The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain
Publisher: Mira (April 24, 2012)
Source: Publisher
Formats Available: Paperback, Kindle
Format Read: Paperback
Synopsis from Goodreads: A beloved daughter. A devastating choice. And now there’s no going back. Four years ago, nineteen-year-old Travis Brown made a choice: to raise his newborn daughter on his own. While most of his friends were out partying and meeting girls, Travis was at home, changing diapers and worrying about keeping food on the table. But he’s never regretted his decision. Bella is the light of his life. The reason behind every move he makes. And so far, she is fed. Cared for. Safe.But when Travis loses his construction job and his home, the security he’s worked so hard to create for Bella begins to crumble .Then a miracle. A job in Raleigh has the power to turn their fortunes around. It has to. But when Travis arrives in Raleigh, there is no job, only an offer to participate in a onetime criminal act that promises quick money and no repercussions.With nowhere else to turn, Travis must make another choice for his daughter’s sake. Even if it means he might lose her.
My thoughts: This is my second time reading a novel written by Diane Chamberlain. My first experience was with The Midwife’s Confession. It would seem that Chamberlain has a knack for writing about heart wrenching situations. The Good Father was no exception.
Travis Brown finds himself in an impossible situation. He’s out of money, out of a job, and out of help. What would a good father do?
Erin is a woman fighting her own battles.
Robin is a woman lamenting her own losses as she immersels herself into a new life. She thinks she’s moved on and forgotten her past, but has she?
One of the things that makes a novel good is the author’s ability to make the reader care. If they care about the characters, if they can relate to what they are going through. Before I became a parent there were plenty of moments in which I believed that I’d never (fill in the blank). Since becoming a parent I’ve learned that never isn’t a word that is in your vocabulary. This sentiment is a prominent theme in The Good Father.
Chamberlain tells the story shifting points of view between the three main characters. Each revealing their personal stories and the much bigger story that ties them together. This format definitely works well for this story as it compels you to care for each of the characters as they tell their story and keeps the pages turning.
Excerpt:
Now, how to make my graceful exit. I hadn’t quite thought through that part. Maybe I’d say I needed to use the restroom again, but they’d be able to see me if I left the restroom and went out the door.
“So just a couple more days till you go back to work?” I asked Erin.
If you’d like to read more of The Good Father, click on over to the home of the tour at Booktrib and visit some of the other hosting blogs. Booktrib will also be hosting a chat with Diane Chamberlain on May 31, 2012 so make sure to check that out.
© 2012, Teresa. All rights reserved.
I want to try this one on audio.
Great idea, I’ll bet it would be good on audio.
What a coincidence! My site is today’s stop on this tour. ^_^ My first experience with the author was THE MIDWIFE’S CONFESSION too! Too funny. I have to agree with you on the author’s writing….she DOES make you care and that interest in the character’s lives for better or worse is what makes the difference between just another story and one that sticks with you. Great review! Thanks for sharing…
(Oh and your current read by Jillian Medoff…LOVED IT! Just finished not but a few days ago. Happy reading!)