Guest Review: Outside the Lines – Amy Hatvany

When Eden was ten years old she found her father, David, bleeding out on the bathroom floor. The suicide attempt led to her parents’ divorce, and David all but vanished from Eden’s life. Since childhood, she has heard from him only rarely, just enough to know he’s been living on the streets and struggling with mental illness. But lately, there has been no word at all.
Now in her thirties, Eden decides to go look for her father, so she can forgive him at last, and finally move forward. When her search uncovers other painful truths—not only the secrets her mother has kept from her, but also the agonizing question of whether David, after all these years, even wants to be found—Eden is forced to decide just how far she’ll go in the name of love.

Series:
Release Date:  February 7, 2012
Publisher:  Washington Square Press
Source:  NetGalley
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Reviewer’s Thoughts:

“It’s incredibly hard to write about this book without giving too much away, so I’ll try my best!  This is a tough and extremely emotional subject, and the author has written it beautifully.  My heart broke for each and every one of the characters as their stories tragically unfolded.

Eden is a strong and courageous character who has been through so much in such a short amount of time.  Her father attempted suicide, which led to her parent’s divorce and her father disappearing.  Her mother is diagnosed with breast cancer.  Feeling as though she must, Eden decides to track down her father, only to find out painful secrets that have been hidden from her for so many years.  The pain and betrayal she feels throughout the book is agonizing, but the growth that she endures is awe-inspiring.

I walked away from this book feeling as though I found insight into my own life and the relationships that I hold dear, appreciating each and every one a little more than I did before.  Inspiring and emotional, this book will touch you deeply.  Just make sure you have some Kleenex close by.