Ask Again, Yes: A Novel

"They'd both learned that a memory is a fact that's been dyed and trimmed and rinsed so many times that it comes out looking almost unrecognizable to anyone else who was in that room..." . THIS BOOK. My heart. All the feels, all the tears - I could not put the story down! The characters were so real, the writing so good, and the story so compelling that it is moments like these that I am so happy books exist, and feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to read this one in particular. "They'd both learned that a memory is a fact that's been dyed and trimmed and rinsed so many times that it comes out looking almost unrecognizable to anyone else who was in that room..." . THIS BOOK. My heart. All the feels, all the tears - I could not put the story down! The characters were so real, the writing so good, and the story so compelling that it is moments like these that I am so happy books exist, and feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to read this one in particular. . This story is ultimately about Peter and Kate, neighbors from birth who seem destined to be together. However, a terrible event occurs that separates Peter and Kate at a young age. This event isn't something that's easy to get over as the rippling consequences affect so many people in very profound ways. . ASK AGAIN, YES is a slow burn and very character-driven. These are my favorite types of books; I find that novels with interesting and "real" characters stay with me much longer than books with fast plots. I can't imagine I'll ever forget Peter's story; he truly touched my heart. . Now it's time to go read everything Mary Beth Keane has ever written!

I want to start by saying I loved this book. It really truly was good. It starts by following two police officers as they start their careers, marriages, and eventually move in next to each other. From then on, we mainly follow their children who naturally grow up as best friends with each other as neighbors. This story pulls you in and makes you want to go straight to the end to find out how Kate and Peter end up. I read this book in about two days because I couldn’t wait to learn more about Peter and Kate both individually and together. They both deal with so many problems throughout their lives that are so realistic and it really tugs at your heartstrings at some points. This was also an interesting opportunity to think about how poorly mental health was handled during this time and what proper treatment could really do. My only issue with this book is the last quarter. I found it to be predictable and it just didn’t grab my attention the way the first 3/4ths did. It continued to deal with realistic issues but it just didn’t feel as great as the start of the book. I also didn’t understand why the beginning of the book and even the book description went on about Lenas loneliness and how she just wanted to leave, but it was never addressed again and she was just the perfect doting wife the rest of the book. Even though I liked her character the rest of the book, It didn’t really add up. Overall, I really enjoyed this and recommend it, I just wish there was little more something to the ending.

"Ask Again, Yes" is a great novel with so many familiar places to a former Bronxite. But the best thing about the book is the writing quality, beautiful, clear, and thoughtful. It's about two cops and their families and what happens between them. Each of the main characters are developed with their own stories. And you don't even realize until the end if there was a true main character of the story. That was cleverly done. It is a beautiful story with some realism. I really enjoyed reading this book as it makes you contemplate your own life as you really feel for each of the characters who all have good and bad traits. And then at the end you understand the meaning of the book title which was always in the back of my mind as I read the book wondering about it. It all comes together at the end. Great Book. I hope to read more books by her.

The book started out good….but slowly turned into a long, boring story that simply felt like “yammering” on and on about nothing.

I found the story started out very slow. I almost didn’t continue, but I’m so glad I did. The strength intelligence bravery of the characters was overwhelmingly admirable. I had trouble relating to Katie because she was so. Filled with love for Peter, and also filled with love for her family, and was willing to do just about anything to protect them. I was glad to help to have started and finished this book.

Mary Beth Keane has written a sensitive book about family. Different families, dysfunctional families, broken families brought together by their love and respect for each other. Her treatment of alcoholism is exceptional and honest. I highly recommend this book.

This review will have spoilers so I warn you now rather than later... I really liked the first 2/3 of this book. It was action packed and interesting to read. I liked that two people (Peter's Mom and Kate's Dad) are from Ireland originally. I also like that Peter and Kate, although fictional characters, are close to my age. I also want to warn people that this book is told from MULTIPLE points of view so please be careful about that. I have some faults with the ending... You mean to tell me Peter's father NEVER apologizes or sees him once before his death? Also... Do they (Peter and Kate) really never visit with Peter's mother, Anne, again? I guess all of this is left to the reader's interpretation of things. Typically, I know in life a person tends to be closer to one set of grandparents than the other, but I feel sad for Anne (Peter's Mom), even though there are reasons why they are not as close (that I will NOT give away). Overall, if you like intergenerational stories set in modern times, I would definitely read this book. Just know going into it some of the things I previously mentioned and hopefully you will enjoy it like I have.

Loved this and have recommended it to friends.

I love books where an incident is described by different perspectives according to the personality and age of the characters. The way the author delves into the minds of her characters and gives a clear narrative is worthy of reading. For me reading is a personal experience and the various emotions one goes through cannot be described. Some books leave a mark and this one is exactly that kind.

This novel covers friendship, family, mental illness, and redemption. The characters were well-drawn and relatable. A story that spans decades without being too drawn out.

Acquistato per scuola, mia figlia non riesce a staccarsi... letto d'un fiato in pochi giorni, nonostante sia in inglese. Deduco sia scritto bene e la storia avvincente per i ragazzi

Un poco complicado seguir la trama los primeros capitulos, todos los personajes se describen a mucho detalle y sus historias se cruzan en diferentes lineas del tiempo, pero cuando tomas el hilo descubres que no quieres soltar la historia lo termine en un solo dia, lo recomiendo.