Helpful Score: 5
I found an advanced reader copy of this book last year at the local library's book store, and found myself drawn into the first paragraph immediately. It was only one of several books I purchased that day, and I had a stack of books on the "to be read first" pile, but this one kept calling to me. I am so thankful I listened. It consumed me, and I consumed it in 2 1/2 days (and I only read at night). I didn't want it to end, but I had to know what happened to all the people I had come to know and love. I even wanted to know what happened to those I couldn't love.
Swan is one of the most wonderful heroines I have met in a very long time. The love and support of the colorful family for each other, the lyrical writing, the rich descriptions, and the suspense-filled story line made this one of my favorites of the past year (maybe all-time). I will be re-reading this one, and have recommended it to many friends.
I look forward to reading more by Jenny Wingfield!
Swan is one of the most wonderful heroines I have met in a very long time. The love and support of the colorful family for each other, the lyrical writing, the rich descriptions, and the suspense-filled story line made this one of my favorites of the past year (maybe all-time). I will be re-reading this one, and have recommended it to many friends.
I look forward to reading more by Jenny Wingfield!
Helpful Score: 2
This book opens with a doozy of a line and I was hooked from that moment forward. I didnt want to set this one down, I just couldnt wait to get back into it and see what was going to happen next to Swan and her brothers that is one crazy set of kids!
The story starts out simple enough, with the Lake family heading back to Arkansas from Louisiana for a family reunion. An unfortunate turn of events turns the reunion into quite the tragedy, and sets the tone for a strange and revealing summer, full of learning and tragedy. I loved this book, but it was rather heartbreaking and I found myself alternating between laughter and tears at various points in the book.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
The story starts out simple enough, with the Lake family heading back to Arkansas from Louisiana for a family reunion. An unfortunate turn of events turns the reunion into quite the tragedy, and sets the tone for a strange and revealing summer, full of learning and tragedy. I loved this book, but it was rather heartbreaking and I found myself alternating between laughter and tears at various points in the book.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
Helpful Score: 1
I really, really enjoyed this story. One of my could-not-put-down books. If you are thinking about it...just do it. You will not be disappointed.
THE HOMECOMING OF SAMUEL LAKE was a good (not excellent) novel. The author did a great job of creating the setting--a small farming community in 1950s Arkansas. But it took me a while to connect to the oddly named characters: Noble, Blade, Blue, Toy and Swan Lake. Once I did connect, the story got more interesting. For me, the novel's message is that faith doesn't mean bad things won't happen to good people (they do); faith means that despite the bad, you still believe in miracles.
This book was delicious - I gobbled it up! Wonderful, everyday characters that you can know and like, who together as a family overcome hard times and evil through their love for each other. Highly recommend this!
