Tender Graces: A Long Overdue Review
I've been meaning to do this review for a long time. I had to wait to buy Tender Graces, but I figured from reading Kathryn Magendie's blog that when I did buy it, I'd love it.
I wasn't disappointed.
The prose in Tender Graces captured me. The plot was interesting and the characters were unique, but the writing itself, the way Magendie uses words, elevated the story to something gorgeous. The way Magendie writes Virginia Kate's point of view is so endearing and vulnerable. Although Tender Graces is completely different than To Kill a Mockingbird, the whole time I read it I kept thinking of Scout.
That wasn't the only famous book Tender Graces reminded me of. Magendie's mastery with words, how she plays with them and uses them in unique, new ways, totally reminded me of The Book Thief.
I loved reading Tender Graces because it had both a compelling plot and words that felt a little like Godiva on every page. I'll definitely be reading more of her, but as much as I want to pass her around, I really can't part with the book. :-)
To learn more about Kathryn Magendie and her colorful writing, check out her website or her blog. She's a sweet lady who shares all sorts of interesting things about life and publishing.
Do you want your prose to be Godiva to someone? What was the last sentence you wrote using words in a fresh, exciting way?
Comments
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Here's a line I'm having fun with in my current WIP, a YA historical romance: Flames of fear have crisped the memory to a nightmare, which snows like ash over my dreams.
WORDS ROCK!! Hope you have a fabulous day, BQE. ;-)
I haven't read this book, but it's going on my Wish List.
Your review was a thing of beauty. Great job.
Blessings,
Susan :)
You asked about how we have used words in a fresh and exciting way ... I don't know if this sentence qualifies, but I was pleased with it. It is on an article on Bible Fountain, but I will have a shorter version of it on Family Fountain on Friday: "To know the heart of another is to place ourselves in the drama of their lives and feel, as best we can imagine, the joys and hurts they experience."
Anita!!! Maybe I subconsciously got the Godiva thing from that. I'm pretty sure I knew that you're called that. Great example!
Susan, thank you for the sweet comment. :-) I really enjoyed the story.
Warren, I think that's a wonderful sentiment! Very cohesive and strong. :-) Thank you for sharing it!
This made me really want to read this book... "elevated the writing to something gorgeous." I absolutely love prose that captures you like that!
Hugs to you!
Genny
Great review. :)
Thanks for letting us know about this one. How are YOU?
Since I write for 8-13 year olds (and based in Hawaii!), I hope my words will be like fresh cut pineapple or papaya, or a just pulled from the oven guava cake!
Erin, thanks for popping by. I enjoyed your post on Rachelle's blog today. :-) And yeah, Kathryn has a really fun blog.
Cheryl,
LOL! I don't like fruit but you're sure making me want some.
T. Anne, I'd def. be interested in what you think of the writing...
Kathy, that's so magnanimous to share with your daughter. LOL! I'm good, thanks for asking. Lots of good things going on in my life, for which I'm very thankful.
Yay! I'm glad I'm not the only who thinks so, Jeanette.
Oooh, Glynis, is Secret Graces as good? I'm afraid to read it since I already know from Tender that her marriage doesn't work out and I need my HEA! :-)
Me too, Genny. Thanks so much for coming over and commenting!