Official Review: Recycled Hope by Linda Drugan

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 24 Aug 2020, 18:29

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Recycled Hope" by Linda Drugan.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Children have a way of seeing the world differently than adults. This is the case with Linda, as she develops a friendship with the owners of McDowell’s Farm. Recycled Hope by Linda Drugan is the story of sadness, kindness, and compassion. Linda and her sister, Karen, decided to cut across McDowell’s Farm on their way home from school one day. Seeing that no one was around, they climbed up to an old tree house. As they were coming down, Karen fell, broke her leg, and suffered a head injury. As the bills piled up, Karen’s parents wanted to confront Mr. and Mrs. McDowell to help with the medical bills. Once they found out that the girls had trespassed, that was not an option. They needed to come up with a different way to pay the bills. However, in the process, they learned the secrets of the McDowell’s and the reason for the sadness and gruffness of the family.

The book is the story of a time when life was simpler, and people looked out for each other. It is an easy book to read and keeps the reader engaged. I enjoyed the story since it reminded me of my childhood. I could see myself behaving like Karen and Linda with my own siblings. The story stirred my heart, as I pictured the farm and felt the carefree days of my youth. I remember working hard on the farm, yet it was always a good, healthy way of life. Taking home-baked goods to the neighbors and helping each other was a common occurrence. The book also had some interesting twists and turns that showed that some people seem to be entitled.

There was not anything that I disliked in the book. The book held my attention and provided good descriptions that allowed the reader to become part of the story. Likewise, the characters were described in enough detail to allow the reader to feel like they were friends. If I had to choose characters to dislike, it would be Jacob and Rebecca. These characters were very selfish and did not seem to care how their behavior impacted others. They also seemed to believe that just because they had money, they could do whatever they wanted.

I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. The book was well-written, but there were some grammatical and punctuation errors. Due to the errors, I took away one star. The book is a work of fiction; however, it was very realistic. The story draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. There are two story lines that the author successfully merges to create an interesting tale.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a feel-good novel. It is acceptable for young adults and older. There is no sexual content. The language, although not completely void of any cussing, is very minor. This book would be acceptable for all religious backgrounds.

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Recycled Hope
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Ada Ling · Post by **Ada Ling** » 26 Aug 2020, 10:46

This book remind me my childhood too. Your review is straightforward and easy to follow. Thank you for putting this together.

Tablito · Post by **Tablito** » 26 Aug 2020, 12:30

This book keeps it real; life is unpredictable. Linda and Karen innocently go for an adventure in McDowell's farm. Karen falls badly while descending from a tree the two sisters had climbed. She sustains head injuries and breaks her leg.

rahilshajahan · Post by **rahilshajahan** » 26 Aug 2020, 16:22

I like when the author's descriptions are evocative. Too bad about the errors though! Thanks for an insightful review!

TCG · Post by **TCG** » 27 Aug 2020, 09:57

Sadness, kindness, and compassion in one story? How did the find a mix between them?

Ify_Reviewer · Post by **Ify_Reviewer** » 29 Aug 2020, 05:19

Quite a straightforward review. Thanks.

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 01 Sep 2020, 11:38

Ada Ling wrote: ↑26 Aug 2020, 10:46 This book remind me my childhood too. Your review is straightforward and easy to follow. Thank you for putting this together.

Thanks for taking the time to read my review.

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 01 Sep 2020, 11:41

TCG wrote: ↑27 Aug 2020, 09:57 Sadness, kindness, and compassion in one story? How did the find a mix between them?

This was a great book from earlier days when everyone helped each other and the barter system was a way of life. The book had 2 basic stories, one of sadness and the other showing kindness and compassion. It ended up being a good combination. Thanks for taking time to read my review.

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 01 Sep 2020, 11:43

Tablito wrote: ↑26 Aug 2020, 12:30 This book keeps it real; life is unpredictable. Linda and Karen innocently go for an adventure in McDowell's farm. Karen falls badly while descending from a tree the two sisters had climbed. She sustains head injuries and breaks her leg.

I think this book is very relatable. Who hasn't ventured out and ended up doing something crazy that results in harm? Thanks for stopping by.

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 01 Sep 2020, 11:44

rahilshajahan wrote: ↑26 Aug 2020, 16:22 I like when the author's descriptions are evocative. Too bad about the errors though! Thanks for an insightful review!

Thanks for taking time to read my review.