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How to Make a Bird
I m not a bad person. I ve simply come out of left field. I m a stray and, anyway, whatever I am, I m not it yet. I m still becoming. In fact, I d always believed that I was once a horse, because I loved to run down a hill. And Eddie was a fish. He was a swaggerer, if you know what I mean. Flimsy but loveable. Mannie is searching for the thing she doesn t yet know, but it s like a runaway kite pulling her heart forward. So she s leaving home. She s heading for the city with nothing but a long red dress, a strong hunch, and an unknown address in her pocket. As the day turns to night, Mannie makes a lot of discoveries and not exactly the ones she planned to make. With rare sensitivity, wisdom and humour, and a voice that's entirely her own, Martine Murray tells a bittersweet story about longing and losing and finding again.
232 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2003
7 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Martine Murray
17 books57 followersMartine Murray, a native and a current resident of Melbourne, Australia, is an accomplished author with a variety of other talents and interests. She has studied film making at Prahan College, painting at the Victorian College of the Arts, and movement and dance at Melbourne University. She began writing as a method of keeping track of all of her activities. She explains, “I was writing in journals a lot while I was in art school. I also used to write on my canvasses or write on etchings and make tiny stories that weren't really stories, they were more like sketches of moments.”
Soon enough, Martine had authored and illustrated the gentle, funny, and gloriously playful books such as The Slightly True Story of Cedar B. Hartley (Who Planned to Live an Unusual Life). In the story of twelve-year old Cedar B. Hartley, the young heroine befriends the son of a circus family and coordinates a local circus to raise money for the community's dog operation. The book has won a number of awards, including NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, Book Sense 76 Children's Pick, it was shortlisted for Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the year Award, shortlisted for New South Wales Premier's Literary Award, and won the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Books.
Martine Murray is currently enrolled in Professional Writing at RMIT and plans further study in screen writing and short story.
Soon enough, Martine had authored and illustrated the gentle, funny, and gloriously playful books such as The Slightly True Story of Cedar B. Hartley (Who Planned to Live an Unusual Life). In the story of twelve-year old Cedar B. Hartley, the young heroine befriends the son of a circus family and coordinates a local circus to raise money for the community's dog operation. The book has won a number of awards, including NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, Book Sense 76 Children's Pick, it was shortlisted for Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the year Award, shortlisted for New South Wales Premier's Literary Award, and won the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Books.
Martine Murray is currently enrolled in Professional Writing at RMIT and plans further study in screen writing and short story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 6, 2010
How to Make a Bird by Martine Murray is a well-written coming of age story. A young teenage girl, dealing with loss and the grief it brings, sets out on a journey to discover exactly what's happened to her suddenly upended life.
The story moves at a pace to hold the reader's interest. The author has a great talent of using words to describe an image perfectly. From page 190:
'I got up off the wall. My bare feet felt the footpath and I looked at them poking out from my dress like little white mice. I felt fond of them. I don't know why. Probably because they'd always been there, whenever I expected them to be, and I knew they would walk me away.'
There's subtle humour in there too and I liked that - it helped to lighten the tone of the book, especially during the dark moments (and there are a few). As a matter of fact, I thought when I first started reading that the tone of the book was very sad and though it is in parts, in others it’s funny and sweet and that gives balance to the story. I think every young girl would be able to relate to the main character's yearning to have the latest style in footwear.
How to Make a Bird reminded me a bit of the Miriam Toews novel A Complicated Kindness. That one is also about a young girl coping with her difficult teenage years, but for plot, wordsmithing and just overall likeability, How to Make a Bird comes out ahead by a long shot.
The story moves at a pace to hold the reader's interest. The author has a great talent of using words to describe an image perfectly. From page 190:
'I got up off the wall. My bare feet felt the footpath and I looked at them poking out from my dress like little white mice. I felt fond of them. I don't know why. Probably because they'd always been there, whenever I expected them to be, and I knew they would walk me away.'
There's subtle humour in there too and I liked that - it helped to lighten the tone of the book, especially during the dark moments (and there are a few). As a matter of fact, I thought when I first started reading that the tone of the book was very sad and though it is in parts, in others it’s funny and sweet and that gives balance to the story. I think every young girl would be able to relate to the main character's yearning to have the latest style in footwear.
How to Make a Bird reminded me a bit of the Miriam Toews novel A Complicated Kindness. That one is also about a young girl coping with her difficult teenage years, but for plot, wordsmithing and just overall likeability, How to Make a Bird comes out ahead by a long shot.
August 3, 2010
Overall, the book is very quiet. The writing is terrific and, in a way, kind of pretty. Murray has a talent for turning ordinary things into something beautiful. While the book gets interesting when the past and secrets are uncovered, the book is too quiet for my taste. It did not compel me to keep reading, though I did read the whole book. There was a lot more character development than plot in my opinion. Some people have no problem with that in a book, but this was not my cup of tea (for lack of a better cliche). Furthermore, for those looking for light, happy reads, be warned that How to Make a Bird is certainly not up-beat. Mannie's tale is sad and depressing, but not to the level of a book like The Lovely Bones (which is too much for me to have handled...).
In conclusion, I think that this is a good book, but just not a good book for me. I think many people who find "quiet" books entertaining will like this one.
In conclusion, I think that this is a good book, but just not a good book for me. I think many people who find "quiet" books entertaining will like this one.
January 9, 2010
I was reminded of Alex Miller in the beautiful word pictures the author paints with her writing. She inhabits the mind of this young girl "Mannie", who catches an early morning train from Daylesford to Melbourne "on business". She makes intruiging observations about the people she meets, and has memories of her life with her family - her brother Eddie, her quiet country vet Father, and her French mother who suffers from a kind of manic depression, which makes life in the household a bit up and down. She reminisces about Harry, her first love, and has an internal dialogue between her "Mean self" and her true self.
August 27, 2012
beautifully written; boring as hell
December 1, 2019
I read this years ago and I still feel the cracks it sliced in my soul.
February 19, 2019
Language - PG-13 (23 swears, 4 "f"), Sexual Content - PG-13; Violence - G
Mannie doesn't want to stay at home any longer. So at 5 am one morning, she leaves on a train for the city.
I didn't find any plot or point in this book. I couldn't get into it and I had to force myself to finish it because it was so boring.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Mannie doesn't want to stay at home any longer. So at 5 am one morning, she leaves on a train for the city.
I didn't find any plot or point in this book. I couldn't get into it and I had to force myself to finish it because it was so boring.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
March 29, 2025
"it wasnt that it was beautiful and rare; it was the rare and beautiful fact of finding it. a vulnerable truth that had chosen me, edged itself impossibly out of the sand, whole and white. proof that life will find you best when you arent looking for it. when you arent trying to work it out"
September 14, 2021
The best part of this book is how it shows the life of a small town girl who wants to get out.
December 4, 2021
Love the illustrations, but meh on the "story".
June 29, 2021
I know Mannie isn't supposed to likable or interesting but having to hear someone like that monologue for ages is just not the most enjoyable experience. Beautiful writing though.
April 21, 2010
Okay, I'm still gathering my thoughts, but to be honest I'm a little bit torn with my review on this one.
While it was without a doubt, a powerful and engaging read, if I'm being entirely honest I'd have to say it wasn't as great as I'd hoped. Some chapters were definitely 'wow' but the story seemed to drag in other parts, and the 'climax' was a bit of a let down. That might be through no fault but my own for getting my hopes up, but was a slight disappointment nonetheless.
One final concern that I would have with audiences reading this book, is that it has been written by an Australian author and has several references to places and objects which they (non-Australian residents) would not be familiar with. Overall though, this wouldn't have much of an impact on the reading experience.
That being said, I'm sure you're wondering why I have given a book that disappointed me a four star rating? The main motive for doing so is due to the writing itself. The book was beautifully written. The detail was intricate and provided vivid imagery, the storyline definitely different from anything I've read recently and it kept me wanting keep going, if only to find out how the events played out. It also tugged on my heart strings, I sympathised with and for the Characters. Coming from a somewhat dysfunctional family myself it was easy, in a sense, to relate to Manon and her story.
The story opens with Mannie (Manon) making a getaway of sorts after an unknown (to the reader) incident. She's dressed in a gorgeous red dress, has hopped on her bike, and is off to the city 'on business'. Throughout her journey she reminices on her life at home, introducing us to her shy, reserved father, attention-loving-yet-quite-possibly-manic-depressed mother, brother Eddie and his best friend Harry. Harry may or may not be her first love, that is something she too is trying to discover. She tells of her grandparents, Benjamin & Ivy, and her attempts to make friends and fit in at school. She makes intriguingly detailed observations about the world and people around her on her travels, and makes assumptions which she debates between herself and her 'mean' self.
Along the way she meets some quirky characters, who provide a few laughs but overall play no major roles - although they do help Manny realise how her decisions may affect her life, and the life of those around her. It definitely is a journey of self discovery for her - she wants to stand on her own two feet and develop a better understanding about herself and the life of her family, and this is her time to do so.
I think this book is definitely one to be looked out for, although I must stress not to go into it with preconceived notions about how the story will play out. It is detailed, and it helps to read it when you're awake and able to focus on the story, otherwise it can become a bit overwhelming. Of course, that is only in my opinion. I look forward to seeing other people's thoughts on it once it has been released.
While it was without a doubt, a powerful and engaging read, if I'm being entirely honest I'd have to say it wasn't as great as I'd hoped. Some chapters were definitely 'wow' but the story seemed to drag in other parts, and the 'climax' was a bit of a let down. That might be through no fault but my own for getting my hopes up, but was a slight disappointment nonetheless.
One final concern that I would have with audiences reading this book, is that it has been written by an Australian author and has several references to places and objects which they (non-Australian residents) would not be familiar with. Overall though, this wouldn't have much of an impact on the reading experience.
That being said, I'm sure you're wondering why I have given a book that disappointed me a four star rating? The main motive for doing so is due to the writing itself. The book was beautifully written. The detail was intricate and provided vivid imagery, the storyline definitely different from anything I've read recently and it kept me wanting keep going, if only to find out how the events played out. It also tugged on my heart strings, I sympathised with and for the Characters. Coming from a somewhat dysfunctional family myself it was easy, in a sense, to relate to Manon and her story.
The story opens with Mannie (Manon) making a getaway of sorts after an unknown (to the reader) incident. She's dressed in a gorgeous red dress, has hopped on her bike, and is off to the city 'on business'. Throughout her journey she reminices on her life at home, introducing us to her shy, reserved father, attention-loving-yet-quite-possibly-manic-depressed mother, brother Eddie and his best friend Harry. Harry may or may not be her first love, that is something she too is trying to discover. She tells of her grandparents, Benjamin & Ivy, and her attempts to make friends and fit in at school. She makes intriguingly detailed observations about the world and people around her on her travels, and makes assumptions which she debates between herself and her 'mean' self.
Along the way she meets some quirky characters, who provide a few laughs but overall play no major roles - although they do help Manny realise how her decisions may affect her life, and the life of those around her. It definitely is a journey of self discovery for her - she wants to stand on her own two feet and develop a better understanding about herself and the life of her family, and this is her time to do so.
I think this book is definitely one to be looked out for, although I must stress not to go into it with preconceived notions about how the story will play out. It is detailed, and it helps to read it when you're awake and able to focus on the story, otherwise it can become a bit overwhelming. Of course, that is only in my opinion. I look forward to seeing other people's thoughts on it once it has been released.
September 19, 2014
This is a truly beautiful but tragic story. I loved the writing, it reminded me of poetry, the words chosen are beautiful and the sentences are beautiful and philosophical. I wanted to quote everything to be honest. I didn’t especially like Manon Clarkeson, but I felt really sorry for her.
It is a thing to read a book about poverty in the Middle Ages, but you do not really realize what it is. However, when you read about a girl who doesn’t have the money to take a lunch box and eat at the high school, who only owns one pair of shoes because it would be a loss of money to have a pair of shoes for winter and another for summer, who has a hole in her bedroom that she shares with her brother and is always cold, you feel really bad, and sorry. And when you see the way her mother treats her, it doesn’t help.
The book starts when she runs away from her house to go to Melbourne, hoping to get to Paris. The story is not actually long, it only lasts two little days, but it is full of her memories, her aching and her desire to find out who she really is. I loved the way I could feel the protagonist’s emotions. The problem I had with her memories was that they were full of so many characters. I got really confused. But I quickly understood that these characters were not really important. There are just a few characters who are really important to the story. I enjoyed the fact that the story was not told in a chronological way but told by little pieces who revealed the whole story in the end. So many themes are explored, such as loss and family breakdown, first love and aching. I cried so many times reading the book. I was surprised by the fact it won so many children’s awards, I think it is quite a tough story and it should be read by teenagers who are at least thirteen.
A quite depressing book, really well-written and full of deep emotions. I need something a little bit lighter and happier now but I absolutely loved this book. There was a point where I read 100 pages in a row. A really brilliant book even though it wasn’t one of my favorite books.
http://marinesbooks.wordpress.com/201...
It is a thing to read a book about poverty in the Middle Ages, but you do not really realize what it is. However, when you read about a girl who doesn’t have the money to take a lunch box and eat at the high school, who only owns one pair of shoes because it would be a loss of money to have a pair of shoes for winter and another for summer, who has a hole in her bedroom that she shares with her brother and is always cold, you feel really bad, and sorry. And when you see the way her mother treats her, it doesn’t help.
The book starts when she runs away from her house to go to Melbourne, hoping to get to Paris. The story is not actually long, it only lasts two little days, but it is full of her memories, her aching and her desire to find out who she really is. I loved the way I could feel the protagonist’s emotions. The problem I had with her memories was that they were full of so many characters. I got really confused. But I quickly understood that these characters were not really important. There are just a few characters who are really important to the story. I enjoyed the fact that the story was not told in a chronological way but told by little pieces who revealed the whole story in the end. So many themes are explored, such as loss and family breakdown, first love and aching. I cried so many times reading the book. I was surprised by the fact it won so many children’s awards, I think it is quite a tough story and it should be read by teenagers who are at least thirteen.
A quite depressing book, really well-written and full of deep emotions. I need something a little bit lighter and happier now but I absolutely loved this book. There was a point where I read 100 pages in a row. A really brilliant book even though it wasn’t one of my favorite books.
http://marinesbooks.wordpress.com/201...
July 16, 2010
Early one morning, 17 year-old Mannie Clarkeson leaves home for good on her bicycle wearing her mother’s red evening gown. As she embarks on her journey, we discover bit-by-bit through flashback scenes why she left. This beginning and the title hooked me immediately. Mannie’s mother is mentally unstable, her father kind and protective to a fault, her brother the center of attention, and Harry, his friend, different from the other young men. Then one night, an event shatters all their lives and Mannie must learn to face the truth and appreciate what she has, after mourning what she’s lost.
Author Martine Murray has a way of writing that draws in the reader in this coming-of-age story. It is introspective, brutally honest and lyrical. Manny is a quirky vulnerable girl. Seeing the world through her eyes is intriguing and reminded me of my teen years. I ached for this teenager who had to contend with great losses in her life. I liked the role the grandparents played in her life and that Mannie recognized the goodness in the people close to her that she failed to see initially when she focused on their faults as she struggled with emotional pain. This was a big mature step for a girl who grew up without much guidance.
As much as I liked being in the character’s head because of my psychology background, I cannot recommend it as a clean read. Apart from the profanity and some vulgar words, it has a scene with an exhibitionist that is explicit, several references to sexual situations, and a scene that involves drugs. It’s unknown if Mannie had sex with Harry but it is alluded. As a parent and an adult I appreciated this novel as it clearly demonstrated that a lack of communication, outward display of love and affection, and moral guidance could leave a child lost and hurting. But I question why novels today that are targeted at our youth (12 and up) contain such explicit elements. I understand the aspect of realism but my concern is for the impressionistic and beautiful minds of our youth.
Author Martine Murray has a way of writing that draws in the reader in this coming-of-age story. It is introspective, brutally honest and lyrical. Manny is a quirky vulnerable girl. Seeing the world through her eyes is intriguing and reminded me of my teen years. I ached for this teenager who had to contend with great losses in her life. I liked the role the grandparents played in her life and that Mannie recognized the goodness in the people close to her that she failed to see initially when she focused on their faults as she struggled with emotional pain. This was a big mature step for a girl who grew up without much guidance.
As much as I liked being in the character’s head because of my psychology background, I cannot recommend it as a clean read. Apart from the profanity and some vulgar words, it has a scene with an exhibitionist that is explicit, several references to sexual situations, and a scene that involves drugs. It’s unknown if Mannie had sex with Harry but it is alluded. As a parent and an adult I appreciated this novel as it clearly demonstrated that a lack of communication, outward display of love and affection, and moral guidance could leave a child lost and hurting. But I question why novels today that are targeted at our youth (12 and up) contain such explicit elements. I understand the aspect of realism but my concern is for the impressionistic and beautiful minds of our youth.
October 4, 2013
In this first person narrative, Mannie (Age 17 or 18?) heads to Melbourne - riding her bicycle to the train station in her mother's red evening gown - on a few errands to work out where she is in her life and where she is going.
This book is a beautifully written story of dealing with loss and family, pensive and melancholy - but not maudlin. I love how Murray unfolds the details of Mannie's story over the course of a long two day journey. She jumps into the events and then tells the back story in pieces that connect with the present - sort of how you would experience Mannie's story if you had met her for this journey. I found the journey - reading the book - somehow peaceful and poetic. The writing is exquisite and multi-layered.
"I was walking, feet in the shallows. You couldn't tell, if you watched, whether the darkness was fading out of the sky or whether the light was seeping in. I knew that soon the sun would rise and people would come in their white jogging shoes, puffing up and down the beach. The trams would start ratting and clanking and cars would zoom past. The day would creak into action, just like any other day. And the night would be wiped away, snuffed out by the light and action and white sneakers jogging, as if there wasn't really madness and shame and regret: there was just this onwardness, the world heading forward. (p. 212)
This book is a beautifully written story of dealing with loss and family, pensive and melancholy - but not maudlin. I love how Murray unfolds the details of Mannie's story over the course of a long two day journey. She jumps into the events and then tells the back story in pieces that connect with the present - sort of how you would experience Mannie's story if you had met her for this journey. I found the journey - reading the book - somehow peaceful and poetic. The writing is exquisite and multi-layered.
"I was walking, feet in the shallows. You couldn't tell, if you watched, whether the darkness was fading out of the sky or whether the light was seeping in. I knew that soon the sun would rise and people would come in their white jogging shoes, puffing up and down the beach. The trams would start ratting and clanking and cars would zoom past. The day would creak into action, just like any other day. And the night would be wiped away, snuffed out by the light and action and white sneakers jogging, as if there wasn't really madness and shame and regret: there was just this onwardness, the world heading forward. (p. 212)
February 7, 2015
How To Make A Bird, in my eyes, is a written masterpiece. Read this!:
'THe moon was lying pale and quivery in the sky, like a bony fingermark on a black cloth. The houses were hushed and still and I was telling myself there was no reason to feel sad, not even for the wings, or the way the moon was fading, getting thin like tissue. There wasn't even one piece of brightness to ache over. The fields were like crinkled-up grey blankets huddled over a sleeping earth.'
While it is written so vibrantly and beautifully and it all flows together so smoothly, I can't ignore that the book did lose my attention at times and the characters (Mannie and her mum) could frustrate me at times. The plot seemed a little strange, but then again all books have their flaws and tht only makes them real.
Negativity aside, when I try to remember this book the main thing that stands out to me is the words, the writing, the masterpiece of it all that makes me want to read it again.
I loved it and the way it captures life, and emotion, and you just can see the world through Martine's words and those words just seem to reach out and gently touch you.
'THe moon was lying pale and quivery in the sky, like a bony fingermark on a black cloth. The houses were hushed and still and I was telling myself there was no reason to feel sad, not even for the wings, or the way the moon was fading, getting thin like tissue. There wasn't even one piece of brightness to ache over. The fields were like crinkled-up grey blankets huddled over a sleeping earth.'
While it is written so vibrantly and beautifully and it all flows together so smoothly, I can't ignore that the book did lose my attention at times and the characters (Mannie and her mum) could frustrate me at times. The plot seemed a little strange, but then again all books have their flaws and tht only makes them real.
Negativity aside, when I try to remember this book the main thing that stands out to me is the words, the writing, the masterpiece of it all that makes me want to read it again.
I loved it and the way it captures life, and emotion, and you just can see the world through Martine's words and those words just seem to reach out and gently touch you.
December 20, 2013
OK, I normally don't write reviews but this book i just weird. Ok at first I loved it with it's beautiful language and observations, but then it got worse and worse and by the end i just hated this book. I rated it two because of the observations and language is beautiful but the storyline is all whacked up. It is only over a two day period but to much happens and the ending is just to weird and the ending is depressing. I really dislike this book but i mean no offence if you like it. I guess it would be a good book for those type of people who are into that deep emotional turmoil books about someone finding themselves, though if you are into something that is packed with action and just where things are at least a little likely to happen, because i just think this book would work so much better is all that happens is spread out and over a longer time period. Just saying.
March 6, 2012
How To Make A Bird is a breathtaking book written by Martine Murray. The book is about a girl named Mannie who lives in a very unstable house. There are so many things around her that are really troublesome and it's interesting to see how she deals with it. She deals with it by running away and going on a journey. The book is so well written with some lyrical, beautiful, well-descriptive abilities. On an emotional level, if you're experiencing things like the character Mannie, then it's so easy to connect with her. One thing I didn't like about this book though was how it was so slowly written. Meaning, I feel like events in the book just kept being dragged on, which I didn't like! Other than that it's a great book if you're into teenage/journey stories.
May 11, 2010
Mannie's getting out of town. She hopes to end up in Paris but first she has to make a few stops to get answers to some questions about her depressed, possibly bipolar mother and about her golden boy brother. Told in the present with flashbacks, readers journey with Mannie as she tries to figure out her past.
Murray's writing shows flashes of brilliance but tries way too hard in other places. How to Make a Bird would make a good read-a-like for readers who enjoy Melina Marchetta and Deb Caletti.
Murray's writing shows flashes of brilliance but tries way too hard in other places. How to Make a Bird would make a good read-a-like for readers who enjoy Melina Marchetta and Deb Caletti.
February 20, 2011
While I think I liked it, my first reaction was 'how depressing' - it is possible to like something that is depressing, though, and I believe I liked this. I chose it for the title - birds, baseball, baking...I'm a sucker for books with those possibilities (and rewarded often enough to continue to be a sucker).
I did like very much her description of waiting and wanting, of how it makes you live a sort of zig-zaggy life. So true. And I was glad she survived - that she didn't give up and end everything. That she was willing to give being alive a chance.
I did like very much her description of waiting and wanting, of how it makes you live a sort of zig-zaggy life. So true. And I was glad she survived - that she didn't give up and end everything. That she was willing to give being alive a chance.
November 6, 2016
3.5- The character development and delivery in this book were phenomenal. I felt like I was in Mannie's head, hearing her thoughts. It took a few chapters for me to get wrapped up in the story, but once I got engaged, I couldn't wait to see what was going to be revealed next. The story contains layer after layer of Mannie's complicated life and gives a strong account of how she eventually rises above all the obstacles and comes to terms with who she really is and what makes her happy. Very sweet heartbreaking, but hopeful story.
July 29, 2010
How to Make a Bird is a lovely coming of age story about a girl in Australia who runs away and figures out truths about herself and her family.
There is a lot of detail and metaphors. Some of the time I really liked all of the detail but it was too much at other times.
I thought the book hit a good balance of tragedy and happier moments. It's not a happy book but it isn't a real downer, either.
There is a lot of detail and metaphors. Some of the time I really liked all of the detail but it was too much at other times.
I thought the book hit a good balance of tragedy and happier moments. It's not a happy book but it isn't a real downer, either.
November 9, 2011
http://inbetweenwritingandreading.blo...
The DNF Collection.
DNF.
Boring as Hell.
Beautifully written... But still boring U_U
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The DNF Collection.
DNF.
Boring as Hell.
Beautifully written... But still boring U_U
January 2, 2011
Not very gripping. Not into it yet. So far, it doesn't have much of a plot. Meh. I'll give it another 50 pages.
Well, it wasn't terrible. I wouldn't recommend it or read it again, though. It just wasn't really my style. It was more "this is how I feel right now" than "this is happening right now", if that makes sense. It just doesn't have that much plot development. One good thing: the emotion. I could really feel it. But that didn't really make up for the plot deficiency, in my opinion.
Well, it wasn't terrible. I wouldn't recommend it or read it again, though. It just wasn't really my style. It was more "this is how I feel right now" than "this is happening right now", if that makes sense. It just doesn't have that much plot development. One good thing: the emotion. I could really feel it. But that didn't really make up for the plot deficiency, in my opinion.
March 20, 2011
I was so confused with the past and present in this one. Wasn't very interesting to keep me entertained, the only thing I really liked was the descriptive writing, the author had a lot of potential to write an amazing novel, I guess I just really don't like the sappy emotional dramas or something. :(
December 5, 2011
This book was powerful and full of emotion, but I found that I was a little bored. I wanted something more, although I'm not quite sure what. I also found that the ending was appropriate but could have foreshadowed Mannie's future a bit more. But overall, it was beautifully written and relatively enjoyable to read.
January 1, 2013
I almost gave up on this book - a bit of a slow start. I'm so glad I stuck with it - such a beautiful, aching story, lovely language and imagery. My favorite kind of book: family, loss, heartbreak, hope.
October 18, 2009
this book has been one of my favourites since i read it. everyone should open it's pages and delve into martine murrays beautiful world
May 31, 2010
Wow. What a beautifully written book. The way the author captured what Mannie was thinking & feeling gave me goosebumps from time to time. Lyrical writing. Wow.
July 5, 2010
started out slow, got better with the story line. cute ending :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews