Sam's Light

Wow. I just finished reading Sam's Light, and I just have to say, wow. What a book. I have read Valerie's other books, and they have all been marvellous. Her other book, Kate, was a heart-wrenching novel. So is Sam's Light. Cole Fennety is a teenaged boy who seems to be having a tough time in his life. It seems like his mother is forever pestering him, his younger sister forever annoying him, and his best friend pressuring him to do things he doesn't want to. It's summer, and Cole sees a bike he really covets. He goes job-hunting to earn money for the bike, and gets hired by Sam Kerrigan. Now, Sam Kerrigan isn't your average nice man. Sam appears to be a nasty, surly man who isn't nice to anybody. At first, this is what Cole thinks, too. But then, Cole sees a side of Sam that no one else has seen - Sam is really a kind, decent man at heart. The novel progresses - and as it does, Cole's relationship with Sam deepens. Cole is going through a time in his life where changes are happening - what with working for Sam, and actually liking him, having a falling out with his best friend Wayne, and starting to develop feelings for a girl. Sam's Light is a novel like no other. It is realistic and searing. It is a novel about growing up, experiencing changes, and forming new friendships. Sam's Light held my attention all the way through - I read it in one day. The novel is accessible, and there are many humorous, cute parts to it (like when Cole is trying to work up the nerve to kiss the girl he likes). From page 1 to its poignant ending, Sam's Light made an unforgettable impression on me. I would recommend this novel mostly to young adults - male or female. Valerie has done a great job of writing in the eyes of a male. Well done! Although a sad novel, Sam's Light is inspiring. I loved this book - highly recommended.

Wow. I just finished reading Sam's Light, and I just have to say, wow. What a book. I have read Valerie's other books, and they have all been marvellous. Her other book, Kate, was a heart-wrenching novel. So is Sam's Light. Cole Fennety is a teenaged boy who seems to be having a tough time in his life. It seems like his mother is forever pestering him, his younger sister forever annoying him, and his best friend pressuring him to do things he doesn't want to. It's summer, and Cole sees a bike he really covets. He goes job-hunting to earn money for the bike, and gets hired by Sam Kerrigan. Now, Sam Kerrigan isn't your average nice man. Sam appears to be a nasty, surly man who isn't nice to anybody. At first, this is what Cole thinks, too. But then, Cole sees a side of Sam that no one else has seen - Sam is really a kind, decent man at heart. The novel progresses - and as it does, Cole's relationship with Sam deepens. Cole is going through a time in his life where changes are happening - what with working for Sam, and actually liking him, having a falling out with his best friend Wayne, and starting to develop feelings for a girl. Sam's Light is a novel like no other. It is realistic and searing. It is a novel about growing up, experiencing changes, and forming new friendships. Sam's Light held my attention all the way through - I read it in one day. The novel is accessible, and there are many humorous, cute parts to it (like when Cole is trying to work up the nerve to kiss the girl he likes). From page 1 to its poignant ending, Sam's Light made an unforgettable impression on me. I would recommend this novel mostly to young adults - male or female. Valerie has done a great job of writing in the eyes of a male. Well done! Although a sad novel, Sam's Light is inspiring. I loved this book - highly recommended.