Vernon Culligan had been dead to the town of Draydon, Virginia, so long that when the crusty Vietnam vet finally died, only one person noticed. Twe...
read full description
reviews
Jul 03, 2008
Lisa
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Dec 02, 2008
Ryan
rated it:
This was an unexpected find.
Were it not for Landen's book club, I'd never have picked it up, and were it not for a Thanksgiving away I'd never have read it.
The story is about Gabe, a ward of the state, who goes to live with his Uncle Vernon, a distinguished veteran, who is about as crusty as they get, and doesn't like to toot his own horn. One day Gabe returns home to find Uncle Vernon dead, and that's were I was hooked.
The young man does his best to keep tha More...
Were it not for Landen's book club, I'd never have picked it up, and were it not for a Thanksgiving away I'd never have read it.
The story is about Gabe, a ward of the state, who goes to live with his Uncle Vernon, a distinguished veteran, who is about as crusty as they get, and doesn't like to toot his own horn. One day Gabe returns home to find Uncle Vernon dead, and that's were I was hooked.
The young man does his best to keep tha More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 18, 2011
Elaine
rated it:
Gabe’s mother died when he was two. She was brutally murdered in fact and Gable was left in the van unattended. When police discovered him, he was immediately sent to live in a foster home. He went from foster home to foster home until he was ten years old. It was then, that a social worker found his uncle Vernon. Uncle Vernon was Gabe’s mom’s half brother and he agreed to adopt Gabe. And so he lived with his uncle for two years until one day he comes home from school and finds his uncle’s
More...
Aug 13, 2011
Lana
rated it: 
In Mrs. Tessler's Class: Family and Friends
Absolutely one of the more gorgeous books I've read. A simple story about Gabe, who is taken care of by his last living relative, Uncle Vernon. When Vern dies unexpectedly, Gabe finds solace through mysterious notes left in the mailbox as he struggles to deal with his grief and guilt for thinking his uncle's death was somehow his fault. Gabe's a "young" sixth grader in this emotionally speaking, but he's articulate and kind and absol More...
Absolutely one of the more gorgeous books I've read. A simple story about Gabe, who is taken care of by his last living relative, Uncle Vernon. When Vern dies unexpectedly, Gabe finds solace through mysterious notes left in the mailbox as he struggles to deal with his grief and guilt for thinking his uncle's death was somehow his fault. Gabe's a "young" sixth grader in this emotionally speaking, but he's articulate and kind and absol More...
Feb 17, 2011
Allison
rated it: 
Uncle Vernon was the closest thing Gabe had to a father. But one day, when Gabe gets home from school, Uncle Vernon is sprawled out on the floor, his skin cold to the touch. Gabe is too terrified to call the police. Yet, the next day, his uncle’s body has been taken from the house. A note for Gabe waits in the mailbox: “I have a secret. Do not be afraid.”
Twelve-year-old Gabe tries his best to live on his own: he goes to school, makes sandwiches for himself, and does his own laundry. More...
Twelve-year-old Gabe tries his best to live on his own: he goes to school, makes sandwiches for himself, and does his own laundry. More...
Jan 13, 2011
Andy
rated it: 
In a rural part of southwest Virginia, sixth grader Gabe finds his Uncle Vernon dead. Gabe tells no one (out of fear of being sent back into the foster care system), but when he returns from school the following day his uncle’s body has vanished. Where did it go? The only clue Gabe finds is a letter in his mailbox that says “I have a secret. Do not be afraid.” The Mailbox is one of those books that starts on a superbly strong and captivating note, but then proceeds to loose momentum and eve
More...
Dec 26, 2010
Chris
rated it:
Marsha Harper (The Lorgnette-Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 19, No. 4))
Shafer, a first-time novelist, has written one of the most touching stories around of love, loss, and making connections. Gabe, a twelve-year-old boy who has grown up in a series of foster homes, comes home from his first day of sixth grade to find his uncle, his only living relative, dead on the floor of their secluded house. Gabe has lived with him only two and a half years, but he loves the irascible, reclusive Viet Na More...
Shafer, a first-time novelist, has written one of the most touching stories around of love, loss, and making connections. Gabe, a twelve-year-old boy who has grown up in a series of foster homes, comes home from his first day of sixth grade to find his uncle, his only living relative, dead on the floor of their secluded house. Gabe has lived with him only two and a half years, but he loves the irascible, reclusive Viet Na More...
Dec 14, 2010
Barky
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 04, 2010
Lana
rated it:
Absolutely one of the more gorgeous books I've read. A simple story about Gabe, who is taken care of by his last living relative, Uncle Vernon. When Vern dies unexpectedly, Gabe finds solace through mysterious notes left in the mailbox as he struggles to deal with his grief and guilt for thinking his uncle's death was somehow his fault. Gabe's a "young" sixth grader in this emotionally speaking, but he's articulate and kind and absolutely sympathetic. I spent half this book in tears.
More...
Oct 26, 2010
Megan
rated it:
After being shuffled through the foster care system for most of his young life, Gabe finally finds a home with his crabby old Uncle Vernon, a Vietnam war veteran and recluse. For the first time, Gabe feels loved and secure...until he discovers his uncle's dead body lying in the floor after school one day. Partly consumed with grief and partly scared of what will happen once someone discovers his death, Gabe tries to act as if nothing has happened. Two days later, the body disappears from the hou
More...
Sep 07, 2010
Ruthanne
rated it:
The cover kinda turned me off. But after reading the back, the premise sounded quite interesting. I actually listened to this book. 12 year old Gabe has not had the easiest life. Bounced from foster home to foster home, he feels he has finally found his family when the state places him with his half-uncle Vernon. Uncle Vernon loves his nephew as his own, but being in the war has done a number on his personality. Uncle Vernon is wise and instills upon Gabe day to day lessons. Upon coming h
More...
Feb 06, 2011
Duane
rated it:
This was an absolute charm of a book. Even though it's in the kids section of the library, adults would enjoy it too. The author introduces us to Gabe, a boy of 12 who has spent his childhood in foster car until finally ending up living with his Uncle Vernon, a Vietnam War veteran recluse. One sudden morning though Gabe discovers his uncle dead and has to figure out how to continue living each day without his uncle. But when his uncle's body disappears and mysterious notes appear in the mailbox
More...
Aug 11, 2010
Jill
rated it:
You know, I wanted to give this book 2 stars. But I truly have nothing good to say about it.
I think the author had a good idea going in, but its execution was just bad. Let's think about this - if I was a 12 year old, and my uncle died and I didn't tell anyone, I would be freaked the f out if, one day, I came home and his body was gone. And I was getting random dogs and meals from some weirdo. I would call the police in 2 seconds. This main character is 12 - not a little kid, he shou More...
I think the author had a good idea going in, but its execution was just bad. Let's think about this - if I was a 12 year old, and my uncle died and I didn't tell anyone, I would be freaked the f out if, one day, I came home and his body was gone. And I was getting random dogs and meals from some weirdo. I would call the police in 2 seconds. This main character is 12 - not a little kid, he shou More...
Apr 14, 2009
Melanie
rated it:
When young Gable (Gabe) finally finds a home with his Uncle Vernon, he settles into a not-so-ordinary routine for daily life. But that's what comes from living with a hardened Vietnam veteran. Both uncle and nephew quickly get used to each other, but peace is shattered when Vernon suddenly dies. Fearful that things will change for the worse (i.e. foster homes again), and consumed with grief for the uncle he barely had a chance to know, Gabe tells no one about his uncle's death.
But so More...
But so More...
Jan 17, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
I don't know if I was influenced by the fact that I haven't been thrilled with the last two audiobooks I listened to, but I loved this book. I did feel the ending went on a little longer than it probably needed to - that the extra continuations took away some of the impact that could have been had by ending things a little earlier and less tied up - but that's a minor quibble.
Listened to Recorded Books Audio Edition narrated by Nick Landrum. The narration was excellent with Landrum c More...
Listened to Recorded Books Audio Edition narrated by Nick Landrum. The narration was excellent with Landrum c More...
Nov 21, 2009
LauraW
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Apr 01, 2010
H
rated it:
Gabe has lived with his Uncle Vernon for about 3 years, and the shy boy, bruised by years in the foster care system and the crusty and damaged Vietnam war vet have become inextricably tied to each other. Then one day Gabe comes home and finds his savior dead on the floor. Frightened and alone, the boy soon finds a rescuer in a mysterious friend who takes the body, leaves notes in the mailbox, along with advice and a canine protector. But of course, how long can a 12-year old hide the fact tha
More...
Jul 30, 2009
Melissa
rated it:
Gable Pace was in the foster system since his mother died, but two and half years ago, he found himself living with his mother’s half-brother, Vernon Culligan. Uncle Vernon is a war veteran from Vietnam, where he lost the lower half of his left leg.
One day after school, Gabe comes home to find that Uncle Vernon has died. Shocked and frightened, Gabe doesn’t tell anyone. The next day, he finds a mysterious note in the mailbox that reads “I have a secret. Do not be afraid.” He then disc More...
One day after school, Gabe comes home to find that Uncle Vernon has died. Shocked and frightened, Gabe doesn’t tell anyone. The next day, he finds a mysterious note in the mailbox that reads “I have a secret. Do not be afraid.” He then disc More...
Feb 01, 2011
Anyelika
rated it:
I liked the book. It was a bit mysterious,it was intresting,and it made me cry like 2 or 3 times (: However the end confused me when Smitty(as Gabe knows this man) signs a card in itsy-bitsy handwriting as Paul. Which I find has nothing to do with his true name,Paul Smith. But other than that I liked the book a lot.I also found the end to be very inspiring. I'd say what happens but I don't want to spoil the amazing ending to this book. Let's just say it's the part that made me cry (: (There were
More...
Jan 17, 2011
Shelley
rated it:
Tristan, my youngest, has to read this book in English, but he doesn't like it, so I've volunteered to read it to him. It's Martin Luther King Jr long weekend and I have 4 days to read 21 chapters to him. Good luck to me.
It's Monday night. I've completed the book, outloud, my voice hoarse from reading, but it was well worth it! It was a wonderful story. It made me laugh, it made me sad and at the end, it made me cry.
The characters felt very alive and I could have easily been More...
It's Monday night. I've completed the book, outloud, my voice hoarse from reading, but it was well worth it! It was a wonderful story. It made me laugh, it made me sad and at the end, it made me cry.
The characters felt very alive and I could have easily been More...
Jun 13, 2010
Glenda
rated it:
If you like surprises, you will love this book. It begins with a glimpse into the unusual home life of twelve-year-old Gabe Pace. After living in several foster homes, he is adopted by his gruff Uncle Vernon, a Vietnam War veteran. Life settles into a predictable routine, until the day Gabe comes home from school to find Uncle Vernon lying on the floor--dead. The next day, the body disappears and Gabe struggles to keep his secret. He has so many questions; however, he can trust no one for fear t
More...
Aug 24, 2009
Christina
rated it:
Young adult books consistently surprise me with the originality of their stories, but this one made me say, "huh!" often. The interesting premise could have been ruined by suspense writing or dramatization, but instead was handled quite well. (Premise: a quiet 12-yr-old who's been in and out of foster care before landing with his Vietnam-War-veteran uncle comes home to find his uncle dead, doesn't know what to do, goes to school the next day, comes back to find the body missing and a n
More...
Nov 04, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
Books don't often make me cry, but this book for younger readers did. It's on the 2011 Rebecca Caudill list and recommended for grades 5-8. The book is sappy, but it hooked me in.
Gabe is a foster kid who arrives at his uncle's house alone and quiet. Gabe's been in many foster homes since his mom died when he was two. His uncle is a hermit who served in Vietnam and isn't the friendliest of the bunch, but the uncle and nephew get along just fine. Gabe learns how to survive on his own, ho More...
Gabe is a foster kid who arrives at his uncle's house alone and quiet. Gabe's been in many foster homes since his mom died when he was two. His uncle is a hermit who served in Vietnam and isn't the friendliest of the bunch, but the uncle and nephew get along just fine. Gabe learns how to survive on his own, ho More...
Jun 09, 2010
Kasha
rated it:
This was a great boy book! I was really surprised. I just picked this one up off the shelf at the library and I was really pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading it. I do wish there was a bit more humor. The author has only one other work, but it's poetry. She is actually an anesthesiologist I believe, so this is like a one book wonder for her. The title is very unimaginative, yes, but I was very intrigued. I wanted to know what was going to happen to Gabe. The first 10 or 20
More...
Nov 26, 2011
Wow is about all I can say. The writing is so accomplished, the descriptions so beautiful--I can see it reaching a very large audience. Not just the middle-grade kids, ages 9-14, that it's supposedly aimed at.
A unique story about a boy who somehow manages to survive a horrendous childhood, foster homes, and now is living with his Vietnam Vet, crusty bachelor uncle. But that's just the beginning. Cryptic notes left in his mailbox, a very loyal dog, a caring teacher. Oh, and did I ment More...
A unique story about a boy who somehow manages to survive a horrendous childhood, foster homes, and now is living with his Vietnam Vet, crusty bachelor uncle. But that's just the beginning. Cryptic notes left in his mailbox, a very loyal dog, a caring teacher. Oh, and did I ment More...
Jul 23, 2010
Sherrie
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
May 11, 2010
Amy
rated it:
This is a super quick YA book from the Rebecca Caudill list. I REALLY liked it. It's not a feel good book most of the time, but I literally cried tears of sadness and of joy while devouring it.
There's not a lot to tell other than a boy who's been barely surviving the foster system is made to live with his only surviving relative- a crusty old Vietnam war veteran. His home is basically a shack, but as you might guess, the two grow to need each other. There is heartbreak and redemp More...
There's not a lot to tell other than a boy who's been barely surviving the foster system is made to live with his only surviving relative- a crusty old Vietnam war veteran. His home is basically a shack, but as you might guess, the two grow to need each other. There is heartbreak and redemp More...
Jul 20, 2010
Donna
rated it: 
Gabe is 12 years old and lives with his crotchety uncle on the outskirts of town. Despite his gruff demeanor, Uncle Vernon is kind and has given Gabe the first real home he's ever known. Gabe comes home from school one day and finds that his uncle has died. In addition to grief, he feels terror at the prospect of being put back into foster care.
This book read like a Hallmark family movie. The premise was interesting, but it became tedious after awhile and I sped through the last More...
This book read like a Hallmark family movie. The premise was interesting, but it became tedious after awhile and I sped through the last More...
Nov 11, 2010
Raejean
rated it:
this book was great.. i dont wanna tell the story,but i think ima tell a little.. its about a man and one day he comes home from school and he finds his uncle dead... now this young boy has been tossed from fost a care to fost a care and he really dosent wanna go back so he leaves the body there and goes to school.... Now when he comes home he finds his uncles body GONE! out of site. then the next day when he came home from school he gets these strange letters from this mystery in his mailbox ev
More...
Oct 02, 2010
Lori
rated it:
In the beginning I thought the premise was a little questionable and the childrens' characters overly immature. However it provided a workable foundation to tell this heart warming story. Not many books about Vietnam War veterans gets much attention. Maybe with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan there will be renewed attention given to the after effects of war. Vernon Culligan learned a lot during his war experience but at a great cost. Fortunately for him he had the gift of Gabe, even if it was f
More...
