β Scribed by Herbsman, Cheryl Renee
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
In Herbsman's debut novel, 15-year-old Savannah Brown is contending with a strict but loving mother as well as frequent, serious asthma attacks, something she inherited from her long-absent father, Trip ("he tripped right on out of our lives when I was barely out of diapers"). Savannah, who needs constant medical care and attention, begins a relationship with an older boy from out of town, and her mother is more than a little protective. Only after Jackson proves that he is a responsible and caring boyfriend does Savannah's mother begin to let go. Told in the first person and thick with Southern vernacular, the novel offers a snapshot of Savannah's quickly-changing life. Displaying maturity and independence, as well as faith in the strength of her new relationship with Jackson, Savannah decides to attend a prestigious college program for promising high school seniors. While some of the story remains underdeveloped, such as the clairvoyance that Savannah occasionally alludes to possessing, the cast of characters holds the story together, and the people in Savannah's life are warm and real. Ages 12-up.
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Ever since she was a child, Savannah has heard her mother tell the story of Savannahβs first asthma attack, which occurred on the day her dad left the family. Since then, breathing has been a challenge for Savannah. Enter Jackson Channing, a gorgeous 18-year-old who is visiting his cousins. As she spends time with Jackson, Savannahβs breathing problems begin to dissipate. Then Jackson leaves for home, and Savannahβs challenge is to learn to breathe on her own, without her daddy, without her mamaβs vigilance, and without Jacksonβs validating love. This debut novel is a sweet, low-key romance about a young couple who find true love early and struggle to stay together as they embrace their individual growing-up challenges. Herbsman has created likable characters and a coastal Carolina setting that will capture the readerβs imagination, and she subtly emphasizes the qualities that create supportive life partners. Although some may find the dialect a challenge, it is authentic, lyrical, and consistent. Readers will look forward to more from this talented new author. Grades 7-10. --Frances Bradburn
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