Where do I begin to say how much I loved this book? With the powerful writing that swept me into the story immediately? Or maybe with the fiercely real characters, whom I identified with even though I have never been in their situation? Characters who I cried for, who stayed in my head after I closed the book, who sparked conversations with numerous friends on many different subjects. What would you do if you were Jude? How do teach teenagers about drinking and driving? Why did Lexi give up her freedom for a mistake?
Night Road by Kristin Hannah is a gripping story about a family that deals with a terrible tragedy. Mother Jude Farraday is a “helicopter mom” always in the lives of her twins, Mia and Zach. A slightly overbearing mother, she is always there to make sure her children are on the right track. But things start to slip away during their senior year of high school. Mia’s best friend, former foster child Lexi, is in love with Mia’s twin brother. And Zach is in love with Lexi. The threesome is always together, the best of friends, until one night of wrong decisions rips the friendship, and the Farradays perfect family, apart.
I know this story will be unforgettable to me. I also know when I read a phenomenal story, because I have the characters in my head even when I am not reading. I can’t tell you how many times I imagined scenes between Lexi and Jude, where I became so worked up in the drama of their lives that I had to remind myself I was reading a book. I have read a few reviews that complain about Jude’s character being selfish and a horrible bitch after the accident, and it’s the truth. But people aren’t supposed to be cheerful and reasonable after death. I thought Hannah showcased just what can happen to people after such a tragedy. Did I hate Jude’s character? Yes. But that’s the reality of life. The only downfall I saw to the story was that it ended too soon for me. I wanted to get more of an ending between Lexi and Zach. But I think Night Road is completely worthy of a five star rating, and will definitely get a place on my Favorites List.
[Rating: 5]
Wow! Sounds like a real page turner. I have a stepchild and I often wonder what percentage of the time do step kids and their siblings deal with situations like this?
What a glowing review! Sounds like a great story and I gotta say I LOVE that cover. It’s beautiful. I’ve actualyl been wanting to read something by Kristin Hannah for a while so I’ll have to write this title down.
Author
It really was Elsie. Once I started, I just couldn’t stop thinking about it! It made me wonder how I would deal with the subject of drinking and driving when my day for children comes!
Author
This was the first book I read from Kristin Hannah, and it definitely makes me want to check out more!
This was the first book I had read by her, too. Loved it!
Author
I definitely need to pick up more!
I absolutelely HATE Jude’s character. She is selfish, spoiled and arrogant and really just a disgusting human being. She never loved Lexi. I don’t even know if she really loved her kids. I think the only person she truly loved was herself.
Author
She was truly hard to read about Tara!
I absolutely loved this book. I laughed and cried the whole time. I had never heard of the author before I read this book and I am looking forward to read more of her work.