Review by lmtagot -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
-
lmtagot
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 22 Mar 2018, 09:29
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 3
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lmtagot.html
- Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
Review by lmtagot -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon is a book about survival and discovery. Tom meets his granddaughter, whom he did not know existed, on a stormy night. The timing is inconvenient as Tom, his long-time friend, William, and William's daughter, Myra, are planning a trip the next day into Olympic National Park. The trip is closure for Tom as he heads back to his grandfather's burial spot. Unfortunate circumstances throw the group into a whirlwind of adventure as they fight against a large industry trying to take over the sacred land, trying to solve the riddle left by ancient visions, and coming together as a family.
The author captures the hostility of a young girl who has endured a difficult life up to her 12-13 years of age. She is angry, suspicious, and mistrustful. The reader will discover her strength and endurance while tackling the most difficult of tasks. Her ingenuity and drive make her a character you like yet her attitude toward people who care about her can make a reader a little annoyed. But maybe that's the purpose? She's a preteen with an huge chip on her shoulder!
There were several chapters covering a vision Sarah had and although that storyline in itself was fascinating, it seemed like a huge jump in the story and a little long. If the vision was split up a little more throughout the book, I think it would have had a much greater impact. The author's use of Native American stories and legends from that region were fascinating. I would have liked to have heard more about belief systems and other possible stories from ancient times.
The arguments between science and native beliefs were felt as Myra and Sergei volleyed back and forth. The development of some kind of romantic relationship between the two came out toward the end of the book but it was awkward and unclear. The relationship development among the characters, especially Tom and Sarah, were not as well thought out or refined. I would have liked to have read more about the relationship with Tom and his daughter and paralleled that to his granddaughter. Albeit, in real life, not everything ends in a tidy, ribbon covered box, but as a reader, I like to feel like there are some issues that are resolved or at least begin to come to fruition.
I give this book a 3 out of 4 rating. Overall the story was moving. It covered what native peoples from around the world are dealing with which is big corporations trying to make money off of sacred lands. We begin to understand the importance of ancient artifacts but also realize the debate between leaving them in their original resting grounds or taking pieces to prove, scientifically, the origin of people. I would recommend this book to readers who are interested in ancient movement of people and the possibilities of our origins between scientific testing versus stories passed down through native people.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like lmtagot's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon is a book about survival and discovery. Tom meets his granddaughter, whom he did not know existed, on a stormy night. The timing is inconvenient as Tom, his long-time friend, William, and William's daughter, Myra, are planning a trip the next day into Olympic National Park. The trip is closure for Tom as he heads back to his grandfather's burial spot. Unfortunate circumstances throw the group into a whirlwind of adventure as they fight against a large industry trying to take over the sacred land, trying to solve the riddle left by ancient visions, and coming together as a family.
The author captures the hostility of a young girl who has endured a difficult life up to her 12-13 years of age. She is angry, suspicious, and mistrustful. The reader will discover her strength and endurance while tackling the most difficult of tasks. Her ingenuity and drive make her a character you like yet her attitude toward people who care about her can make a reader a little annoyed. But maybe that's the purpose? She's a preteen with an huge chip on her shoulder!
There were several chapters covering a vision Sarah had and although that storyline in itself was fascinating, it seemed like a huge jump in the story and a little long. If the vision was split up a little more throughout the book, I think it would have had a much greater impact. The author's use of Native American stories and legends from that region were fascinating. I would have liked to have heard more about belief systems and other possible stories from ancient times.
The arguments between science and native beliefs were felt as Myra and Sergei volleyed back and forth. The development of some kind of romantic relationship between the two came out toward the end of the book but it was awkward and unclear. The relationship development among the characters, especially Tom and Sarah, were not as well thought out or refined. I would have liked to have read more about the relationship with Tom and his daughter and paralleled that to his granddaughter. Albeit, in real life, not everything ends in a tidy, ribbon covered box, but as a reader, I like to feel like there are some issues that are resolved or at least begin to come to fruition.
I give this book a 3 out of 4 rating. Overall the story was moving. It covered what native peoples from around the world are dealing with which is big corporations trying to make money off of sacred lands. We begin to understand the importance of ancient artifacts but also realize the debate between leaving them in their original resting grounds or taking pieces to prove, scientifically, the origin of people. I would recommend this book to readers who are interested in ancient movement of people and the possibilities of our origins between scientific testing versus stories passed down through native people.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like lmtagot's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
