Rating: 
Summary: a poignant read
Review: This is a beautifully rendered story of one young woman's journey to discover her true self. Ms. Brown has a wonderful grasp of metaphorical language which she puts to fine use in this book. Mandy Boyle, her heroine is tender, vulnerable and painfully self-aware. Bent on escaping her mother's claustrophobic universe, Mandy goes happily off to college but is suddenly stopped in her tracks when she receives the news that her father has unexpectedly died. Without her father as a ballast, Mandy loses her tentative hold on the world, and is forced -- in spite of her best efforts otherwise -- to finally face and confront her own demons. Ms. Brown explores this difficult emotional terrain with honesty and a sure hand. Her evocative language, well-paced scenes and true to life characters lend poignancy and reality to Mandy's dilemmas. You will root for this character from beginning to end. This is a fine debut.
Rating:
Summary: A definite must for anyone who values a decent book
Review: This is a book that goes straight to the heart. It is brilliantly written, as from the first page you are drawn into the story. You can't help but to be feel involved in the feelings and experiences that happen in Miranda Boyle's life. A brilliant read, and hopefully we shall hear more from this superb author!
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Book
Review: This is one of the best books I have read in a long time - and I read hundreds of books. I was drawn into Mandy's life immediately. The author's descriptions of people and places was so vivid I felt like I was right there. I can't wait to read more of Laura Brown's work!
Rating: 
Summary: Quickening
Review: Yes, this novel depressed me and was not a feel good story, but the characters were complex and realistic. All of the main characters were very well rounded with good and bad qualities which creates a struggle when deciding if you like them. This is unlike many novelists out there who create flat characters that you are only capable of hating. I think we all struggle with disliking someone in real life and it is never black and white the way many books simply portray. I also think Laura Catherine Brown has a grip on the struggle of many women with low self-esteem, little positive guidance, and ignorant relations. I have seen many young women make the mistakes Mandy did and probably enjoyed the novel because, I have made those mistakes too. A lot of times, we only see what we want to see or what is convenient and without guidance or maturity, one can make some terrible mistakes. This is what happens to Mandy, but eventually she knows it is time to move on and create a better life for herself.
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