Hardscrabble Road by George Weinstein
How I Heard About It:
How I Heard About It:
*The second part of the story takes place in 2017 focusing on a Shea who runs a true crime website called "The Book of Cold Cases".
*When Shea randomly meets Beth Greer she can't quite believe her luck.
*Beth was arrested for the murder of the two men back in 1977. She was acquitted of the crime and retreated to the closed doors of her family's mansion.
*Shea and Beth begin a "friendship" where Beth has given Shea the opportunity to interview her about what truly happened back in 1977 and in the years since.
What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*I loved it!
*The narration was excellent and I found myself sitting in the car when I arrived at school to get a bit more of the story.
*The relationship between Shea and Beth was quite fascinating, intriguing, and intense.
*I don't normally read mysteries per say, but I truly enjoyed the novel and found the plot to be unique and fresh.
*There were some parts I was a bit confused by because of the "ghosts", but I didn't let that derail me from the enjoyment of the overall story.
Who Should Read It:
*I know that all adult readers will enjoy the novel just as much as I did. I highly recommend it. Happy Reading!
Rating: 4 STARS out of 5 Stars
How I Heard About It:
*His mother doesn't think the story is appropriate for the fifth graders and sets out to "ban" the book from the classroom.
*Meanwhile, Gideon is thrilled when Roberto joins his class. His only friends have been his turtle collection, but that is about to change.
*Donavan tries to do the right thing when it comes to his teacher and the assigned book while trying to figure out why his mother is making such a big deal out of the book.
*The book in question features adventurers Rick and Oliver who explore the world, find themselves in dangerous situations, and come to rely on each other as best friends would.
What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*I started the novel early Sunday afternoon, and finished it later that afternoon. I could NOT put it down.
*I love how David tackles some very timely and important issues head on and doesn't shy away from what is going on in our world today.
*The characters were incredible and I enjoyed reading about ALL of them.
*As I read, I was wondering how the three story lines were connected and was blown away when the connection was revealed.
*This is an important story and one that will truly make a difference in readers' lives.
Who Should Read It:
*This is definitely a story for upper middle-grade, middle-school, and maybe even some high-school readers. Adult readers will also be thrilled with the plot. If you know of any young people who are questioning their sexuality, this is the book for them. Happy Reading!
Rating: 5 STARS out of 5 Stars