The story of Grace and Sam is continued in this sequel to Shiver. This is a “werewolf” tale, but definitely different from most I have read. The graphic descriptions that you find in others is absent here. I am surprised at the emphasis on the conflict, love, respect and trust that is explored along with the absence of gore. (applause for the gore lacking)
The main character, Grace, has an unconventional relationship with her parents. I am sure most teenagers would love to live her life. Who would not want to be trusted to come and go as you please. To be trusted to be left along most nights. To always cook for yourself and your parents. Well maybe not cook for your parents. As Grace reveals details about her day-to-day life you realize that she does not yearn for the authority of her parents, but she would like to be close with them. Friends. Not taken for granted. Everyone wants to feel a deep connection with someone. To have the deep connection with your parents evokes feelings of LHH (love, hope, and happiness). Grace and her parents relationships cannot be described in this way. Their relationship can best be described as one of acquaintance, each passing the other in the hallway with a polite smile. Even with the conflict and remoteness of her parents, Grace’s life changing decision near the end of the book was hard for her, but (dare I say this) the best for her.
Her friend, Isabel, meets someone with just as much attitude as herself. He can be described as having a rockin’ bod and full to the gills with confidence. They meet in a most shocking way and sparks fly. Both of them grow during the course of the story. Their road from selfishness and self-absorption to redemption will challenge your views and will make you think before you judge others. You never know what is truly going on inside another persons head or for that matter their heart.
Ms. Stiever cleverly tells two tales in Linger. To me Isabel turns out to be a very strong character and not as shallow as we are led to believe in Shiver. She herself does not have an emotionally stable home life, but when needed she rises to the occasion.
Favorite line: “Isabel had told me to ask Grace how she felt. To not wait for her to tell me, because she wouldn’t until it was too late.”
How many people have feelings for someone but keep silent. How many times have you heard someone say after the death of a loved one, “If I only had told them I was sorry”, or, “I wish I could tell them I love them”? The power of laying out your emotions for someone to either embrace or step on is a freeing experience. Nerve racking yes, but freeing. In most cases, either declaring your love or revealing a hurt, the recipient has no idea that you are attracted to them or that they have hurt you in some way. Remember, no one can read your mind. So next time you are faced with this dilemma, take a deep breath, pray for the Lord to give you the words and attitude you need then open your mouth and let the words flow!
LHH!
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