanks for this chance. I have been fortunate to have travelled to the Finger Lakes Region years ago and thought that this area was wonderful. I love lakes, especially clean, and old school areas that remind me of the 1950's. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI have never been to the Finger Lakes Region. This book sounds like a very interesting read. Thanks for having the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
I went to the Finger Lakes Region on vacation when I was a child, and would love to go back as an adult. I would like to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'm going to enjoy this read as well. I've never been to the Finger Lakes Region. I'll have to add to my reading & travel lists.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I haven't been to New York at all! This book sounds great. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeletenfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Sounds like this one would have me laughing out loud!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour.