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The Opposite of Never: A Novel
Life is mostly a mixed bag. Devastated when they lose their spouses, both Kenny Simmons and Georgia Best carry on for the sake of their children, although they are certain that the best part of their lives is long over. Then Georgia and her lifelong companions, Linda and Yvonne, meet Kenny while walking down a dusty Vermont country road, and the four of them hit it off. Soon, Kenny becomes a regular part of their hiking group, and he and Georgia grow more than fond of each other. Kenny’s stepdaughter, Zelda, and Yvonne’s teenage son, Spencer, also fall in love―at first sight. Through surprisingly relatable circumstances, they are drawn into opiate use, shocking everyone, and the two of them struggle through the torment of addiction together. In an impulsive and daring attempt to create a grand finale out of difficult times, Kenny takes Georgia off to vacation in Cuba just as it is opening up to Americans―and what they discover in the golden light of Old Havana is another startling surprise.
336 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 24, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5 rounded up.
Well, The Opposite of Never is definitely one roller coaster of emotions! It deals with family and love in such a, dare I say, almost magical way. Although it is a very emotional book, there is also plenty of joy; and the book felt pretty light considering some of the things that happen. I would categorize this book as literary/contemporary fiction as it focuses on the bonds of family, friends coming together in tragic situations, plus a bit of a love story.
There are quotes at the beginning of each chapter that kind of set the scene for the chapter and it was such a nice touch; I loved it. I also think it is so cool that Mary Kathleen Mehuron traveled to Cuba (alone!) in 2015 while she was writing this book. The book talks about Cuba towards the end when 2 of the characters go on a trip there, and I seriously felt like I was seeing what it was like even though I haven't personally been there. Mehuron's descriptions of Havana are so vivid that I felt like I was there!
One thing I will say is that The Opposite of Never is VERY descriptive, in a way that was a bit much for me at times. Everything is extremely specific throughout the entire book; character descriptions, what characters are wearing, what people are eating, their surroundings, etc. However, because of this you can perfectly picture each scene and what is going on. So if you like that sorta thing you are going to love this book.
Another small difficulty that I had was that the chapters were all over the place with character viewpoints. Most of the time you would start with one character, but quickly be taken to what another character is doing and their POV without any sort of page break. This would continue throughout the chapter, every chapter. I prefer books to have clear POV changes (preferably each character has their own chapter), but really this is just a personal preference.
Final Thought: The Opposite of Never felt like a debut novel to me even though it is the author's second. However, the story was a touching one and I ended up tearing up on more than one occasion. I definitely recommend this book to people that love fiction that talks about family and love, and people that appreciate the author setting the stage using very detailed descriptions. Overall this was an enjoyable read!
The Opposite of Never in 3-ish words: Emotional, Meaningful, & Offbeat
Well, The Opposite of Never is definitely one roller coaster of emotions! It deals with family and love in such a, dare I say, almost magical way. Although it is a very emotional book, there is also plenty of joy; and the book felt pretty light considering some of the things that happen. I would categorize this book as literary/contemporary fiction as it focuses on the bonds of family, friends coming together in tragic situations, plus a bit of a love story.
There are quotes at the beginning of each chapter that kind of set the scene for the chapter and it was such a nice touch; I loved it. I also think it is so cool that Mary Kathleen Mehuron traveled to Cuba (alone!) in 2015 while she was writing this book. The book talks about Cuba towards the end when 2 of the characters go on a trip there, and I seriously felt like I was seeing what it was like even though I haven't personally been there. Mehuron's descriptions of Havana are so vivid that I felt like I was there!
One thing I will say is that The Opposite of Never is VERY descriptive, in a way that was a bit much for me at times. Everything is extremely specific throughout the entire book; character descriptions, what characters are wearing, what people are eating, their surroundings, etc. However, because of this you can perfectly picture each scene and what is going on. So if you like that sorta thing you are going to love this book.
Another small difficulty that I had was that the chapters were all over the place with character viewpoints. Most of the time you would start with one character, but quickly be taken to what another character is doing and their POV without any sort of page break. This would continue throughout the chapter, every chapter. I prefer books to have clear POV changes (preferably each character has their own chapter), but really this is just a personal preference.
Final Thought: The Opposite of Never felt like a debut novel to me even though it is the author's second. However, the story was a touching one and I ended up tearing up on more than one occasion. I definitely recommend this book to people that love fiction that talks about family and love, and people that appreciate the author setting the stage using very detailed descriptions. Overall this was an enjoyable read!
The Opposite of Never in 3-ish words: Emotional, Meaningful, & Offbeat
April 17, 2018
The Opposite of Never is a redeeming tale of love, loss, family, and friendship. Georgia is a widow who is finding her footing after losing her husband. She, and a couple close girlfriends, enjoy hiking in their Vermont forests. They stumble across Kenny, also a widow, on the trail one day and a new hiking group is formed. This group quickly forms strong bonds and is there for each other through many ups and downs. This book covers some pretty heavy topics but is a light, easy read. If you enjoy Hallmark movies or having the plots in a book tied up in nice easy bows, then this is the book for you! Thank you to the publisher for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 4, 2018
This author's second novel shows tremendous growth, both in command of her craft and complexity of storytelling. Everything about it--character development, dialogue, scene setting, narrative pace, tension/resolution--reflects this maturing as a writer. Doesn't always happen. Mehuron's first book was quite good, but some authors aren't able to followup debut success with greater quality. (See Charles Frazier's books, all of them, after COLD MOUNTAIN, e.g.). This novel's quality bodes well for future works from MKM. I for one will be watching.
April 5, 2018
I loved this 2nd published work by author Mary Kathleen Mehuron. Georgia's story of love & loss and finding love again resonated with me as I have experienced that kind of loss. Heartwarming to say the least.
'The Opposite of Never' is swirling with unforgettable & intertwining stories and characters that will keep the reader flipping the pages anxiously awaiting the next chapters.
Another great read from M.K.M. Can't wait for the next one!!!!!
'The Opposite of Never' is swirling with unforgettable & intertwining stories and characters that will keep the reader flipping the pages anxiously awaiting the next chapters.
Another great read from M.K.M. Can't wait for the next one!!!!!
March 7, 2018
The Opposite of Never is a lovely heartfelt story about love, loss, and family. Mehuron has written a beautiful story with characters that are compelling, relatable, identifiable and sympathetic. A story that many women later in life must face. Read along as Georgia deals with emotional heartache from the loss of a spouse to finding love again in an unusual place.
The Opposite of Never also shares what it is like to have a family member who suffers from addiction and all the side effects that come with addiction. A realistic lifelike story that shows the effects that addiction has on a family. Overall, an unforgettable read that will warm your heart and leave you with a feeling of hope.
The Opposite of Never also shares what it is like to have a family member who suffers from addiction and all the side effects that come with addiction. A realistic lifelike story that shows the effects that addiction has on a family. Overall, an unforgettable read that will warm your heart and leave you with a feeling of hope.
April 17, 2018
I did like this book. It was heart breaking but at the same time there was love and joy to be found within these pages as well. Zelda and Spencer's stories really connected with me. Luckily, not because I have experienced drug abuse but because their voices were strong and due to their ages I could connect more with them. This is where I did struggle a little with the rest of the people's voices in this book. I didn't have the same connection with them.
So, it was kind of like I was reading only half a book. It was like I was reading what was happening but could not recall events or moments like the ones involving Zelda and Spencer, Therefore, it made the reading experience a bit slow going for me. Again, as I stated previously; I did like this book.
So, it was kind of like I was reading only half a book. It was like I was reading what was happening but could not recall events or moments like the ones involving Zelda and Spencer, Therefore, it made the reading experience a bit slow going for me. Again, as I stated previously; I did like this book.
April 13, 2018
This book may be billed as a love story, but it is also a book about friendship, both old and new. The characters experience tragedies and challenges, including the death of spouses, addiction in grown children and the realities of aging. The author has a lovely attention to detail and gave me a window into the life of a family dealing with addition and recovery.
April 4, 2018
Very realistic characters, conversations, and situations those over 50 can relate to. I recognize people in my own life and you will too.
April 4, 2018
A book about life, loss and the human condition. The writer does a great job of expressing the reality of different generations of characters while maintaining a shared thread. A pleasure.
March 24, 2018
This was a fast read for me! Usually I can tell right away with a book whether or not I will like it, but with this one it was difficult for me to gauge. I decided to rate it 3 stars because this book was well-written, it just wasn't MY cup of tea. A case of "it's not you, it's me".
All in all, I'm glad I read this book and finished it. It's a subtle romance that I wasn't expecting, and offers a look at characters that are at the age where they are trying to comfortably retire without the risk of going into debt years later.
All in all, I'm glad I read this book and finished it. It's a subtle romance that I wasn't expecting, and offers a look at characters that are at the age where they are trying to comfortably retire without the risk of going into debt years later.
September 18, 2020
The Opposite of Never is a satisfying story of overcoming deaths of spouses and living again. Georgia and Kenny find each other accidentally when Georgia and her girlfriends are out on one of their hikes. It is also a story of Kenny’s step-daughter and Yvonne’s son meeting and falling in love. The story flows well and presents problems with addiction and overcoming loss, I enjoyed this book.
July 15, 2018
3.5/5.0
“The Opposite of Never” is an interesting family drama that involves three different families.
Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“The Opposite of Never” is an interesting family drama that involves three different families.
Read full review in the 2018 July Aug issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 26, 2018
A sequel is expected....
March 31, 2024
I am flummoxed that this book had received 4 and 5 star reviews. It’s a poorly written soap opera. Give me back my time.
July 28, 2018
The Opposite of Never is a gorgeous story. A realistic, true life novel of love, loss and the incredible and extremely powerful female friendship that hit me right in the Heart. It's lovely that the characters are their 50's dealing and coping with addiction and real, current social problems. I, again related to not only the story, but the loss, the friendships, the choices made.
The author masterfully pulls you in to the story with emotion, real-life and yes beauty after dealing with loss where healing seems out of reach. I was left with warmth of spirit, hope and some extra courage. A masterful story that will stay with you.
A fabulous story that I highly reccommend. It's one I will gift to many. 5/5 stars.
The author masterfully pulls you in to the story with emotion, real-life and yes beauty after dealing with loss where healing seems out of reach. I was left with warmth of spirit, hope and some extra courage. A masterful story that will stay with you.
A fabulous story that I highly reccommend. It's one I will gift to many. 5/5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews