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Book Review: Let’s Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell & Giveaway

August 8, 2011 by Darlene


Let’s Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell is a memoir of the deep and beautiful friendship that Gail shared with her best friend Caroline Knapp. It is also a novel of the depth of Gail’s grief at losing her best friend Caroline to cancer. This novel touched me on so many levels and although I’ve never met this author I feel a kinship with her just through her words and I’ll explain this more later on. I know it may sound weird to say that a book about someone’s death and another’s grief is beautiful but his novel is just that. Yes it is sad but if you can get past that, you will find your heart touched by this wonderful friendship, not only between friends, but also between humans and pets. It’s a book I won’t soon forget and as I turned the last page I found myself wanting to go and start it over again.

Gail and Caroline had much in common. The biggest difference between the two was their age as Gail was nine years older than Caroline. Other than that they were like two peas in a pod – both were writers, both had and loved their dogs, both had struggled with alcoholism, both were very competitive, and that’s just tip of the things they found they had in common. I think it’s interesting to note that they met late in life – Caroline was in her late thirties and Gail older. Often we think that ‘best friends’ need to be those that are formed when we are younger but in Gail’s memoir, we see that isn’t always the case. The deep bond of friendship that these women formed in a very short time is testament to that.

Their bond was initially brought on by their dogs Clementine and Lucille. Both women had just gotten puppies and wanted to train them. They would take them out to the woods and walk while the dogs ran around and played. This became a ritual for them, where the dogs would be let loose while they walked and talked about anything and everything. Within a short time they found that they had shared more together in terms of their lives than they had thought possible. They shared everything and called each other all the time. Theirs was a friendship that would last forever.

Then came the shattering news that Caroline had Stage four lung cancer and it was untreatable. There is no worse news. Thus begins the journey you take with someone that ultimately you know you are losing. Of course Gail spends all the time she can with Caroline and does everything she can to make things easier for her. There is no escaping the inevitable though. No matter how much you wish it isn’t so, life will take the path it is on to the end. It was truly heartbreaking to read Gail’s words describing her grief and the future without Caroline.

I connected with Gail on two very important levels. One is losing a best friend to cancer and another is loving your dog with everything you have so that when you lose that pet you feel certain life is over and yet you keep waking up to see another day. Losing anyone to cancer is devastating and I can still clearly remember the grief of losing my friend and it’s been years now. When Gail talks about her dog Clementine from a puppy to old age, I could feel so many similarities that there are between pet lovers. When she talks about losing her dog on top of losing Caroline my heart truly broke. Anyone who reads my blog knows of me losing my beloved Buddy just last year and although I don’t talk about it anymore, I am far from being over it. I will always miss him and love him. It is in these ways that this memoir of Gail’s really touched my heart and will stay there.

I think for those who enjoy reading memoirs this is one you shouldn’t miss. I know it sounds weird to say that I like reading memoirs of people who have cancer or have experienced it’s effects through a friendship. I hesitate to say that I like reading these types of books – I think it’s more the connection I feel through them that attracts me. With Gail’s memoir her relationship both with Caroline and her dog Clementine really is what brings me to say that this is a really good memoir and that’s saying a lot since I don’t read a whole lot of them. Also I think my need to read these types of memoirs is really to see how the people in them survive and move on to live their lives. I don’t think I’ll forget this book for a good long while. Just a warning – be prepared with some tissues.

To end I’d like to share a few quotes that really stuck with me…

‘It’s an old, old story: I had a friend and we shared everything, and then she died and so we shared that, too.’ (pg 3)

‘Grief is what tells you who you are alone.’ (pg 3)

‘What they never tell you about grief is that missing someone is the simple part.’ (pg 9)

‘Death is a divorce nobody asked for; to live through it is to find a way to disengage from what you thought you couldn’t stand to lose.’ (pg 153)

‘I know now that we never get over great losses; we absorb them, and they carve us into different, often kinder, creatures.’ (pg 182)

I read Let’s Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell for her Book Tour with TLC Book Tours. You can see what others on the tour thought of the book here. You can purchase Let’s Take the Long Way Home here in the US and here in Canada.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have one copy of Let’s Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell to share with my readers…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with an email address to contact you (no email, no entry).
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog. If you already do, thank you, and please let me know in your comment so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, August 27/11. Good luck everyone!

© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.My copy of Let’s Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell was received for review from TLC Book Tours and the Publisher.

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Filed Under: 2011 Challenges, 2011•100 Books or More Challenge, 2011•ARC Tracking Challenge, TLC Tours

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mary says

    August 8, 2011 at 10:30 am

    Dar, wonderful review. I've added this memoir to my must read list. Thank you.

    * meah56 at gmail dot com

    * I'm a GFC follower

  2. Marce says

    August 8, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    You continue to draw me in with your reviews. I have this one on my Wishlist but forgot why, thanks for reminding me.

    I'm international, great giveaway.

  3. Anonymous says

    August 8, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    An interesting giveaway. Many thanks. Ellie. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

  4. bermudaonion says

    August 8, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    It sounds like this was a very personal book for you. This sounds like a beautiful book, so I'd love to be entered in your giveaway. I subscribe in Google Reader. kathy(at)bermudaonion.net

  5. Zibilee says

    August 8, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    I can see why this book touched you so deeply, and can imagine that reading it was cathartic for you in some ways. It does sound excellent, and like a memoir that I also would like to read, so please do enter me in your giveaway, and thanks for hosting it, Dar!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  6. Mary says

    August 8, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    This sounds like such a lovely, emotional book. I recently lost a friend to cancer so I understand a lot of the emotions.

    mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com

  7. Mary says

    August 8, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    I follow on GFC. (mamie316)

    mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com

  8. lag123 says

    August 8, 2011 at 4:11 pm

    Touching review! I would love to read this! I am an old follower via GFC.

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

  9. Serena says

    August 8, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    Sounds like a good memoir, though no need to enter me in the giveaway.

  10. Anonymous says

    August 8, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    Wonderful review – would love to read/win.
    kpbarnett1941@aol.com

  11. Anonymous says

    August 8, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    GFC follower as Karen B.
    kpbarnett1941@aol.com

  12. Anonymous says

    August 8, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    I follow your blog and will share this on facebook.
    tbartshe@hotmail.com

  13. mamabunny13 says

    August 8, 2011 at 6:56 pm

    It sounds like a very emotional read. I would love to read about her experience during this time. 🙁
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  14. mamabunny13 says

    August 8, 2011 at 6:56 pm

    I follow you via gfc
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  15. pmernick says

    August 8, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    Another great review! I'd love to read this book.
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  16. pmernick says

    August 8, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    I follow your blog via GFC as pmnsl95
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  17. pmernick says

    August 8, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    Tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/100655271940067328
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  18. Linda Kish says

    August 8, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    I would love to read this book.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  19. Linda Kish says

    August 8, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    I am a GFC follower

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  20. Melissa says

    August 8, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    Sounds like a great book

    mk261274 at gmail dot com

  21. Melissa says

    August 8, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    GFC follower=mk261274

    mk261274 at gmail dot com

  22. Anonymous says

    August 9, 2011 at 12:10 am

    Please enter my name in the giveaway for thee book. A friend is now receiving chemotherapy for cancer so this book is relevant.

    pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

  23. Anonymous says

    August 9, 2011 at 12:12 am

    I follow you on Google Reader.

    Charleydog

    pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

  24. Na says

    August 9, 2011 at 12:49 am

    This sounds like a very touching story about friendship.

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

  25. Na says

    August 9, 2011 at 12:50 am

    I am a GFC follower.

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

  26. samantha.1020 says

    August 9, 2011 at 12:50 am

    I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed this one so much. Great review!

  27. BrittanyGale says

    August 9, 2011 at 2:54 am

    Memoirs are my favourite! Please count me in 🙂

    quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

  28. BrittanyGale says

    August 9, 2011 at 2:54 am

    I follow via GFC quixoticdreamer

    quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

  29. BrittanyGale says

    August 9, 2011 at 2:55 am

    Tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/QuixoticWeetzie/status/100761978729017344

    quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

  30. faefever25 says

    August 9, 2011 at 7:57 am

    This sounds beautiful, thank you for the contest.

    I am a GFC follower

    faefever25(at)hotmail(dot)com

  31. Anonymous says

    August 9, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Great Review.
    RJB
    loki304(at)tds(dot)net

  32. Bethie says

    August 9, 2011 at 4:11 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway. I follow on GFC.

    Lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  33. Staci says

    August 11, 2011 at 2:06 am

    Now this one sounds like a memoir worth reading. I think women really develop deep and meaningful bonds with each other and this book would get me right in the heart for sure!

  34. Amy says

    August 12, 2011 at 12:26 am

    This is a wonderful review, Dar! I didn't know you'd lost a friend to cancer. There's so much of this book you can relate to. I hope that's good for you. I completely understood what you meant when you said this is a beautiful book. I expect parts of it will be very sad but it also celebrates the wonderful relationship Gail had with Caroline.

    Thank you for hosting a giveaway of this book.
    I follow your blog!
    Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

  35. nfmgirl says

    August 12, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    Sounds great! Please count me in.

    I follow

    Blogged:
    http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2011/08/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-08-07-11.html

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

  36. Infinite Bookshelf says

    August 13, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    Great post! This book has been on my TBR list for a while.

    I'm a follower on Google Friend Connect

    jaredreadsbooks@gmail.com

  37. Diana Quinn says

    August 14, 2011 at 5:54 am

    I love all genres of books, ready to read anything and pass it along to a friend or the nursing home.

    Diana Quinn
    sahara5150@hotmail.com

  38. Susan says

    August 14, 2011 at 10:05 pm

    This sounds like a great book that I do want to read. Thanks for the giveaway!

    I am a GFC follower.

    susan(at)gmail.com

  39. Anonymous says

    August 16, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    maynekitty[at]live[dot]com

  40. hanneyam says

    August 17, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    I think this book sounds great!

    I follow your blog.

    hanneyam@gmail.com

  41. Anonymous says

    August 18, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    Sounds like a lovely book!

    c.mennie at yahoo dot com

  42. Gwendolyn B. says

    August 18, 2011 at 3:36 pm

    I didn't think I'd want to read this because I thought it would be too sad, but when I realized it was about Caroline Knapp, I changed my mind. She's a favorite author from way back, and I was heartbroken when she passed away. I would love to read her best friend's memoir. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

    geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

  43. Gwendolyn B. says

    August 18, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    +1 Long-time follower.

    geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

  44. Gwendolyn B. says

    August 18, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    +1 And here's my Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/ASeaOfBooks/status/104216295544864768

    geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

  45. heathertlc says

    August 18, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    I'm glad you connected with this book but of course I'm sorry as well – I'd never wish those losses on anyone.

    Thanks for being on the tour.

  46. Alice Teh says

    August 20, 2011 at 7:42 am

    I teared up when I read about Buddy in your post. When I lost my cats I was devastated. I cried and cried and cried. This book sounds like something I'd love to read.

  47. Hoot says

    August 21, 2011 at 12:05 am

    I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/hootowl1978/status/105067867116015616

    hootowl1978 at gmail dot com

  48. Hoot says

    August 21, 2011 at 12:08 am

    I can’t wait to read this book.

    hootowl1978 at gmail dot com

  49. Hoot says

    August 21, 2011 at 12:09 am

    I follow via GFC as Jessy

    hootowl1978 at gmail dot com

  50. Vicki says

    August 21, 2011 at 2:05 am

    Sounds good. And what a great cover!
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  51. Vicki says

    August 21, 2011 at 2:05 am

    I follow your blog
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  52. Vicki says

    August 21, 2011 at 2:05 am

    TWEET
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  53. Anonymous says

    August 22, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    I enjoyed the review. Sounds like a very touching and interesting book. Please enter me. Thanks!

    Anita Y
    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  54. Anonymous says

    August 22, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    Follow on GFC as Anita Yancey.

    Anita Y
    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  55. a real librarian says

    August 23, 2011 at 2:15 am

    Thanks for the chance to win!!

    areallibrarian@gmail.com

    I also follow!!

  56. carla says

    August 23, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    You liked it so much that I would love to read it too.

    cjay (at) iavalley (dot) edu

    i follow you email too.

  57. Nancye says

    August 28, 2011 at 3:00 am

    Sounds like a grat book! Thanks for the chance!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  58. Nancye says

    August 28, 2011 at 3:01 am

    Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #1

  59. Nancye says

    August 28, 2011 at 3:02 am

    Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #2

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