Range of Motion (Chivers Sound Library American Collections (Audio))

Rating:
Summary: Another wonderful book from Berg - although not her best
Review: I don't know how many wonderful books I've read by ElizabethBerg, and Range of Motion keeps the same great standard. It is full ofbeautiful prose, moving emotional scenes, and realistic dialogue. Itis the story of a woman whose husband is in a coma. Thoughout thenovel she must deal with the pain it is brining her to see her husbandso far away, and she also must help her two young daughters face the same feelings. The book backtracts to discuss the relationship between the woman and her husband before his accident, and the reader can see it is a rare story of true love. That makes his condition all the more sad, because for the first time in her life since she met him, she must deal with the absence of the love of her life.

An interesting subplot in the novel was that of the main character's best friend and her failing marriage. This relationship was painted in such a way that it drew much sympathy from me, and I felt that the best friend really came to life in the book.

A weird quirk in this novel was the character of a ghost, an old lady who used to own the main character's house. I realize that the ghost helped the woman cope in her lonliness, but I felt it was unrealistic. I guess the main character temporarily went crazy, and this led to hallucinations and talking to the ghost. This part was supposed to be touching, but to me it was fake. And although most of the imagery was fantastic, there were some points at which I felt it was a bit forced. I felt that the images in Berg's other novels were much more natural. These were the only problems I had with the novel, and I loved the plot and the characters.

For those who have never read a Berg novel, I recommend starting with one of her other ones, such as Durable Goods, Joy School, or What We Keep. But for those who are already familiar with Berg, Range of Motion, although in my opinion not her best, will not let you down, for everything she writes is great.

**NOTE: I am only giving this book 4 stars because I am comparing it to other Berg books. However, compared to all books in general I would give it 5 stars. :) END

Rating:
Summary: Devotion
Review: Lainey Berman's husband Jay is in a coma due to a chunk of ice falling from a building onto him. Lainey is raising two young daughters and trying to help them understand the situation while her friend and neighbor Alice helps her by babysitting.

Berg in the book Range of Motion deftly examines the range of love and devotion necessary to ensure success of a marriage. Her language is beautiful and poetic. Berg endows her characters with strength and depth rare in fiction today. We feel for Lainey as she tries to cope with the difficulties of her situation. You root for Lainey's positive outlook and her denial that her husband Jay will die or continue in a coma.

This is a very well written book and stirring story. It may not go over with people who are opposed to somewhat sentimental fiction.

Rating:
Summary: An emotional, wonderful, passionate look at life
Review: Most romances are described in great detail: heaving bosoms, bulging biceps, vows of undying love, and, despite such exertion, an inescapable sense of insincerity. Why all the fuss just to say "I love you?"

Range of Motion is a true love story. Lainey and Jay love each other with a fierce and stunning passion demonstrated not by outlandish gymnastics but by quiet, sweet rituals. And when Jay, lies in a coma as the result of a freak accident, it is these rituals that Lainey believes will bring him back to her.

This story is so rich and celebratory of life and love - among spouses, among children, among friends - I often find myself thinking of the characters with absolute joy and elation.

I read this book on vacation in the woods of northern Michigan. When I finished, I wiped the tears from my eyes and saw my own love standing before me. Inspired by Elizabeth Berg's beautiful book, I eagerly accepted his outstreched hand, and his gift of love this story taught me to laud and revere

Rating:
Summary: Range of Motion
Review: This was without a doubt one of the best books I've read in some time. Elizabeth Berg has made Lainey, the main character, so belivable. You feel like one of your best friends is hurting and there's nothing you can do about it. This book was about such sadness and pain (both for Lainey and her friend Alice), but also about profound joy, and a real appreciation for the little things in life we take for granted. I will definatly read more by this author, and recommend this book to all.