Cocktails and Books
Written on May 8, 2013
In The Silver Star, we face another neglectful mom with two amazing daughters. I couldn't stand Charlotte (mom). She was spoiled and selfish and I had a hard time with the fact that she was constantly putting her needs before those of her children. Upon reading though, I couldn't help but feel that her actions almost made her girls stronger. Liz and Bean were street and book smart, strong, independent, and hard-working.
Luckily, when they needed it the most, they found family and a town that (eventually) accepted them. Like the characters in The Glass Castle, the girls have to fight to survive and face many unbearable hardships. They do prevail, but they are forever changed.
In addition to the girls, readers will come to love and care about the relatives they encounter on their journey. I don't want to give too much away, but even those that don't seem too accepting of Liz and Bean at first end up sacrificing a lot to help them out.
I LOVED this book--Ms. Walls, if you're out there somewhere, please write a follow-up to this one! I didn't think I could like this book more than Half Broke Horses, but I do and I want to know what becomes of the girls and the rest of the people of Byler. This was one of those books that sent me into a depression once it was over because I just didn't want it to end...
Reviewed by Joelle for Cocktails and Books