Review: I now have a better appreciation for War.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 21, 2014
“Did you really expect it to? I mean the two of you together make no sense at all. It’s like putting the Easter Bunny together with a crocodile. At first everyone’s all nervous and s*** like ‘Oh, how cute. Look how they’re getting along.’ And then of course the predictable happens, the rabbit’s a reptile snack and all the kids are cryin’ ‘cause Easter ain’t comin’ next year.”**What started out as sort of an awkward book for me soon turned into a book I fully enjoyed. The awkward part was only for the mere fact that someone, without any kind of training, thought they could help turn around someone who is obviously depressed. Someone who is depressed themselves. Hang with me. I have conclusion I am coming to later with that.But I did enjoy the book. Especially when Bryan and Lacey showed up. It brought that feeling of being back in one of Mankin's stories; back in the Tempest world she has so carefully crafted. Yes, up until that point, it was like I was starting a new book, with new characters I’ve never met before.Of course I know War, I just never liked him. But with CAPTIVATING BRIDGE, we see a whole other side of him. So technically it is like we are meeting parts of him for the first time. He has cleaned up and is off the drugs, but he is in a constant state of struggle. Struggling as he grieves the loss of a mother who never showed any affection. Struggling with the loss of not only his girlfriend, but his best friend…both who betrayed him. The two people who knew him better than anyone. So as the story is evolving...I warmed up to him. He won't be one of my favorite characters, but I liked him.**I went up on my toes and tilting my face toward him, he knew what I wanted. He met me half way. His lips touched mine and the kiss we shared was as complex as the emotions swirling around inside of me.I wasn’t falling in love with Warren Jinkins.I was already there.**Shania's character was ok. I didn't agree with her logic of trying to take on someone with depression when she was dealing with it herself. But in the end, I see how they were actually good for each other. They were two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly, even though they seemed completely different on the outside. I loved coming to that realization. See, this is the conclusion I was getting to. Mankin, turned an awkward beginning into a story that ended with me smiling at the outcome. This sort of thing can happen in real life. People have done crazier things for the people they love. Right? So I was happy how these two were able to crawl of the depths of depression and have a fighting chance at a life worth living.I also love the fact that Mankin leaves information for the topic at hand for those who are also struggling. She is making a difference. Of course she could just write a book about depression...give us a happy ending with rainbows and butterflies...but she doesn't. She gives info for those that want to take the next step in finding the help they need. And for that I applaud her.So there you have it. In the end I liked this book. Was it my favorite? No. But I still enjoyed it. I have a better appreciation for War. I love that he found his one true person that was meant for him. I love that this was another book that delved deep, and Mankin wasn't afraid to go there. I love that when people read this book, it will have an impact and make a difference. It has to. So, yes, I recommend another great book by Mankin and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did, if not more. 4 Stars!!