Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Crow (A Red Grouse Tale) in Books
Nov 11, 2019
However on a visit to a local hospice with his mother, she leaves him talking to an old priest, who is known as 'Mad' Father Patrick. The old man is dying but David cannot help but as him about Monday, as the old priest would have known him from his youth.
What follows is an entirely different account of Monday. Father Patrick did indeed know him, and indeed took pity on him when he was so poor he couldn't even afford shoes and was being bullied by the other children at school. Father Patrick gave him his first glimpse at a better life, but according to the priest, Monday turns his talents to destroying those who mocked him.
The account Father Patrick gives is riveting but one-sided, so for the reader David supplies the facts as they are known to him. The old priest's rambling account is full of fire, brimstone and biblical quotes. But is his version the real one, or the paranoid fantasy of someone who blames Monday for the loss of his church to the reservoir?
Whichever is closest to the truth - the public account or Father Patrick's - forms a central idea here. Who is right and who is wrong? Whichever it is the other has been guilty of allowing a festering dislike turn into open hatred and revenge.
The least obviously paranormal of the Red Grouse tales, this will make the reader ask themselves who and what they can believe to be the truth.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated What Kind of Girl in Books
Mar 19, 2020
"But (of course), by lunchtime everyone at school knows, as easily and quickly as if they'd announced it over the loudspeaker: Sad Girl accuses Golden Boy of abuse."
This was an interesting book. It tackles a lot of heavy subjects within its pages. It also presents an intriguing format. The beginning of the book is told via archetypes: think popular girl; nerd; sad girl; the girlfriend, etc. It's a strange, almost gimmicky, format and meant it took some time for me to warm to any of the characters (especially since you don't know their names). Over time, the book grew on me, but it was hard to overcome that slow start.
There's so much going on in this one. Abuse, self-harm, drug use, mental health, eating disorders, and more. Please keep this in mind in terms of trigger warnings. I applaud Sheinmel and all she takes on. It's a very brave book, and the characters have a lot of depth. I think it might have had even more if the book maybe shortened its focus on just a few issues, versus trying to take on so many. Still, it's a very relevant story, and you can't help but appreciate how it tackles such big themes and emotions. I can see how it would be helpful to young adults. Even I found myself identifying with one of the characters and growing to root for all of them. 3.5 stars; rounded to four here for the powerful topics and messaging.
Lollos se Vlerke
Education and Entertainment
App
***Price reduced*** Lollos se Vlerke is an interactive story (in Afrikaans) that follows the...
Cranky Crabbie’s Hissy Fit
Book and Education
App
New from Finland! Helping preschool children learn emotional intelligence the fun way! What do you...
Three Cheers for Cheeraffe
Book and Education
App
New from Finland! Helping preschool children learn emotional intelligence the fun way! What do you...
Buddhist Meditation: Om Chanting Music Mindfulness
Music, Entertainment and Stickers
App
Buddhist Meditation is the app that will aid you during your mindfulness training and your moments...
Tactio Health: My Connected Health Logbook
Medical and Health & Fitness
App
Tactio Health App helps you track and manage a wide range of health data from simple manual logging...
Strong in the Broken Places: A Memoir of Addiction and Redemption Through Wellness
Quentin Vennie and Jon Sternfeld
Book
Quentin Vennie shouldn't be alive--he has walked a path that many don't live long enough to write...
My Glory Was I Had Such Friends: A Memoir
Book
In this moving memoir about the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit, Amy...
Hiding from Reality: My Story of Love, Loss, and Finding the Courage Within
Book
"The terrible truth is that I felt lost without the control that Russell had imposed on me for the...