A Time to Keep Silent

by Gloria Whelan

Thirteen-year-old Clair Lothrops world is falling apart. Her mother has died, and her father spends his evenings shut in his study. In a desperate attempt to get her fathers attention, Clair stops talking. Clairs vow of silence gets her fathers attention, but not in the way she hoped. He resigns from his position as the pastor of a large metropolitan church to begin a mission in the remote woods of northern Michigan, taking Clair with him. Clair is furious at having to leave her friends. The woods are frightening, and her new house is a tumbledown shack where raccoons and mice have made their home. But everything changes when Clair discovers a wonderful new friend her own age, Dorrie, who lives alone in the woods to avoid her alcoholic father. Through this surprising friendship, Clair finds strength and courage she didnt know she had.

Genres: Young Adult

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 1979

About the author

Gloria Whelan is the best-selling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square and its companion, The Impossible Journey; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; Farewell to the Island; and Return to the Island. She lives with her husband, Joseph, in the woods of northern Michigan.

Reviews

[Sarah Rigg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this a 3/5 rating back in 1985 when I read this.

[Hannah Hibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a very quick read for me, i enjoyed it thoroughly though. This book showed how people grieve in very different ways and how a complete reset may be the best thing they can do for themselves.

[Ryan Ong · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is emotional to the typical average reader. The book follows Clair, a girl who lost her mother and only has her father who is a minister. Clair after her mother's death goes through a silent phase, hence the title. This segment in the book exhibits what a child of young age might go through, tough times. Clair and her father then move to Michigan and there Clair finds a friend named Dorrie and in a desperate situation, Clair finally speaks. The reader is then either suprised or thankful that Clair has the courage to speak finally and move on from her past. The story also exhibits that just because you lose something valuable in your life doesn't mean your life can collapse. You can find other things that suit you and excite you. A combination of depression, grief and then happiness and enjoyment.

[KaDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, which is totally weird, since this isn't usualy the genre I read. It's way good. I liked the writing style and the story. I have to say, though, my favorite character is the goat! This book is funny and really a really sweet story. (but it's also kind of sad-just to warn you)

[Kathy Schroder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really quick read and not quite sure if this was a young adult book or not, very interesting and fun.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short book - found it on the bookshelf at church. A book about acceptance. Think it would be a good read (study) for middle school students.

[Scott Williams]

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