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
Helpful Score: 2
This was a really good book. Sad in many ways, but really good. Those you us who didn't have the greatest upbringing will really be able to identify with this little girl. She's so smart and strong in her own way, yet has no sense of safety or security. The story is about dealing with her mother's dying and then death as a young child and the not so pleasant years after. I loved the writing style of this author too. She writes from the childs perspective and it's just perfect!
Helpful Score: 2
I was totally engrossed in this book and didn't want it to end. I'm waiting for the sequel and hope it gets here fast! :)
This is a heartbreaking yet encouraging story of a young girls growing up. Hard to believe she survived at all, let alone ended up being a wonderful writer! I loved the descriptive writing style! I highly recommend this book!!
This is a heartbreaking yet encouraging story of a young girls growing up. Hard to believe she survived at all, let alone ended up being a wonderful writer! I loved the descriptive writing style! I highly recommend this book!!
Helpful Score: 1
This book will break your heart. How much can one person live through?
Helpful Score: 1
haunting tale of lost childhood. illness, neglect, death, and indifference play a role in jennifers childhood. sad yet inspiring. has what i have to assume is a happy ending.
Charlene Y. (CharleneY) -
Helpful Score: 1
Really good book, if you're not already sick of coming of age stories like I am! If so, wait a little while so you can fully appreciate this one.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book. It's very different as it is written from the view of a child, but extremely well written. Zipped through it once I started. Can't wait to read the sequel.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful true story about the author's girlhood.
Connie A. (jazzysmom) -
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this true story. Well written and hard to put down. A book that you will remember and refer to friends as one you enjoyed.
Helpful Score: 1
Lauck has an amazing story to tell about five or six years of her life, starting when she was age 5 and her mother's health went from bad to worse. The story was gripping, and I couldn't put it down.
I did struggle with the author's voice, especially in the first part of the book where she is writing from the point of view of herself at age 5. The childish tone, which is presumably meant to be true to a 5-year-old's voice, made the book almost unreadable for me. Here is an example from page 54 the paperback edition:
Dr. Smernoff comes over and puts his hand on Daddy's arm. Daddy stands up and the policemen and Daddy and Dr. Smernoff talk the way grown-ups talk, all at the same time.
Daddy puts his hands up and the police ask him a couple more questions and then they close their notepads. The policemen leave and the big one waves at me.
I don't know what to do, wave, not wave, and I just smile and put the sucker back in my mouth.
I have read several novels and memoirs about childhoods, but this is the first one I have read that tried to capture the language of a child. I'm not sure if she's trying to evince further poignancy (not necessary, since the story was powerful enough to tell on its own) or to try to be true to the 5-year-old main character. I think it is an unfortunate choice. Happily, the language gets more readable as the author moves later into her childhood, and the last half of the book is much better.
I did struggle with the author's voice, especially in the first part of the book where she is writing from the point of view of herself at age 5. The childish tone, which is presumably meant to be true to a 5-year-old's voice, made the book almost unreadable for me. Here is an example from page 54 the paperback edition:
Dr. Smernoff comes over and puts his hand on Daddy's arm. Daddy stands up and the policemen and Daddy and Dr. Smernoff talk the way grown-ups talk, all at the same time.
Daddy puts his hands up and the police ask him a couple more questions and then they close their notepads. The policemen leave and the big one waves at me.
I don't know what to do, wave, not wave, and I just smile and put the sucker back in my mouth.
I have read several novels and memoirs about childhoods, but this is the first one I have read that tried to capture the language of a child. I'm not sure if she's trying to evince further poignancy (not necessary, since the story was powerful enough to tell on its own) or to try to be true to the 5-year-old main character. I think it is an unfortunate choice. Happily, the language gets more readable as the author moves later into her childhood, and the last half of the book is much better.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent, but heartbreaking memoir. I couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
I love this book!! Jennifer's story is hard to put down. I found myself sitting for hours, flipping pages. I couldn't stop reading.
Ann Marie U. (hallelujaheart) reviewed Blackbird : A Childhood Lost and Found on + 96 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Superbly written.
Helpful Score: 1
Heartbreaking memoir! I could not put it down!
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great book. Sad, but very inspiring. She has a sequel that is very good also.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good book about a sad childhood. I enjoyed listening to it.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book and started the second one right away. A little too much language for my taste, but considering the situation of the book, it is understandable.
Helpful Score: 1
Read by the author, Jennifer Lauck, it seemed to be more real, emotional and beautiful than other memoirs that I've listened to. Wonderful Story.
Helpful Score: 1
A beautifully written memoir. Heartbreaking and inspiring. A child's loss, loneliness and a will to inspire. You'll never forget little Jennifer Lauck.
Great story! I can't wait to read Still Waters next. I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed The Glass Castle.
A beautifully written memoir- utterly absorbing, alternately heartbreaking and inspiring.
This book is riveting and heartbreaking and I could not put it down. I read it cover to cover in 24 hours. It's a tragic, beautifully written memoir that is almost unbelievable. Having lost my own mother at age five, I cried along with Jennifer at every loss and cruel twist. I highly recommend this book...now I am ordering the sequel.
This is a very good book. It is amazing the life she had as a child.
What a great find. This book is moving, the adventures and bravery of Jenny is inspiring, can't wait for the sequel to get to me!
This is an EXCELLENT memoir, and kept me interested until the very last word. I really appreciate what the author went through, and it was well written.
great audio book!
A beautifully written memoir utterly absorbing, alternately heartbreaking and inspiring.
Staci S. (mountainrailroad) reviewed Blackbird : A Childhood Lost and Found on + 7 more book reviews
this is a true story of the authors childhood, about the death of her mother with long term illnesses, the remarriage of her father, the death of her father and the hard times she had growing up. I found this book to be almost like cinderella but in modern times. this book takes place from 1968 to 1975. Her stepmother was very mean to her. She even found out she was adopted by her ill mother and father. whom later dies. she has an older brother named BJ who is 2 years older and very influenced. A very good book...
amazing story of the determination and pain of a young girl....very moving...one of my favorite!!
This book is excellent! I could not put it down. Would recommend if you like non-fiction books about family issues.
This was a good book. It was kind of depressing, but not over the top.
This story is almost imossible to believe. This little girl went through hell & came out on the correct side is amazing.
heart--wrenching story of death, loss & life in a childs view of what is. the author writes as if a child was actually telling a sad tale. worth the read and will never forget this one.
This is a sad and tough book with just enough joy to make it a good read. It is a true story and I wish there were a sequal to see where the story leads in this young girl's life. You will enjoy it!
Written through the eyes of this child, this is a heart-wrenching tale of neglect. It was hard to put down and hard not to want to take this and every other child into your home. Can't wait to read the sequel ...
A story of a childhood in the 60's It is told through the eyes of a child---it is a story of a dysfunctional family, and the will of a child to survive. It is an unforgettable story and a page turner.
"The unblinking look of one child at a hard world. Written gloriously and movingly." FRANK MCCOURT, AUTHOR OF ANGELA's ASHES
Very good and disturbing story of a childhood filled with pain
Excellent book!
very good book..difficult to put down.
Haunting and sad.
What a riveting memoir about a young girl. Heart-wrenching, yet sometimes comical, and definately inspiring. I can't imagine any of the children today, being as brave as she was. Looking forward to reading Book 2 - Still Waters - about how her childhood affected her as an adult.
Ashley W. (child-from-night) reviewed Blackbird : A Childhood Lost and Found on + 28 more book reviews
This was a good book!
I loved this book.
I enjoyed this book very much.
I originally read this book because I got it at the library. I loved it so much that I wanted my own copy. That way, if I decide to read it again, I will have it. Fortunately I was able to get a copy through Paperback Swap!
Great read,Loved it.
Lorraine H. (Maxs-Mom) - , reviewed Blackbird : A Childhood Lost and Found on + 73 more book reviews
I loved this book! I stayed up one night to finish reading.
Great book!
