Imperfect Paradise Paperback – February 16, 2014

Reading the well-written book, Imperfect Paradise by Dan Dembiczak, the reader was transported to a realm of paradise filled with culture, history, beauty and Aloha spirit of the Big Island of Hawaii. Parallel to the "Awakening", Sarah's life is filled with passion, emotions and insecurities in her life on a holiday resort. Her husband, Michael is kind and loving but consumes his time on the golf course.Throughout the lives of the protagonist in the book, the reader is exposed to her inner feelings of self-expression of marriage, family obligations and individuality. With her wild diversions, she seemed to express Charlotte Bronte's statement: "I would rather be happy than dignified." Will Sarah live peacefully and happily ever after the reader leaves her? I would highly recommend this book to a mature reader. This book holds promise of a good screenplay and movie for the audience.

However, for some reason, I was starting to get mad, not at the husband but at the wife. She started out fine but then became clingy to her boyfriend. Once he left her though and she completed her journey, I wanted to stand up and cheer. I am glad I read this book but once is enough.

This book definitely challenges the traditional views on marriage and highlights the struggles modern women may find themselves facing when it comes to relationship and career choices. It was a quick and easy read - great for the beach or the airplane - and I found myself eager to know how Sarah would resolve her situation.I will be reading "The Awakening" so I can understand the story in greater context, and am looking forward to the next book, which sounds intriguing.

I purchased Dan Dembiczak's first novel, Imperfect Paradise, for my recent trip to Maui. Knowing the setting of the book was Hawaii, I looked forward to the familiar mentions of this lovely paradise. And Dan did not disappoint. It provides the perfect contrast for the angst and tension that Sarah Chizek, the main character in this book, faces as she comes to terms with some of her relationship choices. I could not put this book down once I started reading it. This is a "must have" book for vacation, a lazy weekend or a book club so one can enjoy the suspense while sitting beach side with a cocktail or enjoying gossiping about the steamier chapters with friends. I cannot wait for his next novel!

Sarah's that friend you helplessly watch as she goes through the motions of life, following the expectations of her fiancé/husband & family. Honeymooning in Hawaii is a catalyst for change in her perceptions. The lushness & rhythm of Hawaiian life and the people she meets there allow her to recognize the possibilities of her life.

I was bothered that in 21st century USA, a young woman would let her parents push her into marriage. They also wanted her to marry someone with money. Worse, she agreed to marry the first guy she met on a dating site. There was no thought aboutcompatibility, no thought as to a career for her. She even agrees to stay home and play wife before they marry. Really?As someone else mentioned, the jumping around in time was distracting in this book.

mostly enjoyed the book. I'm not sure I liked the ending. Iwanted her to find purpose and go for it.

If I could give a big zero instead of one star, I would for this book. A self absorbed alcoholic goes on her honeymoon to have sex with a hotel worker???? This is not a story----it's a very sad commentary on the morality of some of today's young(ish) people. I couldn't read very far into this book because the story fell into a cesspool pretty quick. Don't waste your time on this one.