Dazzled by Books

Oh My Goodness Gracious! Rae Carson out did herself with this book. I couldn't have been happier. I loved "Walk on Earth a Stranger" so much. Anyone know how to get a hold of Rae Carson, so that I may get book two? I am not totally sure I can wait an entire year!

Leah Westfall is fifteen years old. This story takes place in the year of 1849 during the California gold rush. The Georgia gold rush is over and everyone is talking about heading to California to find gold. Leah isn't sure if her family is going to head to California or not. When something tragic happens she has to flee her home and ends up leaving for California all on her own. There are two things that Leah needs to hide, the fact that she has a magical ability to sense the presence of gold and being a girl. Leah decided to go by Lee her nickname.

I really love the life lessons that Lee learns in this book. Lee spends most of the book trying to figure out who she is and who she wants to be. She learns that your family isn't always the people who share your blood. Lee goes on the journey of a life time and she learns many things about people and about herself. I think this is great. People should discover who they are. Lee has to figure out who she can trust with her secrets. People can surprise you on how much you are able to count on them or trust them. Lee is a very strong heroine and I think she is going to get stronger as this series goes on.

I had my ups and downs with the supporting characters. There were a few times that I wanted to kick them and shake them for the stupid decisions they made. Carson jerked so many of my emotions around between feeling happy, sad, and scared for Lee. Carson is such a great story-teller. She just keeps me wanting for more. The sooner I can get book two the better I am going to feel.

I listened to the audiobook along with following along with the book. I thought Erin Mallon did a wonderful job reading this book. Mallon is a great narrator. She did voices and talked in a bit of a rough voice to be Lee. Which I thought was neat because of the time period and how Lee acted it seemed to fit her very well. This was one of my favorite audiobooks to listen too. If you haven't read this book, you need too because it is absolutely fantastic. I love love love love it!

Rae Carson....please take pity on me and send me the sequel. I would greatly appreciate it. Your devoted fan.