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- Paperback: 320 pages
- Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (February 1, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1634099508
- ISBN-13: 978-1634099509
About the Book:
Christy Award Winner!
Nine-year-old Abby McAndrews has just experienced her greatest loss, and in its wake, her family is unraveling with guilt, grief, and anger. Her father, Reverend McAndrews, cannot return to the pulpit because he has more questions than answers. Her older brother Matt’s actions speak louder than the words he needs to confess, as he acts out in dangerous ways. Her mother tries to hold her grieving family together, but when Abby’s dad refuses to move on, the family is at a crossroads.
Stars in the Grass, set in a small Midwestern town in 1970, is an uplifting novel that explores a family’s relationships and resiliency. Abby’s heartbreaking remembrances are balanced by humor and nostalgia as her family struggles with—and ultimately celebrates—life after loss.
Nine-year-old Abby McAndrews has just experienced her greatest loss, and in its wake, her family is unraveling with guilt, grief, and anger. Her father, Reverend McAndrews, cannot return to the pulpit because he has more questions than answers. Her older brother Matt’s actions speak louder than the words he needs to confess, as he acts out in dangerous ways. Her mother tries to hold her grieving family together, but when Abby’s dad refuses to move on, the family is at a crossroads.
Stars in the Grass, set in a small Midwestern town in 1970, is an uplifting novel that explores a family’s relationships and resiliency. Abby’s heartbreaking remembrances are balanced by humor and nostalgia as her family struggles with—and ultimately celebrates—life after loss.
My Thoughts:
I had a pre-release copy of Ann Marie Stewart's debut novel on my Kindle for several weeks. I knew I'd eventually get to read the book, but it took the Christy Award nominations to prompt me to begin to read.
Waiting was one of the least intelligent decisions I've had in forever! "Stars In the Grass" is so much more than the back cover copy does it justice. An unspeakable tragedy opens the story, one that stops a parent's heart and sends a chill over the reader.
What follows is the journey of the McAndrews family as they navigate the new normal they must now live. And each member of the family handles the grief in different ways--some self-destructive, some unusual, and all revealing the personalities of the family members.
The story focuses on Abby, the only girl and our narrator. Viewing events through the eyes of a young girl. Be prepared for a heart-tugging story, have tissues on hand, and I wouldn't advise picking up the book just before bed...unless you'll want to be up all night.
This is Stewart's debut, which makes me anxious to see what this talented new author has coming next. I received an advance copy of "Stars In The Grass" from the publisher with no services promised in return.
Four out of five stars
Until the next page turns,
Deena
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