Review: A book to cry over
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 23, 2013
I don't often cry while reading books--I may laugh or frown or get exasperated with the characters but I have only cried over a couple of books (yes, Harry Potter was one of these books!). I have to admit that I cried at the end of The Boy From The Woods WHILE I WAS AT WORK. The reason that this new adult book made me so emotional is that Jen Minkman really gets the younger generation and creates characters who act accordingly. The protagonist and her group of friends are good kids who don't hesitate to go out drinking every night. They complain about having to work and eagerly plan holiday trips. They obsess about boys and sex and going away to college. I have two teenagers so I know that this is basically the way kids think.Aside from the authenticity of her characters, Minkman also has a wonderful voice when writing. The story flows smoothly with many moments of teen jocularity and familial affection. When drama arises, the reader can feel tension or despair or anguish rolling off the page and THAT is what got me in trouble. The action rises in a crescendo, bringing the reader to the edge of her seat and heightening emotions. Like listening to opera, I had to release the feelings through tears. And of course, it was a really sad scene, lol.Through symbolism, Minkman views the circle of life--birth, death, and rebirth--continuously in the woods near Julia's home. The oak tree nurtures Julia as she grows from child to woman. The roots of a tree cause a near-tragic accident but then the trees give life back. The forest hides and protects Anne while also being the factor that brings her into danger. And while the forest isn't the main setting, it's always in the back of the characters' minds. Very romantic, mystical and tragic love story.