Title: The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving
Author: Jonathan Evison
First published August 28, 2012
278 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781616200398 (ISBN10: 1616200391)
Rating: 3.78
Overview
In The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving, Jonathan Evison weaves a story of compassion and resilience that takes readers on a journey through the vast expanse of America. This novel introduces us to a cast of unlikely heroes who are brought together by fate and a desire to care for others.
With its vivid imagery and heartfelt prose, this book is a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring strength of the human spirit. As the characters navigate life’s unexpected twists and turns, they discover the true meaning of what it takes to be a caregiver and the immeasurable rewards that come with it.
Filled with moments of beauty and raw emotion, this big-hearted and inspiring novel is a must-read for anyone looking for a story that will touch their soul.
About the Author
Jonathan Evison, the author of several bestselling novels including All About Lulu, West of Here, The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving, This is Your Life, Harriet Chance!, and Lawn Boy, has an interesting background. During his teenage years, he was the lead singer and founder of the Seattle punk band March of Crimes, which later included members who would go on to join Pearl Jam and Soundgarden.
While Evison was born in San Jose, California, he currently resides on an island in Western Washington.
Editoral Review
Jonathan Evisons 2012 novel, The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving, is a heartwarming and emotional journey that explores the power of friendship, healing, and redemption. Evison is an American writer best known for his novel West of Here, which was a New York Times bestseller.
The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving was also critically acclaimed and won the Washington State Book Award. The novel is categorized as a coming-of-age story and falls under the fiction genre.
The novel follows the story of Ben Benjamin, a middle-aged divorced man who is struggling to come to terms with his past and present. After losing his family in a tragic accident, Ben decides to enroll in a caregiving course, hoping that this new career path will bring him the satisfaction that he craves.
Ben is assigned to take care of Trevor, a teenage boy with muscular dystrophy, and the two form an unlikely bond that takes them on a road trip across America. The novel is set against the backdrop of America in the early 2000s, with themes of loss, grief, and redemption taking center stage.
Evisons writing style is raw, heartfelt, and honest, with vivid descriptions of characters and settings that immerse readers in the story. The pacing of the novel is also noteworthy, with a perfect balance of introspection and action that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
One of the strengths of the novel is the character development. Both Ben and Trevor are complex, flawed, and relatable characters that readers cannot help but empathize with.
The relationship between Ben and Trevor is the heart and soul of the novel, with Evison masterfully portraying the emotional journey of both characters as they navigate their respective pasts and futures. The road trip that the two undertake is a delightful adventure that is both heartwarming and humorous.
However, one of the weaknesses of the novel is that at times, the plot seems predictable and derivative. The novel follows a familiar formula of a road trip that leads to self-discovery, which may not be appealing to readers looking for something more innovative.
Additionally, some readers may find the novels exploration of disability and caregiving superficial, as it does not delve deeply into the complexities of these issues. Overall, The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving is a heartwarming and uplifting novel that showcases Evisons writing prowess.
While it may not be groundbreaking in terms of plot, it is a novel that will resonate with readers seeking an emotional journey that explores the themes of loss, grief, and redemption. I highly recommend this novel for anyone looking for a relatable and poignant story.
Rating: 4/5
