REVIEW and GIVEAWAY
Going Places
by Kathryn Berla
Going Places by Kathryn Berla is currently on tour with Xpresso Book Tours. The tour stops here today for my review, an excerpt, and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.
Description
Everyone had high expectations for Hudson Wheeler. His fifth grade teacher even wrote to his parents that Hudson was "going places." But everything went downhill after his father died on the battlefield of Iraq one year later. Now facing his senior year of high school without his two best friends by his side and with his teacher's letter still haunting him, Hudson seizes homeschooling as an opportunity to retreat from the world.
What happens during this year will prove to be anything but a retreat, as Hudson experiences love and rejection for the first time; meets the Amazonian-looking girl who shows him by example what it means to be a man; and solves the painful mystery of the “girl in the window” - an apparition seen only by the WWII vet whose poignant plight forces Hudson out of the comfort zone of boyhood.
Going Places is a peek into what male adolescence looks like today for those who don't follow traditional paths as they strive to find themselves.
Excerpt
Click below to read an excerpt.
Praise for the Book
“A beautiful story of love, loss, friendship, connection, and finding the places you will go.” ~ Sam K.
“Entertaining throughout, but also thought-provoking, this book would make an excellent gift to any young person who is trying to find out who they are and what they are meant to do with their lives. In the process of his discovery, Hudson becomes a new person who demonstrates his artistic talent as well as his heart that is open to helping others. A fabulous read!” ~ Teacher Nanna
“This is a wonderfully written story that blends people of different generations and shows young or olds, you can make a difference in someone’s life.” ~ Three Cakes and a Lady
“Going Places is a delightful read with many moments throughout that tugged on my heart strings. And I wasn't even expecting the mystery part of the story!” ~ gracieprince
“Beautiful book. Loved every second of it.” ~ A.A.R.D.
My Review
By Lynda Dickson
His fifth grade teacher told him he was “going places”, but Hudson starts doubting himself. In his final year of high school, he doesn’t want to pursue the traditional path. Since he only needs to attend two classes, his mother agrees to let him be “homeschooled” for the rest of the time. But, with his school work, setting up a couple of home businesses, working on his graphic novel, and trying to get a girlfriend, this year is going to be anything but easy.
This is a true coming-of-age story, cute, funny, sad, poignant, and uplifting all at the same time. There’s even a bit of suspense/mystery thrown in. The (female) author does a remarkable job of taking us into the mind of a teenage boy. Hudson has a very engaging voice and is extremely likable. He is accompanied by a cast of colorful characters, including those of the canine variety. I especially loved Jennifer, the hot pink male poodle! The book is beautifully written, and I love the slow build. However, the ending feels a bit rushed. I would love to have spent more time with these characters.
Warnings: coarse language, sexual references, sex scene (not graphic).
About the Author
Kathryn Berla likes to write in a variety of genres including light fantasy, contemporary literary fiction, and even horror. She is the author of the young adult novels: 12 Hours in Paradise, Dream Me, The House at 758, and Going Places. The Kitty Committee is her first novel written for adult readers.
Kathryn grew up in India, Syria, Europe, and Africa. Her love for experiencing new cultures runs deep, and she gives into it whenever she can. She has been an avid movie buff since childhood, and often sees the movie in her head before she writes the book.
Kathryn graduated from the University of California in Berkeley with a degree in English. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Giveaway
Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win some great prizes.
Links
