jamiedee24's reviews
253 reviews

I wanted to love this book. It seemed hauntingly beautiful, a quad of friends seeking to find resolve in their lives after a tragic school shooting took their fellow students and teachers away from them. The concept seemed promising; in the aftershock of a school shooting, the utter destruction of the homes and lives of those killed, and their families who remained. But, at the end of the day, and the end of the book, I can only give this tale 2 stars because there was no conclusion. No ending, no answers, no real peace of mind for the characters or the readers. Ms. Valente had the opportunity to make a statement here, to bring peace to all involved in this book, and instead, she walked away and left the story lines trailing in the breeze. Her writing style is unique, and I would love to see more of it, but her Stinebeck-esque way of quitting the story while readers were hanging on does not serve to promote her style. I bought this book at the airport, as I am wont to do while traveling, but it is not one that I see having longevity on my bookshelves.

This book left me speechless.

I found it on a shelf at the Dollar Tree, and thought it looked interesting. I had no idea this was Ms. Kent's debut novel, that she was so young, and that her words would be so powerful.

Set in Iceland in the mid 1800s, we find the protagonist, Agnes Magnusdottir, sentenced to death for her part in the murder of her employer. Sentenced to lose her head by the axe, Agnes is sent to live with the family of a small town politician to await the carrying out of her punishment. As the book progresses, we see Agnes and the family she is thrust upon begin to learn about each other and open up about their pasts, as well as their hopes and dreams.

By the end, I am not sure if Agnes is guilty of her crimes or not. As she crests the hill, my breath was caught up in the emotion of what some people will do in a moment of passion. Wonderful, haunting story. A beautiful book by Ms. Kent, and many ghosts from Icelandic lore.

I have read this book at least three times, and each time I love it more. This story takes the narrative of a gifted child, Willow Chance, as she tries to navigate the world after the deaths of her adoptive parents. Armed with a sense of fortitude, and joined by a ragtag team of other misfits, including a semi-competent counselor, a salon owner, and her new found friends, Willow has to learn what it means to move on after great loss. I feel myself in Willow and her story, and I was, and continue, to root for her success and happiness.

This book is a bit dated now, having been published in 1993, but the concept is one that is still prevalent in society today. A group of popular athletes are accused of sexually assaulting a girl with special needs. The town is thrown into minor chaos as the popular boys are pitted against each other, the community, and the family of the girl assaulted. It discusses privilege, consent, and the shades of gray that appear to exist in between.