Official Review: Mill Creek by Patrick John Donahoe

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Re: Official Review: Mill Creek by Patrick John Donahoe

Post by Alice Heritage »

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this insightful review. A book that shows character development is always satisfying. Some books just do cross genres, or touch on many, as you say. I guess the author has to pick a category for the purposes of this site, in which case it's great that you mentioned the genre issue in your review. The title was an odd choice if the location doesn't play that much of a role!
This post was brought to you by the word "specifically".
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Post by melissy370 »

I would give this one a try even though it has some negatives. The history on West Virginia would be interesting since I grew up in Virginia. Thanks for your review.
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Post by ea_anthony »

Great review! However this looks like a tough novel to like. Correct me if wrong, I could feel you strongly to portray the positives, though the emotional themes and threads running through the novel could also make the novel riveting; but like it is said- the taste of the pudding is in the eating.
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Post by LV2R »

The book does make me wonder what happens in Mill Creek and maybe the mention of Michael and Jed's lives crossing there is the answer. It is interesting that the book covers historical fiction and thriller-type genres, including topics of war, prison camps, and romance.
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Post by Sahani Nimandra »

I'm mesmerized by the cover illustration. It explains a lot about our meaning of life. I couldn't help feeling for the protagonist. As well as, I couldn't help drawing my self towards the protagonist compassion and patience. I love the idea of this protagonist. Thank you for your review!
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Post by Shrabastee Chakraborty »

ButterscotchCherrie wrote: 18 Oct 2018, 04:51 I thoroughly enjoyed reading this insightful review. A book that shows character development is always satisfying. Some books just do cross genres, or touch on many, as you say. I guess the author has to pick a category for the purposes of this site, in which case it's great that you mentioned the genre issue in your review. The title was an odd choice if the location doesn't play that much of a role!
Thanks for commenting! Yes, I myself was initially confused about the genre, hence thought mentioning it might be of help for potential readers.
Yes indeed, Mill Creek is just the settings where both the major characters ultimately end up. Although the descriptions of Mill Creek were beautiful, it doesn't really have a greater significance.
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Post by Shrabastee Chakraborty »

LV2R wrote: 20 Oct 2018, 03:44 The book does make me wonder what happens in Mill Creek and maybe the mention of Michael and Jed's lives crossing there is the answer. It is interesting that the book covers historical fiction and thriller-type genres, including topics of war, prison camps, and romance.
Yes, a multi-genre book is not that easy to find. Of course, the answers are in Mill Creek, and I will encourage you to pick up the book to find out more! Thanks for stopping by!
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Post by Shrabastee Chakraborty »

Sahani Nimandra wrote: 22 Oct 2018, 04:29 I'm mesmerized by the cover illustration. It explains a lot about our meaning of life. I couldn't help feeling for the protagonist. As well as, I couldn't help drawing my self towards the protagonist compassion and patience. I love the idea of this protagonist. Thank you for your review!
You are absolutely right, the cover is very significant. In fact, now that you mentioned it, I believe this might be a reference to the two protagonists' flow of life. Yes, you'll definitely love Mike! He is very sensitive, especially when his age and upbringing is considered. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
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Post by Shrabastee Chakraborty »

melissy370 wrote: 18 Oct 2018, 06:46 I would give this one a try even though it has some negatives. The history on West Virginia would be interesting since I grew up in Virginia. Thanks for your review.
Wow, it's your home ground then! I think you will love reading this book. It was a good one after all! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
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Post by HollandBlue »

The cross of historical fiction with thriller elements is intriguing. I'm interested in seeing how the lives of Michael and Jed become entwined. Nice review!
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Post by Shrabastee Chakraborty »

ea_anthony wrote: 18 Oct 2018, 10:41 Great review! However this looks like a tough novel to like. Correct me if wrong, I could feel you strongly to portray the positives, though the emotional themes and threads running through the novel could also make the novel riveting; but like it is said- the taste of the pudding is in the eating.
Well, it certainly had both positive and negative aspects. You are right, you will realize which appeals more strongly to you only while reading or after reading! Thanks for stopping by!
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Post by Shrabastee Chakraborty »

[quote=BookReader+6 post_id=1039806 time=1540210070 user_id=990016]
The cross of historical fiction with thriller elements is intriguing. I'm interested in seeing how the lives of Michael and Jed become entwined. Nice review!
[/quote]

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you will like the book!
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Post by fernsmom »

What a great review! Sounds like Michael overcame his dysfunctional childhood. I like your comment in regards to his deranged mother : "But when the author lets us peek into the incessant gibberish of her addled brain, we cannot help feeling sympathetic towards her." Very well written review.
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Post by Shrabastee Chakraborty »

fernsmom wrote: 29 Oct 2018, 21:32 What a great review! Sounds like Michael overcame his dysfunctional childhood. I like your comment in regards to his deranged mother : "But when the author lets us peek into the incessant gibberish of her addled brain, we cannot help feeling sympathetic towards her." Very well written review.
Thanks for your kind words, Linda! Yes, Rita's story was heartbreaking, she could not help who she was. But yes, I am glad that Michael overcame the abuse and became quite a level-headed teenager.
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Post by María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda »

I absolutely love the quotes you picked as examples. They really make me want to read this book. It has a great character development, which is important for me, as you mentioned even the deranged mother has her backstory and the reader can empathize.
However, the pacing problem is a big one. Hopefully, the author will take your comments into account for the next books.
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