Review by IchbineinBerliner -- Strong Heart
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IchbineinBerliner
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Review by IchbineinBerliner -- Strong Heart
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon is a coming-of-age story set in the Pacific Northwest. As the novel begins, thirteen-year-old Sarah's mother is dead, and her father is working outside of the country. Sarah was sent to live first with her maternal grandmother, and then with her maternal grandfather, Tom. Tom never knew he had a grandchild, but he immediately included her in the camping trip he and his friends are making. It turned out to be quite a trip. Sarah learned more about her Native American heritage than anyone could have anticipated.
The author, Charlie Sheldon, is a natural storyteller with a lot of knowledge of Native American folklore in the Pacific Northwest. Most of Sarah's adventures are compellingly narrated by Sarah herself. I enjoyed not only her adventures in the wilderness, but also Sarah's unflinching understanding that she still had to face her problems when they return to civilization. I also liked watching taciturn Tom gradually becoming more involved in his granddaughter's life. The moment when he stood up to his ex-wife and her husband, on behalf of Sarah, is priceless.
The part I liked the least was the first few pages. Sarah is obviously a very angry, difficult child, who probably understands that absolutely no one wants her. Her hostility and bad manners mask her loneliness. My sympathies were entirely with Tom, though. Sarah is a rude kid with a smart mouth and a chip on her shoulder. After two days of camping with Sarah, I would be ready to spank her, too. In general, adolescents can get under anyone's skin. They are an awkward age group to love.
The part I liked most was the gradual and subtle development of a real bond between Sarah and her grandfather. By the end of the book, they had a better understanding of of, and respect for, each other's strengths. That respect, in itself, made all of the hardships of their journeys worthwhile. By the end of the book, I think the entire party had been given an intangible, priceless gift: a sense of connection to the land, to their ancestors, and, especially for Sarah and Tom, to their family.
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon really is a rousing coming-of-age/adventure story. I give it 4 out of 4 stars. I loved it, and by the climax I was on the edge of my seat. I found no typographical errors. It appears to have been professionally edited. There was rare profanity. There were also references to alcoholism and attempted abuse. Even so, this would be a great book for older adolescents to read. Some of them will identify with Sarah. I also recommend the book to anyone who has ever wanted to spank a teenager.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon is a coming-of-age story set in the Pacific Northwest. As the novel begins, thirteen-year-old Sarah's mother is dead, and her father is working outside of the country. Sarah was sent to live first with her maternal grandmother, and then with her maternal grandfather, Tom. Tom never knew he had a grandchild, but he immediately included her in the camping trip he and his friends are making. It turned out to be quite a trip. Sarah learned more about her Native American heritage than anyone could have anticipated.
The author, Charlie Sheldon, is a natural storyteller with a lot of knowledge of Native American folklore in the Pacific Northwest. Most of Sarah's adventures are compellingly narrated by Sarah herself. I enjoyed not only her adventures in the wilderness, but also Sarah's unflinching understanding that she still had to face her problems when they return to civilization. I also liked watching taciturn Tom gradually becoming more involved in his granddaughter's life. The moment when he stood up to his ex-wife and her husband, on behalf of Sarah, is priceless.
The part I liked the least was the first few pages. Sarah is obviously a very angry, difficult child, who probably understands that absolutely no one wants her. Her hostility and bad manners mask her loneliness. My sympathies were entirely with Tom, though. Sarah is a rude kid with a smart mouth and a chip on her shoulder. After two days of camping with Sarah, I would be ready to spank her, too. In general, adolescents can get under anyone's skin. They are an awkward age group to love.
The part I liked most was the gradual and subtle development of a real bond between Sarah and her grandfather. By the end of the book, they had a better understanding of of, and respect for, each other's strengths. That respect, in itself, made all of the hardships of their journeys worthwhile. By the end of the book, I think the entire party had been given an intangible, priceless gift: a sense of connection to the land, to their ancestors, and, especially for Sarah and Tom, to their family.
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon really is a rousing coming-of-age/adventure story. I give it 4 out of 4 stars. I loved it, and by the climax I was on the edge of my seat. I found no typographical errors. It appears to have been professionally edited. There was rare profanity. There were also references to alcoholism and attempted abuse. Even so, this would be a great book for older adolescents to read. Some of them will identify with Sarah. I also recommend the book to anyone who has ever wanted to spank a teenager.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Memoir Man by Frances Webb
