Official Review: A Wounded World by Crit Kincaid

[Misaela]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Wounded World" by Crit Kincaid.]

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Crit Kincaid has written a story that tells us about the life of Normal Albert Steves, and his life after Norman, his sister, mom and dad died in a tragic accident just after a legendary baseball game Normal’s dad helped win. Ever since the accident, Normal developed a stutter, due to a concussion suffered in the accident. He also lives with and is homeschooled by his grandmother-Rachel Albert Steves-, whose body is continuously deteriorating; she has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and is losing the ability to breathe on her own.

A Wounded World is more than a story in the life of someone with ALS; it’s so much more deep. When I started reading it, I was thrust into the personal thoughts of a scared 12-year-old boy with a gift for art, who only has two persons in his life: his granny, whose death is imminent, and J. P. Harrah, a retired judge that looks over Rachel’s affairs and Normal. Normal’s life is one of constant fear: fear of the outside world, who took his family from him at the age of 9; fear of the future and a life without his granny; fear of falling asleep, because sleeping gave way to dreams, which gave way to nightmares and memories of death.

Two weeks after an emergency with Normal’s grandmother, they were both transferred to River Gate, a living community for the terminally ill. Rachel’s last years were to be lived as comfortable as possible, and her burdens lessened. Among other things, that meant Normal had to stop being homeschooled by Rachel, and be enrolled in a traditional high school. Despite all the fear and anxiety this change was giving Normal, there were some upsides. His homeroom teacher was interested in Normal’s art and helped him develop it. He also learned how to survive in a world full of bullies and people who were either disinterested or too scared to help others. Even though one would say Normal’s life was becoming more… normal, it was anything but. Living in a community for the terminally ill put the boy in constant contact with death, and that was not healthy.

Kincaid made a wonderful story with dynamic characters and a complex plot. I saw the lives of Normal and Rachel, the stories of the residents of River Gate, and a glimpse into J.P.’s life and motives. Additionally, the high school Normal was enrolled into brought many students with lives as diverse and complicated as someone can imagine. One of Normal’s classmates even felt the obligation of bringing Normal to the light and out of the shadows that hiding in death bring.

I enjoyed this novel and felt every emotion the characters portrayed. My rating for A Wounded World would be 3 out of 4 stars. I couldn’t rate it 4 stars because, when the story was wrapping up, some characters evolved, to me, too quick and drastically; like the author had to get to the point and finish the plot. I also got a bit confused with the ending—but that was probably on purpose. In spite of this few aspects, I fully recommend anyone to pick up a copy of this wonderful book. It would appeal to young and more mature readers, as well as to someone who has suffered the loss of a loved one.

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[gali]

Sounds like a complex and good story. It is interesting that Normal (what a name!) learned how to survive in a "world full of bullies". Living in a community for the terminally ill sure didn't help.

Congratulations to the author on the great review!

[purplepeepleeater]

This sounds like a very heartwrenching story, thank you for this great review!!

[Heidi M Simone]

Wonderful review, Misaela! It sounds like a very emotional read about loss, which I'm sure many of us has experienced. Congratulations to the author for receiving a positive review!

[Gravy]

Was Norman his sister? Were they twins? That's grabbed hold of my brain now!

Not sure this is for me, at least not right now, but maybe the sample will change my mind.

[lydialeigh71]

Wonderful review! The story intrigues me and cannot wait to find time to curl up today in my reading chair to learn Normal's story. A good lesson to remember that life as we know it can change in an instant and how love can heal all wounds if we allow it.

[Vermont Reviews]

I enjoyed the story. Excellent review.

Vermont Reviews

[ALynnPowers]

Great review! It sounds so sad, though. I can imagine myself crying throughout the whole thing! But it totally sounds right up my alley!

And thanks for being so honest about the ending!

[Misaela]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback. I'm very glad that this review has helped people discover such an interesting read. I would love to hear all about your experience with the book was.

[bookowlie]

I enjoyed reading your thorough, balanced review. The story seems unique and interesting. However, it doesn't seem like my cup of tea since I don't like confusing endings.

[fallenechoes]

Good review. This sounds like a good book even though the character development was rushed at the end. It definitely still sounds like a book worth checking out! Thanks!

[Radhika_17]

Looks like an emotionally complex read. Thanks for a balanced review, might give it a try.

[MandalynnJDG]

Thanks for the review. This sounds like a very sad story that has a learning lesson for those that may have someone who experiences ALS. I am glad you enjoyed the book.

[AbbyC]

This sounds so good! I love the descriptions you give of the characters, they sound so heart-wrenching! Great review!

[Annelore Trujillo]

Thanks for the great review! I've noticed a lot of books tend to rush the ending. However, it still seems like this is a great book! I will have to check it out.