Review of Strong Heart

[Ilze Herholdt]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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Charlie Sheldon's Strong Heart is a great adventure story. Tom, William, and his daughter, Myra, are going on a hiking trip to the Olympic Peninsula to visit Bob-Bob's grave, which is Tom's grandfather's grave. Before they can leave, Ruth, Tom's ex-wife, shows up on his doorstep with their 13-year-old granddaughter, who neither Tom nor Ruth knew existed. William, a friend of Tom's, decides that Sarah, Tom's newly discovered granddaughter, should join them on their hike so that she, too, can meet Bob-Bob. They believe a wilderness experience will teach the ornery Sarah Cooley a few things about maturity and survival. She undertakes a journey as old as humanity itself.

Sarah disappears for eight days. Tom, William, and Myra do everything in their power to find her. Little do they know that Sarah had found herself in a dream world. She claims that she had been at sea for a month, and upon her return on the eighth day, she came back with half of her fourth finger on her right hand missing. She had also learned how to throw darts to kill any animal that might try to attack her. How does a heart grow strong? You can find out by reading a book that captures a lonely teenage girl lost in the world and trying to believe in herself.

This story tells of a land full of magic, history, and legends. The book includes elements of myth, ancient stories, ancient people, anthropology, and big animals. I appreciated the author's insertion of research about the Tribes' legends in the Pacific Northwest. I found the history of the ice age to be informative and enjoyable. Although what Sarah went through surely wasn't easy, it changed her for the better and matured her. I liked the simple names she used for the characters in her dream world, such as Thin Hair, Pretty Face, Long Braid, etc. It seems as if the book had a book within it; the writing styles differed so much between Sarah's story and the book. I appreciated the author's choice to tell the story in this creative way. I liked how Charlie showed how Sarah felt about her tough situation. Sarah displays courage, fearlessness, and bravery, earning her the name Strong Heart.

The casual use of blasphemy by the characters did not impress me. I was also frustrated that nobody believed Sarah's story at first, even though there was clear proof that she hadn't been there for the eight days she was missing. Otherwise, they would've found her. Her ability to throw darts is proof that what she had experienced was true. If none of it was true, how did Sarah end up losing half of her fourth finger on her right hand?

This book is exceptionally edited, thoroughly researched, and perfectly crafted. Strong Heart is the first book in the “Strong Heart Series.” I am eagerly awaiting to read about their new journey in the follow-up book, Adrift. Charlie, himself, enjoys hiking in the Olympics. I rate this book a splendid four out of four stars.

This book is suitable for readers who are interested in a story about magic realism, coming of age, survival, history, and discovery. I also recommend readers who are interested in American inhabitants and settlements from the past.

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Strong Heart
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[Phooko Tebogo PC]

looking at the cover of the book and the title I actually thought this was a romantic book. Thank you for the detailed review, the book sounds interesting.

[Avishi]

This story is mysterious. Sarah would be in great pain when she lost half of her fourth finger. Her disappearance and arrival after 8 days is puzzling. The storyline is intriguing. Excellent review.

[Ohna Martin]

Sounds interesting. Forrest and wild animals, everything that Sarah needs to have the adventure of a lifetime. Great review thank you.

[Mbali Qalinge]

Reading your review, I feel like the book has a deeper meaning targeted at teenagers struggling to believe in themselves in a world that doesn't believe in them. I'm sure there's a lesson or two to learn from Sarah.