Saturday, November 27, 2010

~Sweetie~ by Kathryn Magendie


Over-weight, bespectacled twelve-year-old Melissa is captivated by wild-mountain-girl Sweetie. As the two friends explore the Western North Carolina mountains where Sweetie lives, they learn about friendship and family, loss and love, loyalty and betrayal. Before the tragedy that changes their lives, and causes Melissa to lose her friend to the mountain spirits, the two become friends, blood sisters, confidants, and caretakers of secrets. At the end of that summer, Sweetie makes a sacrifice that only twelve-year-old Sweetie could make for her mother, and alternatively, Melissa makes a selfish decision, then can only stand by and watch as her friend is there, then gone.


My Thoughts:

I loved every minute of this story. A beautiful coming-of-age tale set in Appalachia in the 1970's, tells the story of Melissa and Sweetie; Shy, overweight Melissa, and brash, outspoken Sweetie, who become fast friends. It is a story of a summertime friendship, spent roaming the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina's Haywood County. Two friends who become "bound sisters" for life, each needing something from the other. Author Kathryn Magendie lives and works in the very same area where this story takes place. Her love for the mountains shines through in her story, with beautiful details of the flowers, rocks and creeks where the girls play. This book is now one of my top favorite Coming-of-Age stories (which include Roseflower Creek by J.L. Miles, Prayers and Lies by Sherri Wood Emmons, Walking Through Shadows by Bev Marshall, Where the Woodbine Twines by Sherry Austin, The Star Lite Drive In by Marjorie Reynolds, Summer of the Redeemers by Carolyn Haines...Just to name a few!) "Sweetie" is a character that I will never forget~

A West Virginia native, Kat Magendie came home to Maggie Valley via South Louisiana, where she reclusively writes and co-edits/publishes The Rose & Thorn online journal. Visit her at www.kathrynmagendie.com


**Many thanks to Deborah Smith at Bell Bridge Books for the opportunity to read and review "Sweetie"**

7 comments:

Julie P said...

I will have to check this one out. Thanks for sharing, Missy!

Jessica said...

This sounds like a lovely read. Great review! I want this book now. :)

Cecile Smutty Hussy said...

Hey honey! I hope you the loves of your life had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and a great weekend!!! Know that you guys are always in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs to you honey!

Suzanne said...

Storytime with Tonya and Friends is now Living Compassionately.

http://livingcompassionately.blogspot.com/

If you would like to continue following me,please update your reader. Thanks so much!

Wall-to-wall books said...

OHHH this one sounds like a ral good one! I love reading about Appalachia.
Great review!

Julie said...

This book is so on my to-buy list! I think it will be great! Thanks for the review!

Anonymous said...

I'll definitely keep this book in mind. I loved Tender Graces, so I certainly want to read more by this author.

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin
 
Blog Design by Use Your Imagination Designs Enchanted Neighborhood kit by Irene Alexeeva