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In this powerful fiction debut, Therese Fowler combines the emotional resonance of Nicholas Sparks with the intense, true-to-life richness of Jodi Picoult to create a stunning and dramatic novel all her own.
Meg Powell and Carson McKay grew were raised side by side on their families’ farms, bonded by a love that only deepened. Everyone in their small rural community in northern Florida thought that Meg and Carson would always be together. But at twenty-one, Meg was presented with a marriage proposal she could not refuse, forever changing the course of her life.
Seventeen years later, Meg’s marriage has become routine, and she spends her time juggling the demands of her medical practice, the needs of her widowed father, and the whims of her rebellious teenage daughter, Savannah, who is confronting her burgeoning sexuality in a dangerous manner, and pushing her mother away just when she needs her most. Then, after a long absence, Carson returns home to prepare for his wedding to a younger woman. As Carson struggles to determine where his heart and future lie, Meg makes a shocking discovery that will upset the balance of everyone around her.
Unfolding with warmth and passion, Therese Fowler’s vibrant and moving debut illuminates the possibility of second chances, the naïve choices of youth, the tensions within families, and the wondrous designs of fate. A searing yet redemptive novel, Souvenir is an unforgettable tale about the transforming power of love.
From the Hardcover edition.
The melodrama is thick and heavy in Fowler's debut. Meg Powell turned her back on the love of her life, Carson McKay, to marry Brian Hamilton, the scion of a banking family who saved her parents' farm from foreclosure in exchange for her hand. Now, 16 years later, Meg and Brian are so busy with their careers that they overlook their 16-year-old daughter, Savannah, who has typical adolescent concerns about being pretty and popular. Carson, meanwhile, has become a rock star and is now on the verge of marrying a much younger surfing champion, but he's never gotten over Meg. Trouble comes as Meg is diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease and Savannah meets an unsavory 23-year-old man online who woos her with the kind of positive reinforcement she wants to hear. Unfortunately, Fowler does little to create narrative tension or well-rounded characters: Meg and Carson reunite before Meg's health declines, Brian is a predicable schmuck, and Savannah gets a rough comeuppance at the hands of her bad news beau and his pals. The bungled handling of saccharine material limits this would-be tearjerker. (Mar.)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business InformationFowler's debut is the heartbreaking story of a woman who made what she thought was a responsible decision, only to have to live with the consequences. Meg Powell had always loved Carson McKay, and the families thought they'd end up together. But when Brian Hamilton offered to forgive the mortgage Meg's irresponsible father couldn't pay, Meg agreed to marry him. Seventeen years later, Meg's a successful obstetrician in a loveless marriage. Her daughter, Savannah, almost 16, thinks she's found love on the Internet and acts recklessly. Carson is a successful musician, on the verge of marriage to a younger woman, although he's never forgotten Meg. When Meg discovers she has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), she knows she has only one chance to make peace with the past and give her daughter hope for the future. The choices made by Meg and Savannah may be controversial with some readers, but, nevertheless, this outstanding debut is recommended for all public libraries.
—Lesa M. Holstine
Flush with success, Fowler assumed she had it made. Yet, in spite of what seemed like more-than-polite interest from several editors, she was unable to land a book deal. After the last wave of submissions, she retreated into a period of reflection with a dawning realization that she might well have been writing "the wrong kind" of novel. Suddenly, she zoomed in on an idea that had been germinating in her creative imagination ever since her mother's death two years previously.
Everything coalesced: the story idea, new insight into the demands of the market, knowledge from school, and Fowler's own refinement of her career goals. With a clear understanding of what she wished to accomplish with her writing, she set to work on Souvenir. The story of a woman whose youthful choices have far-reaching consequences for her and for those she loves, the novel was published in ten languages and released in 18 countries. On track at last, Fowler seems destined for a bright future.
I'm among the first girls ever to play Little League baseball, and to my knowledge the very first in western Illinois. It was 1976, and I was a nine-year-old tomboy whose older brothers had played. The national organization had altered its rules and began allowing girls into the League in '74, but it took some doing to persuade our local board to let me in. They insisted I had to wear a protective cup (citing "the official rules") -- but I never did, and no one ever double-checked.
At 19, I went to live in the Philippines for three years as a U.S. Air Force "dependent spouse." I lived off-base in Angeles City and had to haul water for drinking and cooking. The up-side was that a cold beer was a mere nine pesos (about 45 cents). The poverty and pollution in that part of the country was disheartening, yet the resourcefulness I witnessed in so many of the local people inspired me. Living outside the U.S. was the most eye-opening, conscience-expanding experience I've had.
As with many teens, my first jobs included babysitting and mopping floors at McDonald's. Since then, I've held jobs a diverse as selling used cars, selling apparel, cosmetics, and real-estate, substitute-teaching six graders, teaching undergraduate creative writing, and working as an editorial assistant for a literary magazine. Amidst all that, I spent several years as a stay-at-home mom. I earned my B.A. at age 33, and my M.F.A. at 38.
My husband and I have, in some ways, a non-traditional relationship -- especially when it comes to domestic duties. He does most of the cooking, dishes, and laundry, while I do most of the yard work. I love to mow the lawn! And I take great satisfaction in planting and pruning. I think my love of nature is prescribed by, or perhaps reflected by, my name: Therese (trees) Anne (and) Fowler (flowers).
Excerpted from Souvenir by Therese Fowler Copyright © 2008 by Therese Fowler. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
1. Did Meg realistically have a choice about whether or not to marry Brian? Even if her parents pressured her into it for reasons of their own, was anything stopping her from refusing?
2. Meg sacrifices her happiness for the sake of her parents . . . But do you think she embraces the role of martyr a little too zealously? And do you think the prospect of attending med school and becoming a doctor entered into her decision at all?
3. Does Meg ever come to grips with the fact that her parents have betrayed her by pressuring her into a loveless marriage solely for financial gain? How does this affect the kind of woman she becomes, as wife and mother?
4. Is there a chance that Meg’s decision to marry Brian had something to do with her feelings for Carson? Is there evidence in the novel that she was afraid of the intensity of those feelings and was looking for a way out? What other reasons, besides what Meg consciously believes, could have influenced her decision?
5. William Faulkner once wrote, “The past isn’t dead. It isn’t even past.” How do those lines pertain to Souvenir?
6. Did Carson give up on Meg too easily back in 1989? What more could he have done to win her back?
7. Are Meg and Carson trapped by the past? Are their memories and regrets preventing them from moving forward?
8. Do you think Carson and Meg find some peace and happiness by the novel’s end? What has the price of that been for them and for those close to them? Was it worth it?
9. Did you find Meg to be a likable character? Why or why not?
10. How would you face a diagnosis of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease? Do you think Meg makes the right choice, all things considered?
11. Does Carson do the right thing by breaking off his engagement with Val? Isn’t he treating her the same way that Meg treated him years earlier?
12. What do you think made Savannah so vulnerable to Kyle’s advances and to his introduction of drugs and sex into their relationship?
13. Does Souvenir accurately portray the dangers of the Internet, or does it exaggerate the threats?
14. Truths are revealed and documented in Anna’s notebooks and Meg’s journal. Meg is determined to write only the truth in her journal, even if she is unable to tell the truth in real life. How is the written word liberating and restrictive? What purposes do the notebooks and journal serve to their authors and readers? Are Carson’s lyrics his form of journal, a means of catharsis?
15. Is Meg a good mother? How does her relationship to her own mother color her relationship with Savannah?
16. The question of Savannah’s paternity plagues Meg throughout her marriage–yet, when she has the chance to know the answer, she’s no longer so sure she wants it. Is this ambivalence understandable? In her shoes, would you choose to know?
BANCHEE_READS
Posted September 15, 2009
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It was a wonderful read and I truly enjoyed the characters. This book and these characters will stay with me for a long time.
Not wanting to ruin the ending for the reader I'll say it was believable and touching. The characters in the story, having gone full circle, ended up in the places in life that one would imagine events such as these would have led them.
Having already read Fowler's follow-up Reunion, which I enjoyed as well, I can say unequivocally that I enjoyed this story far more. It was unpredictably heartfelt and poignant. Though not a novel of high-spirits and frivolity I would strongly encourage a reader to pick Souvenir up and read it. It was just that good.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 9, 2011
I really liked this book. It took me only a few days to read. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. I'd love a sequel! This novel really got into my heart and that's one of the resons I love to read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.AllyD25
Posted July 2, 2010
This is a very good story, well written. I just don't believe any husband would allow or consent that the wife will reunite with the past beau even in the most terminal stage of a disease, at least not the way it happened in this book. It is very enlightening though.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 5, 2010
This book was absolutley fabulous. It had me crying before I was even half way through the book. The plot is like no other, and the way the story is written you feel like you are there with the characters. I had to read through the night to finish the book, just couldn't put it down. The author will keep you guessing as to what will happen next. Make sure to have your kleenexes handy.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Amy_Y
Posted January 24, 2010
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I just finished the last page of this book about 5 minutes ago after not being able to put it down for 2 hours. I felt so compelled to give this book a GREAT and supportive review. This book starts at one point and you would never guess how it ends. The story is full of wonderful characters, some having their own conflicts/plots going on, but all appropriately weave into the main character's plot, Meg. The book reveals an unexpected family secret that will blow you away and hit every one of your emotions from utter disbelief to sadness to anger. Hold tissues close by because this story will share a beautiful story about family bonds, a mother-teenage daughter relationship, a marriage, a love story. The pacing of this book fast, but it's melodic so I would recommend this as a rainy day or beach read so you can really get lost in the story. It's incredible!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Souvenir is wonderfully written and vivid. The settings are immaculately descriptive and add vibrancy to a subject that is otherwise stark and at times somewhat depressing. She's given life to her character's surroundings in a way that allows the reader to feel as if they are sitting in Carson's old guesthouse. I could almost smell the citrus in the air as he and his father navigated through the groves bonding and working the land.
Even more compelling is the strong and compassionate voice Fowler has given to Meg as she endures the realization that she has gotten the most out of her life that she can ever expect. But then, the author shifts gears so gradually that the reader barely feels Meg's transition from trapped and passive bystander in life to proactive live each moment like it's your last woman on a mission.
As part of that shift in focus the portrayal of relationships is another very strong element throughout the entire novel. The author does well to show the strong contrast between the relationships Meg holds with her parents and siblings, then with her husband and daughter, and then finally with the man she considers her soul mate even though they are no longer together. What I held most dear is how Fowler used those around her to better develop Meg's character. Showing her to be the glue that held everything together.
Not wanting to ruin the ending for the reader I'll say it was believable and touching. The characters in the story, having gone full circle, ended up in the places in life that one would imagine events such as these would have led them.
Having already read Fowler's follow-up Reunion, which I enjoyed as well, I can say unequivocally that I enjoyed this story far more. It was unpredictably heartfelt and poignant. Though not a novel of high-spirits and frivolity I would strongly encourage a reader to pick Souvenir up and read it. It was just that good.
Anonymous
Posted June 1, 2009
I felt that the characters were not developed enough to be believable. A real disappointment overall
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 29, 2009
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I had no idea that when I bought this book I would need so many tissues. It's a little slow at the beginning while the author is character building and plot setting, but once it gets going it is so very hard to put this book down! I stayed up two nights in a row until 3 a.m. because I could not make myself stop reading! I don't want to give anything away about this book. I only want to say how this author made me actually FEEL for these characters. I felt as thought I knew them in real life. Great read. Kudos to this author as I read this was her first novel! Congrats - it's amazing!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book was so amazing, I could not put it down!- Some parts of the story reminded me of the love that takes place in " The Notebook"... It is a touching story about the choices we make in our lives and how no matter where life leads us we never forget our first & only love.......
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 27, 2009
This book touches on a subject not dealt with very often-handling a person's imminent death and relationships with family members. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Fowlers future books.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.SOUVENIR is a heart-wrenching novel in the vein of Nicholas Sparks' THE NOTEBOOK and A WALK TO REMEMBER.
It is a novel about lost love, the possibility of second chances, and the fate that brings us all together.
Meg is a doctor with a sixteen-year-old daughter, and a businessman husband. Things seem to be normal in her life; she's stable at home, and she loves her job. However, she's still holding on to many secrets from her past, including a mistake that haunts her every day.
After a shocking change in her life, she decides to come to terms with her regrets, and decide what she wants in the future.
SOUVENIR is a tearjerker that is very realistic in its tale of true love and heartbreak. It is very well-written, and stays with you long after the first reading. This title will no doubt become a classic in future years because of its touching story and meaningful characters.
Anonymous
Posted June 8, 2008
At its core, Souvenir is about choices. Meg, the main character, has to deal the consequences of her choice to marry a man for financial security rather than spend her life with the love of her life. Souvenir touches on many other relevant issues of today, such as taking care of an elderly parent, dealing with the choices of our children and maintaining a façade of normalcy when health problems strike. Ultimately, I am convinced that Fowler has written one of the greatest books of the year. I can¿t wait for the movie!
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Posted June 5, 2008
This book was one of the most beautifully written books I've read in awhile. If you have ever had heart ache you can sympathize and won t be able to put this book down either.
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Posted May 7, 2008
I was really into this book and then on page 178 it stopped, from there I went to page 211. I have never had this happen before so I was upset to say the least. I have contacted my book club and they are sending me out another copy. I do hope that when I get it that page 179 follows page 178. What I have read so far is so good that I honestly think that I would have finished it last night if I could have. I will patiently wait for my new copy but I do not think that I will be disappointed. Sharlene S.
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Posted February 22, 2008
Every once in a while, your read a novel that you can't put down, and even while you're not reading about it, you're thinking about it. The novel Souvenir did this for me! Meg's life should be set for her. She¿s a doctor with a thriving practice, and she has a delightful teenage daughter who she adores. Life, however takes an unexpected turn. Her daughter, Savannah, is all of sudden becoming a rebellious teenager and heading into a very dangerous sexual situation. And suddenly Meg receives a very serious revelation about her heath, and her future. At to this mix, Carson McKay her first and only true love he¿s back in town to prepare for his wedding. This is a novel that will keep you reading long into the night.
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Posted March 28, 2008
I listened to the audio version of this book and the reader was amazing. I do most of my listening at work and found myself just looking at my computer because I was so caught up with the story. I had chill bumps, and almost the entire book tears in my eyes. I felt Meg's pain and like the other reviewer mentioned, I did think about the choices I would make if I were facing those decisions. It was a great story filled with love and heartach.
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Posted February 28, 2008
I have read a lot of books and this was one of my favorites. She covered so many issues and made the characters seem so real. I read it in one day and couldn't put it down! I'm still thinking about Carson, Savannah and Meg! It brought me to tears and was definitely touching. I recommend it!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 6, 2008
A novel that cuts through your heart! I have to say I had a love/hate relationship with this book. I loved the love story, but hated the heartbreak! That does not mean I didn¿t enjoy the book, it was an amazing love story, one that was difficult to read. The choices the characters had to live with were very difficult to imagine. Each character was faced with a choice about his or her life and how it would affect the people around them. Meg, the main character has had her share of stress to say the least. She must put others before herself so many times, I felt sorry for her. She then faces the decision of a lifetime, and must make a rather eye opening decision. The reader is faced to look at themselves and consider what they would do in this situation. A very controversial topic, but one that really makes you THINK. I look for more from this author in the future. If you head out to buy a book-go ahead and pick up a box of Kleenex while your at it!
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Posted May 27, 2011
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Posted April 16, 2009
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Overview
Fowler's debut is the heartbreaking story of a woman who made what she thought was a responsible decision, only to have to live with the consequences...When Meg discovers she has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), she knows she has only one chance to make peace with the past and give her daughter hope for the future. The choices made by Meg and Savannah may be controversial with some readers, but, nevertheless, this outstanding debut is recommended for all public libraries. —Library Journal (starred review)“Souvenir is tender, touching, and completely compelling. I cared so much about these characters, couldn’t put the novel down, read through the ...