Wonderful, moving story about how our actions and choices affect others
928209
Moving story about how small the world can be and how one choice can change multiple lives forever.  Great book club choice - lots of material to discuss.
3817571
I was initially drawn to this story because we placed my mother-in-law in a nursing home a few months ago after almost 20 years of living with us.  I got MUCH more out of it than just a good story--more on that in a minute.

I really liked the style Todd Johnson used--first-person narrative of four main characters.  He was able to show such different viewpoints of the same circumstances, e.g. life in a nursing home.  The books spans quite a passage of time, but it's done so in a way that you don't miss all the details in-between; you simply adjust to the point in time where the story is being told and the changes that have occurred. He quietly conveys the slow decline of Margaret, the aging of Lorraine, the maturing of April, the personal growth of Rhonda--as well as the impact Bernice has on all of them.  I appreciated how you could get a clear image of Ada by putting together each of the four characters' impressions of her!  I learned to love these women as they showed compassion, patience, and kindness to those they befriended and waited on.

  ".....But as Mama always says, 'I don't care who you are, Sick and Old are comin
  to see you whether you invite em or not."

On the deeper level, Todd Johnson is able to bring such a sensitive perspective of the journey we all will go on as we travel down the road of life--dependency on our parents..... independence.....dependency on our children and caregivers.  We ALL want to be treated with dignity and kindness; if we live long enough, we will all change roles from caregiver to the person needing care; and as that happens, it is as frustrating for the receiver of that assistance as it can be for the giver (no ones wants to depend on someone else to do everything for them).

As I visit Mom almost daily, this book has made me acutely aware that she may be thinking about so much more than she shares--her past, present, and future all parade through her thoughts in her many waking hours as well as her dreams.  This book helped me to be more sensitive to her needs and those around her, caregivers as well as other residents.

Truly loved the book, and as another reviewer stated, kept forgetting a man wrote it because he so vividly captured the essence of these women.  A great read!!!!
2217131
Bad Wolf is such a moving story that I would recommend it for any child and adult alike. Great story to use for parent child discussions about self-image, conquering fears and how positive thinking can make a child achieve anything. Two thumbs up!
864057
Very moving story, simply and sincerely written. The message of love and forgiveness is so important to our world.  My only caveat is, the book talks about spirits and getting signs from the beyond which I found uncomfortable, and so might other readers. But otherwise, this story of grief and the healing process is deeply affecting, and also talks about some therapeutic practices that can be helpful to work through grief.
2646740
What a beautiful story about love, loss, and choosing to live again.  The book covers so many aspects of our human existence, particularly facing personal loss or tragedies in our lives that we cannot control.  For most of us who have encountered such difficult times, this story is very relatable.  The story inspires us to accept our new lives and identities, that even though different, can be just as rewarding and fulfilling.  I loved the friendship Seymour had with Renee.  We all need a little Renee (God) in our lives.
3663064
Blackbird Fly, by Erin Entrada Kelly is a big, beautiful and deeply moving story about a 12 year old girl searching for her identity in a place far from home.  A life-changing move from the Philippines when she was very small has kept Apple Yengko separated from those around her.  Seeking solace, she turns to the music of the Beatles and finds both understanding and support.

Marvelous by any standards, the references such great Beatle song titles, such as "Let It Be," "For No One," and "Across The Universe" this story speaks to the confused, lonely child in all of us and offers strength and comfort in a very big way.

Although I highly recommend the book for children of the appropriate age, I also offer it to adults as a story that captivates and brings wonderful closure.  This book deserves a very wide exposure.  It should be read and talked about and put on everyone's "to read" list.

For more, check out the author's web site at:  http://www.erinentradakelly.com

And check out the incredible song/chapter list!  http://www.erinentradakelly.com/the-apple-yengko-playlist/.
3794735
I have to admit that I cried------a lot------when I read this book. It's a beautiful story of making choices and then living with them. It's a beautiful story of love, trust, growing up, growing old, living and dying. I couldn't put this book down. I found it hard to read through my tears. But I loved it all. Someone else earlier wrote about the characters staying with you long after you're finished reading. I have to agree totally. I drove over 200 miles today and during the entire drive, I thought about the people, the story, the ending, the impact it made on my life
This was an awesome book. I will read more by this author.
4260297
Very engaging story , also makes you contemplate life, death and life decisions
2105051
Blessings tells the story of Lydia Blessings, an old woman who lives by herself in a large house with her namesake. She has a new gardener/handyman named Skip who lives in an apartment above the garage, and a cantankerous maid named Nadine. One night Skip finds a newborn baby in a box lying on his doorstep. At first he tries to hide her from everyone, but eventually everyone at Blessings knows about the baby. Soon they all begin to see their own lives transformed by the influence of this tiny, innocent creature. Lydia especially finds her own heart softening, reliving past memories of her own childhood, as well as her daughter's childhood.
The main message I found running through the book is no one is an island. We all must have interaction with other human beings in order to survive. Indeed, if we truly want to thrive, the only way to do this is to cultivate meaningful relationships with others. Faith, the baby left on Skip's doorstep, is the physical embodiment of this message. She literally won't survive unless Skip takes care of her. Lydia is the emotional embodiment of the message. She seems to be a recluse, hiding in her house, hardly daring to even go outside. And yet, she will peek through her windows with binoculars to watch what goes on outside. She needs social interaction, but denies herself of it. But as the story progresses, Lydia opens herself up bit by bit to her friends and family, and finds healing for her own heart.
2313540
I'd recommend this book to anyone age 10 and up who loves characters who feel like they could be your neighbors, values kindness, and appreciates the soaring heights that everyday people can be reach.

I wish I could more eloquently articulate what a meaningful, moving story I found this book to be, but since I'm having trouble choosing the right words, I'll just say: Read it,and you'll see the wonder for yourself.
2549260
Ivan is a young man who was born
 severely deformed and has spent his entire life in a
 hospital observing the people and events around him. This
 was an incredibly moving story told by a unique and complex
 young man. Ivan's observations are funny, compelling and
 precise. This is a poignant tale of suffering, compassion,
 adversity and resilience. I loved this book. Stambach is an incredible writer and I look forward to his next book.
2671921
Each of us has "stuff" happening in our lives all the time.  I think this book and the way the beautiful, loving story is told, may really touch the lives of its readers profoundly, no matter what each is going through at the time of the reading.  It certainly did that for me!  Thank you, Ms. Foster!
2348680
After reading the reviews, and the first chapter of this novel, I was excited to sit down and delve into Caitlin's world.  In short, I was not disappointed.  As I tend to shy away for books which are mostly a character study, I was surprised to find that I barely noticed the minimalist use of supporting cast.  In telling her story, Caitlin's voice is strong and emotional and Nina's use of a small supporting cast adds a layer of depth to a its telling.

This book will touch the soul of anyone who has experienced a loss of any kind, as it explores the many elements of grief.  It also examines the expections we have of others.  Though I spent most of this story reading through misty eyes, I walked away with a tremendous sense of understanding of the emotions and levels of grief I have experienced in my own life.  Nina has accurately conveyed the essence of self-doubt and disconnection we often feel when we lose those we love.  But most of all, as we share with Caitlin the tumultuous year immediately following her best friend's suicide, we discover that there is a life beyond loss.

This is also a must read for teens as it paints an accurate portrayal of the aftermath of suicide.
2959324
I loved this moving, well-written story. Rarely does an author impress me so much with their depth of honesty, and self-awareness. That is a gift to us all. I also appreciated and clarity with which she described her spiritual experiences. It was inspiring to follow her pursuit of freedom of mind and heart, and so sad to see how such a beautiful thing could be so abused by one who has a place of power. Gladly the story ends well, and hopefully there is another in the works.!
1783898
Poignant, sweet, and engaging, this novel and its characters will carry you along as they learn from one another about life, choices, and integrity. Heartwarming and life affirming, the novel explores the Holocaust and its enduring impact on families today. Centering around one modern family and one Holocaust survivor, the novel explores their daily lives while revealing the gut wrenching decisions made in crisis during WWII. No earth shattering action or shocking plot twists, but a page turning story regardless. The characters are confronted with modern antisemitism; the protagonist's decisions regarding how to cope with these destructive views is a wonderful lesson for us all.
529353
This story will touch your heart especially at the end- it is a story of a child and a mother and their family. It deals with the issue of abortion and is such a redemptive story. This was such a moving story! I would highly, highly recommend this book to my girlfriends. Once I started this book I didn't want to put it down. There are a couple of moments in the end that are surprising and the end will rock your world!!
3667715
A beautiful and moving story...one of the best I have read in years!  Recommend it for all adults, men and women.