Letters in the Attic

Bonnie Shimko has mastered the art of storytelling in her Letters in the Attic. The well-paced novel introduces us to a feisty heroine and involves us in the varied relationships she has with the other characters. I immediately connected with the characters, especially 12-year-old Lizzy. Lizzy is the girl all of us wish we could be (or could have been), displaying a maturity and dignity level beyond her young years. Additionally, Lizzy's biting wit comes alive in the dialogue. I haven't love a storybook heroine that much since Jo in Little Women.Letters in the Attic is an engaging, quick read. It would be a great discussion starter for parents and teens. I recommend it to anyone who remembers what it is like being an adolescent.

I've read Bonnie Shimko's book, Letters in the Attic, several times now and with each reading experience Lizzy brings me to tears. The love of a daughter for her, yet to mature, mother touches all the vital emotions of life. Grandparents dancing at their daughter's wedding as Lizzy watches, fills the heart with joy, hope and swells of tears. I want to read this compelling story again and again knowing that I will find new treasures each time. Bonnie Shimko's insightful writing abilities should be shared by all. What a ride it will be.

I've read Bonnie Shimko's book, Letters in the Attic, several times now and with each reading experience Lizzy brings me to tears. The love of a daughter for her, yet to mature, mother touches all the vital emotions of life. Grandparents dancing at their daughter's wedding as Lizzy watches, fills the heart with joy, hope and swells of tears. I want to read this compelling story again and again knowing that I will find new treasures each time. Bonnie Shimko's insightful writing abilities should be shared by all. What a ride it will be.

Heroines.Female protagonists, if you prefer.Being a guy I can't think of that many off the top of my head. If I had to name three, second and third place would go to Emma Peel (of TV fame, Diana Rigg of "The Avengers") and Wonder Woman (of comic book fame).Lizzy McMann would top my list.So who's Lizzy McMann? Like the other choices on my list, she's a fighter, a strong spirit who doesn't give in to adversity. But unlike Emma Peel or Wonder Woman, she doesn't possess any extraordinary talents - well, outside of dogged determination and a wicked sense of humor.Lizzy is the heroine/female protagonist of Bonnie Shimko's novel, "Letters in the Attic." She's caught between being an adult - acting as a mother to her mother - and being an adolescent, trying to fit in with her peers, dealing with feelings of love for the first time.Shimko has done a great job of making Lizzy a real person, a character with depth. Beating up bad guys becomes boring after a while; even an overgrown adolescent such as yours truly needs more in characterization and conflict. (Sorry, Mrs. Peel and WW, but you couldn't cut half of the adversity that Lizzy faces.)"Letters in the Attic" is an impressive debut novel that many readers will enjoy. Lizzy McMann is a heroine for everyone.

This is one of the best books I have read this year. It is both funny and touching by turns - and the writer has captured the trials and tribulations of adolescence to perfection. You will come to genuinely care for the feisty heroine as she sets out on the bumpy road to womanhood and you will find yourself closing the book with a sigh of mingled satisfaction at a well-told tale - and regret that it is finished. If you have to choose any book, make it this one. You won't regret it!!