A review by mikaylay
Saint Louis Armstrong Beach by Brenda Woods

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Brenda Woods has written a short, beautiful novel about a youngster named Saint and his dog Shadow before and during Hurricane Katrina. The writing was descriptive and helped readers envision the settings, but it lacked some of the feelings discussed. Many characters are presented, but only Saint and Shadow are fully developed and examined in depth. I admired Saint's love of music, his ambition to attend Julliard, and his devotion to his family. I believe the book provides valuable information on the love one has for their loved ones, how friendships fade, exhibiting kindness and strength despite being terrified, and storm excavation plans. The only negative aspect is that I wish the book had shown more of what happened during and after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. I believe that reading about Saint's life after Hurricane Katrina, such as if he still lives in New Orleans or if he and Monalisa reconnected, would have benefited the overall tale and character development in the novel.