To Be Sung Underwater: A Novel Audiobook

" Actually, I am currently listening to this and really enjoying it. I usually don't love these type of life examination novels but there is something about the main character, Judith, that I really like. I finished this and have mixed feelings. The writing is beautiful - based solely on that, I would give it 5 stars - but the premise of the novel itself bothers me a bit. It is a wonderfully told love story basically but the two main characters seem to have very little to no regard for the collateral damage done to others in their lives. The two are deeply connected and in love when the girl, Judith, is 17 and the guy, Willy, is 24. He plans to stay in the small Nebraska town while she is hoping to go away to college. Once away, she doesn't look back until 27 years later when they are reunited. There is no spoiler here as this is all kind of laid out in the first chapter. I do recommend it and am still mulling it over, which I guess means it's a good read. "

" The story is one many mid-life people can relate to. This is about asking questions. Did I marry the right person? What happened to my parents' marriage? Should I do this or that? This flows beautiflly in parts, but it bogs down in a couple parts unnecessarily to the point where you just wanted to get done. In both these sections, the plot becomes unrealistic also. She shows up for work late when she feels like it, doesn't show up at all when she feels like it, etc. and still has a high-powered job. He leaves his family and hibernates on his personal campground getaway for days on end with no real accountability. People who are sentimental about first loves and who like a nice slow-paced story will enjoy it. "

" Such a disappointing ending - really, no ending - to an otherwise great book. I was convinced I had pages missing in my copy and went to the bookstore to check other copies. No luck. "

" I liked reading a male author's perspective of what women feel. Interesting and enjoyable read. I could relate on many levels. "

" I unexpectedly became engaged with these characters and did enjoy the Nebraska settings as they were juxtaposed with L.A. "

" Really enjoyed this book! Everyone can remember their first love. "

" Unrealistic but good guilty read about unrequited love "

" A simply told beautifullove story. One of my favorites! "

" A beautiful, heartbreaking book. Be prepared with a box of tissue (or three) for the last 20 or so pages. "

" I really liked the book and the story. It was an old story retold in a bit of different way because of the ending. It was an end but not an end. It ended but so much was left unsaid. You can assume that life continued on as it was before but I don;t think that is how it should have ended. "

" A beautifully written book. The ending is predictable, but stays with one, as do the questions raised by the characters and their situations. "

" Definitely a good read. Different from a lot of reading material. Thought provoking. "

" Sad, but good book. I really loved these characters and the story line could have gone in any direction at any time. "

" The characters in this book are terribly flawed and not very likable, yet the story sticks with you and makes you think of the nature of happiness. "

" This was the perfect read for a lazy summer day! Took a little while to get into (I wasn't very fond of Malcolm) but when Willy entered the scene, I loved it! "

" One of the best books I've read/listened to this year. Audiobook was excellent! "

" A mesmerizing story with a haunting ending that leaves a lump in your throat. "

" I thought it was an enjoyable read. I didn't try to pick it apart--just enjoyed it. "

" I loved the story and McNeal's writing style. He has become one of my favorite authors. I can't wait for him to write another book. "

" o my goodness, things people do to themselves! "

" I really enjoyed the book, but not because of the main story (or at least what the book jacket says is the main story). I loved the writing, the characters, and especially Judith's relationship with her father. "

" Karen? Judy? you two need to read this one. "

" A decent summer read until the end... unless you like deus ex machina endings... "

" Wow. What a beautiful, sad, unbelievably well-written book. I'm going to be thinking about this one for a long time. "

" I wouldn't have found some of this story believable if I hadn't met someone who never got over a love he had. It's a very sad thing when someone can't let go and let's it take over their life. "

" I couldn't put it down. Very well-written and interesting. I am left with so many questions about Judith though! She seemed so disengaged. "

" Excellent! This is the great story you are always looking for.It reminded me a little of Bridges of Madison County. "

" Holy cow! This book just knocked me out! Not sure if I'll keep the 4 rating or upgrade it... "

" I can't decide whether I loved this book or hated it. Beautifully sad, with characters and a sense of place so precisely created that I think they'll stay with me for quite a while. "

" I absolutely positively love this book! I could not put it down. Willy Blunt I love you!! "