“Characters as rich and indelible as the life they endure . . . A phenomenal read.”—Internationally Bestselling Author Davis Bunn Five a.m.: Amanda Mallorie wakes to the knowledge that her son Robbie is gone. And a new chapter of her own life must begin. She has spent four years as her son’s only support, desperately trying to understand the actions that landed him on death row and to change … that landed him on death row and to change his fate. Now Amanda faces an even more difficult task—finding a way, and a reason, to move forward with her own life.
Before the tragedy that unfolded in a South Dakota mall, Robbie was just like other people’s sons or daughters. Sometimes troubled, but sweet and full of goodness too. That’s the little boy Amanda remembers as she packs up his childhood treasures and progress reports, and discovers a class ring she’s never seen before. Who does it belong to and why did Robbie have it in his possession? So begins a journey that will remind her not only of who Robbie used to be, but of a time when she wasn’t afraid—to talk to strangers, to help those in need, to reach out. Robbie’s choices can never be unmade, but there may still be time for forgiveness and trust to grow again. For a future as wide as the sky.
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Characters as rich and indelible as the life they endure… A phenomenal read.
It’s one of those books that makes you think about your actions and just believing what you hear or read. A great read in my opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. It was emotional and hard to put down. The main character is a women whose son has just been executed for a horrible crime, and the book follows her and other characters as they attempt to move on with their lives. I loved how the book explored the ripples we as humans have on each other—for bad but also for good. The book gave me a lot to think about and left me with a feeling of hope.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The themes of hope and forgiveness coupled with an endearing main character made this a great read!
A good look at mental illness & guns. A bit contrived.
I have a nephew in a similar situation so this book really hit home. One can’t imagine what the family goes through – the shame, hurt, and suppositions that strangers make. The book was well written and I would recommend to anyone.
I learned a lot about being on the other side of a tragedy..And how others are affected by one person’s actions. I was surprised at what a good read it was.
The plot of this book was so unusual and original. It was a breath of fresh air after reading so many books that are the same old, same old. I loved the characters and the fact that many people’s experiences were reflected as well as that of the main character.
Made me think about the death penalty.
I had a hard time making myself finish the book and then was slightly sorry that I had finished it…really disappointed in the ending.
I loved this book! An emotional and honest book. Giving a mother’s perspective of a tragic event.
This book was difficult to read, both because of its subject matter – mental illness, a horrific violent crime, and the aftermath – and because much of it was in monologue form, in the characters’ minds. There were a few moments of actual “doing” in the story, of characters actually interacting with others in the here and now, but most of the book was just paragraph after paragraph of characters’ thoughts. It took some wind of out the sails here.
It was interesting to see how the various characters’ lives intersected, and many of them were likable and sympathetic. It was a bit odd that a few of the characters only showed up in one chapter and then we never heard from or about them again. But overall, this was an interesting story that gave me a lot of food for thought.
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“There but for the Grace of God go I”” is what came to my mind while reading this beautifully written, honest novel.
The emotions that Amanda had as she realized her young son Robbie was executed for murder were heart breaking.
The guilt that she had as her son became paranoid and delusional and then did the unthinkable were gripping.
“Relieved. Unburdened. Free.” These feelings needed to be accepted to allow Amanda to move forward for her life to continue. A story of resilience and determination to take back her life. Amazing book!