Review by Merlin+reads -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
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Review by Merlin+reads -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
Of the book Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon, the author has created a story within a story. As the outer story, or shell, develops it brings us almost suddenly into an old world of the past, the inner story, where our heroine Sarah "awakes" and becomes one with a band of Native American people on their journey through wild nature and deep survival. Learning these skills and bonding with the extreme integrity of these people, she becomes Strong Heart. This is a very powerful journey.
As the book opens we see another more modern group of travelers, most disgruntled for various reasons, making their own journey through the wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula. Sarah unexpectedly has become part of this group. When disaster strikes and Sarah disappears, their current worries shift and they slowly realize what is most important and how much they truly care for each other. In each story, past and present, both sets of travelers learn the way of trust and band together for a common purpose. Reckless problems and worries become dim and a simpler way of just being alive takes hold.
I didn't find myself disliking much of anything in this book. Possibly my one minor disfavor was simply that it took a while to get going, sometimes the hike itself becoming a bit pedantic. And the travelers' discourse seemed at times sluggish. But, maybe that's exactly how it would be on a journey into the wilds.
The things I liked most were the ingenious way the author incorporated the inner story of the past into the overall book. It was quite well done. The characters themselves were also endearing companions with bantering, storytelling and very realistic qualities which made the book highly enjoyable. But mostly, I really liked the way the author finished the book. He chose not to resolve the problems of the outer world we see, but rather more wholly letting the inner trusts and bonds grow stronger. The story in that sense never has a final ending but goes on. He leaves us with the realization of what really is important in this shell of a world, and that maybe these answers can be found in a simpler life, integrity, trust and by honoring nature. A life where we can all become Strong Hearts.
Because of the interesting way the author developed the story line and the excellent character interaction, being very detailed and realistic and for its hidden richness, I gave this book a 4 out of 4 stars. As for audience appeal I feel it is a pleasant read for all, especially those who have an affinity for the wilderness and nature. Also those who hold a special interest in Native American history and ways of life would enjoy this book. I also feel it is a book one can pick up and read more than once, perhaps gleaning a few more smiles and messages from. Thanks to the author for writing a unique and thought provoking read.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Of the book Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon, the author has created a story within a story. As the outer story, or shell, develops it brings us almost suddenly into an old world of the past, the inner story, where our heroine Sarah "awakes" and becomes one with a band of Native American people on their journey through wild nature and deep survival. Learning these skills and bonding with the extreme integrity of these people, she becomes Strong Heart. This is a very powerful journey.
As the book opens we see another more modern group of travelers, most disgruntled for various reasons, making their own journey through the wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula. Sarah unexpectedly has become part of this group. When disaster strikes and Sarah disappears, their current worries shift and they slowly realize what is most important and how much they truly care for each other. In each story, past and present, both sets of travelers learn the way of trust and band together for a common purpose. Reckless problems and worries become dim and a simpler way of just being alive takes hold.
I didn't find myself disliking much of anything in this book. Possibly my one minor disfavor was simply that it took a while to get going, sometimes the hike itself becoming a bit pedantic. And the travelers' discourse seemed at times sluggish. But, maybe that's exactly how it would be on a journey into the wilds.
The things I liked most were the ingenious way the author incorporated the inner story of the past into the overall book. It was quite well done. The characters themselves were also endearing companions with bantering, storytelling and very realistic qualities which made the book highly enjoyable. But mostly, I really liked the way the author finished the book. He chose not to resolve the problems of the outer world we see, but rather more wholly letting the inner trusts and bonds grow stronger. The story in that sense never has a final ending but goes on. He leaves us with the realization of what really is important in this shell of a world, and that maybe these answers can be found in a simpler life, integrity, trust and by honoring nature. A life where we can all become Strong Hearts.
Because of the interesting way the author developed the story line and the excellent character interaction, being very detailed and realistic and for its hidden richness, I gave this book a 4 out of 4 stars. As for audience appeal I feel it is a pleasant read for all, especially those who have an affinity for the wilderness and nature. Also those who hold a special interest in Native American history and ways of life would enjoy this book. I also feel it is a book one can pick up and read more than once, perhaps gleaning a few more smiles and messages from. Thanks to the author for writing a unique and thought provoking read.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Homecoming by Jude Austin
