The Lies That Bind

This was an excellent exploration of a topic that has just recently been on the front pages of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. What happens when a devoted father discovers that he is not the father of the son he has adored and raised into his teenage years? The characters are well drawn, the dialogue very realistic and the story enthralling. This is a good book club book as well as a good read for anyone who likes a fascinating, complex tale.

Edward DeAngelo presents his characters brilliantly. I could not put this book down. DeAngelo allowed me to really know these people, complete with their emotions and physical appearance. I felt as if I passed them on the street they would be easily recognizable from how he had painted them for me. In one word "spellbinding", a must read.

Lies That Bind is a great book! It is the kind of book that forces you to to forgo that good night's sleep so that you can stay up reading. You can't put it down because you want to know what will happen next and yet you want to put it down so that you can talk about the characters with your friends. This book will appeal particularly to book groups because it has that wonderful mix of a humorous style combined with some very serious content. It raises deep moral questions and should probably be made into a movie (think Tom Hanks in the lead role). I can't wait for more books from this author!

By page 2, Edward De Angelo's novel had me in its grip. The Lies that Bind is a book that I didn't want to put down. The story of Sam and Pete ensnares you with threads so light you don't realise you are bound. The human genome, itself, has reached celebrity status and we have to decide what constitutes family, DNA or connection? Edward De Angelo's compassion and empathy with his characters, celebrates the relationships we all need to thrive. Even though the title is "The Lies That Bind" , the book evokes "The Ties that Bind" and celebrates that thought. Enjoy!

I couldn't put it down. Right from the opening chapter when the narrator decides to take a paternity test, I was hooked. I could guess the test result -- the book jacket gives that much away -- but I wanted more. The compelling story pulls you in. You want to discover all you can about the parents, the child, the lawyers, the judges, the friends, the court-appointed psychologist. I found myself arguing with some of the characters, cheering for some others, cajoling a few more; but always I found myself starting a new chapter even though I was stealing hours from my own sleep. DeAngelo's way with words entertains as it enlightens: 'As I stepped into the living room, Dave came out from the kitchen. He and Marcia stood side by side, facing me, leaning together with sad faces. They were like an American Gothic with compassion.' His imagery is at times shocking ('I watched as the needle extended and then nestled, like a child under the covers, into my veins.'); at times, vivid ('I wanted to let him off the hook and he thought I was tossing him back in the lake.'); at times restful ('She was the first woman who ever made me feel as if I wanted to put my head on her shoulder. It was like the moments after sex, when you just lie there...'). The issues of paternity, legal guardianship, child support, and love are all powerfully addressed in The Lies That Bind. Buy this book: read it and then pass it on. You'll want to talk about it with all your friends.