Comments on: Book Review: A Tendering in the Storm

By: nessili

nessili — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:35:41 +0000

Janet–Thanks for the input. Yes, it probably would have been better if I could have backed out, but I’d said I would do this before knowing how I felt about the book.

But I am a bit confused as to what you would consider a review if not a person’s reaction to the story? Just curious, as I’m looking at doing more of these reviews in the next few months…though this time I do get more of a choice in what I want to read.

And, believe it or not, I will probably read book three also, since my curiosity usually gets the better of me

By: Janet Riehl

Janet Riehl — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:35:17 +0000

I think your comments about "A Tendering in the Storm," by Jane Kirkpatrick point out several important things about reviews, and maybe even blogs. I wouldn't say your comments constitute a review...more of a personal gut reaction to a kind of fiction you don't like. I think it's a pity that you weren't able to turn down the reviewing opportunity when you found out it wasn't your kind of book. For my own part, I just don't even read books I'm sure I won't like, and don't write reviews of books I don't take to. That's not how I want to spend my time. But, that's just me.

I didn't find the book depressing, but certainly did find it thought-provoking and challenging on the themes of the role of the individual and community, for instance, and how do we reconcile our balances of giving and receiving and do we need to be keeping accounts on these? Emma is a stubborn individual who is her own woman and has to go her own way to test her way and the way of her culture and her religion. I find Emma a fascinating, complex character who does learn and change in the course of the story.

I thought the ending was a pretty happy one as Emma learns she can be strong and accept support at the same time.

Well, we disagree. Sorry the cry wasn't worth it for you. I did read the first book in the series, and am looking forward to number three.

Janet Grace Riehl, author "Sightlines: A Poet's Diary"

By: nessili

nessili — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:43:25 +0000

Thanks! I hated saying I didn’t like it, but at least I know it’s not the writing, it’s just me I get very grumpy when a book or movie makes me cry. But despite that I’m definitely interested in reading book three. Not knowing how things turn out drives me nuts too.

By: Jane Kirkpatrick

Jane Kirkpatrick — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 22:54:37 +0000

Hi Vanessa, I thought since no one had left a comment yet about your review of my book A Tendering in the Storm that I would be the first! I can see why this is not a book that would appeal to you because it is definetly not historical romance. I saw it as a book about the many siblings of grief and how if we don’t witness to the losses in our lives we can make some poor choices. I also thought it was about how allowing others to help us in a time of need is pretty hopeful if not a happy ending. But that’s me and what I enjoyed about your review is your energy and passion and the vivid images you created about slamming that book down and finding something you could enjoy. Cool. I am hopeful that you might like the third and final book in the series that is more hopeful, I think, even though it is also reflective of the historical record. Thanks for taking the time to read the book. You’re faithful to your readers in giving that time and faithful to the author as well Meanwhile, I hope you keep reviewing and writing. You obviously have a way to move people with words as I was moved to write to you. Sincerely, Jane Kirkpatrick