If a novel could have a heartbeat, Alice Bliss would have one. If an author could capture a slice of America’s soul, Laura Harrington succeeded in doing so!
A review of Alice Bliss by Liza Wiemer: If a novel could have a heartbeat, Alice Bliss would have one. If an author could capture a slice of America’s soul, Laura Harrington succeeded in doing so! Alice Bliss is the story of Alice, a fifteen-year-old faced with the absence of her father who, as a member of the New York National Guard, is sent to Iraq. Laura Harrington does such an exceptional job bringing Alice Bliss and the supporting characters to life, that you will find yourself completely enthralled in her story. Each sentence leads the reader to form images and sounds and emotions and tastes and smells that jump right off the page. It’s no wonder Alice Bliss has received so many awards. This novel is nothing short of a gift, a blessing to...
Read MoreIf you’re in the mood for a beautifully written novel that combines the personal with the universal, then you have to check this book out.
A stunning review by Melissa Montovani @ YABookShelf: Alice Bliss, the tomboy main character, of Laura Harrington‘s novelAlice Bliss feels like her heart is breaking when she learns that her father, Matt, is being sent off to fight in the Iraq war. She even promises to write to him, the father she idolizes, everyday. Of course, her life doesn’t just stop in his absence; rather, she learns how to drive, joins the track team, goes to her first dance, and falls in love, even as she does everything in her power to stay strong for her mother and little sister. If you’re in the mood for a beautifully written novel that combines the personal with the universal, then you have to check this book out. Not strictly a YA novel, Alice Bliss is certain to hook teen...
Read MoreThe unexpected gifts of friendship
I’m lucky to have made some very supportive friends, such as Jesse Kornbluth @ HeadButler.com. It seems that whenever I lack perspective I am given a gift by one of these friends. Laura Harrington: the Triumph of ‘Alice Bliss’ By Jesse Kornbluth Published: Jun 5, 2012 I reviewed Alice Bliss last year. It was full of stuff that drives me nuts, and yet I loved it. Now I’ve met its author, Laura Harrington, who, I discovered, is very much like her novel — a great talent but not showy, accomplished but not the least bit arrogant. Indeed, it wasn’t until we were parting that she mentioned that ‘Alice Bliss’ is being adapted for the theater. And that she’s just starting a book tour. I was agog. For a paperback? For a book that wasn’t a...
Read MoreJune 2012 Debut of the Month: “Brilliant Debut Novel”
Lovereading view… June 2012 Debut of the Month. Tragically sad and life-affirming at the same time, this brilliant debut novel of how teenager Alice Bliss copes with the loss of her father is a literary treat that really deserves to be on your reading list. Strong storytelling combines with emotional dialogue and Laura Harrington’s playwright background is evident as it sings off the page. Read the first chapter and you will be hooked. Comparison: Sarah Rayner, Jenny downham, Ben Sherwood For more see our Author ‘Like for Like’ recommendation system Synopsis Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington ‘This story of friendship, love, grief and growing up will yank on the heartstrings. And then some’ Look Alice...
Read MoreLucky Author Meets One of Her Favorite Bloggers
If you don’t already subscribe to Head Butler, you should consider it. Jesse Kornbluth is my trusted guide to all things books, movies and music. Short Takes Laura Harrington: the Triumph of ‘Alice Bliss’ By JESSE KORNBLUTH Published: Jun 5, 2012 I reviewed Alice Bliss last year. It was full of stuff that drives me nuts, and yet I loved it. Now I’ve met its author, Laura Harrington, who, I discovered, is very much like her novel — a great talent but not showy, accomplished but not the least bit arrogant. Indeed, it wasn’t until we were parting that she mentioned that ‘Alice Bliss’ is being adapted for the theater. And that she’s just starting a book tour. I was agog. For a paperback? For a book that wasn’ta...
Read MoreAn honest and heartwrenching look at what happens to the families at home…
Monday, June 18, 2012 The war in Iraq has been going on for so many years now that it can be very easy to forget that we are still sending soldiers over there, soldiers who leave family and loved ones at home worried about their safety and just trying to go on with daily life as best they can in the face of an uncertain future. There are tv shows capturing the deeply emotional moments of a returning soldier surprising his child, parent, wife, etc. but there’s very little media coverage of these same loved ones’ lives while that soldier was half way across the world. Laura Harrington has captured what it means for families and particularly children old enough to understand the risks and ramifications of a soldier father (or mother) in her...
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