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What Members Thought

Elizabeth K.
Sep 28, 2012 rated it liked it
Shelves: 2012-new-reads
This book confused me. The premise is BUILDING A SOD HOUSE. What kind of person does not become breathy and excited at a prospect of a book in which a kid builds a sod house?

Okay, that's not really what's supposed to be the premise, which is coming to terms with a grandparent aging, and well, you know, the end result of that. There's also a dog. (But they are also building a sod house.)

It's lovely, it's sweet, it's evocative of a rural way of living that is (mostly) in the past ... it also feels
...more
Mary Louise Sanchez
Aug 10, 2012 rated it it was amazing
Jake and his eighty-eighty grandfather have a special daily relationship that is made even stronger when Jake decides he wants to build the sod house his grandfather has been remembering and longing for. All the family comes together on this project which touches grandfather's heart as he enjoys his last days there. Brick by brick Jake has made a pathway for Grandpa to leave but their kindred souls will always be tight like the sod bricks. ...more
Cathy Blackler
Jul 01, 2012 rated it really liked it
Patricia MacLachlan is a master of stories of the heart. She has penned another with Kindred Souls. Jake & his grandfather Billy are Kindred Souls. With the help of family members, each of which lend a special skill to the group, Jake rebuilds a sod house for his grandfather. A beautiful tale of love, gratitude & saying goodbye. The addition of Lucy, the "angel dog" was a testament to the power of an animal's love & devotion. A beautiful story. ...more
Lisa Nagel
Feb 11, 2012 rated it it was amazing
Short sweet story about a young boy Jake's special relationship with his grandfather, Billy. I liked the process of building the sod house as well as story of the dog Lucy, both illustrate the power of love, and the things we do for the people we love. ...more
Katie I
Mar 04, 2012 marked it as to-read
Regina
Mar 15, 2012 marked it as to-read
Patty
May 06, 2012 rated it really liked it
Katie
Jul 29, 2012 rated it really liked it
Mr. Wojahn
Sep 20, 2012 marked it as to-read
Mary Z
Sep 21, 2012 rated it really liked it
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