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Before I Wake: A Novel (Reading Group Gold) | 
 enlarge | Author: Robert J. Wiersema
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Category: Book
List Price: $13.95
Buy New: $7.58
You Save: $6.37 (46%)
New (33) Used (6) from $7.58
Avg. Customer Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 401899
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 336
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.4
ISBN: 0312381050
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN: 9780312381059
ASIN: 0312381050
Publication Date: July 22, 2008 (New: Last 30 Days)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
After an unthinkable tragedy happens, an unbelievable miracle begins. . . Three-year-old Sherry is the adored only child of Simon and Karen Barrett. But when Sherry is critically injured in a hit-and-run accident, the fault lines in the Barretts's marriage begin to show. As her parents' marriage falls apart, it is discovered that Sherry has miraculous healing powers. Meanwhile, the guilt-stricken driver of the truck attempts suicide--but is unable to die. Henry Denton instead finds himself in a place of darkness, somewhere between this world and the next, invisible to all but a group of mysterious and downtrodden men. Haunted by his shame, Henry struggles to understand this mysterious limbo. As word of Sherry’s powers spread, her parents must decide how best to shelter their daughter and help the many sick and dying who are drawn to her side. At the same time, a larger battle is brewing-- one that has been raging for two thousand years, and one that might yet claim the lives of Sherry and her family. Robert J. Wiersema's brilliant debut novel sheds light on the inner lives of characters struggling against tragedy, who find each other and themselves in the darkness. Before I Wake reveals the power of forgiveness, and the true nature, and cost, of miracles.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 When you can't quit thinking about it- it's a good book. August 7, 2008
I think this would make a great movie. The different vantage points was hard to figure out for the first few pages, but after that I rather enjoyed seeing each person's take on the situation. This book made me think and look things up on the Internet like, "Who the heck is Ahaseurus?" I checked out several stories in the Bible and quite frankly, I just couldn't put it down. I think the one bad review is because that reader just couldn't get used to the different vantage points. It's a different way of writing and I think unique enough that it kept my interest. I'm a little ADHD when it comes to reading-- if it doesn't catch my attention, my mind will wander on to other things. My mind was on this book the whole time. Way to go Robert Wiersema. I hope they make it into a movie.
moving February 14, 2008
This story is one the reader does not want to leave--while reading or after finishing. Part mystery, part thriller, part literary novel--Before I Wake has ordinary, flawed characters in an extraordinary situation, plus extraordinary characters one just doesn't usually find. Loved it enough to put the author on auto-buy. Recommended.
Fantastic September 20, 2007
I was hesitant to buy this book after reading the review by Liza, so I borrowed it from the library. I am in the process of buying this book! This is the best story I have read since Whistling in the Dark. It really is fantastic. It has an ending that will leave you in awe! I wish Liza would go back and read this story because by skimming through it, she really missed a heart felt, beautiful and exciting story. I hope Mr. Wiersema writes more books just like this. It has so many things happening that it gives everyone something to like. It is supernatural, thriller, romance, spiritual, action and drama. I can't imagine anyone not loving this book. I rate it 5 stars easily. It is well worth the money.
 Gripping? Yes Good? No June 26, 2007
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
I judged this book by its cover. What a mistake.
The cover (here in Canada) had "National Bestseller" printed on it, and seemingly good review excerpts from major newspapers. What Canadians bought enough copies of this book to make it a bestseller? Maybe a mass market bestseller in the tiny paperback form. I was duped by it being printed in the literature larger-scale format.
It was god awful.
I 100% agree that I couldn't put it down - I wanted to know how the story turned out. Took about 3 hours to read from cover to cover. You can definitely skim the story because, outside of the dialog, nothing happens. Who published this book????!!@# For example:
Jimmy walks into a room, picking up his toothbrush and brushing his teeth.
"Good morning," said Jimmy, "I am brushing my teeth."
The storytelling is very basic. We learn of characters' mundane daily actions and they do nothing to reinforce the tone of the story. The entire book is very play-by-play with very little for an intellectual to chew on in terms of character development or beautiful writing. Beyond dialog and Wiersema's boring descriptions of characters' physical actions ("he was chopping lettuce for a salad" or "she walked across the room"), this book is little more than a bedtime story. The story, set in my town (Victoria, BC) goes to the trouble of detailing driving routes: "I took a left on Johnson Street and then a right onto Douglas Street"
I keep checking the spine to see if this was published by a Christian press. The religious message seems to be the reason for writing the book. It can't be that the author loves his craft. There simply isn't any craft here.
This book is bad. Bland story, bland writing... bland bland bland. It's gripping because you're turning the pages thinking, "ok.. ok... yeah.. ok.. but when do we get to something gripping?"
Wonderful exploration of human relationships June 12, 2007
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Robert J. Wiersema spins a memorable tale about family, relationships, and good vs. evil in this superb debut.
Simon and Karen Barrett's world is changed forever when their three-year-old daughter, Sherry, is struck by a car. As Sherry's life hangs in the balance, Simon and Karen struggle to keep their marriage alive. Meanwhile, the man who hit Sherry, Henry Denton, is on the run as the reality of his predicament sets in. All the while a solemn figure gleefully watches from the shadows as grief and despair overtake the lives of all those affected by Sherry's accident. When evil threatens the Barrett Family, Henry Denton suddenly realizes that he might be the only one who can save them.
Robert J. Wiersema's first novel has taken quite a journey on the road to getting published. Before I Wake was originally published by Random House in Canada in 2006, where it was a national bestseller. The U.S. version was launched by St. Martin's Press on May 1, 2007. Wiersema currently lives in Victoria, British Columbia, and is a bookseller and reviewer for several publications.
Wiersema's first novel is a fascinating read that grabs the reader tightly and demands attention. The unique narrative is written in the first person from each of the main characters' point of view, thus the reader is able experience the story from multiple angles. Wiersema effectively explores the depths of human relationships, and looks intently at both the good side and the bad. Ultimately this is a story of redemption, and each characters journey to find it is heartbreaking, yet inspiring.
Armchair Interviews says: Before I Wake is a must-read novel that will tug at your heart strings long after the last line.
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