Review by roatanmama -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon

[roatanmama]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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This unique story is a book of fiction, or is it? It is similar to science fiction or fantasy, the difference being that this story just might have actually happened. Is it the author’s vivid imagination, or is it based on actual data?

STRONG HEART, written by Charlie Sheldon and published by Iron Twine Press, is a story about a young teenage girl, Sarah, who races through an amazing adventure and the four people who question what she tells them. Sarah has been shifted from one relative to another and finally lands on her grandfather’s doorstep just as he and his friends are ready to go hiking in the mountains. Although not sure what to do, they decide to continue with their plans and take Sarah with them. What follows is a strange and incredible story of adventure, trust, faith, hope, and survival.

Mr. Sheldon’s ability to describe scenes makes one think he vividly sees them in his mind and then is able to translate those pictures into words. I was able to visualize what was happening to Sarah, where she went, what happened to her on the way, in a way I have not experienced before. The beauty of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest comes to life on the pages.

I give this book a 3 out of 4 stars. I would have given it a 4, but it does not appear to have been professionally edited or proofed. There were numerous punctuation errors; to name a few: Page 9-
Tom had asked him to come along(+,) and William had asked Myra to join them,(-,) because he knew he
might need help. Page 14 - At least,(-,) with her along,(-,) his… Page 21 – Being ornery can help,(-,) out
here.” And one sentence that didn’t make sense to me: “Now is when ‘Eye, here, is off his ship. And he
told me this is the only time you can get away from the tribe.” It was not stated until much later that
William worked on a ship and that William and his daughter, Myra, lived on an Indian reservation, so this
sentence was very confusing to me. I also noted that most all of the dialogue, no matter who was speaking, was done in very short, abrupt sentences. This was distracting at first, but once into the story became less so. Capitalization was incorrect, but only in sentences where Myra was speaking to her father: “How about,(-,) you carry my pack, dad?” (Dad). Font is hard to read, letters seem squished.

STRONG HEART opened my mind to new possibilities while at the same time, being totally engaging
and entertaining. I think this book would appeal to people ages ten and above, and could cover many of
the genres. Although some of the scenes could be disturbing to younger children, it is written as part of
the total story and I feel more a learning experience than just plain violence. Although some of the technical explanations may be difficult for some, everyone will get the gist of the story, and those who do
understand them, will be delighted.

And finally, Charlie Sheldon has created a believable 13-year-old girl, capable of doing great things and withstanding very odd circumstances. He gently, or not so gently, brought her together with others
who both taught her and learned from her.

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Strong Heart
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