Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Dial Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Allegra Goodman - 4.5 stars!
When we meet Sam, she is 7 years old, living with mom, Courtney, and younger stepbrother, Noah. Courtney works two jobs to make ends meet and Sam's dad, whom she adores, is gone more than he is around. She doesn't fit in at school and struggles to find her place until her dad introduces her to climbing. She struggles to get the attention of her coach but then his attention becomes an issue. As Sam grows up, we watch her deal with life, people's expectations of her, her own dreams, and love.
I thought this was a wonderful coming-of-age story. It starts out with simple language that becomes more complex as Sam matures. Sam tries to do what's expected of her, but struggles with her own dreams. I loved the character of Ann, an elderly woman who subtly encourages Sam to follow her heart. This book will touch your heart - while it's filled with struggles and issues of addiction, poverty, classism, abuse, it's also full of encouragement, hopes and dreams. I also think it's a great shout out to what the right words from a teacher can do to a student.
No comments:
Post a Comment