Official Review: The Skye in June by June Ahern

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 26 Apr 2018, 14:21

I like the sound of the themes of this book, including the unusual ones like psychic powers and paganism as well as more commonplace social issues such as the treatment of women in the 1950s and Catholicism. Sounds like a fascinating mix!

Zuribooks · Post by **Zuribooks** » 26 Apr 2018, 14:39

Growing up as a woman in the 1950, was hard enough, imagine having physics powers, i really like the summary of the book and how well developed the characters are...

kfwilson6 · Post by **kfwilson6** » 26 Apr 2018, 14:43

The summary in this review caught my interest so much more than the one I ready on Amazon. I wasn't very interested in this book until reading this review. It sounds like an interesting story; I personally love reading books about psychics (purely fictional though-I don't believe in any of that). This is a great review but not sure why only 3 stars were given.

TheAdanne1 · Post by **TheAdanne1** » 26 Apr 2018, 14:51

I was born catholic but these days I'm neither here nor there. So even though It Is set in a different era, I think deviating from family norms with regards to religion Is something I can defo relate to.
Not a bad review at all.

jpreacher713 · Post by **jpreacher713** » 26 Apr 2018, 14:57

Your review was very well organized. I like how the first two paragraphs gave presents the context of the book. Then you dived into the characteristics of the author's style in the third paragraph. You then wrap it up with your own personal opinion of the book and an objective overview of its' grammatical quality. Very well done!

MsTri · Post by **MsTri** » 26 Apr 2018, 15:07

I don't care for "fish out of water" stories, and I especially don't like stories involving insufferable parents, having had two of my own. Also, not having had any sisters of my own, I'm not a fan of stories involving female siblings. The witchcraft and psychic abilities sound cool, but not enough for me to wade through all the things I don't like. Still, I'm glad that YOU liked it and got something out of it. I wonder, though - Is "Skye" someone's name or just an alternate spelling of "Sky"?.. In any event, great job on the review.

Britty01 · Post by **Britty01** » 26 Apr 2018, 15:30

I found the review by Naval to be quite comprehensive. If I had not already started reading the book, after seeing this review I would have wanted to. I am glad I shall be able to read it again more fully.

I agree the beginning would not attract the average reader, but as one gets to know the characters and the story develops the reader is drawn into their lives. I quickly got the impression Cathy was fairly young and had the babies pretty quickly which was typical during the fifties. As the NHS service had begun in 1948 I was not sure why Jimmy was concerned about money for his daughter Helen to see the doctor, other than the cost of a taxi or bus service. When I found out the age difference between him and Cathy things fell into place a little more. When family values and ideas are instilled within a person it is hard to let go of old habits. I did not feel that Jimmy looked upon his wife as inferior simply because she was a woman, but that his behavior was a social norm of the times, mixed with religious beliefs, customs and background. I found the book itself interesting on many levels, an insight into the harsh realities of life in Glasgow during the fifties, the social culture and beliefs, the impact of a lack of education and the importance of good communication and values, the family dynamics and the strain that a totally different culture and separation can put on people.

kerricellis · Post by **kerricellis** » 26 Apr 2018, 15:35

The premise of the story sounds interesting, but it was very hard for me to appreciate the review because of all the typos. That being said, I would probably read this book, based simply on what it's about. I can definitely relate to the black-sheep thing, the overbearing father, the rejection of traditional family values and the necessity of standing firm in your "crazy, unChristian" beliefs. Plus I have a soft spot for stories about psychics.

jedreid · Post by **jedreid** » 26 Apr 2018, 15:39

my feminist side hates June's father already! June's character though, i love it and i think i can relate with her at some point. psychic abilities also interest me a lot so i'll definitely be reading this. good job on the review!

[Valerie Allen] · Post by **[Valerie Allen]** » 26 Apr 2018, 15:41

Good review indeed, with minor spoiler alerts! And, I'm sure it's a good, fictional, intriguing, and relating tale to enjoy! Congrats to the author on the #BOTD

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 26 Apr 2018, 15:42

Can't believe how challenging it must have been for June moving to San Francisco from Scotland. Add discovering her physic abilities? Sounds like an interesting life! It's great to hear that the characters here are well presented, and how the four sisters support one another no matter what. Also, I like that you found the story was well-written and organized well. Not sure if the content is for me, but I'm glad that you were able to enjoy this read! Thank you for sharing!

Kalin Adi · Post by **Kalin Adi** » 26 Apr 2018, 15:44

Back in the 50's women were just babysitters and housemaids. How much it changed with the Women's Liberation Movement. Still, this book seems to portrayed the daily life of that time. I'm no sure this book is for me, though. I'm not too much attracted to reading tarot cards and telepathy powers and so. Thanks for the review, anyways!

Miss_BeckyG · Post by **Miss_BeckyG** » 26 Apr 2018, 15:45

Great review Naval Aulakh. It captures the essence of the book quite well. I liked that the main character is a strong female who overcomes so much, her special abilities not withstanding. The book covers sensitive issues such as religion and feminism, which evoke a lot of emotion. All in all, an interesting book.

BriennaiJ · Post by **BriennaiJ** » 26 Apr 2018, 15:46

This book definitely seems like an interesting read. The whole "fellow students ignoring her because they think she's a witch" thing sounds more like the 17-1800s, not the 1950s. However, things were still a bit crazy back then, so it definitely could have happened. I will have to give this book a try, thanks for the great review!

ronettea · Post by **ronettea** » 26 Apr 2018, 16:02

i just make a review of THE SKY in JUNE by June AherN while reading the story i felt glad and blessed to have a family that always there by my side no matter what happen fAmily is the only one you can hang on