Two years ago, Jenna Rosen’s son, Bobby, drowned while on vacation in Alaska. To her dismay, his body was never found and she had to return home with her loss and grief. While Robert, Jenna's husband has gotten over his grief, Jenna has found nothing that can help her get over or forget the loss of her son, putting strain on their marriage and making them act more like strangers than a husband and wife.
One night Jenna just can't take it anymore and decides she needs to leave, while in the middle of one of Robert's business parties, she just gets in the car and drives off. She eventually finds herself in Wrangell, Alaska, where her Native American grandmother lived - and just a few miles away from where Bobby drowned. There Jenna meets a shaman who tells her of the legends of the Tlingits and their beliefs as to a person's soul.
As a big fan of Garth Stein and, of course, Enzo's, when I was contacted to review Raven Stole the Moon, I was like.... "ooh, ooh, me!" And although it seems this is one of Mr. Stein's previous works (maybe even his first), I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this story. It is definitely nothing like The Art of Racing in the Rain, this is more of a thriller, and at more than one point, it even felt creepy along the lines of a horror story. As a mother, you can't help but to feel Jenna's pain. The overwhelming loss of a child - trying anything and everything to overcome that grief and to eventually find a path to healing... it really is heartbreaking. This is her journey to not only save herself but also to save her son's soul.
I really found it interesting to read of the Kushtakas (a/k/a shape-shifting soul stealers). I liked the mystery and even the fright that came with their myths and legends. Mr. Stein really has a way with words. I love the voice that he uses to narrate his stories. It was the same way with The Art of Racing in the Rain. I don't know if I can explain it right, but it's soft and soothing... even though there was a time or two where my hairs were standing on end... I found his writing calming.
This is a heartwrenching story about grief, loss and healing that it is expertly intertwined with Native American folklore making it a fascinating read. I truly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
One night Jenna just can't take it anymore and decides she needs to leave, while in the middle of one of Robert's business parties, she just gets in the car and drives off. She eventually finds herself in Wrangell, Alaska, where her Native American grandmother lived - and just a few miles away from where Bobby drowned. There Jenna meets a shaman who tells her of the legends of the Tlingits and their beliefs as to a person's soul.
As a big fan of Garth Stein and, of course, Enzo's, when I was contacted to review Raven Stole the Moon, I was like.... "ooh, ooh, me!" And although it seems this is one of Mr. Stein's previous works (maybe even his first), I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this story. It is definitely nothing like The Art of Racing in the Rain, this is more of a thriller, and at more than one point, it even felt creepy along the lines of a horror story. As a mother, you can't help but to feel Jenna's pain. The overwhelming loss of a child - trying anything and everything to overcome that grief and to eventually find a path to healing... it really is heartbreaking. This is her journey to not only save herself but also to save her son's soul.
I really found it interesting to read of the Kushtakas (a/k/a shape-shifting soul stealers). I liked the mystery and even the fright that came with their myths and legends. Mr. Stein really has a way with words. I love the voice that he uses to narrate his stories. It was the same way with The Art of Racing in the Rain. I don't know if I can explain it right, but it's soft and soothing... even though there was a time or two where my hairs were standing on end... I found his writing calming.
This is a heartwrenching story about grief, loss and healing that it is expertly intertwined with Native American folklore making it a fascinating read. I truly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
This book was provided for review Terra Communications.
GIVEAWAY: I have 1 copy up for grabs - thanks to the lovely Sarah at Terra Communications.
As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, etc.) ; and for putting my spiffy little button on your blog. Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.
Rules: This contest is open to U.S. & Canada residents only. Winners will be drawn Saturday, March 27.
I would love to read this.
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I follow.
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This book looks lovely. What a gorgeous title...
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I am a follower. :)
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This book sounds great and I would like to win it.
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I follow by google reader.
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Que nice!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to all!
♥V
Wow, this sounds to painful to read..My worst fear!
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ReplyDeletesounds really good...
ReplyDeletep.s. do you announce winners? I don't like to leave an email, so I depend on the blog author telling me who the winner is...then I can email them...is that ok?
following, since, like forever
ReplyDeleteHi, Nely! Thank you for this giveaway. I am not sure that I could ever get over the loss of a child. It would be the worst pain that a parent could suffer. Your review makes me want to read this interesting account of a woman's journey through grief.
ReplyDeleteU.S. Resident, Follower, Subscriber
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Oh my gosh, I would love to read this. I just finished a novel with my students on the Tlinglet tribe. What a quinky dink!
ReplyDeleteOh and I'm an RSS follower :)
c (dot) beumer (at) gmail (dot) com
There is an award for you at my blog:
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This sounds great! I love the mysterious and thrilling aspect of it. I should check this out!
ReplyDeleteEmidy
from Une Parole
I would love to read this one.
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I've seen a few reviews about it recently, it sounds good.
I want to read this one...:D
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willowdust@gmail.com
I love Enxo too. I would love to check out another book by Garth Stein. Thanks for offering this.
ReplyDeletefreedom_turtle@hotmail.com
please include me in your giveaway...thanks :)
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kmkuka(at)yahoo(Dot)Com
enter me please! haleymathiot@yahoo.com
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ReplyDeleteyour button is on my blog :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one despite the "chick lit" cover.
ReplyDeleteI'd love a chance to win! I'm a follower.
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This looks good.
ReplyDeleteerin dot dubrock at comcast dot net
~Erin
I would love to win this book.
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I'm a follower.
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I follow on twitter.
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Enter me in this giveaway, please!
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I follow!
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PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE enter me! I would love to read this book. Loved your review!
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*I am a follower
*You are on my side bar
*I posted about your contest on my blog http://mugogmoxie.blogspot.com
Thank you!
tmdahle@centurytel.net
Oh enter me please!
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oodlesofbooks[at]yaoo[dot]com
Thanks so much.
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I follow on google friend....dor
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Facebook fan
ReplyDeleteDoreen Riopel
dorcontest at gmail dot com
I'd love to read this. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower
ReplyDeleteThis genre is different for me. The book sounds like an interesting and enjoyable read.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
I'd love to enter!
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I'm a follower.
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Tweeted:
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aikychien at yahoo dot com
I loved The Art of Racing in the Rain. Can't wait to read this!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway!
s.mickelson at gmail dot com
This book sounds really good. Count me in please.
ReplyDeletekkhaas at bellsouth dot net
+1 I am a follower
ReplyDeletekkhaas at bellsouth dot net
This follower would like to be entered!
ReplyDeletetktmom03 AT mchsi DOT com
tktmom03@mchsi.com
Thanks much for the opportunity!
I'd like to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway.
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-follower
Please enter me!
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Thanks!
I want to read this!!
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Please include me!
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dcf_beth at verizon dot net
I'd love to read this book - please count me in!
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Sounds like a great book! Please include me.
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Tweet! Tweet!
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