The Sweetness of Salt

by Cecilia Galante

[Joni Reads]

One of the most touching books I have ever read. Julia has just graduated as valedictorian of her senior class and is preparing for her summer internship at the courthouse to prepare her for her future career as a lawyer when her older sister Sophie shows and up just like that, everything is changed. Sophie drops a bombshell that makes Julia question everything about her family. So when her sister goes home to Vermont, Julia follows her, making the trip from Ohio to Vermont in one long dark night. And when Julia gets there she unravels the truth about a dark family secret that has been kept secret from her since birth.
I read this book in three hours, start to finish. I could not, would not put it down. When I had to, the story stayed with me, haunting me until I finally picked the book up again. This is truly a beautiful story that had be in tears numerous times. The entire book was perfect, well written, all of the characters so well developed, there is no way this book could be improved upon. Everything from the title to the cover to the plot and everything in between just fits wonderfully. The mystery surrounding this family’s secret and then as the secret is slowly, bit by bit revealed is perfect. Everything flows together so well. The town, Poultney, Vermont, sounds like a picture perfect place to be. When I read the description of the town I wanted to pack up my suitcase and move there. So picturesque and entirely the perfect place to set a novel. It reminds me of the town from Gilmore Girls, and really, who wouldn’t want to live in a place like that?
I have no criticism for this book. It’s perfect as is. It’s been a long time since I read a book that brought tears to my eyes and the feeling is oddly refreshing. If you don’t read this novel you are really missing out.