Helpful Score: 2
Heart-wrenching book that really makes you feel and understand the characters. Wonderful and touching story. A must read!
Helpful Score: 1
It's been about 25 years since I read a Danielle Steel book. And I probably won't read another one of her books for another 25 years, if I live that long. Too many other readings I want to do. I found the romantic elements in her books too schalmtzy (for those not from the Northeast, this translates as "yicky" or even unrealistic)and something I had outgrown. Also Steel's writing is at about an 8th grade level and I was trying to improve myself. Now, I don't care nearly as much and I read almost anything that floats by. At first I found "Johnny Angel" so unrealistic as to be laughable. Actually I was annoyed. Johnny is too good to be true - a "perfect" teenager: easy going, always willing to help, attached to only one girlfriend who he plans to marry; working to pay for college while maintaining a good grade point average, adored by his parents and finally, an excellent all around athlete. He's a one-dimensional hero. It is only after his death in a car accident that Johnny becomes more multi-dimensional. Through his quiet intervention Johnny is now able to positively effect the lives of the living, especially those who are devastated by his death. But the "too good to be true" changes and opportunities given to the living don't appear as unrealistic as in the beginning. Johnny leaves his family when his "Mission" is done but not before having pulled some miracles that leaves those closest to him much happier than when he first arrived. I don't want to give away any of the plot not described on the flyleaf of the book. Yes, the ending was just as unrealistic as the beginning but I was sucked in nonetheless by the second part of the book. It was as if I was reading a fairy tale geared for adults. Danielle Steel is a whiz at creating plot and characters we can relate to at some level which is why I suspect she's had so many bestsellers. If you like Steel, you won't be able to put this 180 page book down.
Helpful Score: 1
In the 1962 rock ballad, Johnny Angel isn't an angel, but an angelic young dreamboat. In Steel's book, the titular hero is both-as well as class valedictorian, a football/track star, a faithful boyfriend and a college scholarship winner who holds down two jobs to help out his family; on top of it all, he has "great teeth." Killed in a car crash after his senior prom, 17-year-old Johnny Peterson is sent back to earth as an angel. His mission: to fix certain troubles left unresolved at the time of his death involving his girlfriend, Becky, her impoverished mother and his dysfunctional family. The plot may strike TV viewers as little more than a warmed-over Touched by an Angel rerun, but the theme-the healing power of love-is classic Steel. Unfortunately, the story is flawed by clunky characterizations. The sticking point isn't that Steel reveals her characters' problems through authorial proclamation rather than action and dialogue-that bluntness is simply her style-but that she explains those problems repeatedly. The first time readers learn that Johnny's dad drinks himself into a stupor every night from guilt over causing the accident that traumatized Johnny's brother, Bobby, into muteness, it is necessary information. The second repeat can be justified as emphasis. But multiple further repetitions are downright tedious. Still, Steele's heartfelt depiction of the central relationship between Johnny and his mother is touching, and few readers will get through the revelation of Johnny's final gift with dry eyes.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW
Helpful Score: 1
Truely heart touching. I cried my way through the entire book.
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this was a wonderful book by Danielle Steele. It was different from her usual writings, but still just as good.
Helpful Score: 1
Not your typical Danielle Steel book. There are notable errors and quite a bit of repetition. However, it was a very quick read and the story was compelling...If you have ever lost some one so close and never got to say good-bye, you can definitely relate to this book!
Helpful Score: 1
Fast reading - unforgettable story of mixed blessings, letting go and second chances. Good book!
Helpful Score: 1
Nice small book and quick read. I enjoyed it, you will too.
Helpful Score: 1
A moving story of a mom who loses her son much too soon. We all hope for that one last hug, or a chance to say goodbye. This was a very touching book.
Helpful Score: 1
In the 1962 rock ballad, Johnny Angel isn't an angel, but an angelic young dreamboat. In Steel's book, the titular hero is both-as well as class valedictorian, a football/track star, a faithful boyfriend and a college scholarship winner who holds down two jobs to help out his family; on top of it all, he has "great teeth." Killed in a car crash after his senior prom, 17-year-old Johnny Peterson is sent back to earth as an angel. His mission: to fix certain troubles left unresolved at the time of his death involving his girlfriend, Becky, her impoverished mother and his dysfunctional family.
Helpful Score: 1
Not the typical Danielle Steel, this story of a mother's love is touching.
Helpful Score: 1
awesome book
Helpful Score: 1
great book! i couldn't put it down!
Helpful Score: 1
I really loved this book as I do all her books.
Helpful Score: 1
this was one of the most moveing books i have ever read! at the time i read it my brother had just past away and this book actually helped me with the pain of losing him !
Helpful Score: 1
The breathtaking story of a mothers love and a son's gift, of the tragedy that nearly destroyed a family and the miracle that saved them.
Helpful Score: 1
With a word or a smile, 17 year old Johnny Peterson could light up a room. A star athlete and class valedictorian Johnny had a brillant future, until he stepped into a car on prom night and, in an instant, the shining future ended, his life over. Johnny's family and sweetheart, Becky, must struggle to put together the pieces of their shattered lives. But amid the heartache something miraculous is about to happen that will alter the course of each of their lives...
I was SO moved by reading this book! I cried and had to grab the box of Kleenex! It is a quick read...I read it while drinking my morning coffee and in between blowing my nose. Wonderful and heartwrenching book!
This book was great. I've never before cried in a book, and there I was crying my eyes out. Definitely a must read.
This book was a great tear jerker, think of the name....Johnny Angel!! Make you think of anything in particular, but it was still a great read.
Danielle Steel does not disappoint in this endearing story!
A very sweet story about a mom and her deceased son. If ever you have lost a child to death, you will fall in love with this book. It's a very easy read.
Very Unusual. Best Danielle Steel book I've read in quite a while.
Another Danielle Steel books. Great read. Very moving book
Such a sweet book. I had never read danielle steel and didn't really think I would like her books but I got this at a library sale and tried it. Loved it. Short and sweet.
great book
This was a wonderful book by Danielle Steele.
This is a quick and easy read. It's also very touching. I cried for the last 30 pages. Highly recommended.
Quick, easy read. Made me laugh and cry.
Super quick read! I read it in a day. Not a bad book though..
it was a very good book i thought it was a little sad
excellent book!
One of her best!
This was a great book.
Very good reading. Very toughing story.
very well done and somewhat like the movie ghost though about a son
Quick, easy read.
With a word or a smile, seventeen-year-old Johnny Peterson could light up a room, fill his mother's heart with pride, and inspire the best in those around him. A star athlete and class valedictorian, tall, lanky Johnny had a future filled with promise - until he stepped into a car on prom night, dazzling in his rented tux, and in an instant, it was all taken away.
In the months that follow, Johnny's family and high school sweetheart, Becky, struggle to put together the pieces of their shattered lives. No one is more devastated than Johnny's mother, Alice, whose oldest son owned her heart from the day he was born. But amid the heartache, something miraculous is about to happen to the Peterson family, something that will alter the course of each of their lives. When a sudden illness sends Alice to the hospital, a glorious vision comes to her in her dreams. There, standing before her, is Johnny himself, with that familiar twinkle in his eye, gently urging his bewildered mother to be strong for her splintered family. For Alice, seeing her marvelous lost boy is a miracle she can't quite believe but is more willing to embrace. In the weeks to come, Johnny will appear in the most unlikely places, visible only to the two people who need him most: his nine-year-old brother, locked in a silent world, whose special needs Johnny always seemed to understand...and his mother, who has always nurtured her family, but who now needs a guardian angel of her own.
In the months that follow, Johnny's family and high school sweetheart, Becky, struggle to put together the pieces of their shattered lives. No one is more devastated than Johnny's mother, Alice, whose oldest son owned her heart from the day he was born. But amid the heartache, something miraculous is about to happen to the Peterson family, something that will alter the course of each of their lives. When a sudden illness sends Alice to the hospital, a glorious vision comes to her in her dreams. There, standing before her, is Johnny himself, with that familiar twinkle in his eye, gently urging his bewildered mother to be strong for her splintered family. For Alice, seeing her marvelous lost boy is a miracle she can't quite believe but is more willing to embrace. In the weeks to come, Johnny will appear in the most unlikely places, visible only to the two people who need him most: his nine-year-old brother, locked in a silent world, whose special needs Johnny always seemed to understand...and his mother, who has always nurtured her family, but who now needs a guardian angel of her own.
With a word or a smile, seventeen-year-old Johnny Peterson could light up a room, fill his mothers heart with pride, and inspire the best in those around him. A star athlete and class valedictorian, tall, lanky Johnny had a future filled with promise--until he stepped into a car on prom night, dazzling in his rented tux, and in an instant, it was all taken away.
In the months that follow, Johnnys family and high school sweetheart, Becky, struggle to put together the pieces of their shattered lives. No one is more devastated than Johnnys mother, Alice, whose oldest son owned her heart from the day he was born. But amid the heartache, something miraculous is about to happen to the Peterson family, something that will alter the course of each of their lives. When a sudden illness sends Alice to the hospital, a glorious vision comes to her in her dreams. There, standing before her, is Johnny himself, with that familiar twinkle in his eye, gently urging his bewildered mother to be strong for her splintered family. For Alice, seeing her marvelous lost boy is a miracle she cant quite believe but is more than willing to embrace. In the weeks to come, Johnny will appear in the most unlikely places, visible only to the two people who need him most: his nine-year-old brother, locked in a silent world, whose special needs Johnny always seemed to understandand his mother, who has always nurtured her family, but who now needs a guardian angel of her own.
Through a season of hope and healing, Johnny will walk by his mothers side, leaving miracles in his wake, leading his parents, his girlfriend, his sister, and his brother out of their grief. But as Alice is about to discover, Johnny has returned not just to help those he loves, but to uncover a purpose even he cannot comprehend--one that will change them all forever.
An unforgettable story of loving and letting go, of mixed blessings and second chances, Johnny Angel is a celebration of life, hope, and forgiveness. It will make you laugh and cryand hold your loved ones just a little bit closer.
In the months that follow, Johnnys family and high school sweetheart, Becky, struggle to put together the pieces of their shattered lives. No one is more devastated than Johnnys mother, Alice, whose oldest son owned her heart from the day he was born. But amid the heartache, something miraculous is about to happen to the Peterson family, something that will alter the course of each of their lives. When a sudden illness sends Alice to the hospital, a glorious vision comes to her in her dreams. There, standing before her, is Johnny himself, with that familiar twinkle in his eye, gently urging his bewildered mother to be strong for her splintered family. For Alice, seeing her marvelous lost boy is a miracle she cant quite believe but is more than willing to embrace. In the weeks to come, Johnny will appear in the most unlikely places, visible only to the two people who need him most: his nine-year-old brother, locked in a silent world, whose special needs Johnny always seemed to understandand his mother, who has always nurtured her family, but who now needs a guardian angel of her own.
Through a season of hope and healing, Johnny will walk by his mothers side, leaving miracles in his wake, leading his parents, his girlfriend, his sister, and his brother out of their grief. But as Alice is about to discover, Johnny has returned not just to help those he loves, but to uncover a purpose even he cannot comprehend--one that will change them all forever.
An unforgettable story of loving and letting go, of mixed blessings and second chances, Johnny Angel is a celebration of life, hope, and forgiveness. It will make you laugh and cryand hold your loved ones just a little bit closer.
This was a really great read!!!
From book cover:
With a word or a smile, seventeen-year-old Johnny Peterson could light up a room, fill his mothers heart with pride, and inspire the best in those around him. A star athlete and class valedictorian, tall, lanky Johnny had a future filled with promise--until he stepped into a car on prom night, dazzling in his rented tux, and in an instant, it was all taken away.
In the months that follow, Johnnys family and high school sweetheart, Becky, struggle to put together the pieces of their shattered lives. No one is more devastated than Johnnys mother, Alice, whose oldest son owned her heart from the day he was born. But amid the heartache, something miraculous is about to happen to the Peterson family, something that will alter the course of each of their lives. When a sudden illness sends Alice to the hospital, a glorious vision comes to her in her dreams. There, standing before her, is Johnny himself, with that familiar twinkle in his eye, gently urging his bewildered mother to be strong for her splintered family. For Alice, seeing her marvelous lost boy is a miracle she cant quite believe but is more than willing to embrace. In the weeks to come, Johnny will appear in the most unlikely places, visible only to the two people who need him most: his nine-year-old brother, locked in a silent world, whose special needs Johnny always seemed to understandand his mother, who has always nurtured her family, but who now needs a guardian angel of her own.
Through a season of hope and healing, Johnny will walk by his mothers side, leaving miracles in his wake, leading his parents, his girlfriend, his sister, and his brother out of their grief. But as Alice is about to discover, Johnny has returned not just to help those he loves, but to uncover a purpose even he cannot comprehend--one that will change them all forever.
An unforgettable story of loving and letting go, of mixed blessings and second chances, Johnny Angel is a celebration of life, hope, and forgiveness. It will make you laugh and cryand hold your loved ones just a little bit closer.
From book cover:
With a word or a smile, seventeen-year-old Johnny Peterson could light up a room, fill his mothers heart with pride, and inspire the best in those around him. A star athlete and class valedictorian, tall, lanky Johnny had a future filled with promise--until he stepped into a car on prom night, dazzling in his rented tux, and in an instant, it was all taken away.
In the months that follow, Johnnys family and high school sweetheart, Becky, struggle to put together the pieces of their shattered lives. No one is more devastated than Johnnys mother, Alice, whose oldest son owned her heart from the day he was born. But amid the heartache, something miraculous is about to happen to the Peterson family, something that will alter the course of each of their lives. When a sudden illness sends Alice to the hospital, a glorious vision comes to her in her dreams. There, standing before her, is Johnny himself, with that familiar twinkle in his eye, gently urging his bewildered mother to be strong for her splintered family. For Alice, seeing her marvelous lost boy is a miracle she cant quite believe but is more than willing to embrace. In the weeks to come, Johnny will appear in the most unlikely places, visible only to the two people who need him most: his nine-year-old brother, locked in a silent world, whose special needs Johnny always seemed to understandand his mother, who has always nurtured her family, but who now needs a guardian angel of her own.
Through a season of hope and healing, Johnny will walk by his mothers side, leaving miracles in his wake, leading his parents, his girlfriend, his sister, and his brother out of their grief. But as Alice is about to discover, Johnny has returned not just to help those he loves, but to uncover a purpose even he cannot comprehend--one that will change them all forever.
An unforgettable story of loving and letting go, of mixed blessings and second chances, Johnny Angel is a celebration of life, hope, and forgiveness. It will make you laugh and cryand hold your loved ones just a little bit closer.
I didn't read this either
Given to me by my grandma so I could swap it or release it via BookCrossing. Registered with Bookcrossing.com
