Commuters: A Novel

by Emily Gray Tedrowe

Book Overview

Tedrowe explores the reconfigurations of a family and the strange alliances that can occur between young and old, love and work. And she writes brilliantly about money.... A deeply satisfying debut.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061859478
• Release Date: June 2010
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 378 Pages
• Weight: 0.71 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.9" x 5.2" x 1.0"

Customer Reviews

Engrossing - could be any family, anywhere in America

I'm reading this as a bookclub selection and find myself engrossed with the characters's lives. I'll suddenly look up because I've forgetten where I am! I sometimes flip ahead a few pages wanting to know what's going to happen next. This book is written in an easy-to-read style that alternates between characters and their perspectives. Tedrowe adeptly puts herself in the mind of a young-20s wanna-be chef Avery, middle-aged, mid-life-crisis Rachel, and elderly center-of-the-family-drama Winnie. I especially like the relationship between Avery and Winnie: it's endearing without being sappy. This is a fabulous debut novel and I look forward to reading another of her books!

Couldn't put it down!

Commuters is a delightfully literate novel that made me both laugh out loud and cry. It's told in the alternating voices of three main characters, each so convincing that you identify with all three. An added bonus are wonderful scenes for foodies. The characters stayed with me long after I finished the book. I bought copies for myself and for both my sisters. I can't wait for Emily Tedrowe's next novel. This book would be great for book groups.... so much to discuss.

I loved this book!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story is carefully and expertly woven together and I really identified with the characters. There were several of those moments when a character would think, say or do something and I would think to myself "I've thought that very thing!" I couldn't put this book down and wanted it to continue. It's a mark of a terrific book when I don't want it to end!

Commuters: poignant story about love and family

Commuters is the story of two families that are joined by the marriage of two of their oldest members. It is told through the perspective of Winnie, the elderly woman who marries her beau Jerry, her daughter Rachel, and Jerry's twentysomething grandson Avery. The story is a poignant, sparklingly written exploration of love at old age, love at young age, love on hard times, and interfamily strife. Sprinkled throughout are vivid descriptions of New York bedroom community Hartfield and the foodie world of New York City. I heartily recommend this first effort from new author Emily Gray Tedrowe and eagerly look forward to her next work.

sparkling debut...perfect summer read.

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this beautiful novel and read it over the weekend. Absolutely knocked me out! I haven't loved a book this much in ages and have already ordered copies for my mother and best friend. The writing is gorgeous, the characters and story are unforgettable. COMMUTERS is an insightful, elegant, modern take on love, money, and family. Perfection.