RHCB presents... STORM BLOWN by Nick Courage!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're playing host to a stop along the Random House Children's Books tour for a NEW RELEASE you won't want to miss!  It falls in the Middle Grade genre of titles, and it's filled to the brim with ACTION, ADVENTURE, DANGER, and HEART.  For me, it hit very close to home, so much in fact that I was in tears more than once, but despite the bleary eyed interruptions, I couldn't put it down.  Ready or not, here comes today's book of choice...

Storm Blown

by

Nick Courage

9780525645962

Delacorte Books for Young Readers

About the book...

A major hurricane is raging across the southern United States, and two unsuspecting kids are about to have the adventure of a lifetime! Perfect for kids who love high-stakes plots and natural disaster movies, and anyone interested in extreme weather!

A little rain and wind don’t worry Alejo–they’re just part of life at the beach. As his padrino says, as long as there are birds in the waves, it’s safe. When people start evacuating, though, Alejo realizes things might be worse than he thought. And they are. A hurricane is headed straight for Puerto Rico.

Emily’s brother, Elliot, has been really sick. He can’t go outside their New Orleans home, so Emily decides to have an adventure for him. She’s on a secret mission to the tiny island Elliot loves. She’s not expecting to meet up with an injured goose or a shy turtle. And nothing has prepared her for Megastorm Valerie. Soon Alejo and Emily will be in Valerie’s deadly path. Who will survive?

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This story really took my breath away...and reading the Author's Note at book's end, totally explains why.  Aside from the author's writing talent (which is obvious to this reader), it seems they too have been in the path of these natural disasters... dreading its approach, hoping for the path to change, wishing to be missed and yet not wishing it on anyone else all at the same time.  For me, it went hand in hand with being able to aptly describe not only what was happening, but the feelings behind it...and from multiple angles no less!



As heart-wrenching as it was, I adored following the story from the multiple sets of eyes we were given.  With Alejo, we were able to see not only from a child's point of view, but from an islanders point of view...a distinct difference as they don't have the luxury of running to another state per se to escape the big bad weather phenomena.  We could see his confusion over the weather as it rapidly changed, feel the love he had for his grandfather as he determinedly followed the path of most resistance because it was also his heart's choice, and grow in respect for him as he lent the only hand he had to help another when things were at their worst.  Emily allowed us a peek into the lives of those that live in areas built up because they are gorgeous and profitable, and yet will always ultimately belong to Mother Nature.  My heart pained for how overlooked she felt, soared at her determination to bring joy to her ailing brother despite her protesting mother, and fell once again with her innocence when all heck was breaking loose...yet when the cards were down, she could be truly counted on.  Then we had Emily's brother Elliot, living a life sheltered thanks to his failing health, but unable to truly break free of those holds as he's still recovering his strength...thing is when all else failed, he did not.  Then there's the grandparents, parents, NCWC professionals, and a few random people woven into the story fabric...all utilized to round out the story because the way it's viewed, the way it's processed, the way it affects you, all depends on your perspective.  Speaking of which...

There were three characters you DIDN'T expect to "hear" from, but I was most pleased to see included in the role of narrator...the animal cast.  That's right.  Now, we're not talking about singing pigs, or dancing monkeys, but rather a petrel (seabird), a turtle, and a goose.  What?  Did you forget that these natural disasters affect the wildlife too?  Well, they certainly do...and while it may seem like escape would be hard for a turtle, but easy for a bird, think again.  What if they had a lame wing and flying was not an option?  What if they were swept up into the storm and simply couldn't fly back out?  The eye of the storm is calm, but the surrounding wall is where the most deadly winds reside.  Riding the currents will only take you so far, as will stamina.  Honestly, I think this portion of the story was just as tear inducing as the rest, but I appreciated its inclusion nonetheless.

For those that know me, or follow my blog closely enough, you know what happened back in October 2018.  What you might not know is that the aftereffects of that event linger on.  I'm not simply talking about a change in the natural scenery because yeah...the "skyline" has been changed indefinitely.  I'm not just speaking to the fact that SO MANY are still trying to rebuild their LIVES let alone their HOMES because that is most definitely still the case, and a struggle every day to find some sort of security.  I'm driving home the fact that long after the winds subsided, the surf turned calm, and the rain drained away, the EMOTIONAL scars remained...as they still do to this day and for the foreseeable future.  It doesn't matter if you are strong or weak, rich or poor, brilliant or average, beautiful or plain Jane...it can strike you out of nowhere, and it tears your world apart.

The label applied is PTSD...yeah, like soldiers in war have been known to be stricken with due to the horrors they've seen...but it can attach itself to ANYONE who goes through a particularly traumatic experience, and trust me, if you've been through one, you know just how traumatic they are.  The best way to combat it varies by the person.  Some need professional assistance, some chemical, and some simply time and a kind ear/heart to lean on.  I'm told it gets better with time...but just how much remains to be seen.  I think we all carry a bit of our history forward through time, whether we want to or not; we just learn the best way to contain it.

In the end, my review is WAY to long, but I regret nothing.  I highly recommend this book to the target audience and beyond.  It gives a well rounded look at a truly terrifying situation with encouragement for how we can help prevent this type of fiction becoming reality.  But, if I could ask the author one thing though, I know just what it would be.  WHAT ABOUT THE GOOSE?

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About the author...

Nick Courage is a New Orleans-born writer and aspiring skateboarder who splits his time between Brooklyn and Pittsburgh, where he lives with his wife and two cats. His work has appeared in the Paris Review and Writer’s Digest. When he’s not writing (or skating behind the library), Nick likes to ride his bike as far as he can–past the city, to the woods or the beach.

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM

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Special thanks to Alex at Random House Children's Books for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Delacorte Books for Young Readers, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour making its way through the blogosphere for more bookish fun! 

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

THE SUMMER GUESTS by Mary Alice Monroe

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the review spotlight on a NEW RELEASE from author Mary Alice Monroe.  You may have read her previous works, or simply have her on your radar, but one way or another, the name rings a bell.  For me, it's the Lowcountry series as far as my want-to-read list, and the Beach series for her work Beach House for Rent (adored it!).  This time around, we've got a provocative work of Fiction that really hits home in many ways for this reader, and while making me squirm for those very reasons, I landed in a happy place by book's end thanks to the book's characters.  Ready or not, here comes today's book of choice...

The Summer Guests

by

Mary Alice Monroe

9781501193620

Gallery Books

About the book...

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Beach House series comes a heartwarming and evocative novel about the bonds and new beginnings that are born from natural disasters and how, even during the worst of circumstances—or perhaps because of them—we discover what is most important in life. 

Late August is a beautiful time on the Southern coast—the peach trees are ripe, the ocean is warm, and the sweet tea is icy. A perfect time to enjoy the rocking chairs on the porch. But beneath the calm surface bubbles a threat: it’s also peak hurricane season.

When a hurricane threatens the coasts of Florida and South Carolina, an eclectic group of evacuees flees for the farm of their friends Grace and Charles Phillips in North Carolina: the Phillips’s daughter Moira and her rescue dogs, famed equestrian Javier Angel de la Cruz, makeup artist Hannah McLain, horse breeder Gerda Klug and her daughter Elise, and island resident Cara Rutledge. They bring with them only the few treasured possessions they can fit in their vehicles. Strangers to all but the Phillips, they must ride out the storm together.

During the course of one of the most challenging weeks of their lives, relationships are put to the test as the evacuees are forced to confront the unresolved issues they have with themselves and with each other. But as the storm passes, they realize that what really matters isn’t what they brought with them to the mountains. Rather, it’s what they’ll take with them once they leave.

With Mary Alice Monroe’s “usual resplendent storytelling” (Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author), The Summer Guests is a poignant and compelling story of self-discovery, love, and redemption.

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So, I was anticipating this one IMMENSELY, but once I got started, it was actually REALLY HARD for me to read.  I think it falls under the "too much too soon" category, as in the subject matter deals with things a bit too close to home, i.e. a major hurricane barreling at the Florida coast and beyond with the power to destroy lives, dreams, and forevers.  

I can honestly say (from unfortunate first hand experience) that she did capture the moments leading up to its landfall remarkably well.  The awareness but only on the peripheral when a storm is first spotted in the Atlantic.  The concern as it takes whatever track it decides to take and drives us all mad as we try to guess just where it's heading for.  The planning as more definitive landfall targets are announced.  The actions taken to prepare homes, and family (hoofed, pawed, and all) for "fight or flight".  The chaos as things change, whether in the storm's track or in our safety plans, as we prepare for the worst.  The unexpected challenges faced when whatever game plan you decided on is put into play....if staying, battening down the hatches and praying for all you're worth; if leaving, traffic (goodness the traffic!), gas shortages, and lodging nightmares.  Sound too unfortunate to be true?  Nope...lived through it, as did may others, and the reality is scary enough to leave its mark.

As for our cast of characters here...the majority made their way out of state, destination North Carolina, and the storms they weather are not all weather related.  Yes, the rains come, the wind stirs, and things get out of sorts as they all accept their current circumstances and keep their fingers crossed it all sorts itself out soon, while taking great care of their four-legged equine companions...but the real "storm" here is in the connections between them all.  Those that start as friends, lovers, or mere acquaintances, all have new brandings for their "relationships" by the end of their stay.  Grace and Charles find their way back to each other, learning to trust fully once again.  Moira discovers that she can be herself while still giving of herself in a relationship, though taking time to follow her own passions is a must.  Gerta and Elise find their way back to themselves, a longer road than you might think too, and in that rediscovery make their own ways in the world in rather surprising ways...and with surprising people.  Hannah and Javier Angel de la Cruz realize what is truly important to them, and make the changes needed to follow their dreams come what may.  Cara and David find that what they were always searching for was right in front of them, and that when love is found it should not be let go.

All in all, I got caught up in all the connections forged through proximity and the carryover after the storm passed. Though it was not exactly what I expected, and the storm's changes unanticipated, it was enjoyable nonetheless.  My only hang up was when Moira said something about "...and the residents who had decided, foolishly, to stay and ignore evacuation orders"...not all the decisions made in those situations are so black and white.  Some don't have anywhere to go, extended family or friends to stay with, a place to take their pets, or the extra money to even fund it.  Some live day to day, week to week, not by choice, but by circumstance.  It may be that it was simply too soon after our own event and I was extra sensitive...or not...but in either case, there's always more than one side to whatever story we think we see.

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About the author...

Mary Alice Monroe is the New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the Beach House series: The Beach House, Beach House Memories, Swimming Lessons, Beach House for Rent, and Beach House Reunion. She is a 2018 Inductee into the South Carolina Academy of Authors’ Hall of Fame, and her books have received numerous awards, including the 2008 South Carolina Center for the Book Award for Writing, the 2014 South Carolina Award for Literary Excellence, the 2015 SW Florida Author of Distinction Award, the RT Lifetime Achievement Award, the International Book Award for Green Fiction, and the 2017 Southern Book Prize for Fiction. Her bestselling novel The Beach House is also a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. An active conservationist, she lives in the lowcountry of South Carolina. Visit her at MaryAliceMonroe.com and at Facebook.com/MaryAliceMonroe.

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Special thanks to Michelle at Simon & Schuster for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY June 11th, 2019 via Gallery Books, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!