Entertainment With Substance

Despite my feeling that this book felt a bit like the audio version of the TV show "Parenthood", I thought the author did an excellent job of portraying the members of an extended family in difficult circumstances, with challenges and learnings for each individual.

The glitches that each person runs into are as varied as the circumstances that make up each individual's emotional and situational maze. Yet they are all connected, and the resolutions to the varied story arcs seem settled and complete. Of course, there can be a myriad of possible plot endings and exit points in each story, but the learnings are based on letting go of outcomes and not hanging on to one's personal version of how things "should" be. Or, put another way, for each main character it's mostly all about letting go of absolute control and understanding that flexibility is key in adapting to what is.

I did find some aspects of the book a bit high on the drama scale, and some of the situations seemed a bit extreme but my reaction to that was ok but so what? Why I am I reading this? Is it entertaining, and am I learning anything or getting any insights into how others go about the business of living their daily lives, glitches and all? And my answer is "yes" to all of that. Besides, how else can a writer zone in on everyone's trick bag other than polarizing positions in the relatively short timeframe imposed by novels in general?

Hard to pinpoint specific scenes without spoiling, but it looked like in the end, each person managed to "step up to the plate" in his/her own way, and move past, and through, their personal challenges.

And it's all told with a light touch, which makes the read an entertaining listen.

Narration was mostly ideal, but - and I am not sure if this is a production issue or directorial choice - I thought the space between the characters' stories was too short. A little more breathing room between scenes would have enhanced each story and the picture as a whole.

For me, another 5-star listen!

21 people found this helpful

problems come & go but families are forever

Where does The Arrivals rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Third

Who was your favorite character and why?

The mom who kept her silence when needed and said the right thing at the right time.

Which scene was your favorite?

The arrival of the estranged husband.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I wanted it to last - listened while walking and while sewing.

Any additional comments?

The connection from one story part to another seemed to be missing at times. There was no good transition between the brother's living away and suddenly being home.

2 people found this helpful

Boring

Really boring book. Couldn’t finish it. Sorry I couldn’t continue to hear it. Might appeal to someone 14.

Interesting shakeup for patient parents

This takes place well before COVID-19, and then a whole nuclear family piling back in with the retired folks was unusual.

The youngest daughter, unmarried with no children, is in a financial, emotional and job crisis. She explains to her parents, but leaves the others in the dark.

The middle son arrives for the weekend without calling first, and while they are there, his wife has a prenatal emergency, which lands her on bed rest at the parents house for months.

And finally first there was the oldest daughter, Lillian, with her three-month-old son and her three-year-old daughter, Olivia. She is there because her husband had a one night with his assistant, but she has not divulged this to either of her parents. She is however acting like Bette Davis to everyone.
Honestly, I almost stopped reading the whole book because of her nasty, whining and entitled personality.

Buildup of tension, the parents yearning for their nice quiet cool neat house, some nice vignettes between some of the children and the parents — all handled very nicely by the author. I was surprised that this book was written in 2012. It could’ve happened last summer.

Really nice listen

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I can’t remember how I came across it other than falling down the Audible rabbit hole and discovering an author I had never heard of and that I will now download another book by her and probably another after that.

The narrator was great too.

Great Family Story

What did you love best about The Arrivals?

The family had issues just like everyone else

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Arrivals?

the connection between the mother and father - they seemed like they were still in love and respected each other

What does Leslie Bellair bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

emotion

If you could take any character from The Arrivals out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Rachel. To talk to her about getting over her boyfriend

1 person found this helpful

Just Average

Would you try another book from Meg Mitchell Moore and/or Leslie Bellair?

I am not sure that I would. My time is so limited that I seek out those truly great books. If I had time to kill on a beach vacation, then maybe I would try another one.

Would you be willing to try another book from Meg Mitchell Moore? Why or why not?

I am not sure that I would. My time is so limited that I seek out those truly great books. If I had time to kill on a beach vacation, then maybe I would try another one.

Did Leslie Bellair do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

I think Leslie Bellair should slow down her reading a bit. Especially, between breaks. She reads so fast that you don't even realize she's reading a chapter title until afterwards when you are trying to figure out the run-on sentence. There is no differentiating in characters so you do find yourself confused sometimes trying to figure out who is talking in the book.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I think this could be a good movie depending on actors.

Any additional comments?

This book was a roller coaster in that you would get plenty of detail and sucked into the story and then it would just sort of drop and jump to another part of the story. I felt like pieces were missing or maybe that was meant for a commercial break.

1 person found this helpful

Maybe Because of

the phase I am in but I loved every word of this perfectly read book. The story reflects family life, at this phase of life, (I have five young adult children) and all the feelings the mom is experiencing as her children live their lives is so familiar I am convinced the author must be at this phase too. If mom's with young children read this book they will get a glimpse of what it will be like down the road, in retrospect. I hope they will treasure their children at every phase and do what they can to share their lifelong story with the father of their children. I hope they will learn that strong families can get through the toughest of times and to never give up on their children or withhold their love, affection and any support they can offer. Love does not take up room and mothering and fathering is never finished. This writer is beyond talented and I am going to download her other book as soon as I sign off.

Great Read - Starts Slow but Builds Perfectly

Would you listen to The Arrivals again? Why?

Yes, I really enjoyed the characters and felt a part of them by the time the story was finished. I wanted it to continue.

What other book might you compare The Arrivals to and why?

Meg Mitchell Moore's other books are fabulous as well - I have now read all three.

A little boring

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I felt as if my time was wasted. It started out ok but then nothing really happened and I wanted it to end.

Would you be willing to try another one of Leslie Bellair’s performances?

Probably not. Her Boston accent when reading the scenes with the priest was terrible. It sounded like a New York accent. Also, the narrator didn't pause between chapters or when the POV switched so that was a little confusing at times. The character of Ginny sounded more like an 85 year old than a 65 year old.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

no.