The Clearing

Reader: Sabrina K
Age: 16
Title: The Clearing
Author: Heather Davis
Publisher: Houghton
Pub Date: April 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book is like watching a sappy helpless romantic movie, but better! The characters in the book where more relatable (compared to sappier books) and didn't just deal with love, but also other every day issues.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: This book did a great job of showing that you can cope after being through emotional and/or physical abuse. Amy's character was very strong and showed just how capable she was of going on with her life and moving forward. This book well portrayed that you can get stronger you and can become from a situation and learn how to love again, or be loved.
Comments: I liked having Amy and Henry be every other chapter and the dynamic between both characters was amazing. At times though, I got a bit confused on the whole clearing ordeal and how Henry's side was just stuck there, I think that needs to be a bit clearer. It really annoyed me when Henry and Amy where fighting over this as well, it felt a bit unnecessary. The ending was great, but was a bit unclear for a second on who was Joe, it took a bit of time to refresh on that. I wish the ending would have been a bit longer showing more of the relationship between Henry and Joe , and for sure Joe and May. Overall the book was very enjoyable to read!
Cover: The cover did tempt me to pick the book up,it was very intriguing and the colors where very nice. The pictures of the people where a bit upsetting though. They did not reflect the contents of the book so to speak, Henry-looks like he's 14 or so, making his character a bit misguiding and made Amy look like a cougar. The picture of the girl- who I presume is Amy was very well done, I wish the dress looked a little bit more outdated, but overall you could tell it was her.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal