Monday, August 24, 2009

"Under This Unbroken Sky" by Shandi Mitchell

While this book is well written, I had a very tough time with it. (This review is difficult to put together.) As a reader, I was taken from disaster to disaster with little relief for the characters. The story is dark and gritty, and while I felt for the characters, I was also looking for more than just strands of hope. I honestly wanted to like this book, but... It still haunts my thoughts, and I had a difficult time picking up another book when I finished this one. Shandi Mitchell is a talented author - this just wasn't the book for me. I will, however, look for more of her work.
If you like books that read like a documentary, this book is for you. If you like dark stories, this book is for you.

I Got a First Look at Barnes & Noble.  Get Your Copy Now

4 comments:

  1. I agree that this book was somewhat depressing. Actually, when I picked it up to read the 'third section' for the FL club, I had a terrible feeling of doom and really didn't want to read it; however, I did like the book overall. It had some beautiful moments and Shandi was able to draw me into the story so deeply that I felt as though I was there. I consider this a great accomplishment for any author. Do I wish things were a little less tragic, graphic, etc...? Yes, but ... it is not what was written.

    For me, I feel haunted by almost all books that are dark or serious in nature. This is the reason I try to read a light/fluffy book afterward.

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  2. I am still haunted by this story which is usually the sign of good writing. =) It was just so depressing. But, while I am having some trouble reading "heavy" books right now, I continue to work at it. LOL

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  3. It was depressing but I thought it was so moving also. i do like feeling haunted by a novel.

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  4. I have been struggling with how to review this book myself. I've still got a few pages to go before I finish. While I've been completely drawn into the story (which is a BIG credit to the author), I don't find myself counting the hours/minutes until I can pick it back up again. I think this has a lot to do with the dark and deep subject manner.

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