Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Annie Thomas 2]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures" by Catherine A. Pepe.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

I loved the book. Even though it is a fictional novel, the characters are based on Catherine A Pepe's own experience. They are loveable and their struggles real. Catherine has been able to touch the mind of the teenage protagonist and her little brother. There were even some episodes so sensitively penned that it brought tears to my eyes.

The book begins with a note from the author about why she wrote the book so the reader, automatically, positions to what it will highlight. But the book's is as expected as the colourful characters whose age spectrum ranges from 8 years to a great grandmother. There are animals too. A dog so graphically described that one can almost see it wagging its tale. The Penguin Lucky is a real penguin that was housed in the California and passed away in 2020.

The beauty of the simple joys of a boy with Down's Syndrome are drawn from the personal experience of the author so it is an authentic rendition. The teenaged Mary Grace's sadness and helplessness can surely be understood by all, especially all those who have had to stay away from their parents. What comes through is also the dilemma of parents who have to work in Africa and have to leave their wonderful children in the care of their grandparents.

The true aim of this book however goes beyond the fairytale and into the humdrum school life. The now often talked about " Bullying" is dealt with a clarity that even a young reader will be able to grasp the gravity of the scenario. The hurdles of a differently abled child and his loved ones have to face are revealed with delicacy and without the tinge of pity.

It brings awareness to all how kindness is better that revenge and the love conquers all. I rate it a (5/5)

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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