Carry Me Home: A Novel

I often wonder why some books make the bestseller list when they shouldn't and others don't when they should. Carry Me Home should have. It's an eloquent story that's filled with sensitivity, humanity, and emotional depth.

Set in a small town in Wisconsin during WWII, Carry Me Home lets us enter the lives of sweet and perceptive 16-year-old "Earwig," his parents, his brother Jimmy, and friends. When Jimmy goes off to war and becomes a POW, Earwig learns to become a man and takes a job at the bowling alley. He becomes friends with the lovely widow Eva Leigh and her somewhat promiscuous sister.

Although it deals with the, regretfully, timeless issue of war and how people on the homefront deal with loss and hardships, it's not just about difficult times. This is a story about a family that loves and supports each other and deals with life with humor and compassion. The result is a tender novel of love, loss, and the pain of growing up.

Kring's characters are colorful and enchanting, and Earwig's family and friends became my family and friends. This outstanding and inspiring book will stay with me for a long time.

I almost missed out on this book because I didn't like all the "cusswords" at the beginning. Luckily, the main character soon became endearing and I was caught up in the story. This novel is set during and shortly after WWII and is narrated by 16 year old "Earwig" Gunderson. Earwig, who is called "slow-witted" due to a childhood fever, tells the story of his family as his older brother joins the military, goes to war, is captured, and later returns from the Pacific. This book describes the effects of long-held family secrets, the war on a small American town, and the growing independence of Earwig as he deals with family separations, takes on a job, and helps the characters around him grow up. Although his perspective can be childlike, it is often the wisest in the book. His observations ranged from outright funny to achingly touching and his voice rings true. Earwig prevails as a loyal friend and brother.

This book was one of my all time favorites which I will always remember - difficult to put it down. I found myself laughing, then tearing up at the same time. Earl "Earwig" is such a perfect character in this book and Sandra Kring is a brilliant writer. This is one of those novels which touches so many subjects and events during the 40's - 50's, especially during the war and the families who suffered also. Well worth the read!!

When my english teacher saw me reading a World War II Novel in class he told me he had a book about World War II that I might be interested in. The next day he brought "Carry Me Home" into class for me to have and read. He said "i might not like it" but to "give it a try". So I did. And i fell in love with Sandra Krings Novel. I wish there were more novels like this on the market. I have two chapters left and i do not want it to end. I have never read such an emotional book about the home front of World War II. Now that the novel is comming to a close I am desperatly trying to find another book similar to this one. I know by far i will never find a book so enchanting as this one was. If anybody has any suggestions (for a similar novel) please e-mail me with the title becuase I have a feeling if I don't find another book like this, I will wind up reading "Carry Me Home" a second time. A MUST READ!

Some stories merely entertain us, but others grab our hearts and transport them to another time and place where we laugh and cry with a character that it is impossible not to fall in love with. In Sandra Kring's Carry Me Home Earl "Earwig" Gunderman is such a character.

Sixteen year-old Earl's mind is simple, but his spirit is so victorious and courageous that even when more "normal" folks are distraught, Earl never gives up his hope nor retracts his love. When his brother and hero, Jimmy, goes off to war, Earwig leaves behind his play and goes to work to help his parents cope with the war. Then when Jimmy comes home from the war, a shell of the man he used to be, it is Earl's simple mind and loving heart that gives Jimmy the strength to overcome the horrors he has experience and to truly live again.

Believable, emotionally engaging and masterfully written, Carry Me Home is one of the most inspiring books I have read.

The world of literature has a new remarkable character named Earl "Earwig" Gunderman. He will take his place alongside Huck Finn and Holden Caulfield as one of literature's most memorable teenagers. Although deemed "slow" by the folks in his rural 1940's Wisconsin hometown, Earwig possesses a soul filled with warmth and compassion. Ms. Kring covers life and times in the American Midwest during the early war years with historical accuracy and perfect pitch. "Carry Me Home" has the unerring sound of this dangerous time in American history. Earwig's family agonizes over his older brother gone missing in the war as they struggle with severe rationing and shortages. Throughout the conflicts the young man's innocent wisdom is beautifully developed by the author.

Sandra Kring's novel Carry Me Home will make a great motion picture. Look for it after you've read this stunning story.

I have been trying unsuccessfully for about a year to get my 12-year old son to read. I have bought him book after book in the hope that he would become interested. No luck. Until I drove out of state and listened to this book on tape. My son became enthralled. Now he can't read enough. And as for myself, I loved this book. Thank you, Sandra Kring.

I did not have especially high expectations when I picked up this book, but I sure am glad I took a chance. The main character is sweet, and innocent, but so right on with his observations as well as his experiences. It was heartwarming, and sad and funny all at once. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone!

A perspective in the round: sibling relationship, the soldier, the worried family, friends/war comrades, hometown families and a brother who told it like it was. This was a well written work which developed 1940's war time family aspects along with a view inside the POW's issues once they return stateside.

Fantastic. I'm certainly impressed by this author. The pov of the young man with brain damage is minor compared to what he sees, and what he learns. He's not 'slow' despite what people around him think, but limited in just some cognitive abilities. What happens in his community is tragic, funny, frightening, joyous..., and well worth your time to read about. Do be aware of strong language and adult situations.

CARRY ME HOME did eactly that for this reader, transporting him into another world so close to that of his youth he didn't want to leave once he got there. No author he's read in several decades has succeeded in doing that.

But this story is neither about nostalgia nor inducing it. Told in the words of Earwig, a young boy we today would call "developmentally disabled," it is a story of familial love, unquestioning acceptance of one's fellows, and a wisdom held by one few would expect to know the meaning of wisdom.

Although stories such as CMH are a challenge to write without waxing maudlin or saccharin, Sandra Kring has proved her ability to treat her subject with sensitivity, perceptiveness, and a grasp of that deepest part of a person, the soul. And she does it beautifully. Her characters will not be forgotten.

This book is amazing and heartfelt and worthy of so many epic words of praise. It has heartbreak, death, life, healing, you name it and handled in such an engaging and gorgeous way. It struck home as our son was left partially paralyzed in his late 20's and it was just so wrong and so, so undeserved. Life isn't fair, but this novel shows that it can be beautiful. Please read it!!!!

I loved this book! I actually listened to the audio book version on my evening walks and more than a few times found myself laughing out loud or drying my tears. The book will definitely make you laugh, cry and smile. The story line is wonderful and the characters are likable, you can't help but love Earwig. Not often do you come across books that truly have it all. I read Kring's "Thank You For All Things" as well and while I liked it, this book just blew me away. I highly recommend it!

On the recommendation of a friend, I dared to read a book outside of my preferred genre. Carry Me Home did something that not a lot of other books do for me: it swept me away. From the opening page onward, the narrative voice brought me to a world of hope and innocence and had my eyes darting across the text. For a first novel, this book is an enviable write, is gender neutral and had a hardcore crime fiction fan captivated. Kudos to the author, of whom I am now a fan.

Carry Me Home is such a touching, inspiring story. Earl"Earwig" Gundersen, 16 years old, is mentally slow due to a high fever as a baby, but he is so wise. You will relish every word, cry and laugh and absorb all emotions this wonderful book has to offer. VERY SPECIAL READ!

Carry Me Home was such a touching, inspiring story that I just can't do justice in this review. It was a moving story that was told so well through the eyes of "Earwig". I couldn't put this book down and can't stop thinking about it. I have read many, many books and I have to say this is on the top of my list.

What a tender and beautiful book this is! Earwig and his whole hometown are just charming and likable. The relationship between the two brothers is very powerful. Despite the gentle nature of the writing, this story really takes on some deep concepts very well.

Really enjoyed the book. Serious with humor. Told through the eyes of a wise simpleton. People are dealing with emotions while their sons are at war and the healing g process of the soldiers when they return.

CARRY ME HOME brought tears to my eyes from laughter and from sadness. This was a well-written story told from the amazingly honest viewpoint of "Earwig", the main character in the story. Although set in a long ago era, the topics of war, discrimination, societal opinions and family love and heartaches are timeless issues that we still struggle with today. I read a lot of books and this was truly one of the best books I've read in a long time! I look forward to reading more from Ms. Kring.

One of the BEST! The type of book I wish would never end. It is hard to believe this is Kring's fist novel. I hope she pens many more! I would highly recommend and I am buying this for several of my friends.

Couldn't wait to read after experiencing "The Book of Bright Ideas." The book shows how brothers are bound together no matter what the disabilities. Every word is relished. You will cry and laugh and absorb all emotions this wonderful book has to offer through the words written by Sandra Kring.

Can't wait for her next novel!

I just finished this the other night and loved it. It was moving and eye-opening to a world before my time but still managed to remain current in feeling. Earwig's simple way of looking at the world should remind us that PEOPLE and FEELINGS are the important things in life, not the materialistic things we sometimes let get in the way.

Ms. Kring's characters will come alive for you. Although set during World War II, the message is especially poignant to families today who wait for word of a loved one who may or may not be coming home again. The book has many layers. It will make you laugh and cry. It speaks of the bond of love with all its joy and its pain. You'll be transported and find a better part of yourself for having read "Carry Me Home."

What a wonderful novel. Kring depicts a simple picture of life in a small town with a true understand what these people had to contend with during the war. I was in awe at the complexity of Earwig, a simple boy who understands the human experience so well.

The narrative is spontaneous, bright and vivid. Kring has the ability to make all the characters real and well worth knowing. She's a terrific story teller!

I have read many books and this story stands out as memorable and well done several years and dozens of books after I finished the novel. The author is adept at describing human nature through the actions of the characters and nurturing empathy within the reader for the participants in this story.

I loved this book! I lived in a small town of about 400 people for some time, and this book reminded me of that place. I felt like I knew the characters, or could at least picture them in my mind; this is one of the best books I have ever read.

This is the third book that I have read by Sandra Kring. She has an amazing talent of making you believe that you are right in the town in the midst of the characters watching everything unfold. Just love her writing!

maybe because i read The Book of Bright Ideas first, I was expecting something as good or better. It is not. The book isn't bad but my expectations were not met. I will eagerly await Sandra Kring'd next book and hope it is more in line with the writing of BoBI.

My new favourite book! Everything from break your heart to so many laugh aloud incidents! One of the all time best books out there; a fast enjoyable read. Read this book or you'll miss something very special...Thanks Sandra Kring!