Saving Wonder

Saving Wonder is a story of friendship, young love and a child’s determination and persistence to do the right thing in the right way. An ode to the kids who teach adults a wonderful lesson of how one person can bring across a massive change. Doesn’t matter what rank of power he falls under.The book revolves around three friends who are in a sort-of puppy love triangle but that is not the focus of the story. The hero of our book is Curley, a young orphan who lives with his Grandfather in the mountains. He portrays multiple shades of emotions and realistically demonstrates grit, resilience and from time to time a bit of naivety apt for someone his age. A few chapters in and the title of the book easily gives away the plot, but for me the thing that kept me glued to the pages were the words. A new word each day through each chapter. I never thought I would end up learning so much more than just creative storytelling.The book is truly an emotional read highlighting the importance of relationships with family and friends, the sanctity of intangible memories which we hang on to and the need to demonstrate courage and stand up for the right thing which time comes. I personally felt that the ending of the book was a little rushed and dramatic which could’ve been made more subtle. But overall, such a refreshing, fun and effortless read. This book is definitely one example endorsing the fact that – age is no bar when it comes to reading!

In her debut novel, Mary Knight proves an ability to see, then curate these observations about the experience of youth, family and community relationships and political issues that, like it or not, affect all of us. She masterfully weaves these observations into a novel that transcends the YA category. Her storytelling voice is convincing and authentic, and she peppers the prose with a unique approach that has been seen nowhere else -- by this reviewer, in any case.Knight is tuned in to Kentuckians' sense of place and, therefore, sense of self. This includes world-class natural wonders and cultural touchstones such as the Kentucky Derby and University of Kentucky men's basketball. The reader should not mistake Knight's familiarity with the area with regional writing, however. The themes explored in this book -- person against nature, person against self, conflict with oneself -- transcend state and national boundaries.This novel is a "wonder" that will be "saved" forever on this reviewer's bookshelf and on the bookshelves of others. It makes a fantastic gift.

This novel is a gripping read for adults, too. It's not only about the power of words but the power of connection, to a a home, to a landscape, to one's beloveds, even to a particular tree. I so enjoyed Papaw and Curley's relationship and the breaking down of stereotypes. "Bad boys," including Gordy, the tattooed lumberjack, aren't necessarily bad. Beware of first impressions, and save all the wonder you can.

I loved this book from its great embossed cover to its final page that gives me hope I may meet Curley and Papaw and Jules again in a sequel. I soaked up the story, I cared about the characters, I cared about the holler and the Kentucky mountains, I agonized over the difficult choices between providing a living for coal miner families and saving the environment that is their home.Forget that this is a "young adult" book. Forget that it might have a "message" or even be "educational." Buy it for the exquisite writing, the pitch-perfect dialogue, and the clever movement of time and the action through an alphabetical progression. Read it, enjoy it, then give another copy as a gift to someone you love.

This teaches young ones the importance of learning words and how they can have a powerful impact. This takes place in the mountains of Kentucky. A boy loses his father and siblings to coal mining accidents and moves in with his grandfather in the mountains. His grandfather teaches him a new word every week and tell him that words will help get him off the mountain. In the end the boy grows up and has to use those words to help save the mountain from the coal mining Institute.

Awesome shape. My son is excited to read it!