The World as We Know It: A Novel Audiobook

" I was hooked right away, then lost interest midway, stuck with it, and got into it again. "

" Half way in the book got good. It's a touching, sweet little read. If the first half wasn't so slow...it would have gotten a better rating. "

" Hmmm... It's a lovely book in a lot of ways. Well-written, and a beautiful portrait of a happy, rural community in New England. But the obvious foreshadowing to the tragedy in the middle of the book was almost distracting because I knew it was coming and found myself hurrying along because I just wanted to get it over with. The second half was different than I thought it would be, but not in a bad way. I was happy it ended well. Basically, I liked it. Didn't love it, but it was worth reading. "

" It's clear that Joseph Monninger has both a deep love and connection to the rural New England landscape and the setting alone captured my attention. Brothers, Ed and Allard Keer set out one day to skate the frozen rivers to Canada. On their journey, they rescue a girl (Sarah) who has fallen through the thin part of the ice. This fateful day changes their lives forever. Allard and Sarah share an instant connection and a moment of destiny. Their lives become intertwined against an idyllic setting. Seriously, I could almost see the Norman Rockwell painting of this trio! Although their lives seem charmed, it's clear that it's the forces of nature that will both bring people together and tear them apart. I really wanted to love this novel, but the characters always fell just a bit flat to me. Ed, Allard and Sarah just couldn't compare to the magnificent backdrop of the New England countryside. I truly liked the idea of a single moment changing the trajectory of one's life, but ultimately, I wanted more from Allard and Sarah. I also never felt that the pacing was quite right. On the flip side though, in the right hands, this book could be adapted into a terrific film. There were moments as I read that I could almost see the screen adaptation and it could be a movie I might love (or at least the cinematography). "

" A lovely love story with all the right elements. I'll read more of this author. "

" 4.5 stars. Beautiful writing as I am coming to expect from Mr. Monninger. Great story, a little too neatly tied up at the end, and it ended a little quickly, but I loved this book. "

" Started out alright but lost momentum. The one saving grace was the setting. An amateur-ish foreshadowing pops up randomly and obviously. Cute story, but there was little to no character development. Sarah is beautiful. Ed is an outdoorsman. Allard is....?? Storyline was pretty flat. "

" A good author, but a quite simple story. Even the suspenseful part are low key. Good character development. "

" ..Written so well. Very emotional. Only complaint is that characters were almost too good to be true.. "

" Had the potential to be corny, but it really wasn't. Loved the strong family that is depicted. "

" This book was decent... 2.5 stars. The writing was really good but the plot never really developed, actually, I don't think it was ever there. This book is basically just a love story, but one that doesn't really have any significant twists. Overall, I was rather disappointed with this book. "

" Really enjoyed all the nature scenes in this book. "

" It was slow in places, but I loved the natural setting and the innocence of their childhood. I LOVED Sarah. "

" An okay book, in my opinion--slow to start and get into but happy I gave it a chance--sweet "

" I loved the writing in this book. Loved all the descriptions of the landscape, the sounds, the temperature, the smells. All of it. Even knowing what would happen I cried all through this book - I want to know more about Allard and Sarah and how they grow old together. "

" Loved it. Reminded me of 'The Memory Keepers Daughter' by Kim Edwards. Both moral dilemma books that involve children. They really make you think, and you can feel the pain the characters experience. "

" Excellent writing. Great outdoors book with a twist. I really enjoyed this book. "

" Joseph Monninger knows character development. He has his finger on the pulse of foreshadow. Sarah, Allard, and Edward are salt of the earth...loved it! Loved the memories of New Hampshires, too! "

" Joe Monninger beautifully captures the essence of childhood adventure and the sweet innocence of falling in love for the first time. Fans of John Irving, you have a new author to love.--Lisa Genova "

" I really enjoyed this book- not because the plot was anything new or unusual, but because the writing itself was beautiful. Very well written. "

" A great first read it was a lovely tales of a young boy and his first love "

" Beautiful writing about relationships, joy, and sorrow. Nature takes a big role as well. Sample: *Porcupine Creek began to steam with coolness and heat trading places.* I was deeply touched. "