Rating: 
Summary: Emotionally satisfying
Review: He was destined for great things--until a drunk driver and a terrible mistake ended his dreams. Charlie St. Cloud recovered from the auto wreck--in the car he'd 'borrowed,' brought back to life by paramedics. His younger brother, Sam, though, died. And Charlie finds himself unable to move on, living his life in the graveyard where he buried his brother. When beautiful sailor Tess Carroll shows up in his graveyard, confused by her recent accident and still grieving for her father's death, Charlie feels an attraction stronger than any he's experienced before. But he knows that he can't enter into a relationship. His promise to stay with Sam comforts Charlie, but it also limits him. Still, there is something about Tess that's important, and that Charlie needs to understand. THE DEATH AND LIFE OF CHARLIE ST. CLOUD is about life, death, and moving on. Because Sam's death--and Charlie's promise--gave Charlie the gift of seeing spirits of the recently dead as they work their way to the future. But the gift and the promise hold both Sam and Charlie in a curious halfway world between life and the promise of an afterlife. Author Ben Sherwood's strong writing adds emotional depth to his story of life, hope, and the search for something meaningful in the universe. Sherwood's descriptions of everyday life in Essex County, New England and of the relationships between the major characters and their family and friends ring true and satisfying. If you're looking for a thoughtful pick-me-up, THE DEATH AND LIFE OF CHARLIE ST. CLOUD is a great choice.
Rating: 
Summary: EVERYTHING a novel should be!!
Review: Here's how good this book is: the second I finished it, I picked up the phone and called my brother, to whom I hadn't spoken in ten years! It moved me that much. Incredible. The love between Charlie and Sam, their brotherly bond that literally defies death, is one of the most startlingly moving and beautiful relationships I've encountered. And that's just ONE of the incredibly gorgeous and powerful relationships among the characters in this amazing book, only ONE of the zillion levels on which it works: It's charming, funny, even quirky at times. It gives such vivid descriptions of places I've never been, and now want to visit (hey Marblehead Chamber of Commerce: throw Sherwood a parade TODAY!). It brought me into worlds I never knew I even cared about until now -- cemeteries, sailing, the Red Sox (this book made this diehard Yankee fan cry over some Sox fans -- now THAT'S saying something!). It's just plain wonderfully written -- spare, light prose that sneaks up on you, and before you know it, BING, you're crying, laughing, the works. I still recommend Sherwood's last book about the guy that eats the airplane. But now I have to recommend two books, because this one is a MUST READ! Unforgettable.
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful book to share with the people you love
Review: I don't know about you--but my favorite kind of book--is the rare find--that while you are reading it--and savoring it--you can't wait to tell your best friend, your boyfriend, your Mom--your sister--everyone who means anything to you---that they MUST read this fabulous book immediately--because you just know that they will love the book as much as you did! Ben Sherwoods terrific new book is that type of book--a perfect gift to share with someone you love--a gorgeous tale about the close relationship between 2 young brothers--and the wonders of what happens in the afterlife--(tell the truth--haven't you wondered what actually happens when someone dies? Where do they go? Can they send us signals?) and at the same time a beautiful love story between a somewhat lost yet extremely charming young man and a headstrong feisty woman-- All this and much more, including a hold your breath--clench your fists--race against time ending--- takes place in the cozy New England seaside of Marblehead, MA- You won't be able to put this book down--and you will smirk and smile and shed more than a few tears--and all while--you will realize that the power of love is all around us--and you can experience things you've never imagined if you will simply open yourself up and let love in---You won't want this book to end and you'll be sad when it does --but you will be thrilled for having spent time with the likes of Charlie St Cloud--and Sam and Tess--Ben Sherwood is a mighty clever writer who can make you see and feel things that you've only dreamed of--Mr Sherwood has spun a beautiful story that will stay with you forever.
Rating:
Summary: Warning to those who grieve
Review: I enjoyed this tale very much! I was very impressed with the story - and most impressed with the auhors ability to incorporate the soul of Marblehead, MA (present day). Currently living in Marblehead, the book had extra meaning to me personally. Additionally, having a father in law who is a retired fireman (captain) from Revere, MA made the adventure extra special. The authors ability to details and writing style was simply wonderful. My trifecta was completed with my love for the ocean - for which the story refers re: Tess. Great book overall - it led me to read the "Man who ate the 747" which I enjoyed as well!
Rating:
Summary: Well Done!
Review: I enjoyed this tale very much! I was very impressed with the story - and most impressed with the auhors ability to incorporate the soul of Marblehead, MA (present day). Currently living in Marblehead, the book had extra meaning to me personally. Additionally, having a father in law who is a retired fireman (captain) from Revere, MA made the adventure extra special. The authors ability to details and writing style was simply wonderful. My trifecta was completed with my love for the ocean - for which the story refers re: Tess. Great book overall - it led me to read the "Man who ate the 747" which I enjoyed as well!
Rating:
Summary: Moving
Review: I have to be honest, this book didn't hook me right away. But Ben Sherwood skillfully crafts this book, drawing you in slowly. Halfway through the book, I realized I was completely hooked. Sherwood has a talent for making the reader feel the emotional immediacy of the characters. My heart was racing and breaking right along with Charlie's when Tess is feared lost at sea. After having read both "The Lovely Bones" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", I'd say that although this book also deals with the afterlife, it can't be compared to either of the other two books. "Charlie St. Cloud" is more simply written than "The Lovely Bones" (which is not a criticism nor a complement, just a fact), and in my opionion, it packs more of an emotional whallop than "Five People." "Charlie St. Cloud" will touch you and stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Rating:
Summary: Moving
Review: I have to be honest, this book didn't hook me right away. But Ben Sherwood skillfully crafts this book, drawing you in slowly. Halfway through the book, I realized I was completely hooked. Sherwood has a talent for making the reader feel the emotional immediacy of the characters. My heart was racing and breaking right along with Charlie's when Tess is feared lost at sea. After having read both "The Lovely Bones" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", I'd say that although this book also deals with the afterlife, it can't be compared to either of the other two books. "Charlie St. Cloud" is more simply written than "The Lovely Bones" (which is not a criticism nor a complement, just a fact), and in my opionion, it packs more of an emotional whallop than "Five People." "Charlie St. Cloud" will touch you and stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Rating:
Summary: Sherwood strikes again...somehow, someway...
Review: I love Ben Sherwood. I admit that upfront. He is a wonderful writer and "The Man who Ate the 747" is one of my favorite books. That spirit of wonder and love has not left the quill (I doubt he actually writes with a quill, but so what?). Charlie St. Cloud is a tougher read in that it deals so openly with death, loss, and well, it is set in a cemetary. I finished the book in tears (as usual with this writer) and cried a couple of other times. I read the book in just two sittings. Sherwood's style is deceptively simple (he does have an impressive vocabulary however). What amazes is that this kind of story--with life, death, the afterlife, etc...is so deftly pulled off. It largely avoids being maudolin or cliched. It is something of a miracle that this story works so beautifully. In the hands of someone else, it might not. Sherwood is so upbeat about life and I wish more of us had his optimism and understanding. His stories are very special. This is the kind of book that you may read again and again, especially after a tragedy. I loved Ferrio too and how he connects the main characters. Another note, if you read the source notes and afterward, you learn more interesting things. For example, as with "747" the locations in the book are real. I love that. It seems that this book will be made into a film and it will work--in the right hands. Nevertheless, the book is almost always better right? The acknowledgements are fascinating...if you are a media geek some names will pop out,a former head of NBC, a top screen writer, an entertainment journalist, and even the creator of Alias and Felicity. This guy has some darned interesting friends. My favorite? The last lines about his family and his wife. Their love story might make a great story too--if he hasn't already put in books.
Rating:
Summary: Sherwood strikes again...somehow, someway...
Review: I love Ben Sherwood. I admit that upfront. He is a wonderful writer and "The Man who Ate the 747" is one of my favorite books. That spirit of wonder and love has not left the quill (I doubt he actually writes with a quill, but so what?). Charlie St. Cloud is a tougher read in that it deals so openly with death, loss, and well, it is set in a cemetary. I finished the book in tears (as usual with this writer) and cried a couple of other times. I read the book in just two sittings. Sherwood's style is deceptively simple (he does have an impressive vocabulary however). What amazes is that this kind of story--with life, death, the afterlife, etc...is so deftly pulled off. It largely avoids being maudolin or cliched. It is something of a miracle that this story works so beautifully. In the hands of someone else, it might not. Sherwood is so upbeat about life and I wish more of us had his optimism and understanding. His stories are very special. This is the kind of book that you may read again and again, especially after a tragedy. I loved Ferrio too and how he connects the main characters. Another note, if you read the source notes and afterward, you learn more interesting things. For example, as with "747" the locations in the book are real. I love that. It seems that this book will be made into a film and it will work--in the right hands. Nevertheless, the book is almost always better right? The acknowledgements are fascinating...if you are a media geek some names will pop out,a former head of NBC, a top screen writer, an entertainment journalist, and even the creator of Alias and Felicity. This guy has some darned interesting friends. My favorite? The last lines about his family and his wife. Their love story might make a great story too--if he hasn't already put in books.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read!
Review: I wanted to tell the world about this terrific book that I just finished, so I dropped by to add a review. I can't say it any better than those who have written detailed and insightful reviews before me. Browse through the other reviews here and read what they have to say, but all you really need to do is buy the book and read it--you won't be disappointed.I guarantee you'll be longing for Charlie St. Cloud to be in your life a little longer. Enjoy!
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