Book Review: "Connected" by Kathryn A. Lytle

Title: Connected

Author: Kathryn A Lytle

Publisher: CreateSpace

ISBN, PUB Date: 978-14-56378646, December 13, 2010

Reviewed by: Tiffany Schlarman for Author Exposure

Connected is a book that proves sayings such as “It’s a small world after all” to be true. Its storyline reveals the many ways people are connected through emotions, spirits, memories, technology, and relationships. In this book, Amanda admits to herself that her marriage is in trouble. The one detail she can’t grasp is whether or not the trouble started before the tragic death of her daughter or in the aftermath of the tragedy. Willing herself to believe the latter, Amanda tries to put her neglected relationship back together. In the process, she re-connects with an ex-boyfriend who proves to be a faithful friend during her time of need. When Amanda discovers the life-altering clues of her husband’s betrayal, she goes in search of the truth. Along the way she grieves her loss and finds forgiveness and true love.

Connected was a simple novel that brings forth questions regarding relationships, love, loss, and forgiveness. It was a fairly simple read. The book itself is only ninety-four pages which made this a quick read for me. I normally shy away from reading short books because they feel unfinished, as if there is so much undiscovered territory that could have made the book better. I hate to leave a book that will obviously not continue, especially when I want to read more. Connected was not one of these books. The story was told in a way that made me feel like I was sitting with a friend, having coffee, while she told me Amanda’s story.

The characters are very relatable since the book is a realistic work of fiction. Many of the underlying issues are common in today’s relationships. This enabled me to connect to the main character emotionally. I enjoyed the author’s ability to give me, the reader, this chance—especially considering the book’s title.

Overall, the book was a fairly average read for me. The length of the novel works, but I wish the author could have explored the story further by beginning earlier in the story, before Amanda’s daughters’ accident. The writing was easy to read, but I wasn’t able to get lost in it. I would recommend this book if you’re in-between novels, or need a short “layover” read. It’s not a novel I would prefer to purchase due to its length, but it would be great e-book or library book.