Friday, September 23, 2011

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

Book description:
When teenager Allison Glenn is sent to prison for a heinous crime, she leaves behind her reputation as Linden Falls' golden girl forever. Her parents deny the existence of their once-perfect child. Her former friends exult her downfall. Her sister, Brynn, faces whispered rumors every day in the hallways of their small Iowa high school. It's Brynn—shy, quiet Brynn—who carries the burden of what really happened that night. All she wants is to forget Allison and the past that haunts her.

But then Allison is released to a halfway house, and is more determined than ever to speak with her estranged sister.

Now their legacy of secrets is focused on one little boy. And if the truth is revealed, the consequences will be unimaginable for the adoptive mother who loves him, the girl who tried to protect him and the two sisters who hold the key to all that is hidden.


This wonderful novel that traces the life of young Allison after she is released from prison for an unspeakable crime. As she tried to rebuild a life, she is desperate to reconnect with her parents (who have no desire to let her back into their lives) and her younger sister (who steadfastly refuses to speak to her). As this former golden girl gets a job and starts to find her footing, she unexpectedly finds herself on a collision course with the past, one that will have shocking consequences. The characters are well-drawn and the raw emotions had a ring of truth. A wonderful story which unfolds layer by layer, this book builds to an impressively powerful ending. Highly recommended.

2 comments:

Sandra said...

Just looking to see what you've been reading lately. I too enjoyed Finding Nouf (for the setting) and Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, a light read for me. Too bad the Vreeland didn't do much for you. I have yet to try her but wonder which is her best. I do have a copy of Blue Hyacinth and probably should start there. I've always meant to try Trollope, again wondering if her stories are lighter rather than more serious. I enjoyed The Convent despite the so obvious source of the mysterious baby. I just like any story set among nuns, or priests for that matter.
I see you're going to read Room and The Invention of Everything Else, I loved them both. Good idea not to read any info about Room before you read it. I'll try to come back sooner next time so I don't have to read a year's worth of your blog in one go. :) I still post, but infrequently, though I read as much as ever. My recent post have some really wonderful reads to recommend. I'm getting pickier and it's paying off.
I can't understand why you don't have a lot more followers, you have a great book blog here. I love your background change by the way. Take care.

Colleen said...

thanks Sandra! I have to get more regular about posting- it seems like I ebb and flow too much to attract more readers!