Thursday 30 May 2013

Review: Coyote Summer - J.S.Kapchinske

Author: J.S Kapchinske
Title: Coyote Summer
Genre: YA, Drama
Pages: ebook
First Published: March 17th, 2013
Where I Got It: Given to me by the author to review for my honest opinion.


"Heath always looked forward to summer visits at Grandpa’s—long days in the wild Rocky Mountains, fishing with Dad on the Piedra River, and nights sleeping on the screened-in porch. Plus this summer, Dad promised to finally tell him the secret about old Mrs. Baylis—a mysterious Native American woman living down the dusty dirt road… But now, after Dad’s accident, it can never happen that way. Heath and his mother go to Grandpa’s, but only to spread Dad’s ashes in the river. 


In the beginning, Heath feels like he's been swallowed by the raging Piedra, held upside down in some dark and unforgiving eddy. But one day, wandering along the riverbank, he meets Annie, a wild-eyed tomboy who shows him a hidden cave with a litter of orphaned coyote pups. Together they discover the cave holds another secret—one that might help them figure out the mystery of old Mrs. Baylis. During that summer in the mountains, Heath comes to realize there is both beauty and ugliness in the world, sometimes all tangled together. By opening himself up to Annie and the coyotes, he rediscovers hope and joy in this big, beautiful, mixed-up world."

This book was written for Middle School level readers and after reading this I really think that kids should read this in their Middle School reading/English classes. For more advanced readers, this will be a quick and simple read. Not only is the story really good, but also, all the life lessons embedded within the text were good too. I liked it.

This story is not only about Heath's moving on from his father's death, but it is a story that tells us that bad things may and will happen, but you have to move on. You need to move on and be happy...but never forget the past. The world can be an ugly place, but with the help of those around you and your own inner strength there is nothing that can defeat you.

I'm not sure what else to say about this, because I don't want to spoil anything. *ponders*

I wished that the author had dived more into the mysterious old Mrs. Baylis and her story. I know they give some sort of "resolution", but I feel like it rushed and something was...missing and things didn't add up right. Along with the mystery of old Mrs. Baylis, there were some other minor strings left hanging in the wind. Yes, they were minor, but I HATE when everything isn't concluded and tied up in the end. This ties in with the ending...the author upset me, because I really wanted an epilogue and 100% resolution to everyone's story. I know...I know...she left to the reader's imagination, but yeah...I like knowing.

In the end, this was a really good read. The lack of resolution and some loose ties annoyed me, but I did enjoy this. If I were to teach a Middle School English/reading class, I would have them read this. Not only is it a good story, but it has great themes and lessons to be learned. I think I would like to check out more of this author's stuff, he certainly has GREAT potential. I would recommend this to those that love YA books or for those looking for a nice feel-good book about life lessons. In the end, I'll give this four stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Annie, Grandpa (you'll see why later on in the text), and of course those adorable pups.
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Gus (bastard)

*CaroleRae*

Carole owner of caroleraesramblings.com

30 comments:

  1. it sounds like an intense book, really interesting. I didn't know it at all but well who know maybe one day.

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    Replies
    1. It was a pretty intense book filled with life lessons.

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  2. Lovely review, and my niece is an avid reader, I think she would love this and life lessons to boot, her parents will be happy :)

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  3. Oh I donno! It sounds like a crying book, but also sounds so good as well. Darn, this might be a good one for some little ones that will be of age before I know it! :)

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    Replies
    1. Surprisingly I didn't even really cry or tear-up. But it was goo!

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  4. Annie sounds great even if you wish they'd have delved more in the mystery

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    Replies
    1. Annie was a neat character. I liked her.

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  5. So getting this as a gift for someone :) It does sound really good!

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  6. I hate when plot lines get left hanging in the wind too! But it's great that you enjoyed this so much and that you feel it had a strong message. I'm always open to a feel good story with heart, so thanks for introducing me to this! Lovely review :-)

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    Replies
    1. It's annoying, but I do adore feel good stories with heart as well. Thanks for the awesome comment!

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  7. Hey! A character named after my brother! :D lol. You don't hear that name very often at all.

    Sounds like a great growing book for middle grade. :) Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Neither do I! There was only one person I knew with that name...Heath Ledger. lmao.

      But it really is a good a book for middle schoolers. Thank you!

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  8. I'm not sure it's something I would like, but it sounds like it has potential.

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    Replies
    1. It was defiantly written for the younger kids.

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  9. Ha ha! Gus is a bastard! That is too funny!

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  10. This isn't one for me, but sounds wonderful for the age group intended for.

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    Replies
    1. It really is...if I have kids I would probably have them read this when they turned 12.

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  11. i am in love with this cover! it is so cool! i don't really read ebooks tho :(

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    Replies
    1. So am I! I think it should be a paper book soon.

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  12. This is certainly not a book I would have chosen, but I am glad you liked it.

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    Replies
    1. It's okay...its not everyone's cup of tea.

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  13. Even though it sounds good I think this book is not for me.

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