The Raising
Published by: HarperCollins
Published on: March 15, 2011
Page Count: 496
Genre: Fiction
My Reading Format: eBook ARC provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley. Read via Kindle.
Available Formats: Paperback, audiobook, eBook
My Review
Perry, a new college student from a small Midwestern town, finds himself drawn to his fellow students from his home town even they were not close in high school. His roommate, Craig, is from the East Coast and is completely condescending about their Midwestern college and Phillip’s upbringing. Craig’s not even remotely nice until he meets Nicole, one of Perry’s high school classmates. As Craig and Nicole develop a relationship, life gets easier for Perry. Easier, that is, until Nicole dies in a car accident while Craig is at the wheel. From the beginning, something’s not right about the accident. Shelly Lockes, the sole witness to the accident, can’t understand why the newspaper wouldn’t want to interview her about it when what they’ve reported isn’t what happened. Things don’t set well with Perry either and he eventually asks his anthropology professor, Mira Polson, to help him look into it. The Raising is a multifaceted novel about all that makes up college life and all that can go wrong when one attempts to question authority.
The Raising is a book that requires the reader to take a deep dive into the story. From the first I was unable to split my reading attention with any other novel. It forced my complete concentration and I gave it freely. I enjoyed living amidst Shelly, Perry, and Mira within the mystery they were all certain was taking place at the college. Their confusion and frustrations added to my own apprehension. There were several occasions where I was sure I knew where the story was going. I was wrong each and every time. I loved how I knew nothing that the characters didn’t know.
This novel caught my attention while I was researching galleys on NetGalley. When I learned that Laura Kasischke was from Michigan, I immediately requested it from Harper Perennial. As soon as it was loaded up on my Kindle I started reading it. I love it when the Michigan connection leads me to wonderful new books and new-to-me authors. Kasischke is one of the most interesting and imaginative writers I’ve come across in quite some time.* While Perry, Nicole and Craig’s Midwestern college was a lot more eery than my own, it was nice to be back in college again there.
The Raising is not something to pick up unless you’re in the mood to puzzle through a book. There are times you feel as though you’re trying to find your way in a dark, unfamiliar room. At the end, it all comes together as if the lights are turned on and your eyes have no need for adjusting. Still, there’s some niggling uncertainty that keeps you thinking about the book for a long time afterward. It was so worth the effort to me. I highly recommend The Raising and look forward to the next time I can read Laura Kasischke.
* I’m not just saying that because she’s from Michigan, either.
I’m reading this right now, and just started Part 2. It’s different! I like how it jumps back and forth in time, and how you have to question what’s really going on.
To me, nothing is more fun than puzzling through a story. If it becomes formulaic, I’m outta there. I’ve not heard of this one, so I’m glad I caught the review. And of course all the great talent comes from the mid-west!
I love when a book goes in unexpected directions! This sounds like a wonderful book to get lost in.
Just last night I was going through my huge TBR pile and thinking that I was in the mood to read something really different, and this book sounds like it would hit the mark! Thanks, Jennifer.
Oh I like the premise of this book and knowing that I won’t be able to guess the outcome right away – love it! Thanks!
This sounds like A Secret History by Donna Tartt, at least at the beginning of your review.
Sounds interesting, and I really like that cover.
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Great review. I’ve been drawn to this one ever since I read the description, but your review has convinced me I will really enjoy it. Moving it to the top of the TBR!
I have this one and have to admit that I’m struggling with it. I just can’t seem to get into it. It sounds so promising but I think my problem is as you mentioned, I’m not in the place where I can puzzle through.
[...] it’s a mystery, there might be undead. You get the picture. It is getting rave reviews all over the place and I am so disappointed that I just can’t get into it. so This might not be one [...]
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