What do you think?
Rate this book
The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud
The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud tells the haunting story of a young man who narrowly survives a terrible car wreck that kills his little brother. Years later, the brothers’ bond remains so strong that it transcends the normal boundaries separating life and death. Charlie St. Cloud lives in a snug New England fishing village. By day he tends the lawns and monuments of the ancient cemetery where his younger brother, Sam, is buried. Graced with an extraordinary gift after surviving the accident, he can still see, talk, and even play catch with Sam’s spirit. But townsfolk whisper that Charlie has never recovered from his loss.
Into his carefully ordered life comes Tess Carroll, a captivating, adventuresome woman training for a solo sailing trip around the globe. Fate steers her boat into a treacherous storm that blows her back to harbor, to a charged encounter with Charlie, and to a surprise more overwhelming than the violent sea itself. Charlie and Tess discover a beautiful and uncommon connection that leads to a race against time and a desperate choice between death and life, between the past and the future, between holding on and letting go.
Luminous, soulful, and filled with unforgettable characters, The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud is one of those rare, wise books that reveal the mysteries of the unseen world around us, gently transforming the worst pain of loss into hope, healing, and even laughter. Suspenseful and deeply moving, its startling climax reminds us that sometimes tragedies can bring about miracles if we simply open our hearts.
Into his carefully ordered life comes Tess Carroll, a captivating, adventuresome woman training for a solo sailing trip around the globe. Fate steers her boat into a treacherous storm that blows her back to harbor, to a charged encounter with Charlie, and to a surprise more overwhelming than the violent sea itself. Charlie and Tess discover a beautiful and uncommon connection that leads to a race against time and a desperate choice between death and life, between the past and the future, between holding on and letting go.
Luminous, soulful, and filled with unforgettable characters, The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud is one of those rare, wise books that reveal the mysteries of the unseen world around us, gently transforming the worst pain of loss into hope, healing, and even laughter. Suspenseful and deeply moving, its startling climax reminds us that sometimes tragedies can bring about miracles if we simply open our hearts.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2004
About the author
Ben Sherwood
11 books213 followersBen Sherwood is a bestselling author, award-winning journalist and founder of TheSurvivorsClub.org. From 2004 to 2006, he worked as executive producer of ABC’s Good Morning America during the two most successful seasons in the program’s history. Sherwood guided prize-winning coverage of the tsunami in Southeast Asia, the devastation of hurricane Katrina, and the presidential election of 2004
From 1997 to 2001, Sherwood served as senior broadcast producer and senior producer of NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw.
From 1989 to 1993, he worked as a producer and associate producer at ABC News PrimeTime Live with Diane Sawyer and Sam Donaldson.
Sherwood is the author of two critically acclaimed best-selling novels: The Man Who Ate the 747 and The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud. Sherwood’s books have been published around the world in 15 languages.
Charlie St. Cloud has been adapted as a feature film starring Zac Efron and was released by Universal Pictures in July 2010. The Man Who Ate the 747 is also being developed as a major motion picture and Broadway musical.
Sherwood’s latest book, The Survivors Club, is a non-fiction exploration of the science and secrets of who bounces back from everyday adversity and who doesn’t; who beats life-threatening disease and who succumbs; and who triumphs after economic hardship and who surrenders.
In January 2009, Sherwood founded TheSurvivorsClub.org, an online resource center and support network for people surviving and thriving in the face of all kinds of adversity.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Harvard College and a Rhodes Scholar, Sherwood earned masters degrees in history and development economics at Oxford University.
He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Karen Kehela Sherwood and their sons Will and Charlie.
From 1997 to 2001, Sherwood served as senior broadcast producer and senior producer of NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw.
From 1989 to 1993, he worked as a producer and associate producer at ABC News PrimeTime Live with Diane Sawyer and Sam Donaldson.
Sherwood is the author of two critically acclaimed best-selling novels: The Man Who Ate the 747 and The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud. Sherwood’s books have been published around the world in 15 languages.
Charlie St. Cloud has been adapted as a feature film starring Zac Efron and was released by Universal Pictures in July 2010. The Man Who Ate the 747 is also being developed as a major motion picture and Broadway musical.
Sherwood’s latest book, The Survivors Club, is a non-fiction exploration of the science and secrets of who bounces back from everyday adversity and who doesn’t; who beats life-threatening disease and who succumbs; and who triumphs after economic hardship and who surrenders.
In January 2009, Sherwood founded TheSurvivorsClub.org, an online resource center and support network for people surviving and thriving in the face of all kinds of adversity.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Harvard College and a Rhodes Scholar, Sherwood earned masters degrees in history and development economics at Oxford University.
He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Karen Kehela Sherwood and their sons Will and Charlie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,483 reviews
April 5, 2018
“And how many millions and millions of people were there in the world like Charlie, who couldn’t let go of their loved ones when they were gone?”
What a wonderful and comforting read.
Charlie St Cloud loses his younger brother Sam in a horrible car accident. Thirteen years later Charlie is working in the local cemetery, meeting his brothers spirit everyday at sundown for a game of catch. This time is Charlie’s way of keeping his brother with him.
When he meets Tess Carroll, Charlie feels a part of himself begin to thaw. He sees more for himself and for his life, he is awakened.
So when Tess’ sail boat is found wrecked out to sea, and her family report her missing, Charlie is one of the first to try and find her. The mysterious part is - if Tess has been missing for over 48 hours, how did Charlie meet her? How does he explain the evening they spent together? Unless it’s not Tess. Maybe it’s her spirit?
“Did the dead grieve right alongside us? Did they feel our pain?”
A powerful tale that blurs the line between death and life. How desperately people will hold on to those they’ve lost, even at their own expense. It is reaffirming and heartwarming, if a bit sad at times. Highly recommend.
“Too many people die a little when they lose someone they love.”
What a wonderful and comforting read.
Charlie St Cloud loses his younger brother Sam in a horrible car accident. Thirteen years later Charlie is working in the local cemetery, meeting his brothers spirit everyday at sundown for a game of catch. This time is Charlie’s way of keeping his brother with him.
When he meets Tess Carroll, Charlie feels a part of himself begin to thaw. He sees more for himself and for his life, he is awakened.
So when Tess’ sail boat is found wrecked out to sea, and her family report her missing, Charlie is one of the first to try and find her. The mysterious part is - if Tess has been missing for over 48 hours, how did Charlie meet her? How does he explain the evening they spent together? Unless it’s not Tess. Maybe it’s her spirit?
“Did the dead grieve right alongside us? Did they feel our pain?”
A powerful tale that blurs the line between death and life. How desperately people will hold on to those they’ve lost, even at their own expense. It is reaffirming and heartwarming, if a bit sad at times. Highly recommend.
“Too many people die a little when they lose someone they love.”
Read
March 8, 2023This is a well-meaning novel about a young man haunted by the death of his younger brother . . . literally. After a car crash kills one and spares one, the living brother, Charlie, continues to interact with the one whose life was lost, Sam. Their story interacts with Tess, a woman training for a solo sailing trip around the world.
I found this one pretty unremarkable, a novel of its time. I can see why it became a film, as the plot is very movie-shaped, but it was a bit too earnest or straightforward for my dark-hearted Wednesday Addams tastes. Needs more cowbell, or something.
*note: I tackled this book as part of my 2023 reading challenge to read books from this crowd-sourced list of recommended standalone novels published between 1985-2007: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Please know that I am a brittle and crotchety reader, so please don't take my opinions on these novels as universal.
I found this one pretty unremarkable, a novel of its time. I can see why it became a film, as the plot is very movie-shaped, but it was a bit too earnest or straightforward for my dark-hearted Wednesday Addams tastes. Needs more cowbell, or something.
*note: I tackled this book as part of my 2023 reading challenge to read books from this crowd-sourced list of recommended standalone novels published between 1985-2007: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Please know that I am a brittle and crotchety reader, so please don't take my opinions on these novels as universal.
September 24, 2008
I thought this book was pretty terrible. It was like if Nicholas Sparks and that guy who wrote The 5 People you Meet In Heaven got drunk, had a baby, and made the baby write a book. That being said, this baby, or author sure knows how to write for the masses. Its like he gathered every trite description of the afterlife/ghostly time spent on earth and crammed it into one book. But, I am sure that a lot of people would actually enjoy this book. It's an easy read, and the author does know how to keep things moving which made the suffering easier to cope with. I think if this book wasn't crammed full of cliche crap it would have been good.
I also had a problem with it because most of the characters appeared to be really religious, and by religious I mean Christian. However, their spirits and the descriptions of the afterlife paid no mention to their religious beliefs. When most people would think they should go hand in hand. So my question is why so many references to God when the character was alive, but not really any when they died.
So, unless you like that kind of stuff, I suggest re-gifting it to your mom, or your local cat lady.
PS... I kind of teared up a bit. Causing me to dislike this sub-par book just a little more.
I also had a problem with it because most of the characters appeared to be really religious, and by religious I mean Christian. However, their spirits and the descriptions of the afterlife paid no mention to their religious beliefs. When most people would think they should go hand in hand. So my question is why so many references to God when the character was alive, but not really any when they died.
So, unless you like that kind of stuff, I suggest re-gifting it to your mom, or your local cat lady.
PS... I kind of teared up a bit. Causing me to dislike this sub-par book just a little more.
August 10, 2010
Last Friday, I was in NBS Centerpoint checking their 75% cutdown sale. I bought some P99 previously US library books, some brand new ones like "Tinkers" and "Sh*t My Father Says" (reviewed previous to this). Then I saw this book. It had been a while since I read a current Movie-Tie-In book so I checked this out. This edition was published in June 2010 and still sitting there in the New Arrivals gondola. I checked the blurbs and all the famous current bestselling authors are saying something good about the book: Sue Monk Kidd says one of the most magical stories I've ever read; Adriana Trigiana this is a story that will grip you from page one; James Patterson You won't forget Charlie and Tess and Sam; Luanne Rice A perfect miracle of a love story and even the novelist who I hate most, Nicholas Sparks, says: Touching, wise, and full of hope, everything a wonderful novel should be.
So, I bought the book and read it the whole day today, Sunday, August 8, 2010. And oh, those authors above say it all and say it true. This is a very nice book. Almost amazing. It is just that I am not giving this a 5-star because I will be degrading the likes of Boris Pasternak, Louis de Bernieres, John Steinbeck by putting Ben Sherwood in THAT same level. Not yet but Sherwood's Charlie St. Cloud is definitely a mile better than Nicholas Sparks' The Lucky One or even his bigger hit Message in a Bottle.
The reason is that this book, originally entitled as The Life and Death of Charlie St. Cloud when it was first published in 2004 is not just an ordinary boy-meets-girl love story. That tested formula, told in many ways - different characters, different situations, etc. - by novelist like Sparks comes second in terms of this book's theme. More than that kind of love, Charlie St. Cloud is a love story between two brothers: 15-y/o Charlie and his younger brother, 12-y/o Sam. Theirs is a strong bond that I have never read until today. Something that I think I never experienced even with either one of my two older brothers. Imagine this scene when they were about to part ways towards the end of the novel:
It is cheesy and almost gayish. Maybe we are not the kissing and hugging people in the family but it just feels unnatural to be saying those lines. However, Charlie and Sam are fatherless and they are only living with their mother. The story did not mention any friends they hang up with. Of course, Sherwood also explains in the interview that he hopes to have his own 2 sons to develop the kind of bond like that of Charlie and Sam's.
The writing is ordinary but it has many heart-tugging quotable sweet quotes that you will surely love. The love story between Charlie and Tess does not go "overboard". The ghostly side of story reminds me of Demi Moore's Ghost or the Melinda Gordon's character in the TV series Ghost Whisperer but we don't always need to have original concepts to like a good story anyway.
I also appreciated Sherwood using lines from Dive for Dreams by e.e. cummings to heighten the emotion of the story:
If you want to reminisce your first love or to fall in love again, give this book a try. Forget about Zach Efron who will play Charlie and Amanda Crew as Tess in Universal Pictures soon-to-be-shown movie adaptation. Just read the book. For almost always, the book is better than the movie.
So, I bought the book and read it the whole day today, Sunday, August 8, 2010. And oh, those authors above say it all and say it true. This is a very nice book. Almost amazing. It is just that I am not giving this a 5-star because I will be degrading the likes of Boris Pasternak, Louis de Bernieres, John Steinbeck by putting Ben Sherwood in THAT same level. Not yet but Sherwood's Charlie St. Cloud is definitely a mile better than Nicholas Sparks' The Lucky One or even his bigger hit Message in a Bottle.
The reason is that this book, originally entitled as The Life and Death of Charlie St. Cloud when it was first published in 2004 is not just an ordinary boy-meets-girl love story. That tested formula, told in many ways - different characters, different situations, etc. - by novelist like Sparks comes second in terms of this book's theme. More than that kind of love, Charlie St. Cloud is a love story between two brothers: 15-y/o Charlie and his younger brother, 12-y/o Sam. Theirs is a strong bond that I have never read until today. Something that I think I never experienced even with either one of my two older brothers. Imagine this scene when they were about to part ways towards the end of the novel:
"Promise you won't leave me," Charlie said.
"Promise"
"Swear?" he said, amazed to find himself repeating the very same conversation from all those years ago. This time, however, it was Sam who comforted Charlie.
"I swear," his kid brother said.
"Cross your heart and hope to die?"
"Hope to die," Sam said. "I love you."
"I love you too." The brothers stood up.
It is cheesy and almost gayish. Maybe we are not the kissing and hugging people in the family but it just feels unnatural to be saying those lines. However, Charlie and Sam are fatherless and they are only living with their mother. The story did not mention any friends they hang up with. Of course, Sherwood also explains in the interview that he hopes to have his own 2 sons to develop the kind of bond like that of Charlie and Sam's.
The writing is ordinary but it has many heart-tugging quotable sweet quotes that you will surely love. The love story between Charlie and Tess does not go "overboard". The ghostly side of story reminds me of Demi Moore's Ghost or the Melinda Gordon's character in the TV series Ghost Whisperer but we don't always need to have original concepts to like a good story anyway.
I also appreciated Sherwood using lines from Dive for Dreams by e.e. cummings to heighten the emotion of the story:
trust your heart
if the seas catch fire
(and live by love
though the stars walk backwards)
If you want to reminisce your first love or to fall in love again, give this book a try. Forget about Zach Efron who will play Charlie and Amanda Crew as Tess in Universal Pictures soon-to-be-shown movie adaptation. Just read the book. For almost always, the book is better than the movie.
August 9, 2010
Never, until I opened Charlie St. Cloud, has a book interrupted my life. I stayed up late reading page after page, and once I gave in to sleep, I awoke early and snuck some pages in before MommyHood called me to duty. I ignored the laundry and forgot about the dishes because I needed to know what happen to Charlie, Sam and Tess. I was sucked into the world Ben Sherwood created and I loved every minute of it.
Okay, Zac Efron’s face on the cover made me pick up the book, but the story inside more than satisfied. The unexpected twists fulfilled the need for depth and the bond between characters warmed my heart and softened my soul.
The underlining story is one to learn from: holding on to the past disrupts the person within you…Brilliant!
One can only hope the movie is as gripping (*everybody laughs*).
Okay, Zac Efron’s face on the cover made me pick up the book, but the story inside more than satisfied. The unexpected twists fulfilled the need for depth and the bond between characters warmed my heart and softened my soul.
The underlining story is one to learn from: holding on to the past disrupts the person within you…Brilliant!
One can only hope the movie is as gripping (*everybody laughs*).
September 23, 2020
A religious, contemporary romance novel with ghosts?
Annnywho. Wasn't for me, but the flow of the writing was nice.
Annnywho. Wasn't for me, but the flow of the writing was nice.
November 29, 2014
A small coastal town in Massachusetts, two brothers who share a love of baseball and mischief, an infamous bridge where the brothers' lives change forever. Charlie looses everything closest to him, and he leaves his life behind to take a job working at the local cemetery, and realizes he was given a gift. A gift where he sees ghosts as they cross over. He makes a promise to his little brother that they will always be together, and keeps this promise by meeting him in the clearing every dusk to play catch.
Soon, Tess Carroll, enters Charlie's life, and he looses himself in her. Just as everything seems to be figured out, another accident impacts Charlie's life.
This book is pretty close to the movie, heartwarming characters, and a bold flavor of faith, makes this a "feel good" book. Perfect for this time of year.
Soon, Tess Carroll, enters Charlie's life, and he looses himself in her. Just as everything seems to be figured out, another accident impacts Charlie's life.
This book is pretty close to the movie, heartwarming characters, and a bold flavor of faith, makes this a "feel good" book. Perfect for this time of year.
May 4, 2008
When Charlie St. Cloud was fifteen years old, a tragic accident that involved "borrowing" a neighbor's car, a trip to a ballgame, and an encounter with a semi-trailer on a bridge led to the death of his three years younger brother, Sam. In fact, Charlie was technically "dead" for minutes before his heart started beating again--no one knows for sure, but this might be why Charlie lives the life he does.
For Charlie, now twenty-eight, taking care of Waterside Cemetery is more than just a job. He's able to help the inhabitants of Marblehead through their grief, care for the eighty-acres of land, live in the caretaker's cottage, and play baseball every night at sunset with his brother, Sam. Yes, the one who has been dead for thirteen years. Somehow, Sam and Charlie have a bond that has defied death, and the promise Charlie made to his younger brother that long ago night--"I'll never leave you"--has held, even though one of them is no longer alive.
Then one day Charlie meets Tess Carroll, a woman who builds sails and is planning for an around-the-world solo boat trip, at her father's grave. Immediately Charlie and Tess spark a connection, and quite soon realize that they may have found their soul mates.
Unfortunately, not everything is at it seems. It's actually hard to tell a lot about this book with giving away the spoilers that would ruin your enjoyment. Suffice it to say that THE DEATH AND LIFE OF CHARLIE ST. CLOUD is unlike any book I've ever read before--it's a character study of human nature, of brotherly love, of the ingrained desire in most people to help their fellow man. It's about miracles--sometimes the kind that half the world notices, and sometimes only the kind that an individual can discover on their own.
You won't go wrong with this uplifting, inspirational tale. I'll forever be glad I read this book, which reminds me in some ways of THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN. Two great books, lots of miracles, tons of love.
For Charlie, now twenty-eight, taking care of Waterside Cemetery is more than just a job. He's able to help the inhabitants of Marblehead through their grief, care for the eighty-acres of land, live in the caretaker's cottage, and play baseball every night at sunset with his brother, Sam. Yes, the one who has been dead for thirteen years. Somehow, Sam and Charlie have a bond that has defied death, and the promise Charlie made to his younger brother that long ago night--"I'll never leave you"--has held, even though one of them is no longer alive.
Then one day Charlie meets Tess Carroll, a woman who builds sails and is planning for an around-the-world solo boat trip, at her father's grave. Immediately Charlie and Tess spark a connection, and quite soon realize that they may have found their soul mates.
Unfortunately, not everything is at it seems. It's actually hard to tell a lot about this book with giving away the spoilers that would ruin your enjoyment. Suffice it to say that THE DEATH AND LIFE OF CHARLIE ST. CLOUD is unlike any book I've ever read before--it's a character study of human nature, of brotherly love, of the ingrained desire in most people to help their fellow man. It's about miracles--sometimes the kind that half the world notices, and sometimes only the kind that an individual can discover on their own.
You won't go wrong with this uplifting, inspirational tale. I'll forever be glad I read this book, which reminds me in some ways of THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN. Two great books, lots of miracles, tons of love.
February 26, 2011
Opening Line:"Charlie St. Cloud wasn't the best or brightest boy in Essex County, but he was surely the most promising"
I read this a few years ago but after recently seeing the movie I was reminded of how much I’d liked this story and decided I had to revisit Charlie St Cloud and his little brother Sam. Even though I knew the big reveal this time through I was still able to immerse myself completely in this magical, moving journey from death back to life.
With a story and writing style reminiscent of Nicholas Sparks this is an easy, beautiful and somewhat tear-jerking read that I would recommend to fans of his. There is of course a touching love story here but to me this was more about brothers, letting go of the past and embracing life.
Sherwood also manages to also bring the seaside town of Marblehead Massachusetts to life with quaint and intriguing secondary characters and a unique yachting theme. There were times here when I could actually smell the sea breeze, feel the salt spray on my face and really see his descriptions of clouds and setting suns. So much so that despite the movie being filmed some 50 miles from my (Canadian) back yard I still had the urge to visit New England. I think what I liked most here though was Sherwood’s comforting take on the afterlife; giving us all hope that our departed are with us, all around us and waiting for us.
As a teenager Charlie St. Cloud died in a car accident, brought back after a few minutes by the paramedics his younger brother Sam wasn’t to be so lucky. During those brief moments before Charlie was returned to life he made a promise to his brother that he would never leave him, and he never has. Now 13 years later Charlie is working in a cemetery, he’s still full of guilt over the accident however by some twist of fate he can now see the dead walking amongst the tombstones and every night at sunset he meets Sam in a secret grove where they play baseball together in a Field Of Dreams sort of way. Charlie’s never missed a single sunset with the fear that his brother would fade away if he did, in this way though neither of them has been able to move on. The cemetery almost becomes a character of its own here, no longer feeling like a creepy, sad place but one of magic and adventure.
Tess Carol is about to embark on a solo sailing trip around the world so meeting someone like Charlie is definitely not in her plans. Yet despite his odd habit of disappearing at sunset she can’t help but fall in love, these days he seems to be the only one who really “sees” her. When Tess’s boat is lost in a storm Charlie is faced with the ultimate choice between death and life. In joining the search party he chooses love and a future full of possibilities yet in doing so he’ll also break his promise and risk losing his brother forever.
I read this a few years ago but after recently seeing the movie I was reminded of how much I’d liked this story and decided I had to revisit Charlie St Cloud and his little brother Sam. Even though I knew the big reveal this time through I was still able to immerse myself completely in this magical, moving journey from death back to life.
With a story and writing style reminiscent of Nicholas Sparks this is an easy, beautiful and somewhat tear-jerking read that I would recommend to fans of his. There is of course a touching love story here but to me this was more about brothers, letting go of the past and embracing life.
Sherwood also manages to also bring the seaside town of Marblehead Massachusetts to life with quaint and intriguing secondary characters and a unique yachting theme. There were times here when I could actually smell the sea breeze, feel the salt spray on my face and really see his descriptions of clouds and setting suns. So much so that despite the movie being filmed some 50 miles from my (Canadian) back yard I still had the urge to visit New England. I think what I liked most here though was Sherwood’s comforting take on the afterlife; giving us all hope that our departed are with us, all around us and waiting for us.
As a teenager Charlie St. Cloud died in a car accident, brought back after a few minutes by the paramedics his younger brother Sam wasn’t to be so lucky. During those brief moments before Charlie was returned to life he made a promise to his brother that he would never leave him, and he never has. Now 13 years later Charlie is working in a cemetery, he’s still full of guilt over the accident however by some twist of fate he can now see the dead walking amongst the tombstones and every night at sunset he meets Sam in a secret grove where they play baseball together in a Field Of Dreams sort of way. Charlie’s never missed a single sunset with the fear that his brother would fade away if he did, in this way though neither of them has been able to move on. The cemetery almost becomes a character of its own here, no longer feeling like a creepy, sad place but one of magic and adventure.
Tess Carol is about to embark on a solo sailing trip around the world so meeting someone like Charlie is definitely not in her plans. Yet despite his odd habit of disappearing at sunset she can’t help but fall in love, these days he seems to be the only one who really “sees” her. When Tess’s boat is lost in a storm Charlie is faced with the ultimate choice between death and life. In joining the search party he chooses love and a future full of possibilities yet in doing so he’ll also break his promise and risk losing his brother forever.
January 15, 2022
At first, I thought this would be a predictable, rushed, even shallow novel with a great setting and a dog or two (yay!). In the end, though, it was a wonderful story that perfectly balanced hope and heartbreak and I loved every page. The dogs were awesome, the women were strong, and the medical terminology was accurate! Even if, like me, you are absolutely NOT a Red Sox fan, this journey is thoroughly outstanding. A+!!
July 6, 2010
Once I got passed the fabulousness of the book cover, I was immediately captivated by the story of Charlie St. Cloud. This was a great book about the possibilities of finding your soul mate when you least expect it and about an unbreakable bond between two brothers.
The author presented a perfect blend of love and devotion balanced with tragedy and ultimate hope. It has everything I love in a good story, including a splash of paranormal delivered with events and possibilities that make you wonder what truly happens with life after death.
Charlie and Sam St. Cloud are brothers not only bonded by blood but also a fatal car accident that sends Sam to the life in between and Charlie back to the here and now grieving for his little brother. After the car accident, Charlie is graced with the gift of seeing people in between life and death. He spends the next thirteen years working as a care taker so he can be close to his brother, keeping to his promise of never leaving him. All that changes when Tess crosses Charlie’s path. But just when you think you know what the story is attempting to deliver, the author executes a plot twist that has you wondering what the feathers just happened. I was tempted to go back and re-read scenes that I apparently misinterpreted or missed the obvious clues, but I didn’t. The story took me where it needed to go, and I was on the edge of my seat hoping for the best.
Some would call this book a story about tragedy, but I see it as one about hope in the most desperate of situations. Great book that I can’t wait to see translated to screen... and not just for the obvious reasons. *insert...cheesy grin*
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin"
The author presented a perfect blend of love and devotion balanced with tragedy and ultimate hope. It has everything I love in a good story, including a splash of paranormal delivered with events and possibilities that make you wonder what truly happens with life after death.
Charlie and Sam St. Cloud are brothers not only bonded by blood but also a fatal car accident that sends Sam to the life in between and Charlie back to the here and now grieving for his little brother. After the car accident, Charlie is graced with the gift of seeing people in between life and death. He spends the next thirteen years working as a care taker so he can be close to his brother, keeping to his promise of never leaving him. All that changes when Tess crosses Charlie’s path. But just when you think you know what the story is attempting to deliver, the author executes a plot twist that has you wondering what the feathers just happened. I was tempted to go back and re-read scenes that I apparently misinterpreted or missed the obvious clues, but I didn’t. The story took me where it needed to go, and I was on the edge of my seat hoping for the best.
Some would call this book a story about tragedy, but I see it as one about hope in the most desperate of situations. Great book that I can’t wait to see translated to screen... and not just for the obvious reasons. *insert...cheesy grin*
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin"
July 8, 2020
So ist das mit dem Tod und dem Leben. Wir alle leuchten weiter. Sie müssen bloß ihr Herz öffnen, ihre Sinne schärfen und gut achtgeben. Ein Blatt, ein Stern, ein Lied, ein Lachen. Achten sie auf die kleinen Dinge, denn es kann sein, dass gerade jemand versucht, auf sich aufmerksam zu machen.
Qualcuno ti ama- jemand liebt dich.
Hier kommt meine nächste absolute Leseempfehlung! „Wie durch ein Wunder“ von Ben Sherwood ist mitunter das wunderschönste Buch, welches ich dieses Jahr lesen durfte. In dem Buch geht es um Charlie St. Cloud, der bei einem Autounfall seinen kleinen Bruder Sam verliert. Aufgrund seiner Nahtod Erfahrung besitzt Charlie die wundersame Gabe mit den Toten zu kommunizieren und auf diese Gabe baut das Buch auf.
Jeder der jetzt denkt, dass es sich hierbei um eine komplett überzogene Geschichte handelt, der irrt sich. Dieses Buch schenkt Glauben und Hoffnung. Glauben daran, dass der Geist eines geliebten Menschen niemals wirklich schwindet und Hoffnung, dass es ihnen auf der anderen Seite der Brücke gut geht und dass sie auf uns warten. Dieses Buch ist ein kleines, wunderbares Meisterwerk und jeder sollte es gelesen habe. Vielleicht habt ihr in meiner Story das kleine Gedicht gesehen. Vielleicht auch nicht. Deswegen werde ich es als Schlusswort nochmal aufschreiben. ✨Tauche nach Träumen. Vertraue deinem Herzen, fängt die See auch Feuer. Und lebe von Liebe, obwohl die Sterne rückwärts gehen.✨.
.
Ich weiß, dass dieses Buch kein leichtes Thema auffasst. Ich hatte zwischenzeitlich auch große Schwierigkeiten, da mir der Tod schlicht und einfach Angst bereitet. Aber dank dieses Buches konnte ich ein kleines Stück weit Frieden schließen. Geliebte Verstorbene leben in unseren Herzen weiter. Und wenn ihr glaubt, sie verloren zu haben, dann schaut euch in der Welt um. Meine Oma zum Beispiel, ist für mich ein leuchtend heller Stern, der selbst dann zu strahlen scheint, wenn im gesamten Himmel kein einziger Stern zu sehen ist. Sie sind immer da.
Qualcuno ti ama- jemand liebt dich.
Hier kommt meine nächste absolute Leseempfehlung! „Wie durch ein Wunder“ von Ben Sherwood ist mitunter das wunderschönste Buch, welches ich dieses Jahr lesen durfte. In dem Buch geht es um Charlie St. Cloud, der bei einem Autounfall seinen kleinen Bruder Sam verliert. Aufgrund seiner Nahtod Erfahrung besitzt Charlie die wundersame Gabe mit den Toten zu kommunizieren und auf diese Gabe baut das Buch auf.
Jeder der jetzt denkt, dass es sich hierbei um eine komplett überzogene Geschichte handelt, der irrt sich. Dieses Buch schenkt Glauben und Hoffnung. Glauben daran, dass der Geist eines geliebten Menschen niemals wirklich schwindet und Hoffnung, dass es ihnen auf der anderen Seite der Brücke gut geht und dass sie auf uns warten. Dieses Buch ist ein kleines, wunderbares Meisterwerk und jeder sollte es gelesen habe. Vielleicht habt ihr in meiner Story das kleine Gedicht gesehen. Vielleicht auch nicht. Deswegen werde ich es als Schlusswort nochmal aufschreiben. ✨Tauche nach Träumen. Vertraue deinem Herzen, fängt die See auch Feuer. Und lebe von Liebe, obwohl die Sterne rückwärts gehen.✨.
.
Ich weiß, dass dieses Buch kein leichtes Thema auffasst. Ich hatte zwischenzeitlich auch große Schwierigkeiten, da mir der Tod schlicht und einfach Angst bereitet. Aber dank dieses Buches konnte ich ein kleines Stück weit Frieden schließen. Geliebte Verstorbene leben in unseren Herzen weiter. Und wenn ihr glaubt, sie verloren zu haben, dann schaut euch in der Welt um. Meine Oma zum Beispiel, ist für mich ein leuchtend heller Stern, der selbst dann zu strahlen scheint, wenn im gesamten Himmel kein einziger Stern zu sehen ist. Sie sind immer da.
June 27, 2010
i read this book really fast because i had to know what was going to happen next! i actually cried towards the end. it's like the sixth sense without being creepy. i really want to see this movie!
March 4, 2016
'The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud,' by Ben Sherwood is a story of loss, grief, love, and the afterlife. It follows protagonist Charlie St. Cloud after a tragic accident in which his younger brother, Sam, is killed. Charlie was fifteen at the time and the aftermath of the tragedy falls heavily on his shoulders. Thirteen years later he is working at the town cemetery when he meets Tess, a young sailor and adventurer. But Charlie has not moved on with his life since Sam's death. Meeting Tess causes Charlie to ask himself the question of whether he can move forward, releasing himself and Sam from the past. It's a good, solid book and I enjoyed reading that the author had put a lot of time and energy into the research that went into making the book. For example, Sherwood spent a week working at a cemetery "opening holes, trimming hedges, and consoling families." I think his work at the cemetery paid off. His descriptions of the cemetery and Charlie's role as caretaker rang true. While I enjoyed this book a lot, my critique would be that the characters could have used a little more development. I would have enjoyed knowing more about what kind of boy Sam was, as well as more about their Mother. While this type of characterization may not have added to the plot line, for me, it would have given the book more weight, more meaning. I enjoy meaty, complex characters, and these characters were a tad shallow, lacking muscles. However, I tremendously enjoyed the concept and the way the author dealt with the afterlife and its possibilities.
July 30, 2022
There are several genres and plot elements that I’m not much into, and they include romance, ghosts, the afterlife, sailing and baseball. It’s therefore somewhat surprising that I would pick up a book like The Death and Life of Charlie St Cloud, which includes all of these, let alone like it. This sweet story set in New England was published in 2004, but holds up pretty well. I must’ve found it at a book fair or exchange - it’s got a stamp from a South African backpacker’s hostel at the front, but I know it’s been sitting on my to-read bookshelf for at least ten years, waiting for the day when I needed something short, light and easy to finish in time for Book Club tomorrow.
Charlie lost his younger brother Sam, and their beagle Oscar, in a terrible accident when he was fifteen, and has never forgiven himself. Thirteen years later, he lives a quiet life as the caretaker of the town cemetery, and hides a secret - he can see and communicate with the ghosts of the recently departed, including Sam, who has never moved on and is forever twelve. Then Charlie meets Tess, a fearless sailor about to sail solo around the world and must make a choice - follow the living, or honour a promise and stay with the dead?
This was a charming love story about letting go of those we’ve lost, with two likeable protagonists. I thought I had worked out what was going on but was only part right. It’s not a Christian story although most of the characters are believers, and you could take the conclusion either way. There was one sentence I really didn’t like, early on: “Thirteen years had passed since the paramedics had failed to revive his little brother.” This was a terrible thing to say, even if this is just Charlie’s POV - the paramedics didn’t fail, Sam was dead beyond resuscitation, and it was Charlie and the drunk driver’s fault, not the poor paramedic’s! Other than this quibble, and the multitude of sports references that seem to characterise books like this by male American authors, I enjoyed this, and would recommend it if it’s still available. It actually turns out they made a movie of it, which I had never heard of - will check it out on IMDB!
Charlie lost his younger brother Sam, and their beagle Oscar, in a terrible accident when he was fifteen, and has never forgiven himself. Thirteen years later, he lives a quiet life as the caretaker of the town cemetery, and hides a secret - he can see and communicate with the ghosts of the recently departed, including Sam, who has never moved on and is forever twelve. Then Charlie meets Tess, a fearless sailor about to sail solo around the world and must make a choice - follow the living, or honour a promise and stay with the dead?
This was a charming love story about letting go of those we’ve lost, with two likeable protagonists. I thought I had worked out what was going on but was only part right. It’s not a Christian story although most of the characters are believers, and you could take the conclusion either way. There was one sentence I really didn’t like, early on: “Thirteen years had passed since the paramedics had failed to revive his little brother.” This was a terrible thing to say, even if this is just Charlie’s POV - the paramedics didn’t fail, Sam was dead beyond resuscitation, and it was Charlie and the drunk driver’s fault, not the poor paramedic’s! Other than this quibble, and the multitude of sports references that seem to characterise books like this by male American authors, I enjoyed this, and would recommend it if it’s still available. It actually turns out they made a movie of it, which I had never heard of - will check it out on IMDB!
August 2, 2010
Description: “The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud” tells the haunting story of a young man who narrowly survives a terrible car wreck that kills his little brother. Years later, the brothers’ bond remains so strong that it transcends the normal boundaries separating life and death. Charlie St. Cloud lives in a snug New England fishing village. By day he tends the lawns and monuments of the ancient cemetery where his younger brother, Sam, is buried. Graced with an extraordinary gift after surviving the accident, he can still see, talk, and even play catch with Sam’s spirit. But townsfolk whisper that Charlie has never recovered from his loss.
Into his carefully ordered life comes Tess Carroll, a captivating, adventuresome woman training for a solo sailing trip around the globe. Fate steers her boat into a treacherous storm that blows her back to harbor, to a charged encounter with Charlie, and to a surprise more overwhelming than the violent sea itself. Charlie and Tess discover a beautiful and uncommon connection that leads to a race against time and a desperate choice between death and life, between the past and the future, between holding on and letting go.
wow. this book delivers some heavy material to digest. I first wanted to read the book because I saw that they were making a movie with Zac Efron and I mean, come on, who doesn't like a good Efron movie? So I stopped at the local Target and picked it up. What a good decision. Charlie was a wonderful character and I fell in love with Sam, his little brother because he was sort of the comedic relief throughout the story. I did think that the main characters, Tess and Charlie, were a little old for my taste...I think they were in their 30's. I'm not saying that's old or anything, but I think I was a little influenced my picturing Zac instead. I thought the connection that the two brothers share is just extraordinary and so so sweet. This book reallt made me question what I plan on doing with my life and realize that I should live every second to the fullest and not take anything for granted...you know, all the normal cliche stuff....but this book took that to the next level because it's relateble unlike many books nowadays. I'm referring of course to the Vampire section, formerly known as the young adult section. I plan on seeing the movie sometime this week so I don't now how they compare just quite yet. But I don't think there is any way to really screw it up, because anyway you look at it, it is a wonderful and sweet story line.
Into his carefully ordered life comes Tess Carroll, a captivating, adventuresome woman training for a solo sailing trip around the globe. Fate steers her boat into a treacherous storm that blows her back to harbor, to a charged encounter with Charlie, and to a surprise more overwhelming than the violent sea itself. Charlie and Tess discover a beautiful and uncommon connection that leads to a race against time and a desperate choice between death and life, between the past and the future, between holding on and letting go.
wow. this book delivers some heavy material to digest. I first wanted to read the book because I saw that they were making a movie with Zac Efron and I mean, come on, who doesn't like a good Efron movie? So I stopped at the local Target and picked it up. What a good decision. Charlie was a wonderful character and I fell in love with Sam, his little brother because he was sort of the comedic relief throughout the story. I did think that the main characters, Tess and Charlie, were a little old for my taste...I think they were in their 30's. I'm not saying that's old or anything, but I think I was a little influenced my picturing Zac instead. I thought the connection that the two brothers share is just extraordinary and so so sweet. This book reallt made me question what I plan on doing with my life and realize that I should live every second to the fullest and not take anything for granted...you know, all the normal cliche stuff....but this book took that to the next level because it's relateble unlike many books nowadays. I'm referring of course to the Vampire section, formerly known as the young adult section. I plan on seeing the movie sometime this week so I don't now how they compare just quite yet. But I don't think there is any way to really screw it up, because anyway you look at it, it is a wonderful and sweet story line.
August 4, 2010
This book was lent to me by a friend on recommendation. We'd been discussing the book "The Time Traveller's Wife" and she mentionned I might like this book as a result.
Reading the synopsis I didn't know how to interpret the part about "he is faced with a choice - between life and death, the past and the present, holding on and letting go". I guessed the story might have a quirky point of view or twist to the plot, but was a little bit worried that the book may go out on a far-fetched angle.
This soon became fairly apparent in the book. Without giving too much away, I was reminded of The Lovely Bones and The Time Traveller's Wife with the way the book flicked from various perspectives. The plot was an interesting idea but I personally felt the love story element wasn't very "real" and was actually quite dull and predictable. Considering the love story was the majority of the book, it didn't bode well.
I also didn't enjoy the more or less constant reminder of the spiritual and religious side of things. I realise the book is about life and death, so this fits with the category, but... well, there was something about it that didn't sit easily with me in terms of the beliefs being voiced and then what happens afterwards. It just seemed a bit unnecessary in places.
I didn't warm to any of the characters which I felt a bit disappointed about. I found both Charlie and Tess to be a little bit wooden and strange. I felt like I knew nothing about them by the end of the book - we were given details about their lives and hobbies, yet the surface detail didn't allow me to get under the skin of them. The story had quite a sad element to it which I appreciated, but with the lack of being able to connect with the characters, I felt I couldn't really empathise with them - I only really empathised with their families and imagining the scenarios in real-life.
Alright for a quick and easy read. But I wouldn't want to read it again.
Reading the synopsis I didn't know how to interpret the part about "he is faced with a choice - between life and death, the past and the present, holding on and letting go". I guessed the story might have a quirky point of view or twist to the plot, but was a little bit worried that the book may go out on a far-fetched angle.
This soon became fairly apparent in the book. Without giving too much away, I was reminded of The Lovely Bones and The Time Traveller's Wife with the way the book flicked from various perspectives. The plot was an interesting idea but I personally felt the love story element wasn't very "real" and was actually quite dull and predictable. Considering the love story was the majority of the book, it didn't bode well.
I also didn't enjoy the more or less constant reminder of the spiritual and religious side of things. I realise the book is about life and death, so this fits with the category, but... well, there was something about it that didn't sit easily with me in terms of the beliefs being voiced and then what happens afterwards. It just seemed a bit unnecessary in places.
I didn't warm to any of the characters which I felt a bit disappointed about. I found both Charlie and Tess to be a little bit wooden and strange. I felt like I knew nothing about them by the end of the book - we were given details about their lives and hobbies, yet the surface detail didn't allow me to get under the skin of them. The story had quite a sad element to it which I appreciated, but with the lack of being able to connect with the characters, I felt I couldn't really empathise with them - I only really empathised with their families and imagining the scenarios in real-life.
Alright for a quick and easy read. But I wouldn't want to read it again.
May 6, 2013
I really wanted to like this book, the premise was exciting and I was ready to be swept away to a world of fantasy, mystery and romance.
I was disappointed though, I found the characters stereotypical and the plot predictable and cheesy. The whole book felt like a set up for a Hollywood movie.
The book promises ghosts, intrigue and a unique point of view, but delivers the same old romantic comedy that's been done a million times over.
I was disappointed though, I found the characters stereotypical and the plot predictable and cheesy. The whole book felt like a set up for a Hollywood movie.
The book promises ghosts, intrigue and a unique point of view, but delivers the same old romantic comedy that's been done a million times over.
January 5, 2019
I was not expecting to enjoy this book, I really only picked it up because it has Zac Efron on the cover. But it was amazing. It was a captivating and beautiful story about love and grief. I really have no words to describe how this book made me feel.
This book definitely deserves more hype. I had never even heard of it before I saw it at a thrift store and bought it. I really want for more people to read and enjoy this story. I think that it is an important and powerful read.
This book definitely deserves more hype. I had never even heard of it before I saw it at a thrift store and bought it. I really want for more people to read and enjoy this story. I think that it is an important and powerful read.
June 25, 2019
"Trust your heart if the seac catch fire, live by love though the stars walk backwards."
.
.
This is a story of love. Different kinds of love. Love of one's family, romantic love, love of home, love of ambition, love of self.
How far could you go for love?
Will you risk your life? Sacrifice your life and everything you've come to know and yet to know?
What would you do if you knew when your last day would be?
.
.
Charlie and his younger brother Sam are Red Sox fans. One night Charlie decided to "borrow" a neighbor's car to watch a game and got them in an accident. He lived but his brother didn't. Later he discovers a "gift" that allows him to be with his brother again and play ball every night. This was their life for 13 years. Until Tess came along, a beautiful, ambitious sailor. Now Charlie has to make a decision. Continue living this kind of life with his dead brother, or start living a life of his own.
.
.
This book makes one ponder questions like those above and reassess how one currently lives the life one has.
.
.
⭐⭐⭐. 5 Rating for me
.
.
This is a story of love. Different kinds of love. Love of one's family, romantic love, love of home, love of ambition, love of self.
How far could you go for love?
Will you risk your life? Sacrifice your life and everything you've come to know and yet to know?
What would you do if you knew when your last day would be?
.
.
Charlie and his younger brother Sam are Red Sox fans. One night Charlie decided to "borrow" a neighbor's car to watch a game and got them in an accident. He lived but his brother didn't. Later he discovers a "gift" that allows him to be with his brother again and play ball every night. This was their life for 13 years. Until Tess came along, a beautiful, ambitious sailor. Now Charlie has to make a decision. Continue living this kind of life with his dead brother, or start living a life of his own.
.
.
This book makes one ponder questions like those above and reassess how one currently lives the life one has.
.
.
⭐⭐⭐. 5 Rating for me
November 25, 2010
I originally bought this book only because the movie adaptation had just been released. I had seen the previews and knew it was something I'd want to watch. Knowing that the movie was first a book, like always, I felt that I needed to read before renting. I ended up scooping it from the check-out aisle at Wal-Mart late one night and upon getting home, throwing it in my bedside table drawer, forgetting about it until just a few days ago. Since then, Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood had ruled my life. It was almost as if it was glued to my hand. Even though it's an easy going, lower-level reader, captivation is not just a promise but a guarantee. A beautifully written, understandable, and heart-felt story of a man faced with many complicated decisions. Charlie St. Cloud survives a car accident that took his younger brother Sam's life. After this near-death experience, Charlie is left with a gift of being able to see, communicate, and interact with spirits caught in limbo. One of these spirits is his younger brother that he has promised to never leave. Charlie's unusual talent is not only a gift but a curse. As he falls into routine of keeping his promise to Sam, he is simultaneously forfeiting his own life. Even though the book is simply written, it is littered with the age old battles between life and death, faith and knowledge, holding on and letting go, as well as the past and the future. Thrown in the mix to make the story even better is the differenciation or lack thereof one sometimes must realize between unconditional love and tough love.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a quick, uplifting, and mesmerizing read or is wavering in their faith. Sherwood's Charlie St. Cloud is truly an underestimated gem of literature.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a quick, uplifting, and mesmerizing read or is wavering in their faith. Sherwood's Charlie St. Cloud is truly an underestimated gem of literature.
December 9, 2020
Read this review and others on my blog,
Shady Tree Reads
I admit I picked this up after seeing the preview for the movie. Since I decided I had to see the movie,(My little sister and I love to drool over Zac Efron) of course I had to read the book first.
The book starts out with a car accident that takes Charlies little brother sam from this world but keeps him in it. Becuase of this near death experience, he is able to see his brother every day at sundown, and keep a promise to play catch with him.
Something I love about books is when they don't take too long to get going, so that was the first positive thing I noted about this story. However, the writing style is slightly different than I am used to, it kind of reminded me of the way Nicholas Sparks writes. But I didn't mind.
After the accident, the story jumps thirteen years into the future where we meet a functioning, but not fully living, Charlie St. Cloud. He manages the Waterside cemetary, talks to the spirits on thier way to the next life, and plays catch with his little brother at sundown every single day.
The reader meets Tess Carroll, a spunky, danger seeking sailor who plans to be one of the top ten women who have ever sailed around the world. Of course, she meets the perfect guy in Charlie days before she is to leave on her solo venture. Thier blossoming relationship is believable and real, and takes a heartbreaking turn that leaves the reader on the edge of thier seat until the very end.
This book was about loss, love, and living to the fullest.
Shady Tree Reads
I admit I picked this up after seeing the preview for the movie. Since I decided I had to see the movie,(My little sister and I love to drool over Zac Efron) of course I had to read the book first.
The book starts out with a car accident that takes Charlies little brother sam from this world but keeps him in it. Becuase of this near death experience, he is able to see his brother every day at sundown, and keep a promise to play catch with him.
Something I love about books is when they don't take too long to get going, so that was the first positive thing I noted about this story. However, the writing style is slightly different than I am used to, it kind of reminded me of the way Nicholas Sparks writes. But I didn't mind.
After the accident, the story jumps thirteen years into the future where we meet a functioning, but not fully living, Charlie St. Cloud. He manages the Waterside cemetary, talks to the spirits on thier way to the next life, and plays catch with his little brother at sundown every single day.
The reader meets Tess Carroll, a spunky, danger seeking sailor who plans to be one of the top ten women who have ever sailed around the world. Of course, she meets the perfect guy in Charlie days before she is to leave on her solo venture. Thier blossoming relationship is believable and real, and takes a heartbreaking turn that leaves the reader on the edge of thier seat until the very end.
This book was about loss, love, and living to the fullest.
October 29, 2015
When a book can make you cry like a baby, it is clearly a 5 STAR experience. I did this one backwards, which is against my cardinal rule. However, in all fairness, I didn't know that the movie was based on a book until after I had watched it. I immediately got on my Nook and ordered a copy. This is such a beautiful story of love and loss. It touches all of the emotions a person goes through when they lose someone they dearly love and feel they can't live without. I found myself wishing that real life could resemble some of the wonders depicted, although in the end, the author does a perfect job of bringing the main character around to an understanding of why it is much better for the living (and the dead) to live life rather than have one foot in the past, holding you back. This is a book to treasure. Wonderful!!
January 8, 2013
I initially thought this was going to be Nicholas-Sparks-esque, so I wasn't really excited to read it. But as soon as I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down. It was so addicting and different from what I was expecting that I really loved it. I also forgot all about Tess and how her character is played out throughout the book. That definitely made things different and more interesting overall. The only reason I couldn't give it five stars is because there seemed to be something missing from it; it was good but it just wasn't great.
Read
August 22, 2016I loved this story. It was very sweet and sad. I absolutely adored the movie. I'm a huge Zac Efron fan and though he's not as old as the character of Charlie in the book, I think they made the right decision in casting him. He's one of the very few young actors who can do romance seriously. In fact I can only think of three, Zac, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Heath Ledger. If you haven't seen 17 again I highly encourage you to. I was actually disappointed when Chandler showed up again.
January 5, 2020
When I was reading this book all I could see was the movie
July 20, 2022
A więc...
Zacznę od tego, że książka z początku strasznie mi się dłużyła i czytałam dosłownie po kilka stron dziennie. Przeczytanie jej całej zajęło mi łącznie około tygodnia mimo, że ma ona trochę ponad 200 stron. Nastawiłam się o wiele za dobrze, więc miałam duże oczekiwania. Akcja się rozkręciła dopiero jakoś w połowie książki, ale niestety nie mogę ocenić jej lepiej. Ostatecznie daje 3 gwiazdki za całość. Przewidywalna, na końcu fajne zwroty akcji. Zostały poruszone tematy mnie interesujące, ale też opisy np. jak jest zbudowana łódź.
Nie polecam, aczkolwiek jeśli już serio nie macie czytać to nawet jest okej.
Zacznę od tego, że książka z początku strasznie mi się dłużyła i czytałam dosłownie po kilka stron dziennie. Przeczytanie jej całej zajęło mi łącznie około tygodnia mimo, że ma ona trochę ponad 200 stron. Nastawiłam się o wiele za dobrze, więc miałam duże oczekiwania. Akcja się rozkręciła dopiero jakoś w połowie książki, ale niestety nie mogę ocenić jej lepiej. Ostatecznie daje 3 gwiazdki za całość. Przewidywalna, na końcu fajne zwroty akcji. Zostały poruszone tematy mnie interesujące, ale też opisy np. jak jest zbudowana łódź.
Nie polecam, aczkolwiek jeśli już serio nie macie czytać to nawet jest okej.
June 18, 2021
WHOOSH. As good as the movie [though the movie has changes that make it more watchable, neither take away from each other and that is a good thing]. MUCH better than my experience with "Big Fish" and I am so thankful. I would recommend this one to those who have seen and love the movie.
March 14, 2018
A nice, feel-good, supernatural romance.
This is an easy read and somewhat predictable.
Life, death, grief, love, and eventually acceptance and moving on are all themes covered in this story.
An enjoyable, quick read.
This is an easy read and somewhat predictable.
Life, death, grief, love, and eventually acceptance and moving on are all themes covered in this story.
An enjoyable, quick read.
November 17, 2016
"There's a reason for everything, you said, and though it's a mystery to me now, I know it won't always be so."
You know those books that just scream "weekend binge read"? This was one of those. It was short (under 300 pages), with an interesting plot, and an adorable MC. It completely immerses you in the New England mind set, complete with sail boats, lush foliage, pretty people with deep pockets, and clam bakes. Honestly, it left me yearning for some time up north.
For those who missed the movie with Zac Efron, Charlie St. Cloud (originally titled The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud) is about two brothers who are inseparable. When they get in a car accident, Sam, Charlie's younger brother, is killed. However, every night since the accident, Charlie and Sam play catch at twilight. Thanks to the accident, Charlie can now see and converse with spirits.
The book takes place thirteen years later, and Charlie hasn't missed a single night. Even though once Tess comes in, the bromance between Charlie and Sam takes the back seat, this book is very much about the profound bond between the brothers in the beginning and periodically throughout the story. I loved that element of the story. I've always had a soft spot for relationships in novels between two people who love each other, truly and deeply, without the promise of romance.
The romance was very fast, but I still enjoyed it. Even though it felt like one chapter they met, the next they made out, with both of their typically closed off personalities, it still felt like a natural relationship. I did all the typical smiles and whispered words of encouragement while reading.
This was just what I'd hoped for. A quick, enjoyable read with a lovely dash of romance, northeastern scenery, paranormal factors, and an overall great story. Perfect for people who like romances with unique twists, ghost/paranormal tales without the spookiness, and beautiful scenery.
You know those books that just scream "weekend binge read"? This was one of those. It was short (under 300 pages), with an interesting plot, and an adorable MC. It completely immerses you in the New England mind set, complete with sail boats, lush foliage, pretty people with deep pockets, and clam bakes. Honestly, it left me yearning for some time up north.
For those who missed the movie with Zac Efron, Charlie St. Cloud (originally titled The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud) is about two brothers who are inseparable. When they get in a car accident, Sam, Charlie's younger brother, is killed. However, every night since the accident, Charlie and Sam play catch at twilight. Thanks to the accident, Charlie can now see and converse with spirits.
The book takes place thirteen years later, and Charlie hasn't missed a single night. Even though once Tess comes in, the bromance between Charlie and Sam takes the back seat, this book is very much about the profound bond between the brothers in the beginning and periodically throughout the story. I loved that element of the story. I've always had a soft spot for relationships in novels between two people who love each other, truly and deeply, without the promise of romance.
The romance was very fast, but I still enjoyed it. Even though it felt like one chapter they met, the next they made out, with both of their typically closed off personalities, it still felt like a natural relationship. I did all the typical smiles and whispered words of encouragement while reading.
This was just what I'd hoped for. A quick, enjoyable read with a lovely dash of romance, northeastern scenery, paranormal factors, and an overall great story. Perfect for people who like romances with unique twists, ghost/paranormal tales without the spookiness, and beautiful scenery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,483 reviews