Chasing Rainbows: A Novel

A bit of a warning to those readers who might care. I was alternately laughing and crying while reading this book until I got to the middle and was blindsided by the sudden and unexpected, somewhat explicit sex scene in the middle of the book. It's like the author threw that in there just to be salacious. This was not what I thought I would be reading when I started the book, and I was offended. Granted, Bernie had been through a lot, but is she so pitiful and easy that she allows herself to be seduced by her 24-yr-old gardener? I thought it was pathetic, and I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading. I just didn't think much of Bernie after that. Not sure I want to read any more by this author. I guess it depends on what readers are looking for in a book. I much prefer Susanna Kearsley. I immensely enjoyed both Shadowy Horses and Winter Sea and plan to read more. I've read a lot of good books, but Kearsley is one of the best.

My first novel by Kathleen Long and I can't wait to get the next one today!! I was sucked in from the beginning of this story and so related to the character Bernadette (only the male version). I loved the way she told the story as if it was being wrote about me. It reminded me of a Mitch Albom book (which I'm a huge fan of) I'm a new reader, One of my favorite books I've read. Thank you Kathleen for such a great story.

This book, really nicely written and light but very deep meaningful book. It is no often you stumble across a book that well brings things in your life into perspective. I loved the quote at the beginning
In life, you either choose to sing a rainbow, or you don't.
this is one of those quotes where it means different things to different people and well it gives you hope during the journey to find the meaning to you.

I will not forget this book in a long while. The subjects throughout the book can happen to anyone and everyone had experienced them in one time in their lives. I makes you think about how you dealt with things or how you did not deal with things. I recommend this book just because it is fun and entertaining. oh BTW i want a thirty six ( i think that is his number).

Like many people I had heard positive things about this book from both the reviews and people that have checked it out from the library.
I have to say I did not enjoy it. I guess some people see the humor in potty mouth and the way this woman behaved in a very juvenile manner (at least the 100 pages that I read of it) but it wasn't for me.

Enjoyed this easy read.

Maybe people would not understand if they have never experienced a loss of 3 things that are important in their live : the death of their father they loved, abandoned by her husband that cheating with another woman, and child that their really expected but dead.

And perhaps, people who have lost have different ways how to figure it out.

As with the N that have to face losing 3 important peoples within her life: father, husband and son and N should also be under pressure in her job and her close friend who accused her, took her daugther of doing bad things, where she found N and her children are together in some place during school hours which means children miss her school. It seems like bad luck streak came within her life.

So is reasonable if it makes us:

1. become cynical, defensive and feel humble and accept abusive treatment
2. get angry and blame everyone because they don't feel the same we are experiencing and no one will understand what we experienced. And feel that life is so unfair?

N even felt her brother who is not familiar with her since childhood, never has the slightest look or feel sad when loss their father so that they often lead to an argument.

But life must go on and if any problems we have to face. And can N coss through all of this and finally realized that the rainbow will come after the rain?

The thing that I love about this book is:
1. cover of this book, I love rainbow *look at the umbrella :)
2. that life is not always beautiful, do not always go smoothly, there is always a constraint and only how we react
3. and in the end "bitterness" brings togetherness in family.

This book is a tory that simple but meaningful and touching.

Chasing Rainbows is both thought provoking and mindless, and I mean that in the best way possible. The story made me evaluate my own life, but was also simple and easy to digest. I wasn't pondering the content of the book, but the messages did make me ponder life and grief in general. Does that make any sense? I hope so, because I want to get across that this novel is light and deep- it is a multifaceted read.
Bernie is a well developed character, as are some of the other players- specifically her best friend Diane and Diane's daughter, Ashley. While Bernie takes center stage, Ashley and Diane both play huge roles in the changes that come in Bernie's life. Other characters come into the picture too, and are developed just enough to get connected to their story in relation to Bernie. Number Thirty Six and Mrs. Cooke are characters that pop up and slowly shed their skin of mystery as the story unfolds. I also appreciated the time Long spent on Poindexter, Bernie's dog. The reader learns a thing or two from him as well.
As Bernie navigates through a very difficult time in her life, the reader is right there with her. I was transported to a time of grief in my life, analyzing my travels through tough times. I found myself cheering for Bernie and simultaneously learning about my own process with grieving. Everyone grieves differently, which is an obvious point in this novel. While it is obvious (and I normally hate that) it was done very well- it wasn't glaringly obvious that it was distracting, but it was there as an undercurrent to the whole novel. I liked that.
I found that this was a really enjoyable read. It was quick and fulfilling. Chasing Rainbows was an inspiring novel, forcing me (in a good way) to think about my own grieving process. Also, there were some beautiful quotes scattered throughout the story- it added dimension and many were sticky-note on my desk worthy! I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an uplifting and purposeful novel.

I purchased this book on a fluke, because it was on sale. I couldn't be happier! It made me cry, it made me laugh, and it made me take a closer look at my own life! What more could you ask for in a book? It's the stories of others (fictional or non-fictional) that inspire us to truly find ourselves. I would definitely recommend!

A nice light book, good story. Very positive little quotes at the end of each chapter.I enjoyed this book very much!