Review by Ariel Lynn -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
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Ariel Lynn
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Review by Ariel Lynn -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
4 out of 4 stars
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On the night before his trip into Olympic National Park, Tom's ex-wife shows up on his doorstep dropping off their granddaughter neither of them knew about. Against, what he believes to be, his better judgment, he lets his friend William talk him into bringing Sarah along for the trip to his grandfather's grave. In the morning, Tom, Sarah, William and William's daughter, Myra, set out for their life-changing trek through the wilderness.
As they make their way, Tom pulls out an ancient spear thrower called an atlatl, explaining he wants to leave it at his grandfather’s grave. Myra has reservations about leaving it, as something this old could have the potential to save the lands from Buckhorn International who want to mine. Sarah wanders off to draw and returns saying she saw a massive bear, bigger than any in the area. When Myra sees Sarah's drawing she recognizes it as a short face bear, which have been extinct for almost 12,000 years. After a few comments are made that lead Sarah to think no one believes her, she takes off. Shortly after, the adults realize she is missing along with the atlatl.
Even with search and rescue, there is no sign of Sarah. On the seventh day, the search is called off. Tom and William decide to stay after everyone leaves. On the eighth day during a thunderstorm, Sarah appears, bloody and bruised. She tells them the story of Strong Heart, a girl whose life she lived while she had been missing. William believes Sarah went on a great spiritual journey, much like a shaman in the native tribes. Tom thinks being alone without food, water, or shelter may have caused some sort of mental break. Sarah's experience has the potential to pull them all apart but it also holds the power to save them all.
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon was not at all what I was expecting. I figured I was going to get a story about an angsty teen who would just learn to appreciate nature and give the people with her a new perspective. Which, I suppose, at its core that is the premise of this book, however, in its entirety, it is so much more. There was so much depth in the characters, the scenery, and the plot, I was left extremely impressed.
One of my favorite parts of this book was Sarah's relationship with Tom. The emotions bled through the pages as you read about their new relationship, both unsure of each other and how to navigate the waters between them. Another element I loved was reading of Sarah's time as Strong Heart. Charlie Sheldon could have glazed over this, had Sarah simply explain what she went through. Instead, Sheldon takes us back and gives us the entire experience. It was very well written and the shift into first person was a very nice touch.
The only thing I did not really like was the ending. It was pretty abrupt and left me with a lot of lingering questions. There is another book after this, however, and I am assuming that these loose ends will be tied up in the next installment.
I found one minor error in the entire book which leads me to believe it was professionally edited. I am giving Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon 4 out of 4 stars. It is rare to find a book with such authentic emotion throughout. All of the chapters from Strong Heart's perspective were exceptionally written, her narrative voice perfect for how I imagine someone from that long ago speaking. While the ending was more of a cliffhanger than I would have liked, I am not deducting a star as I am hopeful that this story will continue into the next book. There was not a lot of violence in this book, however, when it did appear it was graphic. For that reason, I would caution away younger readers. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about legends, family bonds, and a bit of mystery.
******
Strong Heart
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4 out of 4 stars
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On the night before his trip into Olympic National Park, Tom's ex-wife shows up on his doorstep dropping off their granddaughter neither of them knew about. Against, what he believes to be, his better judgment, he lets his friend William talk him into bringing Sarah along for the trip to his grandfather's grave. In the morning, Tom, Sarah, William and William's daughter, Myra, set out for their life-changing trek through the wilderness.
As they make their way, Tom pulls out an ancient spear thrower called an atlatl, explaining he wants to leave it at his grandfather’s grave. Myra has reservations about leaving it, as something this old could have the potential to save the lands from Buckhorn International who want to mine. Sarah wanders off to draw and returns saying she saw a massive bear, bigger than any in the area. When Myra sees Sarah's drawing she recognizes it as a short face bear, which have been extinct for almost 12,000 years. After a few comments are made that lead Sarah to think no one believes her, she takes off. Shortly after, the adults realize she is missing along with the atlatl.
Even with search and rescue, there is no sign of Sarah. On the seventh day, the search is called off. Tom and William decide to stay after everyone leaves. On the eighth day during a thunderstorm, Sarah appears, bloody and bruised. She tells them the story of Strong Heart, a girl whose life she lived while she had been missing. William believes Sarah went on a great spiritual journey, much like a shaman in the native tribes. Tom thinks being alone without food, water, or shelter may have caused some sort of mental break. Sarah's experience has the potential to pull them all apart but it also holds the power to save them all.
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon was not at all what I was expecting. I figured I was going to get a story about an angsty teen who would just learn to appreciate nature and give the people with her a new perspective. Which, I suppose, at its core that is the premise of this book, however, in its entirety, it is so much more. There was so much depth in the characters, the scenery, and the plot, I was left extremely impressed.
One of my favorite parts of this book was Sarah's relationship with Tom. The emotions bled through the pages as you read about their new relationship, both unsure of each other and how to navigate the waters between them. Another element I loved was reading of Sarah's time as Strong Heart. Charlie Sheldon could have glazed over this, had Sarah simply explain what she went through. Instead, Sheldon takes us back and gives us the entire experience. It was very well written and the shift into first person was a very nice touch.
The only thing I did not really like was the ending. It was pretty abrupt and left me with a lot of lingering questions. There is another book after this, however, and I am assuming that these loose ends will be tied up in the next installment.
I found one minor error in the entire book which leads me to believe it was professionally edited. I am giving Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon 4 out of 4 stars. It is rare to find a book with such authentic emotion throughout. All of the chapters from Strong Heart's perspective were exceptionally written, her narrative voice perfect for how I imagine someone from that long ago speaking. While the ending was more of a cliffhanger than I would have liked, I am not deducting a star as I am hopeful that this story will continue into the next book. There was not a lot of violence in this book, however, when it did appear it was graphic. For that reason, I would caution away younger readers. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about legends, family bonds, and a bit of mystery.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Ariel Lynn's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign
