Wrecker
What a great book! Set in northern California in the late 60’s, Wrecker finds himself adopted by a distant Uncle after his mother goes to prison. When his Uncle is not able to take care of Wrecker, he finds himself being raised by his quirky neighbors (the next farm over). Despite his neighbors flaws and secrets, they ultimately band together to form a family, and provide Wrecker with a home filled with compassion and love. Each one helps Wrecker, and they raise an exceptional young man.
Right from the start, I was captivated by the characters and couldn’t put the book down. It’s a heartfelt, touching story that is beautifully written. I really enjoyed this book, and loved reading it.
Rated of 5
by Colleen L. (Casco, ME)
Wrecker
What a well written novel! From the start of the first page to the end, the book grabs your attention and never lets you down. I very much enjoy books that explore non-conventional families. Each person that comes into Wrecker's life at the farm has issues of their own and yet shows compassion and understanding for Wrecker's life situation. I like the way the author draws these issues out. She takes her time in discussing each and every character instead of rushing to tell you the details of each person's life immediately. You get to know these people and feel sympathy for both them and Wrecker. You end up truly caring what happens to these characters. Any reader interested in reading about complex relationships and interesting characters will truly enjoy this book. Summer Woods wrote a best seller as far as I am concerned.
Rated of 5
by Penny P. (Santa barbara, Calif)
Wrecker......worth a read
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a very descriptive story with characters that seemed to come alive. The little boy had parts of any little boy I have ever known. The other characters in the book were truly unique. While it was sad to see the boy taken from his mother, he probably had a much better (certainly more interesting life) with his "adopted family". I think almost anyone who reads the book will like it.
Rated of 5
by Carolyn A. (Questa, NM)
Wrecker
"Wrecker" is an eloquent, loving, human book. It grabs you on the first page and never lets you go. The characters are utterly perfect. As an older reader, I often forget the names of people in books. Not this one. Wrecker is a book that will stay with you for a long time.
Rated of 5
by Debra P. (Belmont, NC)
It takes a village!
I was really moved by this story. It is so revealing as to how we often treat the most vulnerable in our society... our children...Wrecker had a rough beginning, but he became a blessing to several others just because of his situation. I loved the way each character was impacted by the events and received clarity into their own situations as a result of knowing Wrecker. I became engulfed in this boy's life as I waited to see how things were going to turn out and it was a "page turner." This book reminded me a little of "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls. I will definitely recommend it for my book group because I know we will have some very interesting discussions.
Rated of 5
by Gunta K. (Glens Falls, NY)
Loss and Resiliency
"Wrecker" is an important tome. Should be read by young and old. Several people, having adversely suffered from the winds of life, come together in a remote spot of nature, to heal themselves. To start anew. By his accident of birth, they find Wrecker in their midst, a very young boy who needs healing himself, as well as, an inordinate amount of care and love. The story is vibrant, full of most interesting characters. Of resiliency of the human spirit. Of never giving up. Of adults, more or less strangers to this small child, being able to put themselves aside in totality and place the boy and his needs first and actually learn to love him. I recommend this book to all, regardless of age, the story has backbone.
Rated of 5
by Gail L. (Maitland, FL)
Wrecker the Abandoned Child
Wrecker is a book I didn't want to end. Our social system for children is so unpredictable with so many children being moved many times that reading Wrecker shows what can happen to a child who is left in one place. The story of Wrecker begins when he is 3 years old and ends when he's 20 and the years between are portrayed by the author with much flavor, dimension and tenderness. Many people are involved in his child-rearing who are fraught with problems, seeking their own solutions. Wrecker impacts each person's life in a different and profound way. Book clubs would have many avenues to explore after reading the book. This book could very easily continue in a sequel showing what Wrecker does with his life - the decisions he makes and how he raises his own children. Great read.
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of 5
by Jill S. (Eagle, ID)
