"To the medical world, I was a host body, surviving only to bring a new life into the world. And while I wanted to die more than anything in the world, I never wanted this. No, I never wanted to cease to exist. This was the worst death of all.”
Jude Black lives in that in-between, twilight place teetering on death but clinging to life in order to bring her baby into this world. Only she knows the circumstances surrounding her mysterious fall off the bluff that landed her in the hospital being kept alive by medical intervention. Only she knows who the father of her baby is. In this poignantly crafted literary novel, the mystery unfolds and the suspense builds as the consequences of Jude’s decisions threaten to reveal everyone's deceptions, even her own. Bluff offers a sensitive look at essential questions such as the value of human life, the consciousness of those in a coma and the morality of terminating life support. At the core is the story of a tragically misunderstood woman who finds peace, acceptance, understanding and even love on her deathbed.
REVIEW:
This is not my favorite genre so when I started reading the book I was not prepared for the effect it will have on me. It's not a pleasant book, not at all. It's gritty, honest and raw. It talks about things that we tend to not talk about and sometimes I felt uncomfortable, sad, depressed but I was also intrigued and engaged with the story. I was captivated and just couldn't put the book down.
I wanted to know what really happened to Jude, how did she end up falling from the bluff, who was the father of the baby? All these questions made me turn page after page.
The characters are all so real. The depth that the author has given each character is applause worthy. I'm truly impressed with the writing because to treat all these issues in a single book is not an easy task. But the author has excelled because I felt connected to all the characters. I didn't necessarily agree with all of them but I understood them. Their dilemmas, problems, secrets and issues.
I wanted to know what really happened to Jude, how did she end up falling from the bluff, who was the father of the baby? All these questions made me turn page after page.
The characters are all so real. The depth that the author has given each character is applause worthy. I'm truly impressed with the writing because to treat all these issues in a single book is not an easy task. But the author has excelled because I felt connected to all the characters. I didn't necessarily agree with all of them but I understood them. Their dilemmas, problems, secrets and issues.
I form opinions quite easily and this book is like a slap in the face. It talks about how sometimes we assume things about people without even knowing them. Every character in the book is in some way misunderstood especially Jude. We should give everyone the benefit of doubt and not judge people.
The most shocking thing was the revelation of the baby's father. I feel sick and I really want to kill him. Hearing his thoughts made me furious.
I recommend this book to everyone. Yes, it's serious and there aren't many chances when you will laugh but it talks about issues that are important and need to be talked about and it's written well with the author showing empathy and respect to the characters.
The most shocking thing was the revelation of the baby's father. I feel sick and I really want to kill him. Hearing his thoughts made me furious.
I recommend this book to everyone. Yes, it's serious and there aren't many chances when you will laugh but it talks about issues that are important and need to be talked about and it's written well with the author showing empathy and respect to the characters.
Lenore Skomal wants you to eat her books. Her passionate desire is to touch your heart, inspire you, and luxuriate in the world of the written word. She is an award-winning author with the single goal of resonating with others. Winner of multiple awards for blogging, literature, biography and humor, her catalogue spans many genres. With 30 years of writing experience, 18 books published, a daily blog and weekly newspaper column, the consistent themes in her work are the big issues of the human experience and adding depth and voice to the intricacies involved in living a multi-dimensional existence. She has won many Society of Professional Journalist awards, the Whidbey Island Writer's Conference honorable mention for best fiction, Writer's Digest 73rd Annual Fiction Contest, New York Public Library's Best Books for Teens 2003, and most recently, the 2012 Next Generation Indie Book Award for humor for “Burnt Toast.,” her first anthology of her award winning humor columns. From journalism, to literary fiction, to humor and biography, her writing is consistent, if not in genre, then in message.
Connect with Lenore on her Website, Facebook, GoodReads, or Twitter.
Wanna win a $50 gift card or an autographed copy of Bluff?
Wanna win a $50 gift card or an autographed copy of Bluff?
- Leave a comment on my blog. One random commenter during this tour will win a $50 gift card. For the full list of participating blogs, visit the official Bluff tour page.
- Enter the Rafflecopter contest! I've posted the contest form below, or you can enter on the tour page linked above.
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Thank you so much for your great review of my book. It's especially important because this isn't your preferred genre. I'm so pleased you truly grasped the underlying message of the book, which is exactly as you stated. Everyone has a back story. Thanks again, Lenore Skomal.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds exactly like my kind of book! Can't wait to try it :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I'm so glad Bluff moved you in huge ways. I love it when our tour books are home run hits with the bloggers. Thank you for joining us on this tour, and please take a moment to cross-post your review to Amazon and GoodReads.
ReplyDeleteEmlyn :-D