Raft of Stars

This book riveted me to my chair. First page and I was all in. We grew up at a lake house above where this occurred in Wisconsin, so that was a draw, but no matter if you're from NYC, this book is so addictive. Nature is the real central character, but then the others? All transformed by nature as the two young boys are on the run, and the adults trying to help them and find them go head long into forests, storms, rivers, tough conditions, and come out transformed. The writing is superb. Crisp, descriptive, true, and the characterizations are as if they were all in your reading room with you. I wanted to reach in and hug most of them, except for the scary father, who was like the grain of sand in the shell. Riveting, gratifying, wondrous, unforgettable, so get yourself a copy and enjoy now that it's winter. Now that we need those reading lamps to light the darkness. A+ read.

Book came in perfect condition and on time. My fiance is thrilled with this gift.

This was a great wilderness adventure with a phenomenal ending!

After a ten-year-old shoots his best friend’s father in the head, the two traumatized children head into a heavily forested wilderness in northern Wisconsin. Responsible adults follow, and I found myself briefly regretting that I’d bought a routine outdoor adventure thriller. But the novel soon builds into something much, much better. By the time we reach the story’s marvelous ending, Midwestern woods have become the Forest of Arden, and every single character in the story has struggled to one location. After a terrifying storm, the evil one dies, some are transformed, deep bonds are renewed, lovers meet, the rude mechanical calls forth the spirits of the air (rescue helicopters), and everyone is carried home wearily rejoicing that they have overcome the forces of darkness, while knowing that the darkness always rises again. And there are bears! All of this is accomplished by strong, beautiful, economical writing. By the end, I realized what a gem this novel is and how far it had carried me. When have you read a book that is absolutely Shakespearean, completely modern, and without one fancy word or gesture? RAFT OF STARS is not perfect, but it is wonderful.

This was a book club choice and not something I might otherwise have chosen. However I found it interesting and enjoyable. There are themes around wilderness adventure, coming of age and childhood trauma as well as a romantic sub plot. A short, worthwhile read.