Review of Hitchhiker

[Alida Spies]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hitchhiker" by Nettie Leeflang.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Nadia had an unhappy childhood. Her father left her mother on the day of Nadia’s birth and set up a new household with his mistress. Nadia’s mother became a lazy, overweight alcoholic. As Nadia grew older, her two siblings and her mother treated her like a slave, expecting her to do all the housework. The children spent weekends with their father, where they experienced constant fighting between their father and his mistress. Nadia’s grandparents loved and cherished her, and she was content during the family’s annual visits to the grandparents. At her graduation dinner, Nadia and her father shared a table with another loner, Pete, and his family. Pete became Nadia’s only friend.
 
In Canada, where Nadia lived with her family, children could leave home as adults when they turned nineteen. She had been saving for years for the day when she could escape her unhappy life. Pete was going to join her, but his family needed his help, so he stayed. Nadia’s thousand-mile journey started by train, but she soon reverted to hitchhiking to curb costs.
 
In "Hitchhiker,” Nettie Leeflang describes Nadia’s journey from Saskatchewan to Victoria and her first year living there. Although her journey is not without mishaps, Nadia meets kind and caring people. With limited funds, Nadia ends up in a tent city in Victoria and eats most of her meals at the shelter with the homeless people, occupants of the tent city. Will Nadia find a job and a decent place to live? Will Pete join her? Will she reconcile with her family? All is revealed in this touching novel.
 
I love how Nadia’s character unfolds. She’s kind, empathetic and helpful. Just like all of us, she also makes mistakes. Her relationships with the homeless people and caregivers at the shelter develop seamlessly, and Nadia is a trustworthy friend. The author introduces other characters gradually throughout the novel and fleshes out the most important considerations for each one. This technique enables the reader to appreciate every character and their story. Nettie tells a fascinating story in simple language, making it accessible to a large audience. She addresses controversial subjects like homeless people, drug and alcohol abuse, squalor and psychological problems with sensitivity and empathy. She also describes the impact of a large homeless community on other people living close by.
 
There was nothing in the book that I didn’t like. Perhaps the story is not always realistic, with someone usually showing up to provide what Nadia needs, but life is sometimes like that. I discovered a few errors, but in my opinion, the book was professionally edited. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
 
Although there are some references to the Christian religion, I doubt whether it will offend members of other faiths or atheists. It contains limited profanity and minor sexual references. I recommend the book to readers of all ages who enjoy stories about people, their lives and the challenges they are presented with.

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Hitchhiker
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[softturtle87]

Really nice review. Sounds like a very interesting novel .

[Tarasha Capps]

This seems like an interesting read, the journey experience of hitchhiking.

[Lawrence Stein]

That seems entertaining to read. Hitchhiking would be fun to read about.

[Nneka Bridget]

Nettie Leeflang's "Hitchhiker" sounds like a powerful exploration of resilience and kindness through Nadia’s journey. It’s impressive how the author captures the complexities of relationships and the struggles of homelessness with empathy and sensitivity. Nadia’s character development, along with her interactions with both the homeless community and caregivers, seems to add depth to the narrative. The storytelling approach, using simple language while tackling serious subjects, makes it accessible and relatable. While some elements may stretch realism, it reflects the unexpected kindnesses that can appear in life. Your recommendation for a wide audience, regardless of faith, highlights its universal themes. This book seems like a heartfelt read for anyone interested in personal growth and human connections.

[McCarey McCants]

Really nice seem very interesting I would go back for the rest.

[Corinna Borsato]

I appreciated the insightful outlook of the review. Through these few lines, the main character is presented giving depth to her feelings and personal history.
More in general, I really enjoyed the choice of a plot where a young girl, left alone by the world, gradually gives herself her own tools for survival, never at the expense of others.

[Malijha Keller]

Looks interesting, im thing of purchasing the book and give a final thought

[Leslie coccia]

Seems like this book has great character development and tugs at the heartstrings. Definitely worth a look!