Review by aliciachappy -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
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aliciachappy
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- Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
Review by aliciachappy -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
3 out of 4 stars
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Strong Heart, by Charlie Sheldon, is a compelling novel about family, Native American legends, and growing up. The book centers around Tom and his two friends, Myra and William (otherwise known as Walleye). Just as the three of them are setting to take off on a camping trip in the Olympic Mountains, Tom gets an unexpected house guest at his door – Sarah, a troubled teenage granddaughter he didn’t know he had from his estranged and deceased daughter. Instead of calling off the trip, Sarah begrudgedly joins them on the camping trip to visit the resting spot of Tom’s father.
The story is told predominately from William’s point of view, the elder of the trip. Strange things start happening as the four take their adventure into what Myra calls magical lands. The main characters, all with varying amounts of native blood, delve into the Native American legends of the land. The author is knowledgeable about the legends but some of the writing was confusing to follow, especially for someone who may not have as much of an understanding of the region and/or Native American legends. The author could have explained or given more background to make parts of the book less confusing.
Additional side stories are not fully developed and never wrapped up. These side stories were likely included to increase conflict in the book. The side stories felt like a distraction and took away from the interesting generational differences storyline of Tom and his older friends trying to connect with Sarah, the troubled teen who is trying to find her place in the world.
The book was still a compelling read that makes the reader want to keep reading to find out what happens to the main characters, especially Sarah who goes on her own magical adventure when she gets lost in the woods. Was her adventure a vision, a dream, completely made up, or something she truly experienced? Sarah proves to be a resilient character who lives up to the name Strong Heart.
I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. The characters did not feel fully formed and while the story was interesting, it felt like there were missing parts that should have been included. Also, the book leaves many things unfinished. The book ends with a beautiful image and gives a hopeful future but before anything is resolved. It leaves the reader wondering if their book is missing the final chapters. This could have been a very beautiful coming of age story about a young girl and what it means to be family.
******
Strong Heart
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3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Strong Heart, by Charlie Sheldon, is a compelling novel about family, Native American legends, and growing up. The book centers around Tom and his two friends, Myra and William (otherwise known as Walleye). Just as the three of them are setting to take off on a camping trip in the Olympic Mountains, Tom gets an unexpected house guest at his door – Sarah, a troubled teenage granddaughter he didn’t know he had from his estranged and deceased daughter. Instead of calling off the trip, Sarah begrudgedly joins them on the camping trip to visit the resting spot of Tom’s father.
The story is told predominately from William’s point of view, the elder of the trip. Strange things start happening as the four take their adventure into what Myra calls magical lands. The main characters, all with varying amounts of native blood, delve into the Native American legends of the land. The author is knowledgeable about the legends but some of the writing was confusing to follow, especially for someone who may not have as much of an understanding of the region and/or Native American legends. The author could have explained or given more background to make parts of the book less confusing.
Additional side stories are not fully developed and never wrapped up. These side stories were likely included to increase conflict in the book. The side stories felt like a distraction and took away from the interesting generational differences storyline of Tom and his older friends trying to connect with Sarah, the troubled teen who is trying to find her place in the world.
The book was still a compelling read that makes the reader want to keep reading to find out what happens to the main characters, especially Sarah who goes on her own magical adventure when she gets lost in the woods. Was her adventure a vision, a dream, completely made up, or something she truly experienced? Sarah proves to be a resilient character who lives up to the name Strong Heart.
I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. The characters did not feel fully formed and while the story was interesting, it felt like there were missing parts that should have been included. Also, the book leaves many things unfinished. The book ends with a beautiful image and gives a hopeful future but before anything is resolved. It leaves the reader wondering if their book is missing the final chapters. This could have been a very beautiful coming of age story about a young girl and what it means to be family.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like aliciachappy's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
