Sixteen-year-old Mattie Gokey has big dreams but little hope of seeing them come true. Desperate for money, she takes a job at the Glenmore, where hotel guest Grace Brown asks her to burn a bundle of secret letters. But when Grace's drowned body is fished from the lake, Mattie discovers the letters reveal the grim truth behind a murder.
***
I discovered this book on Carolina Valdez Miller's blog, she had a 17-year-old guest reviewer who gave a great review. You can read that post here.
Talk about Afterglow. I'm still glowing from this book. Not because I love historical fiction, not because I love strong female characters, and not because the MC loves to read and write. Well, all of those thing, I guess.
I loved the book because it was unexpected. I thought it was going to be a murder mystery, but it wasn't. Not really. At times I thought it was going to turn into a love story, but it didn't. The characters felt real. Mattie had lots of doubts about herself and what she really wants in life, but ultimately it was her love of reading, writing, and a deep knowledge that she was worth more than those around her thought. She had a quiet confidence that wavered a bit, but never went out. And I love love love the ending.
I loved all the old fashioned names in the book. I love the strength of the characters, especially Mattie and her friend Weaver. Also, I love the cover. I picked up the book because of the review on Carol's blog, but I purchased it because of the cover. I just couldn't put it down.
I highly recommend! (Can't you tell?)
ahhh...i'm so glad you liked it! as you, um, might know, i happen to love it just as much :)
ReplyDeleteAlright, this one might have to go to the top of my TBR pile. Sounds fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite books. I've reread it a few times, and I just can't get over how amazing the writing is. I've even convinced my husband to read it, and he's loving it so far.
ReplyDeletehaha I discovered this book on Carolina's blog too - so glad you second the plug
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read. I wish I could get my hands on it.
ReplyDelete:-)
I'll need to give this a second chance. I think b/c I expected a murder mystery from the backflap, the first chapter threw me off so much I put it down.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you guys liked the review. Thanks! And thanks again to Aleeza for the guest post on Carol's blog. I had never heard of this book before and I'm so glad I found it.
ReplyDeleteThat review on Carol's blog was awesome. So is this one!
ReplyDeleteI love Jennifer Donnelly and this review makes me want to run out and buy A Northern Light right now! Darn schedule...
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this one. I LOVED Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly, and I've heard so many amazing things about this one. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDelete