Every Last One

By: Anna Quindlen

Narrated by: Hope Davis

In this breathtaking and beautiful novel, the number-one New York Times best-selling author Anna Quindlen creates an unforgettable portrait of a mother, a father, a family, and the explosive, violent consequences of what seem like inconsequential actions.

Mary Beth Latham is first and foremost a mother, one whose three teenaged children come first, before her career as a landscape gardener, or even her life as the wife of a doctor. Caring for her family and preserving their everyday life is paramount. And so, when one of her sons, Max, becomes depressed, Mary Beth becomes focused on him, and is blindsided by a shocking act of violence. What happens afterwards is a testament to the power of a womans love and determination, and to the invisible line of hope and healing that connects one human being with another.

Ultimately, in the hands of Anna Quindlen's mesmerizing prose, Every Last One is a novel about facing every last one of the the things we fear most, about finding ways to navigate a road we never intended to travel, to live a life we never dreamed we'd have to live but must be brave enough to try.

©2010 Anna Quindlen (P)2010 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

“Spellbinding.” ( The New York Times Book Review)

“In a tale that rings strikingly true, [Anna] Quindlen captures both the beauty and the breathtaking fragility of family life.” ( People)

“We come to love this family, because Quindlen makes their ordinary lives so fascinating.” ( USA Today)

Poignant, beautiful book

This incredible book is beautifully written and read very, very well by the actress Hope Davis. Not all movie actors read books well, but Ms. Davis did a wonderful job. The book takes a turn midway through into something unexpected (to me) and I had thoughts of giving it up, but stay with it and you will be rewarded, as I was. I will think about this book for a very long time.

well conceived, well told

Mesmerizing and deep. Well developed characters, rich story. Sobering and depressing but worth the journey. I couldn't stop listening.

Simply Fabulous!

If you love sentences that slay you, this is one for you. Unbelievable insights on friendship, family, marriage, guilt and rage.

An unforgettable experience, for sure

This story brings forth a lot of adjectives for me: devouring, gut-wrenching, exquisitely sad, hopeful, admirable, unforgettable, beautiful and more. Anna Quindlen is a very astute and gifted writer, and Hope Davis was the perfect narrator for Quindlen's book. This was my first experience with both of them, and I am sure it won't be the last. Highly recommended if you are willing to experience intense emotions and embrace this moving story.

Not expecting this one!

Would you listen to Every Last One again? Why?

I am a mother of 3 and could relate to everything she goes through raising her teenagers. But could not relate to her pain in the end - thank goodness.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Every Last One?

The New Year's Eve party.

What about Hope Davis’s performance did you like?

Great reading by Hope. You could just feel the emotions of the characters as she read.

The Power of Strength

Mary Beth and her son, Alex, have each other to give strength to the other when and if needed. There is a tragedy that binds them and will never be forgotten.

The novel, Every Last One, was written with such depth that I didn't have a chance of not becoming involved with each character. There are characters that I came to love, like and wanted to hate. However, each character is so well developed that as the reader, I felt that I knew them. I was able to find some good in all of them except maybe one.

There are many characters in the book but I was able to get to know all of them. Some novels have so many characters that I became overwhelmed. However, each character in the novel, Every Last One, had its place. I came to know them all.

The narrator was excellent and brought each character to life. I don't think that reading the novel would have brought the intensity needed to make the story real.

This novel brought to fruition a truth that I've known about and said myself, live and enjoy every day because tomorrow is not a given. This novel gripped my soul and has even helped me to understand all too well how precious life is.

Tragic family love story.

Writen beautifully read beautifully. Complex insights into human emotions. Be prepared for their world to be turned upside down.

simply engaging

Just a bit more to go till the end; will be sorry when its over. Just a good story, nothing more. This is one listen I have continued after the car ride was over. Snuggled under the covers with this one. The family struggles represent so many moments and feelings with which I can connect. Great narration.

I knew better than to read it, therefore

I have only myself to blame. Part 1, I understood the role of MaryBeth as a mother completely. If you've ever had a teenager, you know the gnawing, continuous doubt that you are doing the right thing. Part 2 was painful. Precious Anna Q books I have read, without fail, have drug me under the water and held me there until my lungs hurt. This book is no exception. I haven't read this author in many years for that reason. Just be prepared.

Incredibly Depressing

Although the writing was good and the story was compelling, this book was hardly a walk in the park. I found myself reluctant to pick it up because I knew it would just bring me down. If you don't mind the dark trudge through the despair of the life of the protagonist, then go ahead and get this one. I for one, felt 10 lbs heavier every time I picked this up. I like to listen on my morning walks and this book hardly propelled me along. On a positive note, it was not boring, the reader was excellent, as it is written in the first person. I can't bring myself to give it more than 3 stars even though the narration and writing were quite good. The subject matter was just to overwhelming.