Review by dyane_foltz -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon

[dyane_foltz]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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With Olympia National Park as the setting, author Charlie Sheldon creates a unique story about the origins of modern man. Strong heart takes the reader on a journey of adventure, perseverance, and resilience. 13-year-old Sarah, recently orphaned, finds her way to her grandfather Tom’s house just as he is getting ready to leave on a wilderness trek to visit his grandfather’s grave. He reluctantly agrees to bring Sarah along with family friends William and his daughter Myra.

During the journey, Sarah becomes separated from the group for eight days. It is during this time that she experiences a very vivid vision that takes her back in time thousands of years. She becomes part of a tribe and is named “Strong heart” for how strong she paddles in the canoe for the first time.

The rest of the group search for Sarah at the same time they are attempting to resolve a conflict regarding the ancient archeological grounds of the park and a group of miners who would rather disregard the artifacts.

This book will appeal to many age groups. I can especially see how it could appeal to teenagers as the book ultimately provides a perspective about how all of the human race is connected. The book appears professionally edited although there is a minor mis-spelling on p. 188. There is some profanity in this book but it is not severe, nor would it prevent me from recommending this book to teenagers.

I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. While I appreciated the subject matter, I felt that the book lacked depth and it at times was quite monotonous. However, I do feel that the author did do a fair job of making me wonder what was going to happen next, which I enjoyed. What I liked most about this novel was how the author tied the past to the present. For example, when Sarah is experiencing her visions, fire is seen as allowing spirits to be freed. Likewise, during the present-day portion of the novel, a wildfire takes place at the same time Sarah is starting a new life, freeing her spirit in a sense, with her grandfather.

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Strong Heart
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