Mark Rubinstein's Blog - Posts Tagged "endless-summer"

I usually don't read paranormal novels, but I tried ENDLESS SUMMER. I wasn't disappointed. Christopher Petersen has written a poignant story that touches the heart. The Rileys are a loving family. Will and Joan, and their young children, Joshua and Rachel,go to a New England beach for a summer vacation. Joan has an interest in ghosts and spirits, while Will lovingly chides her about this. Their banter is clever and loving.

Strange things begin happening, and the days take on a certain sameness, coupled with a bit of amnesia for what happened the day before. The days are gorgeous, the sun brilliant, and the reader becomes slowly aware that the Rileys' experience has an open-ended strangeness, one that's slightly creepy, yet suffused with love and caring, as are the relationships among the family members.

I don't want to go into too many details and rob the reader of the pleasure, poignancy and suprises that wait (no spoilers). Let me say that as the book neared its conclusion, tears welled up in my eyes. This is not your usual "ghost" story meant to scare or horrify. Not at all. It is a straightforwardly written tale that probes the immeasurable depths of human love, understanding and acceptance of what life offers us. It's a gem of a novel and I recommend it to anyone who craves a deeper understanding of life, love and committment.

Mark Rubinstein, author of MAD DOG HOUSE