“The summer before I turned ten was idyllic–until August 3, 1970. It perfectly describes a time when I thought the world was safe and good things lasted forever…” 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 … 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.
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Overall, a well- written novel that held my interest. At times, it seemed Abby’s narrative exceeded the maturity of a ten year old, but I didn’t find that to lessen my interest in continuing to read the book.
sad
ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH
Deals with the reality of GRIEF, and recovery.
Excellent novel telling how each person from a family grieves over the loss of their young son and young brother. God is always faithful to see you through.
I loved this book! I felt as if I was reading a season of the Wonder Years….I could actually hear little Abby telling us the story of her family! Don’t wait a minute longer before you sit down and enjoy!! Make sure you bring your tissues.
This author descriptions is original and refreshing. The storyline keeps you from not wanting to put it down. Great writing, look forward to more.
Just loved this book. I love stories told from a child’s perspective.
Told from the perspective of 9 year old Abby, this moving family story had me in tears, both sad and happy. The author shows family members dealing with the sudden, accidental death of 3 year old Joel. Grief is very personal and everyone seems to move through it differently. Dealing with each other during this time compounds the struggle for each one. It was hard to take a deep cleansing breath until the end. Recommend.
Did not even finish reading it
I honestly had to make myself continue to read to the end. It was a little slow getting my interest. The sorrow and heartache were well described and one could easily understand the family dynamics but I kept expecting something else to bring it to a close. Sorry, can’t recommend this one.
Very realistic in how life truly is.
Deeply moving and real. Reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird. Multidimensional charachters who stay with you.
Touched my heart.
Anybody who has suffered loss & never ending grief, will relate to this book & see many of your own feelings in these characters. Did I cry – yes but the tears help.