The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard

One Sentence Summary:

The book follows a mother’s journey to find her missing son and the impact it has on her family.

Book Genre:

Fiction

Main Topic of the Book:

Family, loss, grief, and the search for closure.

Key Ideas:

• Families can be torn apart by a single tragic event.
• Grief has a significant impact on individuals and families.
• The search for closure and healing can be a long and difficult process.

Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary:

• Part I: Before: This section introduces the Cappadora family and their seemingly perfect life. The story follows the daily life and struggles of the family and their three children – 9-year-old Ben, 6-year-old Kerry, and baby Vincent.
• Part II: After: After returning from a high school reunion, Beth Cappadora realizes her 3-year-old son, Ben, is missing. The family’s life is forever changed as they navigate the pain and confusion of dealing with Ben’s disappearance.
• Part III: 10 Years Later: This section jumps ahead 10 years, and the Cappadora family is struggling to move on from their loss and the changes it has brought to their lives. However, a young man named Sam, who bears a striking resemblance to Ben, shows up at their doorstep, and their lives are turned upside down once again.
• Part IV: After Again: The last section of the book follows the family’s efforts to rebuild their relationships and find closure as they come to terms with what happened to Ben and the impact his disappearance had on their lives.

Key Takeaways:

• The bond between a mother and her child is unbreakable even in the most trying of circumstances.
• The search for closure and healing after a traumatic event can take years to achieve.
• Family is one of the most significant sources of strength and support during difficult times.

Author’s Background and Qualifications:

The Deep End of the Ocean was written by Jacquelyn Mitchard, an American author and journalist. She has published numerous books, including fiction, non-fiction, and young adult novels. Mitchard’s work has received critical acclaim, and she has won several awards for her writing. She has also worked as a journalist for publications such as Vogue, Glamour, and The Boston Globe.

Target Audience:

The book is primarily targeted towards adults, particularly those who enjoy reading family dramas and stories about overcoming loss and grief.

Publisher and First Publication Date:

The Deep End of the Ocean was published by Viking Press in May 1996.

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