| The Dive from Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer from Chris McDonough Guide Rating - **** The Bottom Line Carrie Bell's ennui with "doing the exact same things we'd always done, and with the exact same people" meets disaster when her fianc� dives off a pier and breaks his spine. He becomes a quadriplegic. Under the strain of others' expectations, Carrie snaps. She drives through the night to New York City. There she recreates herself through a new circle of friends, a new lover and an exploration of her needs and talents. Another tragedy forces Carrie to choose between her two lives. Pros: The plot is about us as much as it is about Carrie, the main character. Cons: One credibility hitch - within a week, Carrie finds home, friends, and a lover in NYC. Description � Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc. � Pages: 370 � Format: Hardcover � ISBN: 0-375-41282-4 Guide Review - The Dive From Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer The tragedy in this emotional novel forces the question of self-definition through relationships. Instead of fulfilling the role of loyal, devoted fianc�e to her suddenly quadriplegic high school sweetheart, 23-year-old Carrie drives through the night to New York City. The choice surprises even her. She wonders if she knows herself. Carrie's new life is free from distractions such as necessity, which forces Carrie to a make a crucial life decision based solely on her values. Author Ann Packer has created a unique character in a compelling, universal dilemma. Details aside, Carrie's choices are our choices. ------------------------- Chris McDonough is retired and catching up on reading and writing. �2004 About, Inc. All rights reserved. A PRIMEDIA Company. |
| Published About.com Women Writers 2004-11-29 |
| CHRIS MCDONOUGH |
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