Search - The Dive From Clausen's Pier

The Dive From Clausen's Pier
Author: Ann Packer
Book Information
Publisher: Vintage
Book Type: Paperback
Rating:
ISBN-13: 9780375727139 - ISBN-10: 0375727132
Publication Date: 4/8/2003
Pages: 432

Book Description:
How much do we owe the people we love? Is it a sign of strength or weakness to walk away from someone in need? These questions lie at the heart of Ann Packer’s intimate and emotionally thrilling new novel, which has won its author comparisons with Jane Hamilton and Sue Miller.

At the age of twenty-three Carrie Bell has spent her entire life in Wisconsin, with the same best friend and the same dependable, easygoing, high school sweetheart. Now to her dismay she has begun to find this life suffocating and is considering leaving it–and Mike–behind. But when Mike is paralyzed in a diving accident, leaving seems unforgivable and yet more necessary than ever. The Dive from Clausen’s Pier animates this dilemma–and Carrie’s startling response to it–with the narrative assurance, exacting realism, and moral complexity we expect from the very best fiction.
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Genres:Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Abridged), Paperback


Top Member Reviews

Julie S. from SAN JOSE, CA wrote on 6/19/2007...

18 member(s) found this review helpful.

Hidden somewhere in this novel is a good novella. This story starts out strong, but stumbles mid-way, where nothing, nothing, nothing happens for a long time, and never quite regains its feet. I get that the narrator doesn't know what to do and being the exceptionally passive-aggressive type, she does nothing. Unfortunately, having her not progress in any way for pages and pages made the story fall flat for me.

It's a great premise and rich material, but it lacked a bit in execution.

Mary B. (eagles) from COLUMBIA, SC wrote on 6/28/2007...

16 member(s) found this review helpful.

I loved this book, loved it from the beginning and could not put down. An overall dark storyline, but makes you think about your relationships. What are you willing to do for the one you love? I wish I had more books to read like this, would absolutely recommend. Fascinating read.

Jan K. (readergaltoo) from SAN JOSE, CA wrote on 5/3/2007...

14 member(s) found this review helpful.

What a wonderful book. The author just pulls you in deeper and deeper into these people's lives until you're so involved you have to stay up all night and find out how everything turns out.

A young couple, having problems, goes on a picnic and the guy breaks his neck jumping off of a pier. The story is about the aftermath and how the fiancee handles it and how friends and family members react. Very involving. Wonderful.

Megan S. (bananapancakes) from GLOUCESTER, MA wrote on 8/13/2007...

10 member(s) found this review helpful.

About a girl who has a big decision to make when her fiance ends up with a traumatic brain injury and all its aftermath. Does she stick by his side and give up what she thinks she wants in life or forget him all together. She goes through a rollercoaster of emotions and actually makes several decisions in the end, kind of coming full circle while growing up a lot in the process. I really enjoyed this book. It's a quick but rewarding read in my opinion.

Robin D. from ANTHEM, AZ wrote on 5/5/2007...

10 member(s) found this review helpful.

Story about a woman who is planning to leave her boyfriend and life behind, when her boyfriend is paralyzed in a diving accident. The story is of the woman's dilemma, whether to stay or go.

C. M. from APPLE VALLEY, MN wrote on 11/21/2006...

9 member(s) found this review helpful.

My book club read this - my choice - and it was thought-provoking. I thought it rather ended unexpectedly. I'm sure the movie version wouldn't end the same way.

Sandra C. from NAPA, CA wrote on 4/9/2007...

8 member(s) found this review helpful.

Having been through a similar experience to the woman in the book, I can appreciate the span of emotions one goes through in deciding whether to devote one's life to caring for a lover turned invalid. Really well done.

Andrea M. (brown-eyedgirl) from LINVILLE, VA wrote on 3/13/2007...

8 member(s) found this review helpful.

I really enjoyed this book. The author really explores the issues of relationships and how the main character handles a tragic event in her own relationship. I liked her style of writing. I felt for Carrie and her struggle between doing what might be noble or being true to herself.

Beth E. (sherlockeu) from MILWAUKEE, WI wrote on 4/25/2007...

7 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is a journey about a couple whose lives change after an accident. Just how far are you willing to go for someone you love?

Sarah F. from DALTON, GA wrote on 2/16/2007...

7 member(s) found this review helpful.

The pace of the story is a bit slow especially at the beginning. It is a very touching and realistic portrait of a young woman trying to deal with a tragedy involving her fiancee. You just have to stick with it. It's worth the read.


Rate These Member Reviews

Valerie S. (valeriesmasalhammons) from DICKINSON, TX wrote on 9/10/2008...


I liked this book a lot. In the beginning. I just feel like towards the middle I was screaming at her "Make up your mind" She knew what the right decision was re: Kilroy, and yet she would not do it. She is a character who would not ever stand up for herself and that frustrated me. She was very wimpy and I did not like that. Still, I liked the story. just dragged along at the end waiting for her to get off her butt and make some decisions.

Mindy B. (notmork) from SANFORD, FL wrote on 7/20/2008...


Carrie breaks up with her long time boyfriend Mike just prior to him diving into a lake where he breaks his neck and is paralyzed. Carrie's guilt and the pressure from her family and friends to be there for Mike and not abandon him war with her need to move on and lead her life in her own way. Very thought provoking.

Candice J. (pibblegrl) from MERIDEN, CT wrote on 5/22/2008...


Thought provoking...but I didn't really enjoy it.

Nancy L. (sewingnancyl) from WINFIELD, MO wrote on 11/20/2006...


How much do we owe the people we love? Isw it a sign of strength or weakness to walk away from someone in need? These questions lie at the heart of Ann Packer's intimate and emotionally thrilling new novel, which has won its author comparisons with Jane Hamilton and Sue Miller. Wonderful Read!!

Jeanne M. (silybum) from REDWOOD CITY, CA wrote on 10/26/2006...


Great Book!

Sylvia S. (whiteazalea) from WATERBURY, VT wrote on 8/12/2006...


The cover is different than shown but it is a softcover.

Haley Joy F. (Joynessdotcom) from BILOXI, MS wrote on 8/9/2006...


What a well written book. I was dissapointed in how it turned out. It didn't go where I thought it would. It was different, and it's an interesting read. It certainly goes by quickly!

Nancy M. (ImL8) from EVANSTON, WY wrote on 7/29/2006...


It will make you wonder what you would do in the same situation

Marjorie L. (greenmama) from FREEPORT, IL wrote on 7/11/2006...


Critics have drawn favorable comparisons between Ann Packer and Jane Hamilton and Sue Miller. Certainly this author needs no help standing on her own as a wonderful creator of characters who will inspire empathy and delight.

N. A. from PELLA, IA wrote on 7/5/2006...


Interesting moral dilemma, do you stay with someone who is hurt if you were planning to leave them before the accident.