Shawn Klomparens

I was looking forward to reading this book and I wasn't disappointed.

I remember reading somewhere that the author painted a detailed picture of some kind of "future world". I don't think that is the case, it never felt like I was reading about any sort of future anything. Maybe a more violent present, but the story was more about the characters and their lives. The current events affected the lives of the characters, but the book wasn't entirely centered around that.

To me, the book was about a girl named Jessica who was in love with her neighbor, but couldn't admit it to herself, and entered into a relationship with an artist while trying to decide what she felt about the neighbor, when everything kind of blew up on her, so to speak. The story is told entirely from Jessica's point of view. While the current events definitely affected the lives of the characters, the book wasn't entirely centered around them. Jessica works, drinks wine, attends her neighbor's party, makes a friend, gets involved with an intense artist, talks to her sister and mother, and some things happen that affect the outcome of everything. The story lost me a little bit towards the end when I started to question why Jessica might do some of the things that she does, but it was an interesting enough story that I would like to read, but not necessarily seek out, other books by this author.… (meer)

I was hooked after the first few pages of Two Years, No Rain. Andy Dunne is a nice guy, too nice really. He never gets upset and lately just takes what life is dishing out to him. His wife has just left him. But she thoughtfully marked the few things he could keep with sticky notes. Notably the condiments in the fridge. His job as a radio weatherman is on shaky ground. And he harbours a not so secret attraction for Hillary, a married woman - who is happily flirting back.

When the bottom does fall out of his job, an unexpected interview leads Andy to his his next career - as a host for a children's television program. The clouds just might be parting.

The more I read, the more addicted I became - what was going to happen next? Andy's journey as he rediscovers himself and faces the heartache from the past is compelling. He's the kind of character you're just rooting for. The supporting characters are just as engaging. I quite enjoyed his niece Hannah. The relationship with her uncle is refreshing. I wasn't as sold on Hillary though. Although she is portrayed as somewhat enigmatic at first, I was somewhat dismayed with how she uses Andy to fill a gap in her own life. Their relationship is a main focus of the book. But I enjoyed Andy's journey to mend his life the most. As Andy the tv host says every show "The answer was always inside me, the whole time." Klomparens uses weather analogies with great effect. The drought and hope/need for rain mirrors much of Andy's life.

I found it refreshing to read a male perspective by a male author. Kind of male oriented chick lit. Fans of Nick Hornby would enjoy Two Years, No Rain.… (meer)