Official Review: In a Boulder’s Shadow by JM Briggs
Post by Yolimari » 08 Oct 2019, 04:32
4 out of 4 stars
The lives of four people—Traci, Tracey, Calahan, and Terry—intersect at Willem Haskey’s summer camps after they go through traumatic circumstances. Meanwhile, real estate agent Ernest Abelo is after the land where the camps are and which has been in Haskey’s family for generations. When Abelo’s tricky methods do not convince Haskey to sell the property, he asks Gruber, a former caretaker of the camps who is a drunk, to take extreme measures. Will Traci, Tracey, Calahan, and Terry find peace and healing at the summer camps? What will happen to Haskey’s camps and land?
In a Boulder’s Shadow by JM Briggs is a fiction novel that brings up the controversial and contemporary subjects of gun violence, schools’ shootings, and gang life. I selected to review this novel to get out of my reading comfort zone. I thought it was going to be a tough read, and honestly speaking, that I was not going to enjoy it. I was so wrong. Briggs discusses all of these harsh themes against the backdrop of nature, history, and legend, making it a story about healing after tragic events.
My favorite aspect of this novel was Briggs’ amazing ability creating characters. All of the primary and secondary characters of this book have strong backstories, and most of them are going through a tough time. For example, one survived a school shooting, and another survived an explosion in the war in Afghanistan. Briggs’ talent shines through when his characters’ lives converge at the summer camps, which are located in a land rich in history and legend. I loved reading about the Native American family who wanders through the apple orchard. I was amazed at how he managed to bring all of the primary and secondary characters’ lives together while also telling the generational story of Haskey’s property. I concluded that this is a book about the power nature has to heal and help humans find peace; therefore, we have to protect it.
Briggs astutely discusses relevant and important themes of our times. One of the themes that left its mark on me was how the gang life in cities like Chicago negatively impact children’s lives. Briggs portrays how teachers do what they can for the kids who live in neighborhoods plagued with poverty and gangs. Children join these gangs because they cannot see another way of life for themselves. Then, these kids become criminals and end up dead or in jail. Another theme that I found important was how teachers are not valued enough in the United States. For example, their salaries are not enough considering all of the work they do.
A professional edited this book, as I only found three grammatical errors. The only thing I did not particularly like was that the characters have the same type of shortened nicknames. Examples are that Haskey calls his daughter Kirstin by the nickname of Kirs. Calahan calls his friend Tazyhiro by the nickname of Taz, and Owen calls Haskey by the nickname of Hask.
I rate In a Boulder’s Shadow by JM Briggs 4 out of 4 stars. It is an excellent character-driven novel that brings awareness about contemporary subjects and reminds us of nature’s healing power. I recommend this book to fans of fiction books that bring up controversial themes and set in natural spaces. However, this story contains violent scenes, so I would not recommend it to sensitive readers.
5 out of 5 stars Great Story About Healing in Nature
The lives of four people—Traci, Terry, Tracey, and Calahan—who have just gone through traumatic events in their lives change while they work at Mr. Haskey’s summer camps. The story discusses contemporary themes, like gun violence and gang life in poor neighborhoods. Also, nature comes to the forefront as a healing agent. I recommend this book to readers who like reading fiction about themes that affect American society at the moment. It is also a great novel for nature lovers. I would not recommend it to sensitive readers, as it portrays violence.
My wife and I have both read this wonderful book; it was a Delasol Book Club Selection from an author that lives in our community. It is a multiple layered story filled with very interesting characters, unique relationships exposed in a variety of experiences that most definitely impact life’s path. The character development in this book will capture you and hold you through the entire story. I definitely recommend this book to all, especially those of you who have worked in education at any level. We are so looking forward to the sequel. Coming Soon!
The book is entitled “In a Boulder’s Shadow”, by J.M. Briggs. Such a great read!
4.0 out of 5 stars Stay With It
This first book by JM Briggs is a wonderful story. The story is told from the viewpoint of several characters from many different backgrounds and locations. I was a little confused in the beginning, but eventually picked up the threads. From then on the read was very enjoyable. Briggs writes so that you want to know what is going to happen next. It really is a story about relationships including a man and his dog.
5 out of 5 stars Grabbing
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't help wondering who would like reading this more...…teens or adults? The characters and subject matter were very relatable on many levels. Imagine going to summer camp as either counselor or camper knowing there's a special healing that will occur while there. A place of safety with a few twists and turns that makes putting this read down quite difficult. Welcome to Lake Haskovec Camp. Can't wait to see what's in store for next season!
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2021
Great book! I couldn’t put it down. Loved the format and the bit of history. The book made me miss my old summer camp that I cherished, and it made me think about educators on another level.
5.0 out of 5 stars A book to be read
A well-crafted plot that holds the reader’s attention to the end. The author has to take some pages to establish his characters but one he does, they meld together into a story that keeps you reading to the end An interesting theme that reflects modern society with engaging flashes of past history. To those who have experienced summer camp life, it truly resonates. A book to be read.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great storytelling!
I never attended a camp but after reading this, I wish I had. Well-crafted relatable characters who all share a common connection. The author does a great job sprinkling in the rich history of this place - spanning the generations. Makes you realize as there are many stories from the past, we are all living important stories this moment. Touched me emotionally many times and was difficult to put down.
5.0 out of 5 stars Characters portray real people struggling with modern circumstances
This is an excellent read for book clubs with a myriad of great characters that are not only entertaining, but well-developed, facing the biggest challenges and circumstances of modern times in the US educational system.
The Boulder Series by JM Briggs
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