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Recommend this book:
Crystal Ships
Richard Sharp
2016 Honorable Mention
370 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Katelyn Hensel for Readers' Favorite
Crystal Ships by Richard Sharp is a new GREAT in the way of the epic American novel. Reading mainly as historical fiction with layers of drama, critique, and a general human focus, this book is deeply emotional while maintaining a kind of grace and fluidity that is rare. There was so much going on in this book that I could barely keep track of all the action. What a wild ride! There was so much depth, so many characters, and just a general sense of packing so much information into a little over 350 pages that I was amazed. I felt like I learned something just from the sheer amount of information that Sharp managed to include.
Richard Sharp paints a wonderfully detailed picture with his writing style. Full of a bittersweet combination of idealism and a cultured cynicism, this book is one that will be enjoyable for everyone, from the literary critic to the casual Sunday reader. The character development was what really got me, because with about seven main characters, it's hard to make them all realistic and not cutouts. Sharp did a wonderful job crafting individual personalities and really great dialogue! At times, keeping track of the several friends throughout time and space was a bit difficult, but the writing was excellent so I never felt like I was pushing myself to read and understand. Crystal Ships is one of those books that stays with you and keeps you thinking about it long after you've turned the last page.
Crystal Ships by Richard Sharp is a new GREAT in the way of the epic American novel. Reading mainly as historical fiction with layers of drama, critique, and a general human focus, this book is deeply emotional while maintaining a kind of grace and fluidity that is rare. There was so much going on in this book that I could barely keep track of all the action. What a wild ride! There was so much depth, so many characters, and just a general sense of packing so much information into a little over 350 pages that I was amazed. I felt like I learned something just from the sheer amount of information that Sharp managed to include.
Richard Sharp paints a wonderfully detailed picture with his writing style. Full of a bittersweet combination of idealism and a cultured cynicism, this book is one that will be enjoyable for everyone, from the literary critic to the casual Sunday reader. The character development was what really got me, because with about seven main characters, it's hard to make them all realistic and not cutouts. Sharp did a wonderful job crafting individual personalities and really great dialogue! At times, keeping track of the several friends throughout time and space was a bit difficult, but the writing was excellent so I never felt like I was pushing myself to read and understand. Crystal Ships is one of those books that stays with you and keeps you thinking about it long after you've turned the last page.
Recommend this book:
Keeping It Cool
Taylor Hardman
2016 Finalist
288 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
In a wonderful book by debut author Taylor Hardman, Keeping It Cool is a story that will suck readers in from the very start and keep them obsessively turning the pages all the way through to the very end. Follow the story of Bill Evans, a man who finally feels that he just might have his life on track. He’s doing well with his heating and air conditioning business, and the remodels that he’s working on in the old house he bought on auction are turning out well. But when he finds an old box of letters and meets a lovely young history teacher, Amelia, who is willing to help him do some research on the events of the letters, his life takes a definite U-turn. Will Bill’s focus remain on his business and staying on the straight and narrow? Or have the letters he’s found taken him down a new path that might be even more important? You’ll need to read the book to find out!
I so enjoyed Keeping It Cool. This well-written story is lovely in its sweet romance, and readers will find themselves both laughing and wiping away a tear in places. Author Taylor Hardman has done a wonderful job in creating the characters of Bill and Amelia. Readers will be able to relate to, connect with and truly care about these two, and will continue to think about them long after the last page has been read. If that isn’t a hallmark of a great author, I’m not sure what is. Any reader who enjoys a sweet romance or just a nice fictional story in general should definitely pick up this book. I highly recommend Keeping It Cool, and look forward to reading more from the very promising author, Taylor Hardman, as soon as possible!
In a wonderful book by debut author Taylor Hardman, Keeping It Cool is a story that will suck readers in from the very start and keep them obsessively turning the pages all the way through to the very end. Follow the story of Bill Evans, a man who finally feels that he just might have his life on track. He’s doing well with his heating and air conditioning business, and the remodels that he’s working on in the old house he bought on auction are turning out well. But when he finds an old box of letters and meets a lovely young history teacher, Amelia, who is willing to help him do some research on the events of the letters, his life takes a definite U-turn. Will Bill’s focus remain on his business and staying on the straight and narrow? Or have the letters he’s found taken him down a new path that might be even more important? You’ll need to read the book to find out!
I so enjoyed Keeping It Cool. This well-written story is lovely in its sweet romance, and readers will find themselves both laughing and wiping away a tear in places. Author Taylor Hardman has done a wonderful job in creating the characters of Bill and Amelia. Readers will be able to relate to, connect with and truly care about these two, and will continue to think about them long after the last page has been read. If that isn’t a hallmark of a great author, I’m not sure what is. Any reader who enjoys a sweet romance or just a nice fictional story in general should definitely pick up this book. I highly recommend Keeping It Cool, and look forward to reading more from the very promising author, Taylor Hardman, as soon as possible!
Recommend this book:
An Absence of Faith
David W. Gordon
2016 Finalist
280 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
An Absence of Faith is a suspense novel by David W. Gordon. Detectives Kate Manning and her partner, Mike Cooper, have a serial killer on their hands, who's preying on single young women in New York City. Each victim was found in her apartment with her heart missing, and the accompanying mutilations have them concerned over the increasing anger and rage the perpetrator is displaying. Father Gregory Sloan knows all too well who that perpetrator is. His younger brother, Victor, brings him the grisly trophies he collects and neatly wraps in gift boxes, and he presents each one to his hapless brother in the confessional. Victor doesn't believe in God; after all, how could God let his mother be a junkie and die instead of being there for him? Victor has promised that he will keep on killing -- and bringing his brother those trophies. Victor knows Gregory can't help but honor the promise he made to his mother to protect his younger brother, and he's bound by his promise to God to honor the secrecy of the confessional.
David W. Gordon's police procedural novel, An Absence of Faith, is dark and unsettling. Gordon indicates in his foreword that this novel was written at a time when the death of a loved one caused him to have a crisis of faith, and indeed, both Victor, the serial killer, and Kate, the cop who's on his trail, question whether God exists, and if he does they each wonder why God allows the bad stuff happen. The suave, affluent and polished Victor, whose carefully arranged exterior hides untold depths of anger and madness, is a chilling and dark killer, and his insanity lends a gritty atmosphere to this thought-provoking novel. I found the police procedural aspect of this story to be quite effective, and enjoyed watching as the two partners work to reconcile their professional and personal relationships. An Absence of Faith is a taut, well-constructed and fast-paced novel of suspense, and it's highly recommended.
An Absence of Faith is a suspense novel by David W. Gordon. Detectives Kate Manning and her partner, Mike Cooper, have a serial killer on their hands, who's preying on single young women in New York City. Each victim was found in her apartment with her heart missing, and the accompanying mutilations have them concerned over the increasing anger and rage the perpetrator is displaying. Father Gregory Sloan knows all too well who that perpetrator is. His younger brother, Victor, brings him the grisly trophies he collects and neatly wraps in gift boxes, and he presents each one to his hapless brother in the confessional. Victor doesn't believe in God; after all, how could God let his mother be a junkie and die instead of being there for him? Victor has promised that he will keep on killing -- and bringing his brother those trophies. Victor knows Gregory can't help but honor the promise he made to his mother to protect his younger brother, and he's bound by his promise to God to honor the secrecy of the confessional.
David W. Gordon's police procedural novel, An Absence of Faith, is dark and unsettling. Gordon indicates in his foreword that this novel was written at a time when the death of a loved one caused him to have a crisis of faith, and indeed, both Victor, the serial killer, and Kate, the cop who's on his trail, question whether God exists, and if he does they each wonder why God allows the bad stuff happen. The suave, affluent and polished Victor, whose carefully arranged exterior hides untold depths of anger and madness, is a chilling and dark killer, and his insanity lends a gritty atmosphere to this thought-provoking novel. I found the police procedural aspect of this story to be quite effective, and enjoyed watching as the two partners work to reconcile their professional and personal relationships. An Absence of Faith is a taut, well-constructed and fast-paced novel of suspense, and it's highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Thundering
Megan Davidson
2016 Finalist
292 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
In an absolutely wonderful new work by author Megan Davidson, The Thundering, readers will find themselves following the stories of psychologist Cathy Morgen and her teenaged patient, Joseph. Taking place in Portland, Oregon in 1961, the story gives us some very realistic and heartbreaking insights into the atmosphere of mental health facilities of the era. When Cathy first meets Joseph, after receiving a distressed call from the director of the Summerhaven Mental Hospital asking for her help, she finds an absolutely shattered young man. Bucking, neighing and kicking, just like a mustang in the midst of a panic, Joseph's actions appear more horse than human. Using all of her skills, she makes it her mission to find out what has happened in Joseph's life to make him the way he is. At the same time, this journey is one of redemption for her as she tries to recover from the loss of another young patient.
I loved this book. Loved. It. I don't know what I else I could say to adequately describe how fantastic author Megan Davidson's new work is. Her character development skills are second to none. She has written characters, especially Joseph and Cathy, that the reader will truly come to care about and will think about long after the book is finished. If that isn't the hallmark of a great author, I am not sure what is. This book is absolutely un-put-down-able. I read it from start to finish in one sitting. I simply had to know what happened next. The Thundering would appeal to any reader who loves a generally great work of fiction, but especially those who love a book that will have their heart pounding. I highly recommend The Thundering and am very much looking forward to reading whatever author Megan Davidson has in store for her readers next!
In an absolutely wonderful new work by author Megan Davidson, The Thundering, readers will find themselves following the stories of psychologist Cathy Morgen and her teenaged patient, Joseph. Taking place in Portland, Oregon in 1961, the story gives us some very realistic and heartbreaking insights into the atmosphere of mental health facilities of the era. When Cathy first meets Joseph, after receiving a distressed call from the director of the Summerhaven Mental Hospital asking for her help, she finds an absolutely shattered young man. Bucking, neighing and kicking, just like a mustang in the midst of a panic, Joseph's actions appear more horse than human. Using all of her skills, she makes it her mission to find out what has happened in Joseph's life to make him the way he is. At the same time, this journey is one of redemption for her as she tries to recover from the loss of another young patient.
I loved this book. Loved. It. I don't know what I else I could say to adequately describe how fantastic author Megan Davidson's new work is. Her character development skills are second to none. She has written characters, especially Joseph and Cathy, that the reader will truly come to care about and will think about long after the book is finished. If that isn't the hallmark of a great author, I am not sure what is. This book is absolutely un-put-down-able. I read it from start to finish in one sitting. I simply had to know what happened next. The Thundering would appeal to any reader who loves a generally great work of fiction, but especially those who love a book that will have their heart pounding. I highly recommend The Thundering and am very much looking forward to reading whatever author Megan Davidson has in store for her readers next!
Recommend this book:
How to Grow an Addict
A Novel
J.A. Wright
2016 Silver Medal
300 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Kayti Nika Raet for Readers' Favorite
How to Grow an Addict is an emotional, eye opening novel by J.A. Wright about 23-year-old Randall Grange. An intriguing glimpse into the heart of addiction, How to Grow an Addict reveals its premise in the title, beginning with a memoir-like feel when Randall is about six and chronicling her road to addiction. It begins in small steps; an alcoholic and abusive father, a distant mother with her collection of pills, and an idolized older brother whose image is soon tarnished by a nasty personality. Lonely and awkward, Randall strives for acceptance and love, which often leads her to the wrong place and bad decisions. Getting through life on a steady diet of pills and booze, she is nonetheless surprised to find herself in a rehab center after one particularly bad night. Encouraged to reveal three secrets about herself as part of her treatment, How to Grow an Addict makes for an unflinching narrative about one young woman's coming of age and journey to finding and accepting her true self.
Though a dark read, in How to Grow an Addict J.A. Wright is masterful in keeping alive some small bloom of hope for Randall as she navigates a treacherous path. It makes for an incredibly powerful portrayal of the dynamics of a dysfunctional family and how none of the members is immune from the toxicity. I really enjoyed the frankness that Wright wrote with; there were no maudlin moments and she didn't hesitate to shine a light on the more heartbreaking aspects of Randall's life. I especially loved the glimpse of hope we see at the end. An emotional read that really draws the reader in.
How to Grow an Addict is an emotional, eye opening novel by J.A. Wright about 23-year-old Randall Grange. An intriguing glimpse into the heart of addiction, How to Grow an Addict reveals its premise in the title, beginning with a memoir-like feel when Randall is about six and chronicling her road to addiction. It begins in small steps; an alcoholic and abusive father, a distant mother with her collection of pills, and an idolized older brother whose image is soon tarnished by a nasty personality. Lonely and awkward, Randall strives for acceptance and love, which often leads her to the wrong place and bad decisions. Getting through life on a steady diet of pills and booze, she is nonetheless surprised to find herself in a rehab center after one particularly bad night. Encouraged to reveal three secrets about herself as part of her treatment, How to Grow an Addict makes for an unflinching narrative about one young woman's coming of age and journey to finding and accepting her true self.
Though a dark read, in How to Grow an Addict J.A. Wright is masterful in keeping alive some small bloom of hope for Randall as she navigates a treacherous path. It makes for an incredibly powerful portrayal of the dynamics of a dysfunctional family and how none of the members is immune from the toxicity. I really enjoyed the frankness that Wright wrote with; there were no maudlin moments and she didn't hesitate to shine a light on the more heartbreaking aspects of Randall's life. I especially loved the glimpse of hope we see at the end. An emotional read that really draws the reader in.
Recommend this book:
The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee
Talya Tate Boerner
2016 Gold Medal
332 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
“Daddy was in a bad mood…He was predictable. Just like my life so far.”
But Gracie’s life was far from predictable. Growing up in the cotton fields of Arkansas, Gracie saw her life as one of heinous misfortune. The victim of the meanest girl at Savage Crossing Elementary School and the daughter of a controlling, mean, alcoholic father, Gracie did her best to keep quiet when life’s injustices fell into her lap. But there were times when it was all just too much. It was during those times when Gracie’s adventurous spirit led her to explore the mysteries of the abandoned grey house down the road or to eavesdrop on her mother’s party-line phone calls. This was how she discovered the seriousness of her father’s medical problems and fueled her Nancy Drew tendencies. Her only outlet was the invitational time at church when she held her weekly “talk” with Brother Brown.
The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee is one of the best books I have read in a long, long while. Integrating themes of substance abuse, lessons in morality, and timeless fears of coming of age, author Talya Tate Boerner has excelled in the brilliance of bringing characters to life in her debut novel. The storytelling rarity of multiple story lines is effortlessly successful in this vividly told tale. Boerner utilizes all of the senses to weave a story filled with human emotion so palpable that the reader is forced to step away from the pages in order to digest the full impact of her words. I enthusiastically applaud this story and the future of this author.
“Daddy was in a bad mood…He was predictable. Just like my life so far.”
But Gracie’s life was far from predictable. Growing up in the cotton fields of Arkansas, Gracie saw her life as one of heinous misfortune. The victim of the meanest girl at Savage Crossing Elementary School and the daughter of a controlling, mean, alcoholic father, Gracie did her best to keep quiet when life’s injustices fell into her lap. But there were times when it was all just too much. It was during those times when Gracie’s adventurous spirit led her to explore the mysteries of the abandoned grey house down the road or to eavesdrop on her mother’s party-line phone calls. This was how she discovered the seriousness of her father’s medical problems and fueled her Nancy Drew tendencies. Her only outlet was the invitational time at church when she held her weekly “talk” with Brother Brown.
The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee is one of the best books I have read in a long, long while. Integrating themes of substance abuse, lessons in morality, and timeless fears of coming of age, author Talya Tate Boerner has excelled in the brilliance of bringing characters to life in her debut novel. The storytelling rarity of multiple story lines is effortlessly successful in this vividly told tale. Boerner utilizes all of the senses to weave a story filled with human emotion so palpable that the reader is forced to step away from the pages in order to digest the full impact of her words. I enthusiastically applaud this story and the future of this author.
Recommend this book:
Illusion of an Ending
Danielle Soucy Mills
2015 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Illusion Of An Ending by award winning author Danielle Soucy Mills gives us a glimpse of life after death, not as we always have imagined it. Jimmy, a young man with a promising life ahead of him, dies in a motorcycle accident. As his family grieves, his soul tries to find a way to communicate with them, especially his mother, Patricia. Meanwhile, Llorena, a teenage girl who has the ability to communicate with spirits, is suddenly uprooted from her family home. Her mother tells her that they are moving back to her hometown because she has to take care of her mother. Llorena is shocked because she was not aware that her grandmother, who shares her gift, is still around. What follows is a story that deals with spirituality, metaphysics and love.
Danielle Soucy Mills’ novel Illusion Of An Ending is a gripping story about a young man who is gone too soon, a grieving mother, and a young girl with extraordinary abilities; three people who suddenly find themselves connected to each another. Life after death is a mystery that is intriguing for all of us because we all have friends and relatives who are already dead and, inevitably, all of us will die. So this is a theme that will attract the attention of readers and the book certainly does not disappoint. Written from various characters' perspectives, it is like getting into the skin of the main protagonists. I think one of the biggest achievements of this book is that it gives us a picture of life after death that makes dying easier to accept. Highly recommended!
Illusion Of An Ending by award winning author Danielle Soucy Mills gives us a glimpse of life after death, not as we always have imagined it. Jimmy, a young man with a promising life ahead of him, dies in a motorcycle accident. As his family grieves, his soul tries to find a way to communicate with them, especially his mother, Patricia. Meanwhile, Llorena, a teenage girl who has the ability to communicate with spirits, is suddenly uprooted from her family home. Her mother tells her that they are moving back to her hometown because she has to take care of her mother. Llorena is shocked because she was not aware that her grandmother, who shares her gift, is still around. What follows is a story that deals with spirituality, metaphysics and love.
Danielle Soucy Mills’ novel Illusion Of An Ending is a gripping story about a young man who is gone too soon, a grieving mother, and a young girl with extraordinary abilities; three people who suddenly find themselves connected to each another. Life after death is a mystery that is intriguing for all of us because we all have friends and relatives who are already dead and, inevitably, all of us will die. So this is a theme that will attract the attention of readers and the book certainly does not disappoint. Written from various characters' perspectives, it is like getting into the skin of the main protagonists. I think one of the biggest achievements of this book is that it gives us a picture of life after death that makes dying easier to accept. Highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
Blue Sun, Yellow Sky
Jamie Hoang
2015 Honorable Mention
205 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Blue Sun, Yellow Sky by Jamie Jo Hoang is a heart rending novel about artist Audrey Johnson who has been diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa and will soon be blind. She decides to go on a trip around the world with her old friend Jeff. Being a painter, this trip is very important to her and she tries to recreate the images of each place many times in front of her eyes. As her sight slowly deteriorates with each passing day, she realizes that she has not lost everything. This magnificent journey with the author not only takes readers to different countries, but also tells readers more about Retinitis Pigmentosa and its effect.
The author's story is human and it takes readers through myriad emotions, ranging from self pity to acceptance and finally to adjusting and adapting to reality. The author's positive attitude towards life is uplifting and the book also teaches readers about Retinitis Pigmentosa. A romantic angle between the two friends also run subtly through the plot. The book has many dimensions to it and that makes it a compelling read. The author's journey to many lands and her journey into blindness capture life and loss nicely.
The journey to different countries makes Audrey strong and enables her to handle her life with more grace and dignity. The book also captures the sights, sounds and essence of each country and the author makes this very visual by her descriptions. The story is unique and the author creates characters and incidents that are plausible. A beautiful story of hope and acceptance.
Blue Sun, Yellow Sky by Jamie Jo Hoang is a heart rending novel about artist Audrey Johnson who has been diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa and will soon be blind. She decides to go on a trip around the world with her old friend Jeff. Being a painter, this trip is very important to her and she tries to recreate the images of each place many times in front of her eyes. As her sight slowly deteriorates with each passing day, she realizes that she has not lost everything. This magnificent journey with the author not only takes readers to different countries, but also tells readers more about Retinitis Pigmentosa and its effect.
The author's story is human and it takes readers through myriad emotions, ranging from self pity to acceptance and finally to adjusting and adapting to reality. The author's positive attitude towards life is uplifting and the book also teaches readers about Retinitis Pigmentosa. A romantic angle between the two friends also run subtly through the plot. The book has many dimensions to it and that makes it a compelling read. The author's journey to many lands and her journey into blindness capture life and loss nicely.
The journey to different countries makes Audrey strong and enables her to handle her life with more grace and dignity. The book also captures the sights, sounds and essence of each country and the author makes this very visual by her descriptions. The story is unique and the author creates characters and incidents that are plausible. A beautiful story of hope and acceptance.
Recommend this book:
The Notorious Dream of Jesús Lázaro
A Novel
Terence Clarke
2015 Honorable Mention
302 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite
Sweeping. Beautiful. Striking. I could go on, but one word descriptions of a book, especially one as wonderful as The Notorious Dream of Jesús Lázaro, would not suffice. This masterful work by author Terence Clarke follows the titular artist, Jesús Lázaro, on his journey to complete his master work, murals that he feels called to complete on the exterior of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco. The Archbishop that oversees the Cathedral, Ruben Mullins, and the Pope himself, refuse to allow Jesús his desire. But when a miraculous and painful sign from God is visited upon the Archbishop himself, he realizes that he must allow the murals to be painted, however unconventional they may be. The decision leads to chaos in the streets of San Francisco, concern from the echelons of the Vatican, and perhaps attention from God Himself.
Sometimes, as a reviewer, one feels that they may not be able to do a book justice in the short amount of time one has to write a review. This is one of those times. Terence Clarke’s novel, The Notorious Dream of Jesús Lázaro, follows an artist in the creation of his life’s masterpiece. Mr. Clarke, in writing this saga, has completed his own literary masterpiece. I simply cannot recommend this book more highly. It would appeal to any lover of fiction, the art world, or simply great writing. I loved, loved, loved this book and I cannot wait to read more of Terence Clarke’s work.
Sweeping. Beautiful. Striking. I could go on, but one word descriptions of a book, especially one as wonderful as The Notorious Dream of Jesús Lázaro, would not suffice. This masterful work by author Terence Clarke follows the titular artist, Jesús Lázaro, on his journey to complete his master work, murals that he feels called to complete on the exterior of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco. The Archbishop that oversees the Cathedral, Ruben Mullins, and the Pope himself, refuse to allow Jesús his desire. But when a miraculous and painful sign from God is visited upon the Archbishop himself, he realizes that he must allow the murals to be painted, however unconventional they may be. The decision leads to chaos in the streets of San Francisco, concern from the echelons of the Vatican, and perhaps attention from God Himself.
Sometimes, as a reviewer, one feels that they may not be able to do a book justice in the short amount of time one has to write a review. This is one of those times. Terence Clarke’s novel, The Notorious Dream of Jesús Lázaro, follows an artist in the creation of his life’s masterpiece. Mr. Clarke, in writing this saga, has completed his own literary masterpiece. I simply cannot recommend this book more highly. It would appeal to any lover of fiction, the art world, or simply great writing. I loved, loved, loved this book and I cannot wait to read more of Terence Clarke’s work.
Recommend this book:
Thieving Forest
Martha Conway
2015 Bronze Medal
417 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Ioana Marza for Readers' Favorite
When Susanna Quiner went out of the Ohio house she shared with her four sisters in order to feed the pig one morning, she did not imagine she might not see them for a very long time, or even forever. Thieving Forest by Martha Conway follows Susanna’s determined search for her sisters after she witnesses their abduction by Native Americans. During this journey, Susanna learns to work hard and do things she would have never imagined, and most of all she learns how much she loves her sisters and how she would stop at nothing to find them. The journey is life-changing for all the Quiners, and some discover very surprising things about themselves and the sacrifices and the life choices they ultimately make. The experience either destroys the life of some or gives a clear path in life to others.
Thieving Forest is a well written novel, very rich in historical details of how life in 1806 must have been. Martha Conway vividly describes a time when a human life was valued less than a horse’s and when people - regardless of race - were traded across America like cattle. It is evident the extent of the research Conway did into the geography of Ohio, the swamps, the food, the diseases that people were battling with, and most of all, the customs of the Native Americans at a time when some of them were dealing with/living in the same settlements as white people, while most of them followed their old tribal ways. Besides being a historical novel, Thieving Forest is a compelling mystery which I read breathlessly, keen to find out what happens next. It also made me think about the precariousness of what we value in life, the same as the Quiners did once with a completely different perspective. The depths of the issues considered, the wealth of historical detail, the realistic descriptions of the never ending forests and the creatures living there, and the actual story line all combine to make Thieving Forest a great read. I have nothing but good things to say about Thieving Forest. I really enjoyed reading it and it is a pleasure to occasionally find such a great book. I highly recommend it.
When Susanna Quiner went out of the Ohio house she shared with her four sisters in order to feed the pig one morning, she did not imagine she might not see them for a very long time, or even forever. Thieving Forest by Martha Conway follows Susanna’s determined search for her sisters after she witnesses their abduction by Native Americans. During this journey, Susanna learns to work hard and do things she would have never imagined, and most of all she learns how much she loves her sisters and how she would stop at nothing to find them. The journey is life-changing for all the Quiners, and some discover very surprising things about themselves and the sacrifices and the life choices they ultimately make. The experience either destroys the life of some or gives a clear path in life to others.
Thieving Forest is a well written novel, very rich in historical details of how life in 1806 must have been. Martha Conway vividly describes a time when a human life was valued less than a horse’s and when people - regardless of race - were traded across America like cattle. It is evident the extent of the research Conway did into the geography of Ohio, the swamps, the food, the diseases that people were battling with, and most of all, the customs of the Native Americans at a time when some of them were dealing with/living in the same settlements as white people, while most of them followed their old tribal ways. Besides being a historical novel, Thieving Forest is a compelling mystery which I read breathlessly, keen to find out what happens next. It also made me think about the precariousness of what we value in life, the same as the Quiners did once with a completely different perspective. The depths of the issues considered, the wealth of historical detail, the realistic descriptions of the never ending forests and the creatures living there, and the actual story line all combine to make Thieving Forest a great read. I have nothing but good things to say about Thieving Forest. I really enjoyed reading it and it is a pleasure to occasionally find such a great book. I highly recommend it.
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