Reconstructing Amelia ... a new release from Simon & Schuster Product Review

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Review Reconstructing Amelia … a new release from Simon & Schuster

Average Ratings (from 39 ratings)
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Reconstructing Amelia ... a new release from Simon & Schuster :
4.45 out of 5 based on 39 reviews.
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How well do you know your own daughter? And how far would you go to find out the truth?

A stunning debut novel told in alternating voices, Reconstructing Amelia is a story of secrets and lies, of love and betrayal, of trusted friends and vicious enemies – of how well a parent really knows a child and how far a mother will go to vindicate the memory of a daughter whose life she could not save.

Reconstructing Amelia, written by Kimberley McCreight, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.

Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $24.99.  Also available as an ebook for $13.99.

Find out more about Reconstructing Amelia here.

In this review, mums received a paperback copy of Reconstructing Amelia.  Read their reviews below.

Published 20th May 2013

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  • Definitely a book worth reading

    For a debut novel Kimberly McCreight has impressed me. I love reading and hate when an author clearly can't construct legible sentences or entertain the mind. This book is well written and gets the mind thinking all the way through. Not once was I bored or forgot what had happened when I did have to put the book down. The story stays with you from cover to cover. I just loved the way she wrote in two person view. Not many apple can pull that off. But the way Kimberly McCreight did it made it flow. It slowly pieced the story together from past and present views and mum and daughter views. The ending was a shocker but I had pretty much guessed what had happened just before the end.

    All round a FANTASTIC book to read!!!
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  • Fantastic book!!!

    I am loving this book!! Although I'm only halfway through I just had to write my thoughts on it now. The way the author has written in a two person view and jumping from past to present to cover what has happened and how it's lead up to the death of Amelia makes the story flow and allows you to become a sort-of detective yourself as you draw conclusions on certain things along the way. I absolutely love it and can't wait to finish it - if only these children would look after themselves so I never had to leave it!!! lol
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  • first early review

    Omg i cant put it down. Definitely a page turner. Make sure you have piece and quiet when you start. I cant wait to read the rest. The story line covers real issues. Im enjoying it as i have a daughter of my own. Tonight ill be snuggled up with this book in my mind going just one more page, hmm i wonder how many times ill say that.
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  • Lovely Book - Can't wait to finish it :) (First Impressions Review)

    Firstly, this was the book I chose to review as I felt I would be able to relate to it. I am a single mother with a young girl at home(also named Amelia) and so was drawn to this book from the very first moment.

    I love the way the story switches from both the mother and daughters point of view. It definitely makes it more interesting than other books.

    I am looking forward to finishing this book and posting my final review in the near future
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  • A good easy read

    Borrowed this book from a friend and am so very glad I did too, it was a very well written story.

    I loved the way you were given the chance to look at situations and events etc from more than just the one persons perspective.

    The story flowed freely and the plot was easy to follow and didn't deviate in its "flow" will be looking for more books by this author
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  • easy read

    i've now given this book to my friend and my mum to read... both have said, it was an easy read, an enjoyable read and both wouldn't hesitate to read another story from this author again, whereas may have passed her over before. i will continue to share this book with all and sundry and thank you for selecting me to be part of this review.. much appreciated.
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  • Reconstructing Amelia - Brilliant!

    I loved the way this was written to read in alternating voices, it makes for the most interesting read I have had in a long time. A very poignant and memorable story line! I recommend to anyone looking for a great read with a fantastic story line this is a must to add to your reading list you will not be disappointed!
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  • Good reading

    Having just finished this book, I've found myself thinking a lot more about my communication with my kids. I'd recommend this to family and friends for a good read, and I look forward to reading other books by this author. Whenever I finish a good book, I find it hard to find another book, it's been about a week since finishing & I've not been able to find one yet.....
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  • A Must for any Mum of a Daughter

    I Am half way through this book and are enjoying it a lot .....Gives you another reason to Hug your Daughter and understand them a little better...Will def look for more books written by this author.. It's a Very emotional read so far I def Recommend this novel to any Mums out there....You will enjoy!
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  • Makes mums of teens think

    Almost finished and I think I am dragging out the end, will have to bite the bullet and finish it. The story has been unfolding and at times its heartbreaking to think that it may have been different if the poor mum in the story had a bit more time for her daughter. Makes you think.
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  • Very easy read!

    Enjoyed this book when I requested it from the library. It was easy to get into and enjoyable and would definitely call it a "women's read'... I can't see my husband reading this!!!!
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  • so good

    This book is really really good, I really felt if engaged me a lot, I found It very difficult to put down, had to be reading it all the time, really annoyed the crap out of my hubby! which made it even better,

    very good story , would be happy to read it again!
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  • A good easy read

    Borrowed this book from a friend and am so very glad I did too, it was a very well written story.

    I loved the way you were given the chance to look at situations and events etc from more than just the one persons perspective.

    The story flowed freely and the plot was easy to follow and didn't deviate in its "flow" will be looking for more books by this author
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  • light read, very enjoyable

    I haven't read any other books byKimberly McCreight. I liked how the storyline was written, and it was a great read without having to sit and think too deeply. The relationship between the mother and daughter was so typical like today, you felt like you knew them and could easily relate. I borrowed this off a friend and she loved it and said she couldnt stop reading. I will keep my eye out for more books, and may start a collection.
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  • Couldn't put it down

    I wasnt picked to review this book but have just finished reading it after finding it in my Mum's collection.

    I loved it, it was one of those books that you couldnt put down. I love the way that you get to read 2 sides to the story and that they were clear. Sometimes when reading books from multiple perspectives its easy to get lost.
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  • friends opinions

    I have lent my copy of Reconstructing Amelia to 4 friends, 3 female one male, and interestingly all the girls said they could not put the book down, whereas the male friend found it dull and hard to read. I guess it means this one is for chicks!
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  • I really enjoyed it.

    Was not sure I would enjoy this book as I had never heard of the writer. I was wrong as soon as I picked it up I could not put it down, my first reading I read the book for two hours straight. Very easy to read and is a book that you can read without to much thought so a good relaxing read as well as entertaining. Liked how it goes back and forth between caractors.
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  • easy read

    i've now given this book to my friend and my mum to read... both have said, it was an easy read, an enjoyable read and both wouldn't hesitate to read another story from this author again, whereas may have passed her over before. i will continue to share this book with all and sundry and thank you for selecting me to be part of this review.. much appreciated.
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  • It was ENLIGHTNING!

    KUDOS' to Kimberley McCreight! This debut novel opened my eyes to how a seemingly normal, but high achieving adolescents life can go so terribly wrong. A decision made by her, taken into a few hands can destroy a life Psychologically and eventually take her life. It takes bullying into a totally different mind set. Riveting to the last page. :)
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  • Great easy read

    Thank you for the chance to read this book. It was a great book to read. The Author kept me glued for the whole book. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. The book was well written and the writing flowed well. I would recommend this book to other mums. It is a book that can be read without too much thought.
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  • Definitely a book worth reading

    For a debut novel Kimberly McCreight has impressed me. I love reading and hate when an author clearly can't construct legible sentences or entertain the mind. This book is well written and gets the mind thinking all the way through. Not once was I bored or forgot what had happened when I did have to put the book down. The story stays with you from cover to cover. I just loved the way she wrote in two person view. Not many apple can pull that off. But the way Kimberly McCreight did it made it flow. It slowly pieced the story together from past and present views and mum and daughter views. The ending was a shocker but I had pretty much guessed what had happened just before the end.

    All round a FANTASTIC book to read!!!
    Did you enjoy the book?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    Would you read more books by this author?

  • Thought provoking.

    When I started to read this book I thought it would be a predictable ,low impact and uninteresting story.

    How ever, a few chapters into the story made me sit up and think that I must find out what happens from here.

    It is the story of the relaionship between a daughter and a single mother who believes she is doing the very best she can to give her daughter a good life and future. The book asks the question are material goods ,beauty and wealth necessary for a happy life. After reading this story you may change your attitude to this question.

    I reccomend this book as a good ,thought provoking read that was hard to put down.
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  • Reconstructing Amelia - Brilliant!

    I loved the way this was written to read in alternating voices, it makes for the most interesting read I have had in a long time. A very poignant and memorable story line! I recommend to anyone looking for a great read with a fantastic story line this is a must to add to your reading list you will not be disappointed!
    Did you enjoy the book?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    Would you read more books by this author?

  • enjoyable read so far

    This book is great. I'm only half way through but couldn't wait to write my review. I have to read books that are enjoyable and move at a reasonable pace as I get bored very quickly. The characters are well defined and the book seems to be well written. The start of the book engages you right away. Its a simple read, not taxing at all so far.

    There is a little swearing which puts me off a little, but that's the story of thing I don't like. Im only half way through but will finish it.

    Give it a goid for sure :-)
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  • disappointed

    After such good reviews I was looking forward to reading this.

    However I just couldn't get into it, I forced myself to read half the book but for me it didn't get any enjoyable.

    I normally enjoy books that jump bak forth in time ...I think it was the use of swear words that put me off the most.
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  • Fantastic book!!!

    I am loving this book!! Although I'm only halfway through I just had to write my thoughts on it now. The way the author has written in a two person view and jumping from past to present to cover what has happened and how it's lead up to the death of Amelia makes the story flow and allows you to become a sort-of detective yourself as you draw conclusions on certain things along the way. I absolutely love it and can't wait to finish it - if only these children would look after themselves so I never had to leave it!!! lol
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  • final review of reconstructing amelia

    Wow wow wow, what a fantastic book, it will make you laugh and cry all at the same time. it really gets down to the nity grity of raising a teenage daughter. a real page turner i couldnt go to sleep without reading more znd more. even my husband picked it up and started reading it.
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  • bery useful when u r on stress

    I read this book great ideaKimberly McCreight has used the different points of view of the characters really deftly and the jumping between time frames works seamlessly, but there wasn’t a lot of depth to keep track of, so there wasn’t a lot of distractions either. Her characters are entirely typical of a TV show (the bad girl, the mum who wants to be better, the absent father etc) so the world is entirely familiar the issues are those that anyone could relate to.

    Very much recommended for a quick read on holiday or if you are having a stressful day
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  • Good reading

    Having just finished this book, I've found myself thinking a lot more about my communication with my kids. I'd recommend this to family and friends for a good read, and I look forward to reading other books by this author. Whenever I finish a good book, I find it hard to find another book, it's been about a week since finishing & I've not been able to find one yet.....
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  • Lacked Sub Plot, but Good Pace

    This book finished exactly as I thought it would - all the loose ends tied up and a neat little package which had solid morals.

    Kimberly McCreight has used the different points of view of the characters really deftly and the jumping between time frames works seamlessly, but there wasn't a lot of depth to keep track of, so there wasn't a lot of distractions either. Her characters are entirely typical of a TV show (the bad girl, the mum who wants to be better, the absent father etc) so the world is entirely familiar the issues are those that anyone could relate to.

    Very much recommended for a quick read on holiday or if you are having a stressful day, then it's nice to jump in to a familiar story in an easy voice.
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