Liked the beginning and the end, hated everything in between | The Dive From Clausen's Pier: A Novel

Deep engrossing book that stays with you long afterwards | The Dive From Clausen's Pier: A Novel | Ann Packer

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	• The Dive From Clausen's Pier: A Novel Ann Packer Vintage, 2003 - 432 pages average customer review:based on 401 reviews view larger image
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Conflicted feelings about this one...

THE DIVE FROM CLAUSEN'S PIER, is one of those rare books that I've read that have me truly conflicted in how I feel about it. On the one hand, I was totally engrossed in the story, unable to put the book down at times. On the other hand there are things about the story that were so implausible, it was hard to get past them.

I truly enjoyed the first section of the book. I could understand Carrie's feelings perfectly. After all, she was only 23 years old, still young enough to be somewhat selfish and to want more out of her life. The characters in this section were interesting and well defined. The next section was certainly interesting, but at the same time, quite disappointing. As some other reviewers have mentioned, there were parts of this section that were just beyond belief. Carrie being able to live in New York job AND almost rent-free really diminishes this section of the book. It was far too convenient and let's be honest, just not possible. I felt there should have been more challenges for Carrie to face here. And then there was Kilroy. I simply could not understand Carrie's attraction to him. If the author had given us at least one redeemable quality about him, then I could maybe understand it, but there's really nothing. He wasn't necessarily a bad guy, but he was, at times, quite insufferable. I mean, come on, he was a 40-year-old man who liked being called "Kilroy"! I wish he could have been portrayed as a bit more likeable. Then there was the sex. Now, I've read far more graphic sex in other books, so I certainly wasn't offended, but the sex described in this book was ridiculous, verging on comical. The author must have thought she needed to spice things up and added these scenes as an after-thought. Very poorly written.

The story picks up again in the last section when Carrie returns home to Wisconsin (after receiving a proper telling off from her friend Jaime.) I found her pining over Kilroy a little much. As far as the ending goes, it was the ending I had wanted and yet, it was still unsatisfactory. In fact, I believe if it had ended another way that would have been just as unsatisfactory. The author painted Carrie into a corner, since there was really no correct decision she could make. If I could give this book 3 1/2 stars, I would. I'll instead give it a strong 3 stars.

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Liked the beginning and the end, hated everything in between

I lways like to give a novel a chance to see if it csn pull itself together and turn into something enjoyable. This is exactly what I did with Dive.. and I am pretty happy I did. It had a promising start, a small town girl longing for something bigger. However as the story went on I found myself hating the main character and every action that she made. I can't believe that her actions would be justified in "real life." She was comnpletely selfish and dillusional. I did feel satisfied with the ending, however. If I were to recommend this book I would say to skip the middle, it will only make you groan and roll your eyes.

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Deep engrossing book that stays with you long afterwards

I feel very lucky to have happened upon this book. I was rummaging through an airport book store unable to find any of the reliable titles on my read list. Instead I took a chance on this first time author and it turned out to be the best book I've read in awhile. I don't like tear-jerkers, but I loved the real and complex emotion in this book, following the character along, understanding her every move despite willing her in a different direction at times. I felt connected to this book in a way I have not in quite some time. Although the ending will leave you with a few nagging questions, this is not a book that dissapoints at any stage.

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couldn't bond with the character

Carrie - not anyone I'd be friends with.

I'd probably be more likely to be friends with her raggedy GF, Jamie. more my type. But, our heroine, Carrie, I just couldn't like her enough to care.

The beginning was promising, a good broken neck on a boyfriend is always good for a story. But, then, this girl, Carrie - she is just so bland, selfish, ho humm, humm drum, wishy washy, stupid, and boring.

If you are a sewer, maybe that part would interest you. How she laboriously picks out the perfect fabric to make the perfect whatever. That was nice. I always wished I could sew better.

But, what was with the night-gown?? Crikey, if I spent $200 something on fabric, I sure as heck wouldn't make a night-gown, then, hang it in the closet and never wear it! And, the green velvet dress she made in NY, she never wore it, and then left it there! That was annoying.

Oh, and how she walked all over NY, diddley dallied her time away, did nothing, too weird. I kept yelling at her "Get a job, stupid!" You don't last too long in New York city on the hundred bucks or so she brought with.

At least she started fashion school, which was great - till she dropped out! another stupid move.

Kilroy - what an egomaniac dead end he was! why did she waste so much time on him? Her only friend, Jamie - that was totally stupid that she wouldn't talk to Carrie. dumb. The friends in NY - I couldn't believe they'd want to be friends wither her, they were waaay too cool for her.

It was nice that she went back home, sort of. She wouldn't make up her mind. Get a job woman, and a plan. duh... She should get married and have babies and shut up.

The boyfreind with the broken neck could have been developed a lot more, instead of following this chick around the country.

thanks! Sally

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