"Careful" is both a gripping coming of age story and a tender exploration of the relationship between mother and son. Chapters alternate between the past -- set in Ecuador, where the protagonist, Tyler, was an exchange student -- and the present, where tragic circumstances compel Tyler to disclose the painful secrets of his youth to his mother. Both settings are equally captivating. In Ecuador we travel with Tyler to exotic places and feel his joy and pain as unforeseen events force him to leave behind youthful frivolity and face head-on issues that he is not yet mature enough to cope with. In the present, the reader experiences the deep emotions that Tyler unleashes as he unburdens himself, providing answers to lingering questions that have long-troubled his mother and forging new bonds in the process. Anderson creates a wonderful pace throughout the novel, skilfully building tension and expectation but never leaving the reader hanging for too long. The characters are multi-dimensional and, as a result, there are many tender and poignant moments. This book will appeal to young people who dream of independence and adventure, to parents who long to understand and connect with their children, and to everyone in-between. Definitely a very satisfying read!
Randy Anderson
Brilliant new review! http://takingtimeformommy.com/careful-randy-anderson-book-review/
Randy Anderson
"Careful" is both a gripping coming of age story and a tender exploration of the relationship between mother and son. Chapters alternate between the past -- set in Ecuador, where the protagonist, Tyler, was an exchange student -- and the present, where tragic circumstances compel Tyler to disclose the painful secrets of his youth to his mother. Both settings are equally captivating. In Ecuador we travel with Tyler to exotic places and feel his joy and pain as unforeseen events force him to leave behind youthful frivolity and face head-on issues that he is not yet mature enough to cope with. In the present, the reader experiences the deep emotions that Tyler unleashes as he unburdens himself, providing answers to lingering questions that have long-troubled his mother and forging new bonds in the process. Anderson creates a wonderful pace throughout the novel, skilfully building tension and expectation but never leaving the reader hanging for too long. The characters are multi-dimensional and, as a result, there are many tender and poignant moments. This book will appeal to young people who dream of independence and adventure, to parents who long to understand and connect with their children, and to everyone in-between. Definitely a very satisfying read!