The Bright Forever: A Novel Audiobook

" Evidently, this book was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, which surprised me somewhat. The town and locals of that era were painted very well, and I could see the "light" and feel the heat of the days covered by the story. The story is told by several narrators, and each has a recognizable voice, and they tell the story well. There is some jumping around in time, but it is still easy to follow. It illustrates how one tiny thing...Gilley tattling that his sister didn't return her library books...can trigger a whole series of events. However, there wasn't going to be a good outcome in this situation. Obsession rarely has a good end. It was a good read, but not as spectacular as I might have expected. "

" I enjoyed reading this book. Great to get so many perspectives on life in a small southern town. Lots of topics you could discuss in book club. "

" Artfully combines morality, psychology and suspense. Beautifully written "

" The kidnapping of a 9 year old girl is a compelling story to begin with and how Lee Martin sets up the story and having the characters narrating their own accounts makes the reader second guess constantly who done it. I found some sweetness in the novel, especially Katie playing and Clare's hope for love. "

" I knew what would happen; I knew how it would end, but it was like a horrible car accident that I had to see play itself out. I really disliked this book and am not happy I read it. "

" This is a tough subject, but Mr. Martin made it impossible for me to look away. As a writer, I found his handling of multiple points of view masterful. He fit them (1st and 3rd) together seamlessly, moving back and forth as the story progressed. Not a book I can say I loved, but one which I can admire for the craft and the way characters were gradually revealed. "

" Absolutely frightening. Well written but not to read if you happen to have a nine year old girl at the time. After you read, you'll understand why. "

" this was a very good book, but sad. it is written from several characters point of view, kinda of like jodi picoult does. i would be happy to pass it along if anyone is interested. "

" A sad tale. Very thought-provoking. "

" The author was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for this book but I have no idea why because I didn't enjoy it. "

" This book starts sluggishly, but then picks up steam. When I finished it, I thought it was interesting, but nothing special. However, it's continued to haunt me and does make you think about the gray area between good and evil. "

" I was disturbed by this story - the characters were brutally honest, and it was certainly brutal most of the time. "

" A Pulitzer Prize finalist, this mystery has several narrators, but which are reliable? "

" I read this book for a book club, and must have really liked it because I read another Martin book. Again, my memory fades fast. "

" This turned out to be a really good book. By the end I couldn't put it down! It's a very similar plot line to "Lovely Bones" and worth the read. I'm meeting the author in a book discussion on March 11 and then I am happy to share my copy with whomever wants to read it next! "

" I couldn't put this book down and read in a few days. Very suspenseful and heartbreaking. "

" Can't not finish a book but this is one I wished I had just put down and not wasted my time. "

" Compelling and hard to put down. I finished it in two days. Would certainly recommend. "

" This one creeped me out. Well written, but a very uncomfortable content. I finished the book, but it was like watching a train wreck. Author leaves nothing to wonder upon conclusion. "

" i read this right after case histories and it just didn't stack up. overall it's a good read and a very sad story. i chose it as a summer read last year. "

" One of my favorite books. Great use of different points of view to tell a story. Sad subject matter but very intriguing and well written. "

" Well, this was probably the worst book I have ever read. Truly disappointing--I threw it in the trash upon finishing. "

" interestingly written but HATE HATE HATED the book "

" Excellent book. I knew as soon as I read the first sentence I would be hooked and I was. Engaging characters and good storytelling make this a must read. "

" I liked this book and the unique style of writing. With having children the same age as Katie, it was difficult to read the book and separate my own life. I liked the chapters written from the perspective of the characters. "

" really liked it. very well written and keeps you guessing. also very heartbreaking, but still very good. "

" I liked the book. The writing style is different - it goes back and forth between characters giving their perspective. Lots of suspense and I still have questions. Well-written. I'll be reading more of Martin's efforts. "

" Captivating. Couldn't put it down! A must read. "

" That is a few hours I will never get back - horrible. "

" Difficult to put down. Same tragedy unfolds as in The Lovely Bones but much finer writing. Easy to see why this was a Pulitzer finalist. "

" Not the type of book I usually read. Got it from a friend who said it reminded her somewhat of the Lovely Bones in tone, and I would agree. It kept me interested all the way through, but it is somewhat dark. "

" great story but i wanted a surprise ending and it was pretty much what i thought would happen. great characters though. enjoyed it "

" A sad tale. Very thought-provoking. "

" confusing, but very good "

" I didn't really enjoy this book, but I had to finish it. I usually read books that are fun, romantic, etc....and this was definitely the opposite. "