Review of Welcome to Shadow Creek
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Jenny Carpenter
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- Latest Review: Welcome to Shadow Creek by Don Williams
Review of Welcome to Shadow Creek
[Following is a volunteer review of "Welcome to Shadow Creek" by Don Williams.]
Welcome to Shadow Creek is a young adult novel written by Don Williams, capturing the coming-of-age story of Lib Rinke, an anxious teenager who adventures on a camping excursion with his father, Mr. Rinke, his brother, Burl, and two family friends, Foy and Coy. Lib experiences several adventures, with everything from fishing for the first time, to learning how to make a campfire, to even seeing creatures that he would have never expected to come across. As he goes through each experience, he learns how to overcome his anxieties, bond with his father, and make more friends at Shadow Creek, such as Kneebone Setter and his son, Nod. Welcome to Shadow Creek details not just Lib's adventures, but how he matures through them.
The positive aspects of this novel were that the relationships between Lib and his father, as well as between Lib and his brother and friends, were relatable and personal. It was clear that Lib's gradual closeness with his father over the course of the story also developed his own character. The open communication, as well as his father challenging him, brings a greater courage in Lib that is inspiring. It was also satisfying to see the growth between Lib and Nod, and how their relationship develops throughout the book. Williams expertly helps his characters grow through their interactions with one another, and thus, develops his themes of how teenagers must mature through experiences that challenge them.
However, there were several negative aspects to this novel, which is what led me to my rating. There was little character motivation throughout the plot, which limited any twists; there was little conflict, other than Lib's occasional anxieties. Therefore, the little plot and conflict made the book difficult to read. In addition, Williams' descriptions are so heavy that it created confusion on the setting. Because there is only one chapter over the course of over two hundred pages, and little plot structure, it is difficult to understand the pacing of the book, and it often feels as if it may continuously drag, rather than move at an enjoyable pace for the reader.
Therefore, I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. There were several errors throughout the book, such as incorrect grammar, spelling, and even missing pages. While Lib's character development was enjoyable, there was little pacing, plot, or conflict, other than Lib's occasional worries.
I lightly recommend this book to a younger adult audience. There were several aspects of Lib's anxiety that many teenagers could relate to; there were also many parts of the book, such as his relationship with his father, that young adults could benefit from reading. There is no profanity, so young adults will also enjoy having a clean novel. Williams' writing was difficult to read; however, many may find his camping stories appealing, and therefore, worth the read.
******
Welcome to Shadow Creek
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Welcome to Shadow Creek is a young adult novel written by Don Williams, capturing the coming-of-age story of Lib Rinke, an anxious teenager who adventures on a camping excursion with his father, Mr. Rinke, his brother, Burl, and two family friends, Foy and Coy. Lib experiences several adventures, with everything from fishing for the first time, to learning how to make a campfire, to even seeing creatures that he would have never expected to come across. As he goes through each experience, he learns how to overcome his anxieties, bond with his father, and make more friends at Shadow Creek, such as Kneebone Setter and his son, Nod. Welcome to Shadow Creek details not just Lib's adventures, but how he matures through them.
The positive aspects of this novel were that the relationships between Lib and his father, as well as between Lib and his brother and friends, were relatable and personal. It was clear that Lib's gradual closeness with his father over the course of the story also developed his own character. The open communication, as well as his father challenging him, brings a greater courage in Lib that is inspiring. It was also satisfying to see the growth between Lib and Nod, and how their relationship develops throughout the book. Williams expertly helps his characters grow through their interactions with one another, and thus, develops his themes of how teenagers must mature through experiences that challenge them.
However, there were several negative aspects to this novel, which is what led me to my rating. There was little character motivation throughout the plot, which limited any twists; there was little conflict, other than Lib's occasional anxieties. Therefore, the little plot and conflict made the book difficult to read. In addition, Williams' descriptions are so heavy that it created confusion on the setting. Because there is only one chapter over the course of over two hundred pages, and little plot structure, it is difficult to understand the pacing of the book, and it often feels as if it may continuously drag, rather than move at an enjoyable pace for the reader.
Therefore, I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. There were several errors throughout the book, such as incorrect grammar, spelling, and even missing pages. While Lib's character development was enjoyable, there was little pacing, plot, or conflict, other than Lib's occasional worries.
I lightly recommend this book to a younger adult audience. There were several aspects of Lib's anxiety that many teenagers could relate to; there were also many parts of the book, such as his relationship with his father, that young adults could benefit from reading. There is no profanity, so young adults will also enjoy having a clean novel. Williams' writing was difficult to read; however, many may find his camping stories appealing, and therefore, worth the read.
******
Welcome to Shadow Creek
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Welcome to Shadow Creek by Don Williams
