Vacationland

Love this book. I recommended it for our book club. Not only are the characters complex, interesting and unique, the setting is a character in itself. I felt like I was in the north woods. This is a series of interlocked short stories that add up to a rich novel-like book.The tone and writing are spot-on. I immediately ordered other books by Sarah Stonich.

Sarah Stonich's "These Granite Islands" and "The Ice Chorus" are wonderful novels that I treasure and have read more than once. So when I bought a copy of her novel VACATIONLAND, I couldn't imagine feeling that way for a third time. But it happened -- and for me this is her best book yet. VACATIONLAND is a wonderful weaving of the stories of people who share a connection to a resort in Northern Minnesota. Both the seen and unseen aspects of the character's lives are told in a gentle yet quick and ironic voice -- supported by vivid detail in all the right spots. Sarah Stonich keeps us curious, sad, laughing and half in love with the VACATIONLAND community at all times. This novel is truly a gem. If you haven't read a Sarah Stonich novel yet, let this be the one that takes you in.

For the record, my wife and I both loved Vacationland. We have a place 25 miles east of Walker, so can relate to the "up north" experience (and I am originally from Chicago so loved your referencing my favorite American city). However, I was both enamored and fascinated by Sarah Stonich's ability to capture the characters and their interactions, even over time-frames, with one another. She painted portraits of people I have seen and met, yet her descriptions allowed me to get to certain depths that one cannot necessarily achieve in reality. The stories evoked sounds and sights and aromas. It was a pleasure reading Vacationland on many levels so thank s to Stonich for that as well. Her talent is clear.

Some books may be skimmed, some swallowed whole; Vacationland should be savored slowly so as to enjoy all the nuances and flavors. Many of the book's resort town characters reappear in subsequent chapters, during which we learn a bit more about each particular personality. While the book may be a challenge to readers who want their stories tied up in neat bundles, Stonich's sometimes open-ended tales leave the reader's imagination free to suppose what would happen next.

While these beautifully intertwined stories are set at a resort in northern Minnesota and they are certainly evocative of that place, the quirky characters are drawn with such compassion that any reader will find much to relate to. I was reminded a little of Olive Kitteridge. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves fiction.

This book is a marvel. The characters are vivid and believable, the descriptions of Northern Minnesota are evocative, and the plotting is first-rate. I read nearly the entire book in one sitting; I just couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more by Sarah Stonich.

Sarah Stonich's stories are fascinating to read. She creates characters who are interesting to come to know. By interweaving the lives of characters from one story to the next, you have another challenge in the reading. There is lots of excellent descriptive language so, for me, it was not a quick read; it was a fascinating read. She understands the resort business, the people you meet, the livelihoods the industry creates. She describes people in all decades of life and she does it well. I enjoyed the book and our book club had a wonderful conversation with Sarah.

Sarah Stonich's Vacationland is a magic read. She hooks even the most skeptical reader, then reels them in and catches them with her net. She describes her setting magnificently, especially to a former resident of Minnesota, and makes you feel as though you are back home. The characters are excellent representations of people we have all met or know in similar circumstances. Each story provides a facet of the whole wonderful story, but may easily stand on its own. Need I say I loved it!

Other reviews noted as helpful are good guides to Vacationland so please do read them. I just want to add that although I am usually cautious about recommending books I have especially enjoyed to frends who happen to be writers I actually have bought Vacationland to give them. So don't be surprised if you find yourself recommending it to your friends too, writers or readers or both.

Sarah catches those many little human instances that I've rarely seen in print, those "She's noticed that, too!" things. She imagines and describes scenes that transported me easily, hooked me. Then she unfolds little charms of human being that resonate deeply. Laughing while plummeting in a jet...I can imagine doing that! Tears and laughs, as our humanity is mirrored. Quite a treat.

Enjoyed all the interesting characters that were introduced and hope there will be another book that follows these characters even further. Loved the way they were interconnected in so many ways. What a great beginning to the book, definitely got me hooked right away. Especially enjoyed reading it as a native Minnesotan.

I love how the author really knows her characters and you then begin to feel like you know them too or really want to meet them and hang out with them! I really love stories about the "north-lands", being from Minnesota myself, and her ability to create nostalgia is remarkable! If you are looking for a lovely book about life and love in northern Minnesota with characters that will envelop you, then dive into this book! You won't want to put it down!

This is a great compilation of stories all centered on a small resort in northern Minnesota. Truly interesting characters and thought provoking stories about lives and loves over the years. This was a book that become so engrossing that I had to keep reading to the end. Nice work by Sarah Stonich!

I love this book. The setting is cozy and haunting at the same time. The characters are lovable and complex. The stories are intertwined in away that makes you want to keep reading and keep connecting the dots. Nicely done Sarah Stonich!

What a lovely slice of north-woods Minnesota! I loved the characters in Vacationland. As a librarian, I can easily imagine them walking into the library in our rural northern community. Sara has captured the essence of this cultural landscape in Vacationland. I can't wait for her next book!

The author has a remarkable ability to transport the reader to the decrepit old lodge where the lives of her characters intersect over generations. Her elegant prose paints a memorable portrait of a well-loved place.

This lifted my heart with the individual portraits of types of people I recognize from northern Minnesota. You recognize them, but then the stories take you deeper and you can resonate with their desires and their compromises. I simply enjoyed it as a good read, but the characters have stayed with me. It is not a novel, but a collection of intertwined stories. Very good!

Stonich has written a wonderful series of stories where lives are intertwined over the years. Each story could stand alone, but the sum is so much greater than the parts. She crafts the stories beautifully. She is smart and funny. I loved every minute I spent with her characters.

Loved it. It brought back childhood memories of summer vacation in vivid detail. Beautiful writing, but know that it is more short stories than novel. Some in my book club thought it was a little dark, while the others thought it realistic.

Fell in love with Stonich's work with These Granite Islands and always look forward to her latest. Her characters are so real and her sense of place is so true, you feel like you've really been to Vacationland when you're through - and you'll want to return again and again.

Vacationland is a wonderful read. The format was interesting with short stories about various guests and community members, and their relationship with a resort in northern Minnesota. Took me back to the days when my in-laws also owned a small family resort! Looking forward to reading the rest of Stonich's books.

This book was terrific. Kept you involved and interested in the outcome of such intersecting lives, many of the most interesting and quirky folks you are going to meet. Like the kind you live next door to but don't know their histories or their real life quirks. You are going to love each character, and love the final winding together of such wonderful peoples' lives. Great book, great read!! Go get it right now and dive in!

A beautiful book that perfectly captures the people and the place of northeastern Minnesota. Sarah Stonich richly develops her characters and crafts beautiful stories, much in the vein of Annie Proulx and Barbara Kingsolver. You won't be disappointed!

Remembering old resorts in Northern Minnesota from my childhood
brought special meaning to this amazing novel. Ms. Stonisch took me to
a place where I met a diverse, sometimes quirky, cast of characters.
I was transported to the remote northwoods and could almost smell the pines.
Numerous characters were drawn so well that they became friends about
whom I cared. it is an original, unique, page turner. A wonderful
book!

Riveting character development, precise descriptions that still allow your own interpretations. Just enough backstory to keep everything synced together and answers the readers questions at the right time.

This group of interwoven stories comes together to create a engrossing read. The book really captures the unique characters and landscape of Minnesota's spectacular north woods. Well written and poignant, it's well worth your time -- I highly recommend it.

This is a beautifully written book with a very creative and masterfully developed premise.Sarah Stonich creates amazing characters, in an alluring setting, and tells a remarkable story.I highly recommend it.

Sarah lays out her intriguing story as deftly as meg layered her paints on canvas. I would recommend this book to anyone interesting as the characters deserve to be recognized not only for their uniqueness but for their depth.

Riveting character development, precise descriptions that still allow your own interpretations. Just enough backstory to keep everything synced together and answers the readers questions at the right time.

This group of interwoven stories comes together to create a engrossing read. The book really captures the unique characters and landscape of Minnesota's spectacular north woods. Well written and poignant, it's well worth your time -- I highly recommend it.

This is a beautifully written book with a very creative and masterfully developed premise.Sarah Stonich creates amazing characters, in an alluring setting, and tells a remarkable story.I highly recommend it.

Sarah lays out her intriguing story as deftly as meg layered her paints on canvas. I would recommend this book to anyone interesting as the characters deserve to be recognized not only for their uniqueness but for their depth.