A Door Near Here

Heather Quarles has captured the reality of life within an alcoholic, broken family in a way that highlights the devastation and hope involved with such an upbringing. In the midst of some of the most unbelievable suffering children can experience, the power of the love of an individual and the love of God is displayed and revealed to be TRUE. If you or someone you know has suffered, then this book is for you. I cried throughout most of this book. But I also turned to God and thanked Him for the amazing ways He reveals Himself - especially in the midst of tragedy. This is a book that I will read again and again.

I grew up reading & re-reading CS Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia." Narnia was my escape from the alcoholism that invaded every facet of my life as a child. Lewis' characters faced many of the same emotions I did, and "connected" me with others outside of my isolated life--albeit imaginary friends, but friends nonetheless.I never thought I'd see another author capture the growing pains of childhood as well as Lewis did, until I picked up Quarles' book by mistake. Since I had it, I read it, and I was astounded at her ability to capture the reader, transport them inside the character and recreate all of the fears, pain, excitement, uncertainty and ingenuity of childhood.This book is a MUST-READ for anyone who loved CS Lewis, or for anyone whose life has been touched by parental alcoholism. "A Door Near Here" gives outsiders a peek inside the secret world of an alcoholic home, and gives insiders a family of friends who know how it is.Finally, Quarles loving treatment of Aslan and Narnia in the real world of an 8-year-old is astounding--Ms. Quarles, thank-you.

I loved this book. I was particularly impressed by the fact that this is Heather Quarles' first novel and that she writes with such heart. Her characters are captivating, well developed, and take turns either breaking your heart or putting you on the edge of your seat. The storyline provides twists and turns down the road toward a study of alcoholic parents and the affects of the disease on helpless children. Not to say that the characters are helpless... in fact, they are very self-sufficient. The four children, ages 8 to 15, look for help from no one but each other. Some would be horrified that such a thing could happen. I think it is an inspiration for childhood ingenuity. This first attempt at writing for Quarles has laid a wonderful foundation for her to continue a brilliant career. She is obviously very talented and writes with such passion, you almost wonder if the experience was hers personally. I found myself projected into the shoes of the central character, 15-year-old Katherine. I think you will too.

A Door Near Here poignantly chronicles the attempt of a four-child family to deal with the Mother's alcoholism. It is fairly realistic and paints no rosy pictures. Although the book is excellent, the descriptions of the alcoholic mother might be to graphic for some students. Recommended for teachers, parents, and students.

I bought the book yesterday, and could not put it down (too bad I had to work this morning). The characters are wonderfully developed, honest and unique. Katherine's desperation and determination is realistic and compelling. There are no easy answers for these kids, but by sticking together they keep each other in line. Wonderful.