Finding Grace

By Alyssa Brugman

Review by Vicki

The opening paragraph grabs the reader’s attention.

·Put reader right into the action

·Make reader imagine the unimaginable (ie. It’s not everyday that a 13 year old girl is accused of murder…)

·Don’t start with “the book I read was…” That’s way too BORING! Hook us into the plot!

Ever met someone who had their life taken away in a couple hours? Ever had sisters that stole your jewelry thinking that it was for the best? Grace, a lady who bumped her head, has experienced it all.

The title and author are worked in naturally

·Don’t say, “My book was The Giver” when you can say, “Jonas, a twelve year old boy and the main character of Lois Lowry’s Newbery Award winning novel The Giver, must make decisions that impact his entire society.”

Rachel, a high school graduate gets a live-in job looking after a woman. In this heart felt book, “Finding Grace”, by Alyssa Brugman, Rachel realizes that life isn’t what she expected.

The overall idea and plot are discussed, without giving away the ending

·Keep it short and sweet, even if it’s a long book

·Just give the reader the gist of the book. Be clear, make sense, don’t give away the ending

Rachel juggles college, cooking, cleaning and more. She calls her mom and Mr. Preston, the man who gave her the job of caring for Grace, for support. Grace is a woman who has mental problems because of accidents. Trying to handle a full time job, Rachel understands the meaning of crisis and how to deal with it. As Rachel learns more about Grace, she learns more about herself and how to she should act in the future.

Describe one exciting incident in detail

·Again, don’t give away the ending

·Be clear enough so that someone who HAS NOT read the book can follow

Grace and Rachel went shopping in the supermarket. They were heading toward the checkout counter. At the counter, Rachel left Grace to get dishwashing liquid that she forgot. Grace was walking toward the exit when Rachel hurried back. The alarms started to ring as grace passed them. She dropped the container startled by the sounds and put her hands up by her ears. When Rachel finally pushed through the crowds, Grace had fallen onto the floor and was bleeding because of the shattered glass. She struggled with the guard. Rachel then ran forward to comfort Grace and say that it was going to be all right.

End the review with your opinion and recommendation

·Who might like this type of book? (Sports fans? People that love to laugh? History buffs? Late night readers that like to be freaked out?

·What did you think? Is it worth reading? If it won an award, is it worth the hype?

People would like this book if they’re religious and like real life tragedies. I think this is a good book and definitely worth reading.