Three Things I Know Are True

I think this is one of the most masterfully written books I have ever read. It is written in verse rather than prose and that makes it really come alive. The story is not only captivating, but also poignant and compassionately presented; it has subtle humor and lots of good symbolism in the words and the themes. It takes place in a mill town in Maine and brings to life that setting. The characters are embraceable and real. I sometimes have a hard time getting a physical picture in my mind of book characters and places. In this book, they are all very real and visible to me. There are characters other than the people that are very real players in the story (the river, for example), and they are woven into the story beautifully and you grow to appreciate them as much as the people themselves. If you want a book that is a page turner and yet so good that you want to slow down and savor every word; if you want a book that will stay with you long after you finish it; if you want a book with a good plot and also a gentle, compassionate treatment of human shortcomings and strengths, then read this book. Just read this book.

THREE THINGS I KNOW ARE TRUEThere are those split-second moments of tragedy that change the dynamics of everyday life in an instant, affecting everyone involved.My heart went out to Liv, the sister who was so perceptive in picking up Jonah’s forms of communication. She took such great care of her brother, making him as comfortable as she could in her devoted ways. I loved how she took control of so many situations, including her avid forgiveness for Jonah’s best friend Clay.I found myself cheering for Jonah with hopes for his healing (and maybe a small miracle) all the while, feeling bad for Clay and this terrible incident that happened between two great childhood friends.I applauded the strengths in general of these two families, especially the moms in such a dire situation and how they kept moving forward no matter what, (even through the separation of community).This is one of those stories that you can't stop reading with each page of strength and compassion gleaming through the intricate well written flowing verse. Bravo to @bettyculley for such a powerful, compassionate true to heart story!I highly recommend this novel in verse if you’re looking for a great heartfelt one day read that you can’t put down!

When I first started reading this book, I was a bit hesitant because I’d never read a book in verse, and I was afraid I wouldn’t like the genre. I was woefully wrong. It was a quick read because there are so few words on each page, but I realized it didn’t need many words because every single word mattered; every word counted. I’ve read it twice now, and I’m sure I will read it again and again, and I will share it with everyone I know so they can read it too.Although the book is about a very sad situation, a young man who is nearly killed as a result of shooting himself in the head with a gun he didn’t know was loaded, and his younger sister who cares for him after the incident, I just loved it. I laughed out loud, and wept deeply. It filled me with so many emotions, but in the end it left me with an overwhelming feeling of hope. It also gave me a new-found respect for those who care for people who can no longer care for themselves.Everyone should have the pleasure of reading this book. If you want, you can borrow my copy, but you can’t keep it.

Wholeheartedly recommended. A memorably moving reading experience. Read it straight through and enjoyed every page of it, finishing enthused, touched, and full of admiration for the author’s accomplishment. Felt the novel verse format worked marvelously well, distilling compelling storytelling to lyric simplicity, estimably accessible yet potent with emotion and effect. With sensitive intelligence and insightful perception, the author demonstrates again and again how much can be achieved with a few simple words. What I liked best was the humane warmth that suffuses the book, accenting and dramatizing some of the best human qualities: love, compassion, empathy, sympathy, kindness, generosity, friendship, forgiveness, forbearance, hope. A gentle, caring sensibility deployed with a skilled, delicate touch. Do yourself a good turn and read this book. Then recommend it to a friend.

As a busy mom, I don't have a lot of time for pleasure reading, so let me tell you, I was surprised when I finished this book in basically one sitting (I couldn't put it down, but I did have to put my kids to bed!). I loved that the story was so easy to read, this is because it is written in verse! I had never read a book written like this, and I found it delightful, sort of like reading poetry, and the words the author chooses end up being so important. This author is an excellent wordsmith and every word was perfectly chosen to make the story more beautiful. As a mom of two boys, this topic of guns, and the story that unfolds between two friends and their families, was very salient. It put those issues in a personal spot for me to consider, and I think it will do the same for others. Well worth every minute!

I loved this book that encompasses tragedy, grief, growing up, friends and family in a verse style set in Maine. It's very impressive to me that this is the author's first published work since she weaves a story that is very compelling and full of heart. The main characters are given a great voice by the writer and you really get immersed in the story. It's interesting how you can relate to Liv as the narrator and main protagonist regardless of your own gender, age, or bias. I hope to read more of Ms. Culley's work in the future. As I said - great book for young adults and adults.

This book is so good. I love that it’s written in verse and that it has relatively short chapters. It put me through so many emotions. I cried soooo much. I could not put this book down, I read it all in one sitting. It’s amazing!