Review by VernaVi -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon

Verna Coy · Post by **Verna Coy** » 29 May 2019, 05:38

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon, is the first book in the Strong Heart Series. It begins one cold and rainy afternoon when Tom finds out he has a grand-daughter (Sarah). He and his daughter Myra, and friend William are ready to embark on a pre-planned trek to visit the grave of Tom's grandfather ( a spiritual journey). The decision to take Sarah with them through the wilderness proves to be an enlightening journey for them all. Sarah sketches a short-faced bear that she saw along the trail. She felt that it wanted her to follow. Was it a spirit bear, or was it real? As they travel, they become closer to nature and the country of their native beginnings. Tom shows the group an artifact that his grandfather found. Will it be enough to stop the mining from happening in the area that is so connected with their family and local custom?

This book is a beautiful journey of discovery. It encompasses more than just an exploration of country and wilderness, but old ties, family roots, and spiritual beginnings. The characters in this book are well-developed. Their relationships with each other are believable and real. It's not hard to picture them in the environment or situations that this tale weaves.

The writing of Charlie Sheldon always seems to have the same effect on me. It makes me think about the close ties we all have to Mother Nature. The descriptions of some of the prehistoric animals in the north make one consider our present times. Even now, we deal with huge wolves. There is the occasional throwback in the bloodline that should have been born back then. His descriptions of wilderness surroundings resonate with those who have experienced it firsthand and provide the reader with a glimpse into that world.

People who love camping will enjoy this book. It describes in detail how to build simple shelters, make a fire, heat water for tea. Things that come naturally to someone who is used to camping will be invaluable information for new hikers and campers reading this story. Something as simple as drying a tent is fundamental. I appreciate that attention to detail. The way the characters stop for breaks along the trail reminds me of how we used to do things when I was small. There was always time to stop to build a fire and make tea. It made the long journeys bearable and much more enjoyable.

When I was little, we used to fish subsistence (as well as commercial-fishing) on Interior Alaska's rivers. Fish-camp was a place to work, take care of fish, eat, and sleep. We had a ball. For kids my age, it was a fantastic adventure as well as tough work. I hung fish on the racks every day until there were no fish left to hang. Sometimes 700 fish in the morning and that amount again in the evening. The camping was the best part. That white canvas wall tent with a stove in it was an absolute luxury when the day was cold. We gathered in there for meals during the cold afternoons, and it was a warm haven. This book makes me think of those times again when it describes the cold, harsh, yet beautiful surroundings.

As I read this story, I found myself cheering on the orphaned Sarah. She unconsciously identified with her family even though she tried not to. Her sketches of everything along the wilderness trail, as well as her family members, showed that she was making memories. It's essential for kids to connect this way, and I feel that it makes this story appeal to a young adult audience as well as a mature one.

This book is a touching story of family ties stretching through generations, wrapped together with myth and legend. It seems to be part of the present and past at the same time and is what I like the most about the book. I would find it difficult to find anything to dislike about this book. I'm rating it 4 out of 4 stars. It will appeal to a wide range of readers. I recommend it wholeheartedly to all who enjoy an adventure with just the right amount of suspense.

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Strong Heart
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