Welcome to the Great Mysterious

I liked this book. I've been on a quest to read fiction related to Down Syndrome and have found a wide range of books, some of which I liked, others that I did not.Geneva is the main character who (unwillingly) takes on the role of caregiver for 13 y.o nephew Rich, when his parents take a month long trip. As the parent of a child with Down Syndrome, I started the book with the usual misgivings that Rich, the central character who has Down Syndrome, might be cast in a stereotypical, outdated manner. However, I'm pleased to say that the author has obviously done her research and was able to capture the character of Rich in way that was not only accurate and appropriate, but warm, compassionate, realistic, with all the subtle nuances that make up an individual. For Rich is truly an indivudual, and much more than the Down Syndrome which defines him in Geneva's eyes before she gets to know him.I thought the author also handled Geneva's self-doubt and mental struggles with how she felt about Rich in a sensitive and realistic manner. While some of these questions were not "pretty" and forced Geneva to delve in to some parts of her personality that were not so attractive, I truly believe that these things need to be talked about...it's only by recognizing that we are all human and all have a need to grow and learn that we can actually do so.I recommend this book to any adult looking for a good summer read. And don't be afraid to ask yourself some of the hard questions that Geneva asked herself - the world will be a better place if everyone did so.

This is the fourth book I've read by Lorna Landvik, and I must say that it is my favorite so far! I absolutely loved the storyline. I've never read so much in one day in my entire life! I highly recommend this book with two very enthusiastic thumbs up.Welcome to the Great Mysterious tells the story of Tony-winning Broadway actress, Geneva Jordan, and her escape from her life. After getting dumped by her co-star and boyfriend, Trevor, Geneva quits her run as Mona Lisa in the Broadway play, Mona, in order to nurse her wounds (and a severe case of menopause!) in peace. However, Geneva's sister, Ann, has other ideas for her vacation -- after 13 years of being a full-time mother to Rich, Ann is finally going to take a month-long vacation with her husband, Riley, and needs Geneva to baby-sit. Which wouldn't be such a bad idea except for the fact that Geneva doesn't know how to baby-sit....Rich, who has Down's Syndrome, proves to be a beautiful and heartwarming character. I loved the interaction between him and Geneva. Rich has a heart of gold and is funny and sweet and a pleasure to read about. He really stole the whole show for me. Throughout the month, Geneva learns a lot about herself and what is really important, and I loved every second of it! The best so far... I can't wait for more.

A wonderfully thoughtful story told with humor, with insight into what people think especially the relatives and handicapped children,an intriquing plot all told with a wonderful use of words to describe situations the reader can relate to. Hope Landvik has a fifth book coming soon!

I laughed. I cried. I got up in the middle of the night because I had to finish reading it. It wasn't that the book was full of surprises.It's simply a good story. Landvik makes you care about her characters. The common thread to her novels is that she writes about people in a way that makes you want to keep finding out more about them.I look forward to more books by Landvik.

The thing about Lorna Landvik's writing, is that it's not necessarily GREAT literature... but when I read it, I get done and think, that's just what I needed. Her characters become like friends, and the sometimes soap operatic plots are like the soap operas of everyday life. Welcome to the Great Mysterious has this great friendship at its core.... Conrad and Rich's. Their simple love of each other is enviable. It's what holds this book together. Landvik writes about the great mysteries of life - love, death, friendship, family, snow on Halloween... that make me look at my life a tiny bit differently...With a little more awe at all that is there.