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The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl
Both sweeping and exquisitely intimate, award-winning author Bart Yates blends historical fact and fiction in a surprising, thought-provoking saga spanning 12 significant days across nearly 100 years in the life of a single man, beginning in 1920s Utah.
“Each day is a story, whether or not that story makes any damn sense, or is worth telling to anyone else.”
At the age of ninety-six, Isaac Dahl sits down to write his memoir. For Isaac, an accomplished journalist and historian, finding the right words to convey events is never a problem. But this book will be different from anything he has written before. Focusing on twelve different days, each encapsulated in a chapter, Isaac hopes to distill the very essence of his life.
There are days that begin like any other, only to morph through twists of fate. An avalanche strikes Bingham, Utah, and eight-year-old Isaac and his twin sister, Agnes, survive when they are trapped in an upside-down bathtub. Other days stand apart in history—including a day in 1942, when Isaac, stationed on the USS Houston in the Java Sea as a rookie correspondent, confronts the full horror of war. And there are days spent simply, with his lifelong friend, Bo, or with Danny, the younger man whose love transforms Isaac’s later years—precious days with significance that grows clear only in hindsight.
From the Oklahoma Dust Bowl to a Mississippi school at the apex of the civil rights movement, Isaac tells his story with insight, wisdom, and emotional depth. The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl is a wonderful, singular narrative that will spark conversation and reflection—a reminder that there is no such thing as an ordinary life, and the greatest accomplishment of all is to live and love fully.
“Each day is a story, whether or not that story makes any damn sense, or is worth telling to anyone else.”
At the age of ninety-six, Isaac Dahl sits down to write his memoir. For Isaac, an accomplished journalist and historian, finding the right words to convey events is never a problem. But this book will be different from anything he has written before. Focusing on twelve different days, each encapsulated in a chapter, Isaac hopes to distill the very essence of his life.
There are days that begin like any other, only to morph through twists of fate. An avalanche strikes Bingham, Utah, and eight-year-old Isaac and his twin sister, Agnes, survive when they are trapped in an upside-down bathtub. Other days stand apart in history—including a day in 1942, when Isaac, stationed on the USS Houston in the Java Sea as a rookie correspondent, confronts the full horror of war. And there are days spent simply, with his lifelong friend, Bo, or with Danny, the younger man whose love transforms Isaac’s later years—precious days with significance that grows clear only in hindsight.
From the Oklahoma Dust Bowl to a Mississippi school at the apex of the civil rights movement, Isaac tells his story with insight, wisdom, and emotional depth. The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl is a wonderful, singular narrative that will spark conversation and reflection—a reminder that there is no such thing as an ordinary life, and the greatest accomplishment of all is to live and love fully.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published July 23, 2024
About the author
Bart Yates
7 books326 followersAuthor also writes as Noah Bly
Bart Yates was born in Cheyenne, WY, raised in Lamoni, IA, educated in Boston, MA, and now lives in Iowa City, IA, with the world's finest and most discerning cat.
In addition to writing, Yates is a musician, and plays clarinet, saxophone, and bass guitar.
His latest novel is THE VERY LONG, VERY STRANGE LIFE OF ISAAC DAHL, available in stores on July 23, 2024.
For personal blogs, reviews, and info about upcoming events, readers can visit his website: bartyates.com
Bart Yates was born in Cheyenne, WY, raised in Lamoni, IA, educated in Boston, MA, and now lives in Iowa City, IA, with the world's finest and most discerning cat.
In addition to writing, Yates is a musician, and plays clarinet, saxophone, and bass guitar.
His latest novel is THE VERY LONG, VERY STRANGE LIFE OF ISAAC DAHL, available in stores on July 23, 2024.
For personal blogs, reviews, and info about upcoming events, readers can visit his website: bartyates.com
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July 10, 2024
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The absurdity of my very long, very strange life hits me, too, and suddenly I’m laughing with him. What else can I do?
I loved this book and Isaac Dahl so much. The format Bart Yates used was wonderful. He wove real-life historical moments with Isaac's fictional ones seamlessly. We get twelve chapters of important events in Isaac's life, in eight-year increments, starting when Isaac was just eight years old in the 1920s.
The book's historical sections are impeccably researched and what I loved the most about the book is the fact that even things that aren't monumental to everyone made it into Isaac's important chapters. Yes, there was war, unbelievable natural disasters and other phenomena but we also get the mundane, like when Isaac's great-nephew goes through puberty one winter weekend at the beach.
The chapters are long and I usually don't prefer that but it was needed in this case to clearly understand why that part of Isaac's life was so important for him to share. Yates' writing style was so absorbing that the twenty-page chapters just flew by. The book itself is fairly short at 240 pages and I was so into it I read it in a couple of sittings. The pages are filled with love, history, loss, adventure and adversity. This book was everything. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
The absurdity of my very long, very strange life hits me, too, and suddenly I’m laughing with him. What else can I do?
I loved this book and Isaac Dahl so much. The format Bart Yates used was wonderful. He wove real-life historical moments with Isaac's fictional ones seamlessly. We get twelve chapters of important events in Isaac's life, in eight-year increments, starting when Isaac was just eight years old in the 1920s.
The book's historical sections are impeccably researched and what I loved the most about the book is the fact that even things that aren't monumental to everyone made it into Isaac's important chapters. Yes, there was war, unbelievable natural disasters and other phenomena but we also get the mundane, like when Isaac's great-nephew goes through puberty one winter weekend at the beach.
The chapters are long and I usually don't prefer that but it was needed in this case to clearly understand why that part of Isaac's life was so important for him to share. Yates' writing style was so absorbing that the twenty-page chapters just flew by. The book itself is fairly short at 240 pages and I was so into it I read it in a couple of sittings. The pages are filled with love, history, loss, adventure and adversity. This book was everything. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
March 10, 2024
The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl is a unique story. It’s short and describes in 12 chapters 12 days (or periods) in Isaac’s 96-year-long life. Each chapter is eight years apart from the former one.
The heart of this story is the (platonic) love triangle between Isaac, his twin sister Aggie, and his best friend Bo, but there are a lot of side characters, too (Elias and Danny being my favorites). I loved being in Isaac’s head while he aged, as a young boy, surviving an avalanche, as a young journalist in WWII, as a fourty-eight-year-old participating in the Civil Rights Movement, as an older gay man in the eighties when AIDS suddenly reared its head, and as a senior when his body became less cooperative but his mind still remained sharp.
Sometimes, I wanted to know more about what had happened, but on the other hand, those little snippets taken out of a long and satisfying life are what make this book so captivating. It’s a story to curl up on the couch and just read, sipping from your drink and smiling, and occasionally shedding a tear.
Thank you, Kensington Books and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this precious story early. I’ll definitely check out Bart Yates’ other work.
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The heart of this story is the (platonic) love triangle between Isaac, his twin sister Aggie, and his best friend Bo, but there are a lot of side characters, too (Elias and Danny being my favorites). I loved being in Isaac’s head while he aged, as a young boy, surviving an avalanche, as a young journalist in WWII, as a fourty-eight-year-old participating in the Civil Rights Movement, as an older gay man in the eighties when AIDS suddenly reared its head, and as a senior when his body became less cooperative but his mind still remained sharp.
Sometimes, I wanted to know more about what had happened, but on the other hand, those little snippets taken out of a long and satisfying life are what make this book so captivating. It’s a story to curl up on the couch and just read, sipping from your drink and smiling, and occasionally shedding a tear.
Thank you, Kensington Books and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this precious story early. I’ll definitely check out Bart Yates’ other work.
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July 26, 2024
The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by author, Bart Yates. It was a very uniquely but well written book. The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl captured the essence of Isaac’s life by delving into his character, relationships, experiences and accomplishments. Isaac, his twin sister, Aggie, and their best friend, Bo, were first introduced as young children. Bart Yates detailed their distinct personality traits, their strengths, their challenges, their aspirations and assumptions. All of their lives changed in a blink of an eye when an avalanche reared its ugly teeth and decided who would live and who would die. Miraculously, Isaac, Aggie and Bo all survived. Isaac, then continued to share and write about the most significant moments in his life which corresponded with significant historical developments and experiences over the course of his lifetime. These events spanned through nine decades of Isaac’s life. Those events, which totaled twelve in all, were the most memorable and important ones in Isaac’s life. They included but were not limited to the devastating dust storms in Oklahoma (where Isaac and Aggie were taken by their uncle after the avalanche), Isaac’s experiences as a journalist during World War II, living as a gay man when it was far from accepted, the Civil Rights movement, AIDS and more. Each new chapter in Isaac’s life took place eight years after the last one that had been previously described. Isaac’s life was challenging but he met each new struggle, test, new experience or dilemma with a remarkable determination, positive energy and the need to make sure all the people he cared about were safe, happy and loved.
The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl explored Isaac’s life journey. I enjoyed how it took an up close view of the world of twins. Isaac’s and Aggie’s special bond and non-verbal communication revealed the fascination that only twins get to share. Bo’s relationship with both Isaac and Aggie was deeply rooted in his feelings he had for both of them. I enjoyed the times of his life that Isaac chose to share. They not only reminded each of us about the significance that time played in history but how it affected Isaac’s life and the impressions they left on him. The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl explored the meaning of family, the special bond twins share, friendship, putting someone’s happiness before your own, protecting those who are close, loss, grief and celebrating the gift of being alive for another year. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Issac Dahl by Bart Yates. The narrator, Paul Bellantoni was very good and made my listening experience a pleasure. I highly recommend this unique yet captivating audiobook.
Thank you to High Bridge for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl by Bart Yates through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl explored Isaac’s life journey. I enjoyed how it took an up close view of the world of twins. Isaac’s and Aggie’s special bond and non-verbal communication revealed the fascination that only twins get to share. Bo’s relationship with both Isaac and Aggie was deeply rooted in his feelings he had for both of them. I enjoyed the times of his life that Isaac chose to share. They not only reminded each of us about the significance that time played in history but how it affected Isaac’s life and the impressions they left on him. The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl explored the meaning of family, the special bond twins share, friendship, putting someone’s happiness before your own, protecting those who are close, loss, grief and celebrating the gift of being alive for another year. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Issac Dahl by Bart Yates. The narrator, Paul Bellantoni was very good and made my listening experience a pleasure. I highly recommend this unique yet captivating audiobook.
Thank you to High Bridge for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl by Bart Yates through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
May 17, 2024
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I was leary about reading this book after looking at some of the reviews. They were all saying it was lacking and that there should have been more. I totally disagree with those opinions. I found the book very well written, the historic events right on point. The life of Isaac Dahl was extremely fascinating and enthralling to me. The book is written with twelve days involved of the very long life of Isaac Dahl. Each chapter is a day, all days exactly 8 years apart in his lifetime. From being a child until he was 96 years old. The closeness of his bond with his siblings, Aggie and Bo were mesmerizing, even though Bo wasn't blood related he was still part of the family. All the things Isaac had dealt with in his life was amazing and he should have never made it to the age of 96 after all the life threatening scenarios he was put through. The love he has for family and friends is gracefully True to himself. I became very fond of these characters. I give 2 thumbs up on this book written by Bart Yates. I don't think anything was lacking in this book. I found it perfect just the way it was. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves something different. This book had everything.
July 12, 2024
I laughed & cried as I read my new historical fiction THE VERY STRANGE LIFE OF ISAAC DAHL which was mostly sad but somewhat humorous, as well. Book Clubs will enjoy the relationship of main characters: Isaac, his twin sister, Agnes & friend, Bo with several family saga themes to provide discussion.
Brava talented author, Bart Yates!
Brava talented author, Bart Yates!
July 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Each chapter tells the story of a section of Isaac's life - from surviving an avalanche as a child, to WWII, to the civil rights movement, the AIDS crisis, and beyond. Usually, books that skip through time like this are frustrating for me because I often struggle with the lack of details of what happened in between. That didn't happen here. It was a beautiful story with well-developed secondary characters and storylines. We get enough details of what happened in between that I wasn't spending each chapter trying to guess what that was. Wonderfully narrated on audio, which made it a nice companion for my work commute.
A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
July 22, 2024
Who knew this would be SUCH a good book? I laughed, and laughed, and then I cried. My full review is on my blog here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2024/07/2...
August 25, 2024
THE VERY LONG, VERY STRANGE LIFE OF ISAAC DAHL by Bart Yates
Narration was very well done by, Paul Bellantoni and I enjoyed it immensely.
I wasn’t expecting to like this book as much as I did. The author creates an unforgettable reading experience. It is a historical fiction story presented in the form of a memoir written when Isaac is ninety-six. Sharing the memories of twelve different days in Isaac’s life, beginning in 1926, when Isaac is eight years old. We meet his family, who are immigrants from Sweden, living in a mining town in Colorado. Isaac has a twin sister, Aggie, and best friend, Bo, a young man loved by both Isaac and Aggie. The three stick together through each other’s personal lives and hardships.
The blending of history with fiction that Yates skillfully weaves, brings more depth to Isaac’s life that he tells with insight, and wisdom. The characters are well developed and relatable.
-a reminder that there is no such thing as an ordinary life, and the greatest accomplishment of all is to live and love fully."--Jacket flap
Narration was very well done by, Paul Bellantoni and I enjoyed it immensely.
I wasn’t expecting to like this book as much as I did. The author creates an unforgettable reading experience. It is a historical fiction story presented in the form of a memoir written when Isaac is ninety-six. Sharing the memories of twelve different days in Isaac’s life, beginning in 1926, when Isaac is eight years old. We meet his family, who are immigrants from Sweden, living in a mining town in Colorado. Isaac has a twin sister, Aggie, and best friend, Bo, a young man loved by both Isaac and Aggie. The three stick together through each other’s personal lives and hardships.
The blending of history with fiction that Yates skillfully weaves, brings more depth to Isaac’s life that he tells with insight, and wisdom. The characters are well developed and relatable.
-a reminder that there is no such thing as an ordinary life, and the greatest accomplishment of all is to live and love fully."--Jacket flap
March 9, 2024
After reading the description, The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl became one of my highly anticipated reads. I loved the eccentric idea of 12 chapters, highlighting 12 different days (in 8 year increments) throughout the protagonist’s 96 years of life. I felt as though this unique approach may offer an opportunity to enhance the complexity of the characters and their stories. I expected this story to be compelling and consuming - leaving me emotional and hungover. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
The 12 chapter, 12 day approach did not cultivate the complexity I had envisioned. Instead, I found the chapters to read as separate short stories which often glossed over opportunities to provoke emotion or truly engage with the book’s vulnerable themes. I think one of the most notable missed opportunities was with the character Elias. Throughout the book, I often found it difficult to empathize with the events due to the superficial nature of the story. Additionally, I found myself struggling to adapt to Yates style of writing and found the lengthy, borderline run on sentences to be disengaging.
With that said, I still feel as though this is a good book for someone looking to read a quick, light, feel good story focused on themes of family, friendship, and platonic love. Specifically, I appreciated the full circle moment in Aggie’s letter to Isaac in the final chapters. Personally, I just wanted this book to be more memorable as I feel there was potential within the story to have a profound impact.
I would rate this book 2.5/5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Books, for the ARC.
The 12 chapter, 12 day approach did not cultivate the complexity I had envisioned. Instead, I found the chapters to read as separate short stories which often glossed over opportunities to provoke emotion or truly engage with the book’s vulnerable themes. I think one of the most notable missed opportunities was with the character Elias. Throughout the book, I often found it difficult to empathize with the events due to the superficial nature of the story. Additionally, I found myself struggling to adapt to Yates style of writing and found the lengthy, borderline run on sentences to be disengaging.
With that said, I still feel as though this is a good book for someone looking to read a quick, light, feel good story focused on themes of family, friendship, and platonic love. Specifically, I appreciated the full circle moment in Aggie’s letter to Isaac in the final chapters. Personally, I just wanted this book to be more memorable as I feel there was potential within the story to have a profound impact.
I would rate this book 2.5/5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Books, for the ARC.
September 6, 2024
This is the story of an extraordinary ordinary life. Isaac Dahl sits down to write his memoir at the age of 96. How does one tell a story that spans nearly a century? In Isaac’s case, he highlights twelve days, each separated by eight years.
We meet Isaac at the tender age of 8 along with his twin sister, Aggie. The relationship between the siblings remains a central element of who Isaac is and how he navigates the world. As the mother of boy/girl twins, I found the depiction of their twinship particularly compelling. Both Isaac and Aggie are aware of their connection while trying to establish their individual paths. Their competitiveness, squabbling, interdependence, and deep abiding love spoke to my soul.
Each chapter advances Isaac’s life by eight years. We experience significant historical events through his eyes and see how those shape him. At its core, Isaac’s story is one of relationships - family, friends, and lovers play pivotal roles and his life is richer as a result.
This is a book that prompts the reader to reflect on their own life; to identify the moments and people who played a pivotal role in defining who they are and how they view the world. Isaac Dahl is every man and he reminds us that we each have a unique story to tell.
I loved this book for its simplicity and gentle narrative.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
We meet Isaac at the tender age of 8 along with his twin sister, Aggie. The relationship between the siblings remains a central element of who Isaac is and how he navigates the world. As the mother of boy/girl twins, I found the depiction of their twinship particularly compelling. Both Isaac and Aggie are aware of their connection while trying to establish their individual paths. Their competitiveness, squabbling, interdependence, and deep abiding love spoke to my soul.
Each chapter advances Isaac’s life by eight years. We experience significant historical events through his eyes and see how those shape him. At its core, Isaac’s story is one of relationships - family, friends, and lovers play pivotal roles and his life is richer as a result.
This is a book that prompts the reader to reflect on their own life; to identify the moments and people who played a pivotal role in defining who they are and how they view the world. Isaac Dahl is every man and he reminds us that we each have a unique story to tell.
I loved this book for its simplicity and gentle narrative.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Read
July 24, 2024As the title suggests, this was indeed a very strange story.
It's a compilation of 12 chapters that discuss the 12 significant days of Isaac's life and take you deeper into his memoir. It's notable to see that this is a commendable work at the age of 96, where you have surfed your way through life and can now share the magical essence of life.
The author does mention that no life is an ordinary one and if we pay close attention we all have those stories to share (which I absolutely agree with). The book starts with young Isaac and the story of 1st survival that rolls down into a snowball of incidents shaping his life. It is a one-of-a-kind book, where i got glimpses of his life in a distilled manner. I would love to have a chance to discover more about his life and everything that shaped him into this version.
Read this book if you enjoy memoirs with a zest of survival instinct and a will to live each day to the fullest.
It's a compilation of 12 chapters that discuss the 12 significant days of Isaac's life and take you deeper into his memoir. It's notable to see that this is a commendable work at the age of 96, where you have surfed your way through life and can now share the magical essence of life.
The author does mention that no life is an ordinary one and if we pay close attention we all have those stories to share (which I absolutely agree with). The book starts with young Isaac and the story of 1st survival that rolls down into a snowball of incidents shaping his life. It is a one-of-a-kind book, where i got glimpses of his life in a distilled manner. I would love to have a chance to discover more about his life and everything that shaped him into this version.
Read this book if you enjoy memoirs with a zest of survival instinct and a will to live each day to the fullest.
October 2, 2024
A unique and heartfelt story of a single lifetime and history. Isaac’s unrelenting will to live despite the odds and the disasters was inspiring!
July 5, 2024
Isaac Dahl looks over his life at the age of 96 in a series of 12 vignettes. Many thanks to NetGalley for this lovely ARC/audiobook.
March 1, 2024
Isaac Dahl truly has led a very long and strange life - he has survived the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, World War II, and being a gay man in a time when that was a criminal offense. He has reported on and participated in the Civil Rights movement and protesting atomic bombs. All of these events and themes are explored in Bart Yates book with great research and care. But even more than the history, this book explores relationships, love, and family (whether formed by blood or bond).
*4.5 stars* Fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and A Gentleman in Moscow will love this beautiful book.
Publishing on 7/23/24
Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Books, for the ARC.
*4.5 stars* Fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and A Gentleman in Moscow will love this beautiful book.
Publishing on 7/23/24
Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Books, for the ARC.
April 24, 2024
The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl was a super heartfelt, interesting, quick read! Each chapter of this book is a different day in Isaac’s life. 12 different days over about 100 years of time. This book was unlike any book I have read before, and I really enjoyed it! The writing it truly incredible and the author does a great job between the time gaps in the different chapters. I would definitely recommend! Thank you NetGalley, Bart Yates, and A John Scognamigilo Book for the sneak peak of this book!
June 25, 2024
I was fortunate to win this gem in the Goodreads giveaways. I fell in love with this book! The characters were very endearing and it was written about 12 significant days in the life of an almost 100 year old man. I want to read more by this wonderful author, Bart Yates.
July 10, 2024
Beautiful! I love how the story jumped and let the readers fill in the blanks. This is actually a quality I usually find a tad annoying but the vague but emotion driven way the author delivers this story was perfection. The characters were honest and funny -lookin’ at you twin sister- I laughed out loud a few times. The relationships and how they develop and progress until Isaac’s conclusion are heartfelt and bonding in a way I think we all aspire to have in our lives as we look back when we’re in our final days. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review!
July 10, 2024
This was such a unique and moving story!!! I really got attached to the characters. The book is full of humor, sadness, unconditional love, dedication, and moments that make you reflect on your own relationships and big life moments. It inspires hope to keep holding on just to see the next story no matter what.
June 14, 2024
I loved this book. Grabs you from the beginning and does not let go. It feels like you are jumping through time in the beginning, but toward the end you are living these days with Isaac. In some ways I want to know how it ends, yet I am glad I don’t know.
Twelve days of a life. Twelve special moments that define a person. Twelve days that allow the reader to know and love a person and his family.
My copy had two ink lines on page 5 and 184. On page 225, 7th paragraph, second sentence has a typo.
Received ARC from Goodreads giveaway.
Twelve days of a life. Twelve special moments that define a person. Twelve days that allow the reader to know and love a person and his family.
My copy had two ink lines on page 5 and 184. On page 225, 7th paragraph, second sentence has a typo.
Received ARC from Goodreads giveaway.
September 26, 2024
I absolutely adored this book.
June 23, 2024
As the synopsis tells us, this Historical/Fiction novel spans nearly 100 years. One day for every eight years that Issac Dahl is alive, starting when he and his twin sister are 8. And what a whirlwind ride we get from the very first chapter!
Isaacs's life starts with an avalanche and continues, sometimes with very historical events and sometimes with what we might think of as mundane occurrences. But believe me, even what seems mundane isn't-it's all about the love this family has for each other. It's about the length of time they spend with each other and how each one in the family carves a name for themselves.
Sometimes frightening, sometimes poignant, sometimes funny. This book will get you through whatever you need to read your way through. I know it helped me through a bit of a rough patch.
*This ARC was supplied by John Scognamiglio Book's, the author Bart Yates, and Edelweiss/ATTL. With my gratitude and thanks to all.
Isaacs's life starts with an avalanche and continues, sometimes with very historical events and sometimes with what we might think of as mundane occurrences. But believe me, even what seems mundane isn't-it's all about the love this family has for each other. It's about the length of time they spend with each other and how each one in the family carves a name for themselves.
Sometimes frightening, sometimes poignant, sometimes funny. This book will get you through whatever you need to read your way through. I know it helped me through a bit of a rough patch.
*This ARC was supplied by John Scognamiglio Book's, the author Bart Yates, and Edelweiss/ATTL. With my gratitude and thanks to all.
Read
August 23, 2024Such a poignant book. Part historical fiction, but mostly a character study and a deep look into the life of Isaac.
I received a free copy from a Goodreads' Giveaway in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy from a Goodreads' Giveaway in return for an honest review.
June 16, 2024
the very long, very strange life of isaac dahl follows the life of our main character through snippets eight years apart. the format really did its job well as i was craving more of the characters in between each eight years and also felt like i knew them by heart and could see their lives in between. i loved the relationship between isaac and his entire family, but particularly his twin sister.
this story was the perfect mixture of heart, soul, and history and i loved it dearly.
many thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
this story was the perfect mixture of heart, soul, and history and i loved it dearly.
many thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
March 2, 2024
The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl is such a treasure! It tells the story of Isaac Dahl from the time he was 8 years old until age 96. There are 12 chapters and the first one begins when he is 8 years old. Each chapter jumps forward 8 years until we end with Isaac at age 96 in chapter 12.
Isaac's life was very strange, indeed. When we first meet Isaac in Utah in 1926, he and his twin sister, Aggie, and their best friend, Bo, survive an avalanche at 8 years old. In chapter 2 the trio, at age 16, lives through the Dust Bowl. This chapter was so descriptive that at times I felt as if I couldn't breathe deeply enough. I felt such dread and hopelessness for this family.
When Isaac is 24 years old he is a journalist assigned to the USS Houston in 1942 during WWII. It was terrifying to picture the ship being discovered by the Japanese with their "three dozen twin-engine bombers and nine of those flying boats the Navy calls Mavises". At one point the Houston almost capsized amidst the gunfire, flames, and smoke while trying to divert attention from other smaller ships. When the attacks were over, I had to consciously release the tension in my shoulders and jaw. I felt the gutwrenching horror of having to leave survivors of a sunken ship swimming in the ocean only to be eaten by sharks because the Houston was unable to rescue them because all ships were under attack.
In 1966 when Isaac is 48 years old we join him in Grenada, Mississippi. We are thrust into segregation protests/marches opposite the KKK. We witness the cruelty and violence towards CHILDREN who were just going to school as they were told to do, and against white people who helped black people.
In other chapters we see a tornado, an earthquake, AIDS, cancer, love, being gay when it was illegal to be so, children, divorce, tragedy, homophobia, and deaths. As bleak as this all sounds, it really is an enjoyable book. Isaac is an absolute gem, as are Aggie, Bo, Elias, and the rest of the family, each in their own unique way. This book showcases the themes of friendship, family, and love and will leave you wanting to read more of Isaac's very long, very strange life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance copy of this book!
Isaac's life was very strange, indeed. When we first meet Isaac in Utah in 1926, he and his twin sister, Aggie, and their best friend, Bo, survive an avalanche at 8 years old. In chapter 2 the trio, at age 16, lives through the Dust Bowl. This chapter was so descriptive that at times I felt as if I couldn't breathe deeply enough. I felt such dread and hopelessness for this family.
When Isaac is 24 years old he is a journalist assigned to the USS Houston in 1942 during WWII. It was terrifying to picture the ship being discovered by the Japanese with their "three dozen twin-engine bombers and nine of those flying boats the Navy calls Mavises". At one point the Houston almost capsized amidst the gunfire, flames, and smoke while trying to divert attention from other smaller ships. When the attacks were over, I had to consciously release the tension in my shoulders and jaw. I felt the gutwrenching horror of having to leave survivors of a sunken ship swimming in the ocean only to be eaten by sharks because the Houston was unable to rescue them because all ships were under attack.
In 1966 when Isaac is 48 years old we join him in Grenada, Mississippi. We are thrust into segregation protests/marches opposite the KKK. We witness the cruelty and violence towards CHILDREN who were just going to school as they were told to do, and against white people who helped black people.
In other chapters we see a tornado, an earthquake, AIDS, cancer, love, being gay when it was illegal to be so, children, divorce, tragedy, homophobia, and deaths. As bleak as this all sounds, it really is an enjoyable book. Isaac is an absolute gem, as are Aggie, Bo, Elias, and the rest of the family, each in their own unique way. This book showcases the themes of friendship, family, and love and will leave you wanting to read more of Isaac's very long, very strange life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance copy of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2024
Similar to the way Forrest Gump spans decades of history, personal and world, so goes Isaac Dahl’s life.
While we get to see his perspective of a lot of historic events, his relationships are really what makes this book so special. At each moment his twin sister, Aggie and best friend Bo are right beside him. Until they aren’t.
If you love stories that lean heavily into the development of a character this is for you. You’ll absolutely feel like you’ve met new people and truly gotten to know them.
While we get to see his perspective of a lot of historic events, his relationships are really what makes this book so special. At each moment his twin sister, Aggie and best friend Bo are right beside him. Until they aren’t.
If you love stories that lean heavily into the development of a character this is for you. You’ll absolutely feel like you’ve met new people and truly gotten to know them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
Isaac Dahl's story begins when he is 8 years old, sitting beside his sister following their bath. Their mother shushes them, listening for the giant outside their snowy mountainside home is Utah.
And though it begins almost as a child's fable, it is nothing short of a deeply affecting book of love, loss, and the passage of time. Both intimate and sweeping, it’s a swirling of fact and fiction into the most interesting saga of 12 days in the life of a man.
Taking place over 12 chapters, each spaced 8 years apart, each focusing on a different event in Isaac's life, we follow him from childhood through old age. When we last hear from Isaac, he is 96 years old.
The author's note for this one is particularly interesting and I urge you not to skip it when you finish the book (and wipe the tears from your eyes). He speaks of how he had a sketch, an idea of how it would go: a story of a boy, told in 8 year increments, a boy who becomes a journalist and thus travels the world, experiencing all sorts of phenomena. But then side characters, characters who were meant to give color to the narrative demand more attention, want more say, and so we also dive deeply into the lives of Aggie, his twin sister, and Bo, their neighbor and best friend.
We join Isaac as he tries to survive living in the dustbowl, marching with Black students attending white schools in Mississippi, the AIDs crisis, time on a battleship, and love in Italy, and so much more.
I think what I loved best is that it didn't feel special until I realized that it was so incredibly special. When I couldn't put it down because now Isaac was 32 and what came next?
He's such a lovely man - not a curmudgeon, not a cad but a man who loves and teases, laughs and argues, fights and falls. He is every man but he is also unlike anyone else. And I was deeply invested in his life.
I don't know what else to say without spoilers, so I would just encourage you to take an afternoon and read this ever so lovely book. At less than 300 pages, you won't believe the emotional punch it packs.
Thanks to @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for the early audiobook to read and review. This one comes out July 23, 2024.
And though it begins almost as a child's fable, it is nothing short of a deeply affecting book of love, loss, and the passage of time. Both intimate and sweeping, it’s a swirling of fact and fiction into the most interesting saga of 12 days in the life of a man.
Taking place over 12 chapters, each spaced 8 years apart, each focusing on a different event in Isaac's life, we follow him from childhood through old age. When we last hear from Isaac, he is 96 years old.
The author's note for this one is particularly interesting and I urge you not to skip it when you finish the book (and wipe the tears from your eyes). He speaks of how he had a sketch, an idea of how it would go: a story of a boy, told in 8 year increments, a boy who becomes a journalist and thus travels the world, experiencing all sorts of phenomena. But then side characters, characters who were meant to give color to the narrative demand more attention, want more say, and so we also dive deeply into the lives of Aggie, his twin sister, and Bo, their neighbor and best friend.
We join Isaac as he tries to survive living in the dustbowl, marching with Black students attending white schools in Mississippi, the AIDs crisis, time on a battleship, and love in Italy, and so much more.
I think what I loved best is that it didn't feel special until I realized that it was so incredibly special. When I couldn't put it down because now Isaac was 32 and what came next?
He's such a lovely man - not a curmudgeon, not a cad but a man who loves and teases, laughs and argues, fights and falls. He is every man but he is also unlike anyone else. And I was deeply invested in his life.
I don't know what else to say without spoilers, so I would just encourage you to take an afternoon and read this ever so lovely book. At less than 300 pages, you won't believe the emotional punch it packs.
Thanks to @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for the early audiobook to read and review. This one comes out July 23, 2024.
August 18, 2024
A whole life in twelve days. Wow. I absolutely adore when I get to experience the whole life of a character in a book, though it's not a plot I find often. The concept of the book is amazing: a single day in life every eight years. I saw some reviews that said it was confusing, however, to me, it was the best thing.
Iscaac's life was indeed long, we get to meet him at the age of 8 and say goodbye at 96. Thought, I didn't find his life strange, in fact, besides surviving every natural & historical disaster he encountered, the life was rather common. So I do find the name of a book a bit misleading. I've got to be honest, I expected something more "strange".
The relationships with family, especially with Isaac' twin sister Agnes and her children was probably my favorite part. I loved seeing everyone grow up, do the things they love and always supporting each other. Bo, the best friend, was probably my most beloved character; his love, loyalty and humor grew on me immediatelly from the first chapter. Agnes was a real firecracker, short tempered, strong willed woman, who sometimes lost touch with her own feelings and behaved wildly. I did relate to her a lot, though.
There were some heartbreaks, also one or two love stories in the book, however, I wish we could have gotten more of Isaac's lovelife, his feelings. In general, I really enjoyed following this strong man through the years and seeing the world move through the ages. The last chapter, in my opinion, could have been a little strongers, but on the other hand, I feel like the book ended on a rather perfect note.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.
Iscaac's life was indeed long, we get to meet him at the age of 8 and say goodbye at 96. Thought, I didn't find his life strange, in fact, besides surviving every natural & historical disaster he encountered, the life was rather common. So I do find the name of a book a bit misleading. I've got to be honest, I expected something more "strange".
The relationships with family, especially with Isaac' twin sister Agnes and her children was probably my favorite part. I loved seeing everyone grow up, do the things they love and always supporting each other. Bo, the best friend, was probably my most beloved character; his love, loyalty and humor grew on me immediatelly from the first chapter. Agnes was a real firecracker, short tempered, strong willed woman, who sometimes lost touch with her own feelings and behaved wildly. I did relate to her a lot, though.
There were some heartbreaks, also one or two love stories in the book, however, I wish we could have gotten more of Isaac's lovelife, his feelings. In general, I really enjoyed following this strong man through the years and seeing the world move through the ages. The last chapter, in my opinion, could have been a little strongers, but on the other hand, I feel like the book ended on a rather perfect note.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.
August 2, 2024
This makes me wish I could go back in time to talk to my grandparents and great aunts/uncles to hear all their stories all over again.
Each story and point of time felt so intimate and connected. The life each individual made an impact on every decision and dream for Isaac. The theme of love and companionship through challenges and calm were poignant and felt realistic.
There were stories that had my heart racing and anger flowing (1966 Mississippi) and times where my heart ached (1982 England). The natural disasters were gut wrenching with grief but still held promises of hope and community.
Overall a very nostalgic book with love and grief beautifully intertwined. I enjoyed every bit of this story and will reflect on this for a while.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.
Each story and point of time felt so intimate and connected. The life each individual made an impact on every decision and dream for Isaac. The theme of love and companionship through challenges and calm were poignant and felt realistic.
There were stories that had my heart racing and anger flowing (1966 Mississippi) and times where my heart ached (1982 England). The natural disasters were gut wrenching with grief but still held promises of hope and community.
Overall a very nostalgic book with love and grief beautifully intertwined. I enjoyed every bit of this story and will reflect on this for a while.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.
September 16, 2024
Such a unique and satisfying book! The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl has been described as a "historical fiction saga," and it is that and so much more. Isaac sits down at age 96 to write his memoirs, and he decides to tell his life by choosing 12 significant days in his life, starting at age 8 in Utah, when he and his sister survive an avalanche. Other days include WWII, the Civil Rights Movement, or more personal days concerning love and acceptance. Thought-provoking, sweeping in scope, and yet intimate in all the best ways, this book proves there is no such thing as an ordinary life.
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway, but this did not affect my review.
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway, but this did not affect my review.
July 11, 2024
Each chapter of this novel is from a journal or diary entry in the life of Isaac Dahl, about a decade apart. Some notable historic events coincide with the entries, but it is mostly about Isaac and his twin sister, their lives and loves. It is an interesting structure, especially when one entry references things we learned about in previous chapters. Although many sad things happen, as in any life, the overall feeling is of sweetness and a love for life.
I could say more about the specific decades, but I don't want to spoil it. The book will be available starting July 23rd, 2024. Take the journey with Isaac, and enjoy!
My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for an advance copy of this audiobook for review purposes.
I could say more about the specific decades, but I don't want to spoil it. The book will be available starting July 23rd, 2024. Take the journey with Isaac, and enjoy!
My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for an advance copy of this audiobook for review purposes.
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