MAKE IT STAY
By: Joan Frank
Publisher: Permanent Press
Pub. Date: March 2012
Formats: Hardback
Pages: 496
Genre: Contemporary
Age Group: 18+
Source: Publisher
Learn more about Joan Frank on: Website | goodreads
Goodreads Synopsis: In the tree-nestled Northern California town of Mira Flores, writer Rachel (“an aging typist with an unprofitable hobby”) and her Scottish husband Neil prepare dinner for a familiar “crew” of guests – among them Neil’s best friend, the burly, handsome Mike Spender, an irrepressible heodnist - and Mike’s wife Tilda Krall, a hard-bitten figure who carries her dark unknowability like an accusation.
Mike and Tilda have produced an enchanting daughter, Addie – who will also appear, unexpectedly, that night. As they ready the meal, Rae begs Neil to retell her the strange, twisted story of the Spenders – to include Mike’s secret life, and what happened once Tilda learned of it. Neil and Rae cannot guess how the shock waves from that story will threaten to destroy their own marriage – after a mysterious catastrophe propels all five individuals into uncharted realities.
Review: I’d like to thank TLC Book Tours for having me be a part of the tour and Permanet Press for sending me the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
MAKE IT STAY by Joan Frank is an interesting novel filled with emotion and how even though you think you know someone, you may not really know them at all. The story centers around Rachel and Neil who are preparing to have dinner guests. The guests are Tilda and Mike who are their friends. Rachel asks Neil to tell the story of how he and Mike met years ago and how their friendship progressed.
MAKE IT STAY is a simple concept. It’s fast-paced and unfolds with a mysterious story of marriage and friendship. The characters are all different and their personalities shine through via flashbacks. It often feels like Rachel is talking directly to me, which I enjoyed. I also liked Frank’s lyrical style. Although, sometimes I became a little bored, I still enjoyed all the secrets the characters kept and their individual stories. There’s also another dinner guest who adds to the intriguing flavor of Make It Stay.
If you are a fan of literary novels, MAKE IT STAY is a good bet for your bookshelf. It discusses loyalty, betrayal and passion which can sometime be a toxic combination.
I’m giving MAKE IT STAY 3.5 “Mini Books” for being poetically solid!
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Interesting. Great review.
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I like the term “poetically solid”!
Thanks for being on the tour.
It’s all so mysterious! I can’t imagine a book centering around one dinner party. Lots to think about. Great review.