An interesting book about a topic I knew nothing about.
Lightning strikes are scary and something I knew very little about. This book focuses on the stories of two individuals whose lives are changed by lightning strikes. The chapters go back in forth in time and between the two characters; the time shifts were a little confusing at first, but Young-Stone does a great job of making the character’s chapters different enough that this wasn’t a problem for long. The book also follows the characters from the time they are children to the time they are adult. Being a young adult librarian, at the beginning of the book, I thought this may be a read for young adults, but because of some of the issues that are addressed in the book, this may be one for adults to preview before passing it along to a mature teen. A great read.
Rated of 5
by Cheri W. (Grand Rapids, MN)
Must Read, Seriously!!
Remember as a child you had that one favorite fairy tale that you had your mom read to you over and over again??? This book is in that class. I loved this book. It flowed from the first sentence to the very last word. The two main characters, Buckley and Becca, are not only captivating characters, they are real people that you can relate to. I like that the good guys always stayed good guys and the bad guys got their own in the end, just like fairy tales are supposed to be.
Rated of 5
by Daniel A. (Naugatuck, CT)
The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors
For the record, I am not a lightning strike survivor, but I still enjoyed reading the book; it was simply amazing. I learned many facts about lightning that I never knew before. I thought the "Where are they now?" segment was a nice touch. Overall, a very well written story.
Rated of 5
by Patricia S. (Yankton, SD)
stuck by lightning
From the last lightning strike to the electrifying climax, Michele Young-Stone’s debut novel The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors captures the reader and refuses to release its hold. Young-Stone deftly weaves two parallel stories, interspersing them with anecdotes and advice from The Handbook itself. Although aware that the two stories must intersect at some point, the climax surprises the reader and fulfills the promise of the beginning. This novel is an excellent read and a great choice for book clubs.
Rated of 5
by Jodie A. (Corpus Christi, TX)
The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were unique and interesting. The storyline held my attention. I also liked the way the author mixed in the facts about lightning.
The only criticism I have is that every once in a while I got confused about some of the lesser known characters. Other than that it was a very enjoyable read!
Rated of 5
by Deborah D. (old forge, new york)
the handbook for lighting strike survivors
An enjoyable read with characters some sad and needy, others charming and brave. There are moments of both amusement and grief; a story of strangers, friends and family you will be glad you met. A trip through the south I am pleased to have taken.
Rated of 5
by Peg M. (Durham, NC)
Mother Nature in charge The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors is a strange book, with odd characters, all damaged in some way and in the end, all connected.
The story ebbs and flows as does the ocean tide, sometimes overwrought with emotion but always compelling the reader along. As a reader, you want to know if and how the lightning-strike survivors and their families survive. The descriptions of Becca’s artwork were exquisitely detailed, enough so that as I turned each page, I expected to see the actual painting. The use of the text for an actual handbook was an excellent method to keep the reader grounded (no pun intended) in reality. A good fast read. But if you’re reading this story outside – keep your eyes out for any lightning!
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of 5
by Nora D. (North Riverside, IL)
of 5
by Deborah D. (old forge, new york)
