The Shortest Way Home

A Novel

By: Juliette Fay

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Sean Doran has spent twenty years in third-world war zones and natural disaster areas, fully embracing what he’d always felt was his purpose: doing as much good as possible. But when burnout sets in, Sean finds himself reluctantly drawn home to Belham, Massachusetts, the setting of Juliette Fay’s much-loved Shelter Me. There, he discovers that his steely elderly aunt, dramatic sister, and quirky nephew are having a little natural disaster of their own and that midlife romance gets complicated fast when the high school queen bee is involved. But it’s an old friend—the class wallflower—who has Sean wondering if his destiny is about to be rewritten all over again.

Another perfect slice of life from the irresistible Fay, this novel is full of humor, heart, and hope for finding yourself where you least expect to.

Juliette Fay earned her BA from Boston College and her MA from Harvard University. Shelter Me, her first novel, was a 2009 Massachusetts Book Award Book of the Year. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and four children.

©2012 Juliette Fay (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc

Coming to terms with your own family

Where does The Shortest Way Home rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

far up among the top

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rebecca took on her challenges and succeeded. She is the strongest character.

Which character – as performed by Sean Runnette – was your favorite?

The father. The narrator is excellent not only at speaking with an Irish accent but also at bringing to life this conflicted, remorseful character.

If you could take any character from The Shortest Way Home out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I'd take Kevin out to his favorite restaurant and tell him how I admire his strength at being able to relate to the people around him despite the fact that he is an orphan.

A Clueless Main Character

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Yes

Would you recommend The Shortest Way Home to your friends? Why or why not?

I liked Juliette Fay's latest novel. Her characters were well developed and their experiences very realistic. I do appreciate her insight into the trials and tribulations of every day live and how she weaves a bit of the spiritual into an ordinary story. I did have trouble with the main character's cluelessness at many points in the book. It was hard to believe that he could be so aware and mature about some things and completely oblivious about others.

What didn’t you like about Sean Runnette’s performance?

He was monotone and truly lifeless. Another reader would have greatly improved the books.

Could you see The Shortest Way Home being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

yes

Pulls you in

There are always questions as to what road we should take on our journey in life and Shawn's questions haunted him daily. A wonderful story!

Too Much Foul Language!

Totally disappointed in this author. I’ve enjoyed her other books, but I won’t be listening to her writing again. The storyline was good but her use of the name of Jesus as a slang word was very offensive. It was all through the book. Too much unnecessary bad language.

slow

could not get into this book by fourth chapter. skipping this way and that as lost.