Review of Getting to Alpenglow
Posted: 01 Dec 2021, 06:20
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Getting to Alpenglow" by Jeanette Shivers.]
Getting to Alpenglow by Jeanette Shivers is a fictional story that unfolds through the eyes of ReRe. Aretha (ReRe) Malay Woods is a fifteen-year-old girl living in Sadeville and a sophomore at Sadeville High School. She is intelligent, intuitive, and has a unique ability to visualize her feelings in colors. Lately, things have been a subtractive mixture of colors for ReRe, and her life seems to spiral out of control. The principal cause of hers and her family’s problems is Tori, her older sister.
Tori has consistently gone through life using her incredible beauty and manipulative skills. On the outside, Tori is an overachiever, kind-hearted and perfect daughter and big sister. However, she disrespects Aretha and their mom (Denise) and constantly engages in destructive behavior. She often brands Denise as an unfit mother and unfairly blames her for their father abandoning them. As things spiral out of control, Aretha’s school and home life merge into one giant nightmare. Her grandmother’s words to Tori constantly ring in her head, ‘You might get by, but you will never get away.’ How will everything end?
Jeanette brings forth a story that appeals to young readers. The book is highly descriptive, for instance, when describing Aretha’s room and the reason for the arrangement. The characters are also distinct in terms of physical and personality traits. It is easy to see the two faces of Tori and the strong and independent personality of Aretha’s mom. The chapters relate, and the scenes seamlessly flow. The story revolves around the small Sadeville community, and one can visualize the attractions and people of the area.
I immensely enjoyed the lessons embedded in the story. For instance, the book dives into the mindset of a teenager, their struggles, and aspirations. It also includes lessons on harassment in the name of love and the dangerous nature of obsession. I equally loved how each character and their stories stemmed from their encounter or relation to Aretha. However, as the story concluded, despite the buildup, it felt rushed, and I did not quite get the ending.
The book has a few minor grammar errors; however, they do not affect the quality of the story. It is safe to conclude that the editing is professional. The language is simple, with only one minor case of profanity. Getting to Alpenglow is an entertaining and engaging read. It tells the story of a young girl as a student, sister, daughter, and friend. It also includes bits of the pandemic and the consequences of such sudden changes on families. I, therefore, give it a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this lovely read to young and old teens looking for a quick and relatable read. Parents and guardians who wish to understand their teenagers better can also read it.
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Getting to Alpenglow
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Getting to Alpenglow by Jeanette Shivers is a fictional story that unfolds through the eyes of ReRe. Aretha (ReRe) Malay Woods is a fifteen-year-old girl living in Sadeville and a sophomore at Sadeville High School. She is intelligent, intuitive, and has a unique ability to visualize her feelings in colors. Lately, things have been a subtractive mixture of colors for ReRe, and her life seems to spiral out of control. The principal cause of hers and her family’s problems is Tori, her older sister.
Tori has consistently gone through life using her incredible beauty and manipulative skills. On the outside, Tori is an overachiever, kind-hearted and perfect daughter and big sister. However, she disrespects Aretha and their mom (Denise) and constantly engages in destructive behavior. She often brands Denise as an unfit mother and unfairly blames her for their father abandoning them. As things spiral out of control, Aretha’s school and home life merge into one giant nightmare. Her grandmother’s words to Tori constantly ring in her head, ‘You might get by, but you will never get away.’ How will everything end?
Jeanette brings forth a story that appeals to young readers. The book is highly descriptive, for instance, when describing Aretha’s room and the reason for the arrangement. The characters are also distinct in terms of physical and personality traits. It is easy to see the two faces of Tori and the strong and independent personality of Aretha’s mom. The chapters relate, and the scenes seamlessly flow. The story revolves around the small Sadeville community, and one can visualize the attractions and people of the area.
I immensely enjoyed the lessons embedded in the story. For instance, the book dives into the mindset of a teenager, their struggles, and aspirations. It also includes lessons on harassment in the name of love and the dangerous nature of obsession. I equally loved how each character and their stories stemmed from their encounter or relation to Aretha. However, as the story concluded, despite the buildup, it felt rushed, and I did not quite get the ending.
The book has a few minor grammar errors; however, they do not affect the quality of the story. It is safe to conclude that the editing is professional. The language is simple, with only one minor case of profanity. Getting to Alpenglow is an entertaining and engaging read. It tells the story of a young girl as a student, sister, daughter, and friend. It also includes bits of the pandemic and the consequences of such sudden changes on families. I, therefore, give it a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this lovely read to young and old teens looking for a quick and relatable read. Parents and guardians who wish to understand their teenagers better can also read it.
******
Getting to Alpenglow
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon