Approaching the Speed of Light
A Novel

Name: Approaching the Speed of Light
Brand: Blackstone Audiobooks
Availability: InStock
Author: Victoria Lustbader
ISBN: 9781482924282

Author: Victoria Lustbader

Narrator: Stephen R. Thorne

Unabridged: 10 hr 54 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Published: 08/13/2013

Categories: Fiction, Literary Fiction

Synopsis

A heartbreaking tale of pain, love, and redemption set in New York City Approaching the Speed of Light is a story of tragedy and triumph, fragility and strength. Victoria Lustbader's brave narrative shines a powerful light on the lasting damage caused by childhood demons that can prevent a life from blossoming, on the relationships needed in order to overcome them, and on one man's attempt to solve the elusive puzzle of true happiness.Until he was nine years old, when he was adopted into a loving family, Jody was a little boy whose only experience of love was a painful, twisted hell. Now, two decades later, he moves from one woman to another, pointedly avoiding love—the thing he wants most but has never known how to give or take. Jody trusts only his wise and faithful dog Einstein to truly understand him and the darkness that haunts his life even in the bright light of a summer's day.A chance meeting with Tess, an elderly woman still mourning her long-dead son, sends Jody on a journey back to the tortured memories buried deep below his scars. Tess brings Jody together with Ella Landreth and her shy young son, Evan. These people grow to need one another far more than any of them could have ever imagined.

About Victoria Lustbader

Victoria Lustbader, a former book editor, is the author of the novels Hidden and Stone Creek. As an editor she worked with such authors as Ursula LeGuin, Harlan Ellison, and Robert Silverberg. She divides her time between New York City, where she was born and raised, and Southampton, New York.

About Stephen R. Thorne

Stephen R. Thorne, winner of multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards for narration, is a professional actor and member of the resident acting company at Providence’s esteemed Trinity Repertory Company, where he has played Hamlet, Henry V, and Tom Joad.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Cathy on June 24, 2017

Hard to read at times but a very compelling book. I didn't think I would like it (tough subject matter) but it kept me engaged and I'm glad I went outside my box. This book makes you look at life a bit differently. Makes you appreciate your own. Past, present and future. I would recommend this book,......more

Goodreads review by Patty on September 25, 2013

Approaching The Speed Of Light By Victoria Lustbader My "in a nutshell" summary... This is Jody's story and it is the story of his very sad disturbing life. My thoughts after reading this book... I really am sort of silenced by this book. It was truly enlightening and truly sad. It sort of took my breath......more

Goodreads review by Darcia on October 02, 2013

This is a difficult book for me to rate. Some parts are beautifully written and poignant, many are heartbreaking, and other parts feel overly contrived. Sadness permeates this story. The characters, particularly Jody, are so weighed down by the emotion that it has nowhere to go but into the reader. I......more

Goodreads review by Janice on November 05, 2014

If you read to get away from the news about the horrendous way people treat others, then this book is not for you. I went back to read the inside jacket to see if I missed what this story is about but, for the main character, it referred to a 'secret past'. I wouldn't be giving anything away if you......more

Goodreads review by Barbara on September 09, 2013

Excellent read. Be warned, there are quite a few tough scenes in this book that may be upsetting to some people. I cried quite a few times during the reading of this novel, but definitely an excellent story that really got to me.......more

Quotes

“Lustbader crafts a beautiful novel about surviving tragedy and overcoming defeat, even when life’s demons almost seem indestructible.” Booklist

“Lustbader…nails the mental and physical horrors of living without love, approval, or basic comforts…Few will fail to be moved by the child’s plight.” Kirkus Reviews