Published October 1, 2009
Click on photo to visit author's website
Click on photo to visit author's website
Title and Author of book: Thanksgiving At The Inn by Tim Whitney
Fiction or non-fiction: Fiction
Genre: Children ages 9-12
Where did I get the book: Bancroft Press
Who recommended this book to me? I was offered this book by Bancroft Press and after reading the synopsis I couldn't resist reading it.
Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!
Ever since his mother left, life has't been easy for Heath Wellington III. Between his father's (Junior's) bouts with alcoholism and literary rejection, and Heath's own wrongful suspension from school, there hasn't been all that much to be thankful for.
But following the tragic death of estranged grandfather Senior, father and son alike stand to inherit a life-changing fortune . . . with one catch.
Heath and Junior must spend the next three months managing Senior's bed and breakfast, located in the same Massachusetts home Junior has spent the last eight years trying to escape.
Upended from his everyday life and relocated to a town where everyone knew and loved the grandfather he can't even remember, Heath finds an inn full of some of the strangest people he's ever met and tries to make a connection with his father.What did you like most about this book? I liked the character Heath. He was such an easy kid to truly care about and it was hard to imagine how his dad could be so distant and angry with him. Heath is caring and open to learning about how to run the inn. He ends up picking up the slack because his Dad pretty much ditches all responsibility for anything to do with the Inn. The best part about this book is to see the growth in Heath and how he goes out on a limb to try to make that connection with his dad.
What did you like least? There wasn't a bad part in this novel. I felt that the author did a really good job with the setting, pacing, and with the storyline. Tim Whitney took quite some time to write this book and then he stumbled across a website called www.thenextbigwriter.com and found a wonderful support system from fellow writers and reviewers. I'm glad that he didn't give up on this book because it is truly a thoughtful, hopeful, and inspiring read.
What about the ending? I'm sure that adults could see the ending coming a mile away but I think that kids reading this will really take something from how the story turned out, which is ......yes, you can actually sit down and have an honest conversation with your parents and eventually they just might listen! Highly recommended.
This sounds like a delightful book, and so timely!
ReplyDeleteWhat an eye-catching cover!
This does sound like a great story. It's a shame but kids do sometimes turn out to be more responsible than the parents. Great review chick!
ReplyDeleteI don't read everyone's reviews (there are so many out there). But I always enjoy reading yours. You have a great way of conveying the most important elements of the book, without giving away too much. Your reviews always feel like an invitation. But my "I want to read that book" list is getting rather long.
ReplyDeleteOh this sounds like a great book and perfect time to read it!
ReplyDeleteGreat review.
Recently I read an adult book very much like this, "The Spirit of the Place," by Samuel Shem. (not an "adult" book like x-rated, but adult like not YA!) And yes, the ending was predictable, but still, it's such a rewarding plotline, I don't care!
ReplyDeleteI've seen this reviewed a couple of other places and you're the first one to mention it's a children's book. I don't think I've read a Thanksgiving story since I was a child.
ReplyDeleteCharacter-driven novels about children really intrigue me, and this sounds like a good one. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteDo you think it is equally recommended for kids and adults?
ReplyDeleteThia one sounds like a touching read Staci. Season appropriate too--even better.
ReplyDeleteStacybuckeye- I think this would be a great book for a parent to read together with their child or for a kid to read on their own. I would say that it is geared for children. But if you enjoy children's lit then I can see an adult liking this book.
ReplyDeleteWowwwwwwwwwwwwww.....just the cover alone invites me in....this sounds WONDERFUL! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds like a good one Staci. Thanksgiving is coming up here in Canada in the next couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds wonderful Staci! I would love to get a copy for my son and I to read. It sounds like it would be a great book to read along with a child and have a discussion about it.
ReplyDeleteWell this book sounds great! I can't wait until I finish it!! Also...Ta-Da!!! I finished my post on 20 Boy Summer!!!Tell me what ya think!!
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