You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
amandasbookreview 's review for:
Where the Forest Meets the Stars
by Glendy Vanderah
Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah is the March selection for my book club. This month is fantasy/science fiction. I was unsure about this novel at first. One thing is for sure, this is not really fantasy or science fiction. The story begins with Jo, who is a grad student and a bird biologist. She is doing research and a young girl appears on her doorstep. She is dirty, bruised and barefoot. Her name is Ursa and she claims to be an alien. She can't go home to her planet until she witnesses five miracles. Jo doesn't have time for this and recruits the help of her neighbor Gabe. Even though they both try to do the right thing, Ursa is definitely something special and they can't seem to figure out where she came from.
I was not sure what to think about this book when I first read the synopsis. But I read the first page...and I was hooked! I hated every moment that I had to put it down. This book will make readers laugh and cry. The emotion is so well written. The author does such a fantastic job and discussing trauma and reactions to trauma. She discusses abuse, addiction, cancer, and mental health in a way people should view them---reactions, and coping cannot be forced into a box. No one will react the same way and there are different ways to reach someone who is struggling. This leads to how the characters interact with each other. The characters bond together so well, which just makes the whole novel flow beautifully. I love the intelligence of the characters but also the fact that they are human and will have natural reactions to situations. I absolutely adored Ursa. Human or alien, it does not matter-she is truly magical.
I did have an issue with the ending being wrapped up too quickly, but I so enjoyed the overall message of the book. Love. Love is such a strong bond. It creates hope and healing, even through the most severe trauma. I cried because some moments were just so touching. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I was not sure what to think about this book when I first read the synopsis. But I read the first page...and I was hooked! I hated every moment that I had to put it down. This book will make readers laugh and cry. The emotion is so well written. The author does such a fantastic job and discussing trauma and reactions to trauma. She discusses abuse, addiction, cancer, and mental health in a way people should view them---reactions, and coping cannot be forced into a box. No one will react the same way and there are different ways to reach someone who is struggling. This leads to how the characters interact with each other. The characters bond together so well, which just makes the whole novel flow beautifully. I love the intelligence of the characters but also the fact that they are human and will have natural reactions to situations. I absolutely adored Ursa. Human or alien, it does not matter-she is truly magical.
I did have an issue with the ending being wrapped up too quickly, but I so enjoyed the overall message of the book. Love. Love is such a strong bond. It creates hope and healing, even through the most severe trauma. I cried because some moments were just so touching. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.