Helpful Score: 7
Blackbird is written by an Oregon author, so thus I chose to read it. But I found it to be a life changing read. This is the story of amazing loss, abuse, and the desire for a future in the life of a young girl. It is not terribly graphic but you get the idea where difficult subject matter is addressed. It is the true story of the author herself. It has compelled me to look for her next two books.
I cannot say enough about the way this book leaves you feeling. It is an honest look at the wrongs that this woman endured as a child. If you were ever any part of a blended family, this book will tear at you. It will leave you wanting more and more is available in the form of a sequel, Still Waters.
Coming from a sheltered background, I felt so naive about the lives of my peers. Looking back, I can only imagine the trials that many others must live through as children. Jennifer Lauk is a helpless warrior in Blackbird. True to the core of her being, she evolves fairly well intact despite her obstacles.
Coming from a sheltered background, I felt so naive about the lives of my peers. Looking back, I can only imagine the trials that many others must live through as children. Jennifer Lauk is a helpless warrior in Blackbird. True to the core of her being, she evolves fairly well intact despite her obstacles.
Helpful Score: 5
Blackbird is the story of Jennifer Lauck's childhood, which is reflected in the sub-title- A Childhood Lost and Found. Told through the perspective of the child that she was, Jennifer tells of the harrowing six years of her life, from the ages of 5 to 11.
Five year old Jennifer is living with her parents and older brother Bryan. It is obvious that Janet, Jennifer's mother is in the end stages of a long illness, and Jennifer takes care of her mom as best she can at her young age. In the course of time Janet Lauck passes away, and the children are left with their father, a kind but overwhelmed man; he quickly remarries a woman with children of her own, who obviously does not care for Jennifer or Bryan at all. When another tragedy befalls the Lauck family, things go from bad to worse.
Although there is some abuse in the book, it is far more psychological than physical and quite disturbing. The indomitable spirit of Jennifer to keep on going, despite it all, is what lifts this book from maudlin to inspiring. The child's eye view of the adult world is heartbreaking at times, but you will care about this little girl and root for her right until the end, hoping someone or something good comes her way.
Five year old Jennifer is living with her parents and older brother Bryan. It is obvious that Janet, Jennifer's mother is in the end stages of a long illness, and Jennifer takes care of her mom as best she can at her young age. In the course of time Janet Lauck passes away, and the children are left with their father, a kind but overwhelmed man; he quickly remarries a woman with children of her own, who obviously does not care for Jennifer or Bryan at all. When another tragedy befalls the Lauck family, things go from bad to worse.
Although there is some abuse in the book, it is far more psychological than physical and quite disturbing. The indomitable spirit of Jennifer to keep on going, despite it all, is what lifts this book from maudlin to inspiring. The child's eye view of the adult world is heartbreaking at times, but you will care about this little girl and root for her right until the end, hoping someone or something good comes her way.
Helpful Score: 3
This is one of my favorite books. I have read both this one and the sequel, "Still Waters", several times and each time they get to the heart and soul of me like I've never read them before. Jennifer Lauck's writing is amazing, and although the book is heartbreaking, you are left with the promise of something better in the end.
Helpful Score: 3
Riveting memoir of childhood loss
