The Great Unexpected Book Birthday Post!

Happy Book Birthday!

Today is release day for, The Great Unexpected

By Sharon Creech

Sharon Creech is an award winning author of many well known 

and beloved children's books.

Including: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird and Bloomability.

All of her titles can be seen @ Sharon Creech's Website!

Also, be sure to check out her blog! Words We Say

"I had big thoughts to match the big wind. I wondered if we find the people we need when we need them. I wondered if we attract our future by some sort of invisible force, or if we are drawn to it by a similar force. I felt I was turning a corner and that change was afoot."

In the little town of Blackbird Tree live two orphan girls: one Naomi Deane, brimming with curiosity, and her best friend, Lizzie Scatterding, who could talk the ears off a cornfield. Naomi has a knack for being around when trouble happens. For she knows all the peculiar people in town--like Crazy Cora and Witch Wiggins and Mr. Farley. But then, one day, a boy drops out of a tree. The strangely charming Finn boy. Then the Dingle Dangle man appears, asking all kinds of questions. Curious surprises are revealed--three locked trunks, a pair of rooks, a crooked bridge, and that boy. Soon Naomi and Lizzie find themselves zooming toward a future neither could ever have imagined. Meanwhile, on a grand estate across the ocean, an old lady whose heart has been deceived concocts a plan. . . .

As two very different worlds are woven together, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech celebrates the gossamer thread that connects us all, and the great and unexpected gifts of love, friendship, and forgiveness...

~ MY REVIEW ~

As was my reaction to reading Sharon's other books, I was left in awe and meditative repose after finishing The Great Unexpected. It has been too long since I read her work and I have a renewed vigor to re-read my favorites. Her writing influenced not only my love for reading, but the way I thought about life when I was younger. I am sure that this book will be as equally well received as her other titles. 

The Great Unexpected is perfectly titled. It held such an air of mystery about it as the story began to build. I did not know what to expect, all I knew while I was reading was how it constantly tugged at my heart. Naomi's perspective on life is so fresh and I connected with her character instantly. She embodies a certain old wisdom. The dynamics between her and her best friend, Lizzie and perfectly executed. The balance they create between each other and the story is undeniable. 

This story also centers around another unusual pair; Miss Kavanagh and Pilpenny. They operate as a parallel to Lizzie and Naomi. Both pairs are quirky and extremely different from one another, yet as friends they are peas in a pod. I enjoyed the constantly changing points of view, from that of Blackbird Pond and Ireland. Miss Kavanagh is quite a curious woman and I found her to be one of my favorite characters, despite her crass demeanor.  

Sharon Creech has this way of writing that pulls you along and immerses you in her words. I so enjoyed reading this tale. It is the epitome of original and heart warming. Everything comes together so well throughout The Great Unexpected. I loved watching as the connections between the characters and happenings solidified. This is a beautifully crafted novel for readers of any age--and no less than perfect for middle grade readers. I HIGHLY recommend reading this book. You will become elated as you traverse the great unexpected.