Readers' Comments for The Whole Golden World

In October, a select group of readers who participated in one of our Women’s Fiction contests won copies of THE WHOLE GOLDEN WORLD by Kristina Riggle. It’s about 17-year-old Morgan Monetti, who shocks her parents and her community when she chooses to stand by the man everyone else believes has exploited her --- popular high school teacher TJ Hill. Take a look at some of the readers' comments to give you more insight into this engaging and provocative story --- and make sure to watch out for SPOILERS!

Rosemarie
When I sat down to read this book, I had no idea that it would consume me. This was my first book by Kristina Riggle, but I can honestly say it will not be my last… The story is told by the three women characters and is a fast and easy read. You will meet many family members and learn much about each of them. 

The story revolves around an event that will change the lives of all the families in this novel. The central male character is the owner of many personality flaws --- but they are revealed as part of the plot. As you progress through the book, your feelings about this character change from sympathy to frustration to downright anger. 

Three very different women are characters in this very engrossing story. They all share one common personality trait: Each lives in denial of the circumstances that surround her. I found the characters resemble people we all know. The teenager at the heart of the story is going through some tough times and seems to have suffered somewhat throughout her childhood. Her mother has a full plate, raising the teenager and a set of twin boys with their own problems and a husband who basically lives his own life. The third woman is a young wife struggling with infertility problems that so consume her she is basically blind to what is taking place around her. 

All this being said, a life-changing event is about to bring these women and their families together. This novel is about strength, truth, love and independence. Read this book --- especially if you are a fan of Diane Chamberlain or Jodi Piccoult.

Alice
I finished this book over the weekend and was completely taken in from the beginning. I enjoyed the first half of the book, and the second half was even better. Everything came together and was one of the best book endings I have seen. Oftentimes, the ending is a disappointment --- not this time. The characters evolved beautifully and all the loose ends were tied up. It was so realistic. THE WHOLE GOLDEN WORLD is a wonderful book that handled with finesse a topic that is relevant today.

Mary
Kristina Riggle certainly has a gift for portraying memorable characters. When an author has the ability to create in the reader a true sense of dislike, pity, concern, sadness and fondness for the many characters, the book is a winner. So it was for me. THE WHOLE GOLDEN WORLD was a good read. Thank you for introducing me to the work of Kristina Riggle.

Dana
There were quite a few things I liked about the book, and then a few things I didn't.
What I liked:
I enjoyed seeing the story from the different perspectives.
I thought overall it was very well written.
Definitely could see this as a book club pick --- so many things to talk about with the issues/characters, etc.
Unique subject matter --- I've never really read a book that took on this subject from this particular angle.

What I didn't like:
I didn't find a character that I could pull for --- they all ranged from slightly unlikeable or frustrating (Rain, Morgan, Dinah) to loathsome (TJ, Joe).

Overall, I enjoyed the story, and I think it's one I would definitely recommend to others who like novels by Jodi Picoult, etc.

Anita
I just finished reading THE WHOLE GOLDEN WORLD...I really liked the book...I enjoyed the story but felt it dragging...I won’t say it was my favorite book, but certainly worth reading...