Review of Strong Heart
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AngieOdeh
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Review of Strong Heart
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
Charlie Sheldon has sent us on an adventurous trip of discovery. In his book Strong Heart, he meticulously mixes myths and facts, modern-day problems and ancient tales, geological data, and beautifully described landscapes. Thus, creating a fascinating fictional story.
In the Pacific Northwest, Tom is preparing to go camping with his friends William and Myra; an unexpected car drops by. Ruth, Tom's ex-wife, shows up at his doorstep with a 13 years old girl. Ruth claims that she is their granddaughter, that she just knew five days before, and she can't have her, so he must take care of her. The girl's name is Sarah, "Sarah Cooley" is an orphan and has attitude problems. After some discussion, Tom agrees to take Sarah with them to the Olympic Peninsula to honor the grave of his grandfather Bob-Bob.
During the hiking, Tom showed them an ancient artifact, an atlatl. It was near his grandfather's hat when he found him dead. Tom wanted to bring the dart thrower back to his grandfather's grave. Unfolding also, the sociopolitical interest of Fletcher, Ruth's husband, who plans to sell a mining claim that belonged to Bob-Bob, to a company called Buckhorn, for the mining of Erbium. If they could prove that the dart thrower was ancient, that area would be declared an archeological site, making mining impossible. Sarah got angry because she saw a short-face bear, a type of bear that has been extinct since the ice age, and Tom didn't believe her. Then she disappears along with the atlatl. After calling off the search for Sarah, she reappears eight days later in a very critical stage. Later on, Sarah told them an unbelievable story, an unexplainable experience, a vision or a dream; nobody could be sure; but, it certainly changed the pace of the book, making the story even more intriguing.
The story starts slow, not giving much background information about the characters, but as it goes, the pieces get together. Every little detail counts for understanding the plot, making it more interesting. The intense descriptions of the settings help to visualize the scenes and feel the character's experiences. It also is full of contrast between the past and the present, the eternal battle between cultural knowledge and scientific data.
I found this novel delightful. It is evident that the author knows the geological location very well; and uses a great deal of Native American beliefs, customs, and heritage. It is a story of growth, self-discovery, not only for Sarah, the main character, but her companionship as well.
I was immersed in the story, so intrigued by it, that I didn't see any misspellings or grammar mistakes. Perhaps, the only thing I disliked about it is having to wait until I finish the second book to tie those loose ends at the end of the story. The book is well written and well edited. It is engaging, educational, and inspiring.
This book would appeal to anyone who loves nature, ancient stories, myths, and adventure. It has no adult content or profanity. I gladly give Strong Heart a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. I'm looking to continue with the second part of the series, Adrift.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Charlie Sheldon has sent us on an adventurous trip of discovery. In his book Strong Heart, he meticulously mixes myths and facts, modern-day problems and ancient tales, geological data, and beautifully described landscapes. Thus, creating a fascinating fictional story.
In the Pacific Northwest, Tom is preparing to go camping with his friends William and Myra; an unexpected car drops by. Ruth, Tom's ex-wife, shows up at his doorstep with a 13 years old girl. Ruth claims that she is their granddaughter, that she just knew five days before, and she can't have her, so he must take care of her. The girl's name is Sarah, "Sarah Cooley" is an orphan and has attitude problems. After some discussion, Tom agrees to take Sarah with them to the Olympic Peninsula to honor the grave of his grandfather Bob-Bob.
During the hiking, Tom showed them an ancient artifact, an atlatl. It was near his grandfather's hat when he found him dead. Tom wanted to bring the dart thrower back to his grandfather's grave. Unfolding also, the sociopolitical interest of Fletcher, Ruth's husband, who plans to sell a mining claim that belonged to Bob-Bob, to a company called Buckhorn, for the mining of Erbium. If they could prove that the dart thrower was ancient, that area would be declared an archeological site, making mining impossible. Sarah got angry because she saw a short-face bear, a type of bear that has been extinct since the ice age, and Tom didn't believe her. Then she disappears along with the atlatl. After calling off the search for Sarah, she reappears eight days later in a very critical stage. Later on, Sarah told them an unbelievable story, an unexplainable experience, a vision or a dream; nobody could be sure; but, it certainly changed the pace of the book, making the story even more intriguing.
The story starts slow, not giving much background information about the characters, but as it goes, the pieces get together. Every little detail counts for understanding the plot, making it more interesting. The intense descriptions of the settings help to visualize the scenes and feel the character's experiences. It also is full of contrast between the past and the present, the eternal battle between cultural knowledge and scientific data.
I found this novel delightful. It is evident that the author knows the geological location very well; and uses a great deal of Native American beliefs, customs, and heritage. It is a story of growth, self-discovery, not only for Sarah, the main character, but her companionship as well.
I was immersed in the story, so intrigued by it, that I didn't see any misspellings or grammar mistakes. Perhaps, the only thing I disliked about it is having to wait until I finish the second book to tie those loose ends at the end of the story. The book is well written and well edited. It is engaging, educational, and inspiring.
This book would appeal to anyone who loves nature, ancient stories, myths, and adventure. It has no adult content or profanity. I gladly give Strong Heart a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. I'm looking to continue with the second part of the series, Adrift.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Smart Love by Vincent Fudge II
