Review by Readinggrl18 -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
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Readinggrl18
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Review by Readinggrl18 -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
When Sarah showed up on Tom’s doorstep, he didn’t even know he had a granddaughter. Tom was preparing for a camping trip with his best friend William, and William’s daughter Myra. Sarah was an angry kid who had experienced loss and needed time away from her step father. The adults were planning to go to Tom’s grandfather's grave in the mountain park to return an ancient artifact his grandfather had. At William’s suggestion, they decided to take Sarah along. Both Tom and Sarah thought it wasn’t a good idea.
In the mountains, Sarah had several experiences that the others had a hard time believing. One such journey was during the eight days she went missing. The story she relayed upon returning was unfathomable. She said she experienced how people lived a long time ago including marriage, travel, food and craft. This caused internal conflict about a company who was planning to buy up the land and destroy its history. Maya was especially upset, as she worked in the tribal offices and was especially proud of her Indian heritage.
On their second trip into the mountains, William brought along Sergei, a scientist. Sergei was the most willing to accept Sarah's claims as they learned more about Sarah’s experience, and saw how it helped her in many ways on this trip. She was able to guide them out of danger with her new skills. She also convinced them that what she experienced on the first trip was real. She had seen where the artifact came from, and learned how to use it for protection.
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon is a fictional story about the power of friendship, family and belief. What I liked most about the book was how beautifully the author wove the story of past and present together. With detailed imagery, he painted a distinct picture of the places they traveled. There wasn’t anything I disliked most from this book. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The language was clear and thorough. The story explored the power of friendship between William, who was exceptional at supporting, encouraging, and challenging Tom, even when it caused him pain or inconvenience. It also explored the power of family through Myra and William’s relationship, Sergei’s devotion to his father, and the budding relationship between Sarah and Tom.
Even though I have not personally experienced what the characters had gone through, I found them all extremely relatable. They each had a very clear personality, with flaws and strengths. Their experiences shared about their early lives, as well as what happened throughout the book, really shaped who they were. I loved the conviction of their beliefs and willingness to see beyond the understandable.
I think this book could appeal to almost anyone. It explored culture and heritage. It delved into history and personal struggles. It dealt with relationships that were filled with concern, love, and challenges. It showed the joy and passion that is often associated with youth, and the wisdom often associated with age. It questioned the difference between fantasy and reality. It also gave a yearning to know more about the past and a hope in a future yet to come. There was something for everyone preteen and older in this book.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
When Sarah showed up on Tom’s doorstep, he didn’t even know he had a granddaughter. Tom was preparing for a camping trip with his best friend William, and William’s daughter Myra. Sarah was an angry kid who had experienced loss and needed time away from her step father. The adults were planning to go to Tom’s grandfather's grave in the mountain park to return an ancient artifact his grandfather had. At William’s suggestion, they decided to take Sarah along. Both Tom and Sarah thought it wasn’t a good idea.
In the mountains, Sarah had several experiences that the others had a hard time believing. One such journey was during the eight days she went missing. The story she relayed upon returning was unfathomable. She said she experienced how people lived a long time ago including marriage, travel, food and craft. This caused internal conflict about a company who was planning to buy up the land and destroy its history. Maya was especially upset, as she worked in the tribal offices and was especially proud of her Indian heritage.
On their second trip into the mountains, William brought along Sergei, a scientist. Sergei was the most willing to accept Sarah's claims as they learned more about Sarah’s experience, and saw how it helped her in many ways on this trip. She was able to guide them out of danger with her new skills. She also convinced them that what she experienced on the first trip was real. She had seen where the artifact came from, and learned how to use it for protection.
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon is a fictional story about the power of friendship, family and belief. What I liked most about the book was how beautifully the author wove the story of past and present together. With detailed imagery, he painted a distinct picture of the places they traveled. There wasn’t anything I disliked most from this book. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The language was clear and thorough. The story explored the power of friendship between William, who was exceptional at supporting, encouraging, and challenging Tom, even when it caused him pain or inconvenience. It also explored the power of family through Myra and William’s relationship, Sergei’s devotion to his father, and the budding relationship between Sarah and Tom.
Even though I have not personally experienced what the characters had gone through, I found them all extremely relatable. They each had a very clear personality, with flaws and strengths. Their experiences shared about their early lives, as well as what happened throughout the book, really shaped who they were. I loved the conviction of their beliefs and willingness to see beyond the understandable.
I think this book could appeal to almost anyone. It explored culture and heritage. It delved into history and personal struggles. It dealt with relationships that were filled with concern, love, and challenges. It showed the joy and passion that is often associated with youth, and the wisdom often associated with age. It questioned the difference between fantasy and reality. It also gave a yearning to know more about the past and a hope in a future yet to come. There was something for everyone preteen and older in this book.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Manasakd by Kelly May Andrews
