The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard

When Beth Cappadora heads off to her 15th High School reunion, she has no idea what tragic circumstances will forever haunt this joyous occasion. Standing in the crowded lobby of a hotel, surrounded by all her old friends, Beth takes her eyes off her two young boys for a split second. In an instant, her whole world comes toppling down. Her youngest son, three year old Ben, is missing. Did he wander off or was he kidnapped?

As the hours turn into days and the days slip into years, Beth loses herself further in an avalanche of guilt and pity. She can no longer function or even face the day. Worst of all, there is no closure to the tragedy. Ben’s body is never discovered and concocted leads turn into false hopes. A cloak of blame lies over the entire family, threatening to destroy husband and wife, mother and son. Then the miraculous occurs...two blocks down the street. Could it be?

Jacquelyn Mitchard has written a carefully crafted, in-depth portrayal of the effects a kidnapping plays on all parties involved...the despair of a helpless mother, the never waning hope of a father, the torturous guilt buried in a seven year old’s subconscious and even the unwavering loyalty of a concerned police woman.

The Deep End of the Ocean packs an emotional punch, exploring the ties that bind and the knives that cut deep into a family’s core. What Mitchard accomplishes even more skillfully, however, is to paint an accurate portrayal of the lingering effects of loss long after normal life is restored.

I’m usually not a huge fan of Oprah Book Club selections, but this is a rare exception. You’d be hard pressed to find another novel that so deftly probes the emotional upheavals of a hurting family. If you’ve not yet read The Deep End of the Ocean, you’ll surely want to add it to your must-read list.

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Best places to buy this book online (from Best Book Buys) Note: Prices include S&H and are subject to change

1. Paperback (New)eCampus "http://www.ecampus.com/" $6.37
2. Paperback (New) Borders "http://www.borders.com/" $7.95

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