Review by Grammarnazi -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon

[Grammarnazi]

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

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3 out of 4 stars

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The story of Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon takes the reader to the Pacific Northwest. The novel opens with maps that allow the reader to visualize where the setting takes place. Sarah is dropped off at her grandfather's house, a man that she has never met, and she is not happy about this new living arrangement. Her grandfather, Tom; his friend William and William's daughter Myra were about to embark on a tough hike to visit Tom's grandfather's grave when Sarah arrived. About to cancel the hike, William convinces Tom that taking his newfound obstinate granddaughter on the long hike might be exactly what she needs to change her attitude. Of course, Sarah huffs and puffs, but she does go on the journey fighting her way.  

Meanwhile, in town, there is a battle emerging as a local politician is working to get his money grubbing hands on the exact land that Tom and his friends are hiking. They are part of the group that is trying to stop Lynch, the politician from getting his hands on the land in Olympic National Park where a mineral called erbium was found." Apparently, erbium, mixed with other rare elements, helps precipitate out all the toxins in coal." The Park is known for its history, legends and myths. And so the journey unfolds as the hike is taken. The story of Tom's grandfather, Bob-bob is revealed. The legends and history of the land come into play. And the battle ensues and comes to a conclusion at the end of the tale. Tom, William, Myra and Sarah all face challenges internally and externally, and they all learn valuable lessons. 

Since reading Strong Heart the story has stuck with me which for me is the sign of a good story. However, even though I had the maps, I was lost with all of the names that were given for each of the areas within the Park. My brain wanted to keep mapping at the same time it wanted to just enjoy the story. There were great moments of suspense that were often interrupted by the mapping. Also, Sarah goes on a journey back in time. At first, I was confused when this happened because the story drastically changes from the hiking story, so much so that I thought my Kindle opened another novel. The reader has to get to the end of all of it to understand why Charlie Sheldon decided to interrupt one tale to tell another. I almost did not, but I am glad that I did. Because of these two reasons, I would rate the book a 3 out of 4.  

There were some abbreviations that should have been explained or not used at all. I felt that the sentence structure was too varied: At times within the character dialogue the sentences were simple, short and choppy. Then when the author speaks about the science and the history, the sentences and the vocabulary become complex and lengthy, yet the characters are the ones revealing this information. Therefore, it was inconsistent. 

Again, overall, I liked the story. The characters were strong. The theme was intentional and carried throughout the novel. I would recommend it to other readers with the codicil that it has some foibles.  

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Strong Heart
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