"Sitting Practice" by Caroline Adderson

Here is another book I found on the shelves at Island Bookstore: Sitting Practice, by Caroline Adderson. From Amazon:

It only takes a moment for your life to be changed forever—as the characters of this darkly comic novel discover early on. The fateful moment for the newlyweds Ross and Iliana comes with the freak automobile accident that leaves Iliana paralyzed, Ross grief-stricken, and both of them struggling to come to terms with a married life nothing like they originally had in mind. As the usually affable Ross struggles with guilt and with finding ways to cope with his newly fractured life, Iliana gets used to her unwelcome existence as a wheelchair-bound wife, to her husband’s growing sense of alienation, and to their awkward new lack of intimacy.

What ultimately happens with Ross and Iliana is as unexpected and surprising as the fateful mishap that sets the events in motion in the first place. Sitting Practice is a clever and insightful study of love’s collision with harsh reality, told by an author with a remarkable instinct for the workings of human nature, a nimble gift for language, and the ability to find humor in the oddest places.

Reviews of Sitting Practice seem to be pretty mixed. She Reads and Reads said: "I got stuck in the first third of the book (the setup before and immediately after the accident)—I found the characters stilted and almost caricatured. The middle of the book (which is actually the section called “End”) is more engaging; the characters are fuller and I was intrigued with the story of Iliana’s emerging sexuality post accident, which I felt the author dealt with very compassionately. Unfortunately, the momentum of that section didn’t carry through to the end, which fell flat, in my opinion."

Mermaids liked the character development in Sitting Practice and appreciated that the book tied up at the end but left her wanting more.

Carp(e) Libris Reviews liked the book a lot: "Sitting Practice is filled to overflowing with likable, realistically flawed and spiritual characters, with a story line that keeps your head in the book even when it’s regretfully closed. Adderson has a knack for conveying life-giving detail in her writings, making the reader wonder just how many shoes she’s walked in to offer such realistic points of view. From Iliana’s day-to-day experiences in a wheelchair to the simple toddler behavior of Ross’ nephew, each part is played out in vivid 3-D. Sitting Practice is certainly a touching and entrancing look into some of life’s more painful lessons.

I'm intrigued. Anyone in EDIWTBland read this yet?

Comments

[Kathy]

I haven't read it, but boy, do I like that cover!

[Swapna]

I loved the cover and the review. Wish I could read it too.

[Melanie]

I was intrigued by the mixed reviews so I grabbed the library's copy off the shelf. I am about halfway through. I started it during lunch and I've been sneaking pages. So far, it's good.

[Tara]

I didn't care for this one and agree with the comments above from she reads and reads.

[Melanie]

I finished the book last night. It was a quick read. I enjoyed it. The characters and the situations were very realistic. I think Carp(e) Libris descrives the book well.

[Kiki]

I have a copy of Property--maybe I'll try to read it now too--I just already have three books going currently, and will probably start another for one of my book groups tomorrow. Darnit!

[J. Kaye]

Hey! Wanted to stop in to let you know your blog was recommended by Booktumbling.

[Gayle]

Melanie - I like this arrangement! I find books that look interesting, and you read them and report back!! Lucky you to be surrounded by all those books.

Kiki - I just finished Property - will try to review it tonight.

J. Kaye - what's Booktumbling?

[avisannschild]

Thanks for linking to my review! I'd be interested to hear what you think of it, if you decide to read it.