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The Shortest Way Home Audiobook
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(3.02) - 601 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Sean Doran has spent twenty years in third-world war zones and natural disaster areas, fully embracing what he'd always felt was his purpose: doing as much good as possible. But when burnout sets in, Sean finds himself reluctantly drawn home to Belham, Massachusetts, the setting of Juliette Fay's much-loved Shelter Me. There, he discovers that his steely elderly aunt, dramatic sister, and quirky nephew are having a little natural disaster of their own. When he reconnects with a woman from his past, Sean has to wonder if his destiny is about to be rewritten all over again.
Another perfect slice of life from the irresistible Fay, this novel is full of humor, heart, and hope for finding yourself where you least expect to.
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"It's funny how life brings us full circle to the things we try to run away from. The main character runs from the very thing he fears, only to find out it's the very thing he wants most. The range of emotions and the complexities of his relationships are beautifully written and very moving."
— Audra (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“The Shortest Way Home is Juliette Fay’s best yet and shows us that loving the people in your life can be as exciting, as daring, as difficult an adventure as any.”
— Marisa de los Santos, New York Times bestselling author -
“If you’ve ever thought you or anyone in your family might be just a bit less than perfect, read this book.”
— Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author -
“Heartfelt…Juliette Fay does a wonderful job creating this quirky, lovable cast of characters finding their way in life and love.”
— Shilpi Somaya Gowda, New York Times bestselling author -
“Fay once again draws readers into an absorbing world of domestic complications and heart-tugging characters…Fay deftly handles the intricacies and emotions of family life while keeping the pace brisk. She also incorporates characters from her previous novel, Shelter Me, and these glimpses into their future are a joy. Verdict: Fay is one of the best authors of women’s fiction, and her novels are not to be missed. A moving, introspective look at what it means to be family and to be truly home. Recommended for public libraries.”
— Library Journal (starred review) -
“A touching exploration of a damaged family working to repair itself, with universal appeal in Sean’s reluctance to assume responsibility.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Fans of Fay’s first novel, Shelter Me, will spot a familiar face in Sean’s hometown, and readers old and new will fall in love with the flawed, endearing cast of characters. A beautifully written novel infused with Fay’s generous spirit.”
— Booklist -
“The Shortest Way Home is…as complex and full of surprises as the well-examined lifeThis is one beautiful novel, rich with depth and heart.”
— Julianna Baggott, bestselling author of Pure
Awards
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A Library Journal Best Book of 2012: Women's Fiction
The Shortest Way Home Listener Reviews
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" A wonderful book about family and responsibility. This delightful novel is full of humor and hope for finding yourself where you least expected. I have never read anything by Juliette Fay before but expect to correct that shortly. Hopeing there is is a sequel to this book. "
— Darlene, 2/19/2014 -
" Its the story of a traveling nomad who takes a trip "home" and then has to figure out where to go next. I actually really enjoyed this book especially due to my own restless/ rootless-ness. "
— Alexis, 2/16/2014 -
" Maybe a bit predictable, but very engaging with likeable characters who feel real and are engaged in genuine emotional growth. "
— Marion, 2/9/2014 -
" 2.5 stars. "Meh" "
— Gigi, 2/2/2014 -
" Enjoyed this quite a bit; felt it got kind of long towards the end. "
— Maureen, 1/21/2014 -
" Loved this book just about as much as 'Shelter Me' (Juliette Fay's first, one of my all-time favorites); however, I need to revise my ratings, pretty much everything I've given four stars to I should have given five! Keep them coming, Juliette! "
— Jenny, 1/12/2014 -
" Overall a really good book. It was a little hard to imagine/believe that Sean was in his forties. A little predictable at times and skimmed over some characters, like the sister. "
— Kathy, 1/11/2014 -
" Juliette Fay is a good storyteller - it was dear, touching, and I kept my nose in the book until finished. It's a heart story. The characters are wonderful. Keep writing Ms. Fay you go girl! "
— Esther, 1/11/2014 -
" It was the first book that has gotten me hooked in a while. I was drawn to the characters and their relationships. Don't want to spoil some of it, so I will leave it at that. But she did leave the ending having me question whether there will be a follow up. "
— Laura, 1/3/2014 -
" I don't read tons of realistic fiction, but I really enjoyed this one. "
— Arlene, 12/20/2013 -
" You can read my take here. "
— Mary, 12/16/2013 -
" Interesting characters, well-paced story. Really enjoyed how the relationship developed between Sean and Kevin. Would have liked to learn more about Deirdre and Hugh. However, I thought the reconciliation between Sean and his father occurred too rapidly to be believable. "
— Jen, 12/15/2013 -
" This book is full of cliches, totally predictable and wrapped up way too neatly, but I was looking for something light and it suited its purpose. "
— Lauri, 8/30/2013 -
" I really liked this book. I liked that the main character was a male nurse returning to his small town from working in 3rd world countries for the last 20 years, it was something different. There were some laugh out loud parts and sad parts. "
— Laura, 7/9/2013 -
" Loved this book! Just as good as her first! "
— Michele, 3/26/2013 -
" A good, quick read filled with family dynamics, abandonment, current events, medical struggles, and a man's quest to find where he belongs. "
— Candace, 12/20/2012 -
" A really nice story. Moved kind of slow but had a wonderful ending with a great message about what is important in this life! "
— Roxanne, 12/14/2012 -
" More of a 3.5. "
— Susan, 11/26/2012 -
" A better read than Shelter Me, maybe because it moved faster. Good story, good characters. "
— Leah, 11/26/2012 -
" Sweet story about a man in his early forties who discovers what is really important to him. Enjoyed the brief appearances of the characters from her earlier book, Shelter Me. "
— Ivy, 10/27/2012
About Juliette Fay
Juliette Fay earned her BA from Boston College and her MA from Harvard University. Shelter Me, her first novel, was a 2009 Massachusetts Book Award Book of the Year. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and four children.
About Sean Runnette
Sean Runnette, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, has also directed and produced more than two hundred audiobooks, including several Audie Award winners. He is a member of the American Repertory Theater company and has toured the United States and internationally with ART and Mabou Mines. His television and film appearances include Two If by Sea, Cop Land, Sex and the City, Law & Order, the award-winning film Easter, and numerous commercials.