Friend of the Family by Dean Koontz

 

Back in July I started reading this newest book by Dean Koontz.  It is 370 pages. But I did not finish it until the end of August.   Koontz is is a very popular author and certainly a good writer but for me this story was a drag.  There were  parts of slight interest but when I read fiction I just want a good story that draws me in.  So despite rave reviews and recommendations from many including Hillsdale College, I  am not a Koontz fan.  This is the last time I will try.  

Friend of the Family  flap of book

The flap  describes the story, about Alida who has been captive in a traveling road show, The Museum of the Strange.  I never  decided what her  real infirmities  were that made her a freak and attraction, but apparently her mother abandoned her and Captain Farnam made her the  star attraction of his Depression Era venue.    She is rescued and adopted by the Fairchilds, who pay an amount for her and so begins her new  rolke in a safe and loved family. She read  as many books during her time with  the roadshow as she could so she is quite astute that way.   As mentioned, the writing is good and there were several lines I liked and noted. But I struggle  personally to give this more than a few ***.  Just not my favorite.  

Page 81   "When you have hope everything is so much more important and meaningful than when yopu don't."

Page 127  "While we are making luck of our own as best we are able, other people are making luck for the good and bad.  Sometimes luck falls toward us like dominos, bringing a series of insights, and something we have struggled to understand becomes clearer than we imagined ever could be."

Page 339  "  Enjoy life but stay alert.  Always trust in the righteousness of the world.  But atay alert.  Never be bitter or despairing.  But stay alert.  Life is a great gift.  Love and mercy are the promise of it.  But stay alert."

Author  Dean Koontz

        

About  Author  Book flap