Review by Espie -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon

[Espie]

As often as I've come across Strong Heart, I've just never found anything of interest in the story line. It sounds like a slow book, and I'm not interested in anything mystical. Still passing on this one.

It is not uncommon for parents and carers to prefer lesson-filled storybooks for our children. This piece is not the fairy-tale one I've come to love as a kid. However, it has the "metaphorical semblance" of life's stark yet gleanable reality that it isn't easy for some as it is for a number of us. Upon further introspection, it may even lead us to realisations and insights that could cause the ripple of understanding and compassion that we'd like to teach our younger generations. It's fictional and yet not bereft of well-researched facts and details. Thank you for dropping by and for your honesty.

[Espie]

It may be otherwise referred to as adventures of Sarah Cooley. I believe that the hardships of growing up as an orphan must have given her the courage to face all manner of challenges during her adventures.

It is quite admirable when one undergoes a lot in life and yet still emerge intact and positive amidst everything. Although fictional as it should be, this story is not bereft of life's lessons and realities. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Espie]

At first I wasn't sure if I would like this story. It's not the usual type of book that I like to read, but I found the characters very real and not flat like you often find. I could picture Sarah who at first seems like your typical whiny teenager but you soon see that she is just looking to be loved and accepted by someone. I could see myself reading the entire thing so I know how it turns out.

It wasn't what I initially expected it to be, but this piece didn't disappoint at all. I hope you'd read and find this piece as read-worthy as I did. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Espie]

I like the thoroughness of your review and the constructive criticisms that you provided. I am excited to read this book soon since many members have commented about how good the plot is. I also like the inter generational conflict and understanding that happens in this book. I like the cover art and I can easily imagine the four trekking through the forests of Washington state.

Indeed, it's about familial ties, relationships, challenges, and all other facets of an adventure fictional piece but with the facts and tinges of life's reality. This book defied my initial expectations, and I hope you'd read and find it as worthwhile as I did. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and positive comments.

[Espie]

This book tells the adventures of an orphan girl who travels the Olympic National Park. I like the travel theme of this book, but I think that the way it is written is not for me.

Life's journey isn't as smooth sailing as one would have preferred it to be. For some, if not too many of us in real life, it could be more challenging and even tumultuous. If you're after a fictional story of life's truths, family, relationships, courage, and hope, this could be for you. Thank you for your honesty.

[Espie]

Wonderful, fantasy story of a girl Sarah Cooley who along with her grandfather and dad traveled and explored the majestic landscapes of the Olympic National Park on their way to pay customary homage to Sarah's great-great-grandfather, Bob-bob. Her journey is quite adventurous with lot of challenges and learning, and the story is written nicely and seems to be quite enjoyable.

I agree. Thank you for dropping by and sharing your thoughts.

[Espie]

I really enjoyed the review seeing how all the characters were so particular about their roles.its a intriguing story that catches the eye.

It's not what it would've readily seemed, but it is a worthwhile read. The characters all came to be for a reason, indeed. I do hope you'd read and find this piece as noteworthy as I did. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and kind words.

[Espie]

Well it seems like a nice book by the review so i'll definitely read it

This book defied my initial expectations. I do hope you'd find it as noteworthy as I did, too. Thank you for dropping by and for your kind words.

[Espie]

Interesting, I don't think I've ever come across a book like this before, described as a combination of "pragmatic consciousness and imaginative mysticism". I'm a big fan of speculative fiction and fantasy is my favorite genre, though I'm not sure how I would take to this since I'm one of those readers who prefer more traditional interpretations of the genre However, you have piqued my curiosity. I may give this one a try if ever the mood for something different strikes!

This isn't a Lucas, Rowling or Tolkien stuff. However, it isn't bereft of imaginative allusions, metaphors, and creative details either. This could even bring you closer to what's "traditional" in figurative as well as literal senses of the word. It wasn't what I expected it to be but, with a splash of patience and an open mind, it could turn out read-worthy. Thank you for dropping by and for sharing your positive thoughts.

[Espie]

I also read and reviewed this storybook by Charlie. I was amazed by Sarah's role in the narrative; she helped them to accomplish many tasks, but she also made their journey very mysterious.

I could say the same, too. Life could also be as complex as could be, indeed, with its myriad facets, twists, and turns. Also, what one wise person once said, "people come to our lives for a reason." This book's characters are not exemptions as things now seem. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Espie]

From the sample and this review it seems like an interesting story not truly an inspirational book but almost a how to find yourself type of book as it goes through there experience of the journey in remembrance of the ancestor that is mentioned. Adding this to y read later list. Grats on botd and wonderful review.

This book may not be instructional but it could also inspire through its characters' journey. The author's years of work and efforts paid off in this one, indeed. Thank you for your kind words.

[Rockyshow]

This book is quite interesting. ...This is the kind of book I love to read...is not just a book but brain thoughts

[Espie]

Thanks for a very detailed thorough review. This sounds like quite an adventure with mystery, mysticism, folklore, traditions, and scientific theories. Quite a mix.

It's quite an unexpected "mix" of those, indeed, plus more. I hope you'd read and find it as noteworthy and worthwhile as I did. It may be as fictional as could be, and yet it's not bereft of reality's truth though strange such may at times seem. Thank you for sharing a piece of your mind and your kind words.

[Espie]

great review! i think Sarah is a type of character i really want to read. moreover, i'm quite curious to know how pragmatic consciousness and imaginative mysticism works together. i'm looking forward to finally reading this one.

I believe a lot of us would be able to relate well to the realities of her past. With all the fancy words I chose to use for my review, the simple truth is that this piece is a unique concoction of believable realities and make-believe details that could also be not mere fiction. I do hope you'd read and find this piece as worthwhile as I did. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and kind words.

[Espie]

Thank you for your honest review concerning this book. While I am an avid reader of fantasy novels, I don't think that this book will be a good fit for me. While the author gives the reader something unique with this story of family, discovery and some fantasy elements are woven in I prefer more "true" fantasy than this book offers. The storyline doesn't appeal to me so I will be passing on reading this book.

This piece isn't really a Tolkien or Rowling one. However, it isn't bereft of the imaginative details that fantastical fiction to tickle our minds as to what could be. Whereas it begins with the realities that we could face, it has the metaphorical allusions to what we could wield beyond the ordinary, too. I understand and respect the fact, though, that we have varying perspectives and corresponding preferences. Thank you as well for your honest comments.