Review: Moving Story that Captured my Heart
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 22, 2012
Wow! I loved this book!  Narrated in an understated, almost journalistic-like, prose, this book packed one heck of a punch.  Told from the perspective of a young Cherokee girl, and obviously lovingly researched, this book evoked intense emotion in me.  The terrible march to Oklahoma "Indian Territory" on the Trail of Tears was only the beginning of the brutal hardships these displaced people endured.The book focuses around a mystery.  When her healthy five-year-old brother inexplicably weakens then dies, Sasa must find out why. All alone, grieving, she finds a little dog.  The dog has been bitten by a snake and is barely alive. Sasa rescues the pooch and soon falls in love with the rascal.  Wheezer becomes Sasa's stalwart protector as she begins to enlist the help of others.When the dog's owner traces him to the Indian settlement, he too, finds out that not all is as it seems. The rations and commodities intended for the Indians are not arriving.  As Jackson investigates, he and Sasa help each other, and Wheezer's loyalties are divided between Sasa and Jackson.This is a moving story that instantly captured my heart.  Never verbose or preachy, this tale flawlessly captured the flavor of the West, and the bigotry of the times.  Yet, it is written in an inherently upbeat style that had me cheering for the good guys, and booing at the no-good, low-down, greedy bad guys.  I also cheered for Wheezer, my favorite character.  This book is the first in a planned series of mysteries.  I am looking forward to the next one by this talented new author.This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.  I am not a personal friend this author.