Traveling Light

This book was amazing! The writer never fails to keep your heart involved in the book. The subjects of AIDS, homosexuality, heterosexuality, death, love, living life to its fullest, and forgiveness are all excellently weaved within the story. It is the first book that I became so emotionally involved with that I actually shed tears over. To me, that is a sign of a GREAT book! I am excited that this is a first novel for the author. I hope there are more.

Traveling Light has some great characters, Summer, Todd and Jacob in particular. I was so completely caught up in the story of Summer and her family, I finished the book the day I started it. The author explores some big ideas- the effects of discrimination, how to live in the moment even as someone you love is dying; but the details are what compelled me to keep reading. I loved the stories of life on a farm, the world of dance and theatre, the highs and lows of teaching, all the stories that brought each character to that point in time and propelled them forward. I thought this book would be sad, and parts were sad. But Traveling Light is about life not death, and about family, the family you're born with and the family you choose. It is about the daily choices one makes to live. I highly recommend this book!

Although I sobbed my way through many chapters (especially the final few), this is, overall, quite an uplifting book. The lessons that Summer learns from her brother's illness and experiences are educational for all of us. Especially the key lesson referred to in the title: Travel light. In other words, get rid of all the excess baggage you're lugging around with you and focus on what's really important in life--doing what you enjoy and spending quality time with the people you love.Some of the descriptions of the effects of AIDS on Summer's brother, Todd, are difficult to read; however, they must be included in order to fully appreciate the depth of the love between Todd and his partner, Jacob. An excellent first novel! Can't wait to read the next...

Summer Zwolenick believes that winter has permanently established a lifetime residency in her soul. Only three years ago, Summer made it into the New York Times as a rising ballet star, but her dreams ended with an injury. She returned to her Ohio hometown to teach school. Summer's brother Todd went to Hollywood only to return to the family horse farm to die from Aids. Even her relationship with Nicholas, who vows he loves her, seems lacking to the depressed Summer, who wakes up every morning wondering if Todd died and if not when will her beloved sibling leave her. As Summer struggles with life and death, Todd's partner Jacob teaches everyone in the area how to love and be supportive of someone you care deeply for. Summer begins to understand what her father meant when he told her "travel light" as Jacob and Todd teach her what it's all about. TRAVELING LIGHT is an excellent relationship drama that showcases a new talent, Katrina Kittle, for sub-genre fans to enjoy. The story line centers on Summer's comprehending life's meaning through her mentors, Jacob and Todd. Though the myriad of other subplots tie back to the main story line, they are engaging in of themselves. They add other social issues that somewhat negate the force of the prime tale. Still, Ms. Kittle demonstrates a wonderful ability to relate a complex novel that never turns too maudlin or preachy as she focuses on how fortunate we are in our seemingly darkest winter when we share love.

It's generally thought that the story of a man or woman "coming of age" is about their struggle to define themselves and their place in the world when they are young and moving into adulthood. Certainly that is true. But the process is one that never really ends. Things like injury, illness, or tragedy can force us to re-examine our lives and our place in the world. Such is the story of Summer Zwolenick. An injury to her ankle has ended her promising dance career. Her brother is slowly losing his fight with AIDS. Her grandmother is losing a battle with cancer. Her new life as a teacher at a small-town school seems ungratifying to her. There is a lot to force her to re-examine who she is and where she's going. And she's made a promise to her brother. It's this promise that Summer is struggling to fulfill through out the book. In her book, Kittle, manages to weave a heart-breaking tale of Summer's effort. The book is wonderful. The characters are rich and real. The book moves easily and effortlessly (sometimes impossible to put down). Summer's journey is touching, brazen, and thought provoking. It's examination of Summer's effort helps us to understand the delicate beauty of life and love and relationships. I highly recommend this book.